Ncf1 polymorphism reveals oxidative regulation of autoimmune chronic inflammation

Mandarin Fish Ranavirus (MRV) Infection Induced Inflammation and Histologic Lesions in the Gut of Mandarin Fish

Mandarin fish ranavirus (MRV) is widely spread in China and causes huge economic losses to the mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) aquaculture. However, the pathogenesis of MRV is still unclear. In the present study, mandarin fish were artificially infected with MRV, and then different gut compartments from diseased fish were subjected to histologic analysis by H&E staining, quantification of proinflammatory genes and MRV copies by qPCR. MRV-MCP protein expression was assessed using indirect fluorescence assay (IFA) and immunohistochemistry. Proliferation of IgM+ B cells was evaluated by indirect fluorescence assay (IFA). Then, we found that MRV infection caused serious histologic lesions along with inflammatory cell infiltration, especially in the foregut. A significant accumulation of IgM+ B cells was detected in the foregut (~6.5-fold) and hindgut (~3.3-fold), respectively. The expression of inflammation-related genes such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, CSF1r and NCF1 was significantly upregulated in the foregut, varying from ~2.8-fold to ~11.9-fold. In addition, MRV exhibited foregut tropism, according to the investigation of viral loads and MCP protein expression. Overall, our findings indicated that MRV-induced hyperinflammation in the gut eventually led to enteritis. This study provided new insights into uncovering the pathogenesis of MRV infection.

Living Therapeutics for Synergistic Hydrogen-Photothermal Cancer Treatment by Photosynthetic Bacteria

Hydrogen gas (H2) therapy, recognized for its inherent biosafety, holds significant promise as an anti-cancer strategy. However, the efficacy of H2 treatment modalities is compromised by their reliance on systemic gas administration or chemical reactions generation, which suffers from low efficiency, poor targeting, and suboptimal utilization. In this study, living therapeutics are employed using photosynthetic bacteria Rhodobacter sphaeroides for in situ H2 production combined with near-infrared (NIR) mediated photothermal therapy. Living R. sphaeroides exhibits strong absorption in the NIR spectrum, effectively converting light energy into thermal energy while concurrently generating H2. This dual functionality facilitates the targeted induction of tumor cell death and substantially reduces collateral damage to adjacent normal tissues. The findings reveal that integrating hydrogen therapy with photothermal effects, mediated through photosynthetic bacteria, provides a robust, dual-modality approach that enhances the overall efficacy of tumor treatments. This living therapeutic strategy not only leverages the therapeutic potential of both hydrogen and photothermal therapeutic modalities but also protects healthy tissues, marking a significant advancement in cancer therapy techniques.

The two-sided battlefield of tumour-associated macrophages in glioblastoma: unravelling their therapeutic potential

Gliomas are the most common primary malignant tumours of the central nervous system (CNS), which are highly aggressive, with increasing morbidity and mortality rates year after year, posing a serious threat to the quality and expected survival time of patients. The treatment of gliomas is a major challenge in the field of neuro-oncology, especially high-grade gliomas such as glioblastomas (GBMs). Despite considerable progress in recent years in the study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of GBMs, their prognosis remains bleak. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) account for up to 50% of GBMs, and they are a highly heterogeneous cell population whose role cannot be ignored. Here, we focus on reviewing the contribution of classically activated M1-phenotype TAMs and alternatively activated M2-phenotype TAMs to GBMs, and exploring the research progress in reprogramming M1 TAMs into M2 TAMs.

Connecting intermediate phenotypes to disease using multi-omics in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common, complex, heterogeneous diseases in the world, with over 1-3% of the global population living with the condition. Progression of HF can be tracked via MRI measures of structural and functional changes to the heart, namely left ventricle (LV), including ejection fraction, mass, end-diastolic volume, and LV end-systolic volume. Moreover, while genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been a useful tool to identify candidate variants involved in HF risk, they lack crucial tissue-specific and mechanistic information which can be gained from incorporating additional data modalities. This study addresses this gap by incorporating transcriptome-wide and proteome-wide association studies (TWAS and PWAS) to gain insights into genetically-regulated changes in gene expression and protein abundance in precursors to HF measured using MRI-derived cardiac measures as well as full-stage all-cause HF. We identified several gene and protein overlaps between LV ejection fraction and end-systolic volume measures. Many of the overlaps identified in MRI-derived measurements through TWAS and PWAS appear to be shared with all-cause HF. We implicate many putative pathways relevant in HF associated with these genes and proteins via gene-set enrichment and protein-protein interaction network approaches. The results of this study (1) highlight the benefit of using multi-omics to better understand genetics and (2) provide novel insights as to how changes in heart structure and function may relate to HF.

GENIX enables comparative network analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal signatures of therapeutic interventions

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has transformed our understanding of cellular responses to perturbations such as therapeutic interventions and vaccines. Gene relevance to such perturbations is often assessed through differential expression analysis (DEA), which offers a one-dimensional view of the transcriptomic landscape. This method potentially overlooks genes with modest expression changes but profound downstream effects and is susceptible to false positives. We present GENIX (gene expression network importance examination), a computational framework that transcends DEA by constructing gene association networks and employing a network-based comparative model to identify topological signature genes. We benchmark GENIX using both synthetic and experimental datasets, including analysis of influenza vaccine-induced immune responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from recovered COVID-19 patients. GENIX successfully emulates key characteristics of biological networks and reveals signature genes that are missed by classical DEA, thereby broadening the scope of target gene discovery in precision medicine.

Navigating sex and sex roles: deciphering sex-biased gene expression in a species with sex-role reversal (Syngnathus typhle)

Sexual dimorphism, the divergence in morphological traits between males and females of the same species, is often accompanied by sex-biased gene expression. However, the majority of research has focused on species with conventional sex roles, where females have the highest energy burden with both egg production and parental care, neglecting the diversity of reproductive roles found in nature. We investigated sex-biased gene expression in Syngnathus typhle, a sex-role reversed species with male pregnancy, allowing us to separate two female traits: egg production and parental care. Using RNA sequencing, we examined gene expression across organs (brain, head kidney and gonads) at various life stages, encompassing differences in age, sex and reproductive status. While some gene groups were more strongly associated with sex roles, such as stress resistance and immune defence, others were driven by biological sex, such as energy and lipid storage regulation in an organ- and age-specific manner. By investigating how genes regulate and are regulated by changing reproductive roles and resource allocation in a model system with an unconventional life-history strategy, we aim to better understand the importance of sex and sex role in regulating gene expression patterns, broadening the scope of this discussion to encompass a wide range of organisms.

Significance of Oxidative Stress in the Diagnosis and Subtype Classification of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common illness of aging, and its pathophysiological process is mainly manifested by cell aging and apoptosis, an imbalance in the production and catabolism of extracellular matrix, and an inflammatory response. Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance that decreases the body's intrinsic antioxidant defense system and/or raises the formation of reactive oxygen species and performs multiple biological functions in the body. However, our current knowledge of the effect of OS on the progression and treatment of IVDD is still extremely limited. In this study, we obtained 35 DEGs by differential expression analysis of 437 OS-related genes (OSRGs) between IVDD patients and healthy individuals from GSE124272 and GSE150408. Then, we identified six hub OSRGs (ATP7A, MELK, NCF1, NOX1, RHOB, and SP1) from 35 DEGs, and the high accuracy of these hub genes was confirmed by constructing ROC curves. In addition, to forecast the risk of IVDD patients, we developed a nomogram. We obtained two OSRG clusters (clusters A and B) by consensus clustering based on the six hub genes. Then, 3147 DEGs were obtained by differential expression analysis in the two clusters, and all samples were further divided into two gene clusters (A and B). We investigated differences in immune cell infiltration levels between different clusters and found that most immune cells had higher infiltration levels in OSRG cluster B or gene cluster B. In conclusion, OS is important in the formation and progression of IVDD, and we believe that our work will help guide future research on OS in IVDD.

Pleiotropic effects of BAFF on the senescence-associated secretome and growth arrest

Senescent cells release a variety of cytokines, proteases, and growth factors collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Sustained SASP contributes to a pattern of chronic inflammation associated with aging and implicated in many age-related diseases. Here, we investigated the expression and function of the immunomodulatory cytokine BAFF (B-cell activating factor; encoded by the TNFSF13B gene), a SASP protein, in multiple senescence models. We first characterized BAFF production across different senescence paradigms, including senescent human diploid fibroblasts (WI-38, IMR-90) and monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1), and tissues of mice induced to undergo senescence. We then identified IRF1 (interferon regulatory factor 1) as a transcription factor required for promoting TNFSF13B mRNA transcription in senescence. We discovered that suppressing BAFF production decreased the senescent phenotype of both fibroblasts and monocyte-like cells, reducing IL6 secretion and SA-β-Gal staining. Importantly, however, the influence of BAFF on the senescence program was cell type-specific: in monocytes, BAFF promoted the early activation of NF-κB and general SASP secretion, while in fibroblasts, BAFF contributed to the production and function of TP53 (p53). We propose that BAFF is elevated across senescence models and is a potential target for senotherapy.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Reactive Oxygen Species: A Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that causes progressive joint damage and can lead to lifelong disability. Numerous studies support the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are associated with RA pathogenesis. Recent advances have clarified the anti-inflammatory effect of antioxidants and their roles in RA alleviation. In addition, several important signaling pathway components, such as nuclear factor kappa B, activator-protein-1, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2/kelch-like associated protein, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and mitogen-activated protein kinases, including c-Jun N-terminal kinase, have been identified to be associated with RA. In this paper, we outline the ROS generation process and relevant oxidative markers, thereby providing evidence of the association between oxidative stress and RA pathogenesis. Furthermore, we describe various therapeutic targets in several prominent signaling pathways for improving RA disease activity and its hyper oxidative state. Finally, we reviewed natural foods, phytochemicals, chemical compounds with antioxidant properties and the association of microbiota with RA pathogenesis.

Role of T Cells in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Focus on Immunometabolism Dysfunctions

Evidence demonstrated that metabolic-associated T cell abnormalities could be detected in the early stage of RA development. In this context, molecular evaluations have revealed changes in metabolic pathways, leading to the aggressive phenotype of RA T cells. A growing list of genes is downregulated or upregulated in RA T cells, and most of these genes with abnormal expression fall into the category of metabolic pathways. It has been shown that RA T cells shunt glucose towards the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), which is associated with a high level of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and intermediate molecules. An increased level of NADPH inhibits ATM activation and thereby increases the proliferation capabilities of the RA T cells. Defects in the DNA repair nuclease MRE11A cause failures in repairing mitochondrial DNA, resulting in inhibiting the fatty acid oxidation pathway and further elevated cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Accumulated lipid droplets employ to generate lipid membranes for the cell building program and are also used to form the front-end membrane ruffles that are accomplices with invasive phenotypes of RA T cells. Metabolic pathway involvement in RA pathogenesis expands the pathogenic concept of the disease beyond the common view of autoimmunity triggered by autoantigen recognition. Increased knowledge about metabolic pathways' implications in RA pathogenesis paves the way to understand better the environment/gene interactions and host/microbiota interactions and introduce potential therapeutic approaches. This review summarized emerging data about the roles of T cells in RA pathogenesis with a focus on immunometabolism dysfunctions and how these metabolic alterations can affect the disease process.

Ferroptosis Activation Contributes to the Formation of Skin Lesions in Psoriasis Vulgaris

(1) Background: Ferroptosis is a newly coined form of programmed cell death marked by lethal accumulation of lipid peroxidation and ferrous iron overload. A few studies on the specific mechanism of ferroptosis in the genesis and development of psoriasis are available. (2) Methods: Levels of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ferrous iron were measured by flow cytometry. Ultrastructure analysis was performed by transmission electron microscopy. Imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mice were treated with a ferroptosis inducer. The expressions of mRNA of genes were measured by qRT-PCR. HaCaT cells were used to explore the function of Cyb561d2. (3) Results: In this work, we observed that levels of lipid ROS and ferrous iron in the epidermis of psoriasis vulgaris (PV) patients were increased. The existence of ferroptosis activation in the epidermis of individuals with PV was confirmed by transmission electron microscope both in patients with PV and psoriasis-like mice models. Intradermal injection of the ferroptosis inducer RSL3 in psoriasis-like mice significantly promoted and aggravated the development of psoriasis-like dermatitis, and the level of serum transferrin was also increased in PV samples. Moreover, abnormal expression of some genes related to iron metabolism was also proved in the epidermis of PV cases, among which Cyb561d2 was shown to promote ferrous iron overload and lipid peroxidation accumulation in HaCaT cells. (4) Conclusions: In summary, our study suggested that ferroptosis activation owing to iron overload may be a novel mechanism underlying the formation of skin lesions in individuals with PV.

Superoxide Anion Chemistry-Its Role at the Core of the Innate Immunity

Classically, superoxide anion O2•- and reactive oxygen species ROS play a dual role. At the physiological balance level, they are a by-product of O2 reduction, necessary for cell signalling, and at the pathological level they are considered harmful, as they can induce disease and apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and autophagic cell death. This revision focuses on understanding the main characteristics of the superoxide O2•-, its generation pathways, the biomolecules it oxidizes and how it may contribute to their modification and toxicity. The role of superoxide dismutase, the enzyme responsible for the removal of most of the superoxide produced in living organisms, is studied. At the same time, the toxicity induced by superoxide and derived radicals is beneficial in the oxidative death of microbial pathogens, which are subsequently engulfed by specialized immune cells, such as neutrophils or macrophages, during the activation of innate immunity. Ultimately, this review describes in some depth the chemistry related to O2•- and how it is harnessed by the innate immune system to produce lysis of microbial agents.

Genetic component of autoimmune rheumatological diseases

The purpose of this review is to present the main aspects of the genetic component of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including the characteristics of the multifactorial or polygenic inheritance model, and its monogenic forms, as well as the main associated genes in both cases. The epigenetic changes involved, and the influence of the environment and sex that confer greater risk to women suffering from any of these diseases. Finally, to make known the advances that the study of omic sciences has allowed, opening the way to a new molecular classification of these diseases, aimed at personalized medicine. A review of the literature of the last 5 years, of English-language publications, in the PubMed database was performed and 28 review articles, and 19 original articles were included. Knowledge of the genetic factors involved in the aetiology of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, thanks to the availability of molecular studies, allows a better understanding of their pathophysiology and the possibility of diagnosis and treatment based on molecular markers in the future.

A missense variant in NCF1 is associated with susceptibility to unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion

Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is a major concern in reproductive medicine. Neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1) polymorphisms leading to low production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are strongly associated with autoimmune diseases. We investigated the association of the missense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs201802880 (NCF1-339) in NCF1 with URSA and explored its function. We performed NCF1-339 SNP genotyping of samples from 152 Chinese patients with URSA and 72 healthy controls using nested PCR and TaqMan assays. ROS production and RELA (NF-κB subunit) expression in the blood of participants with different NCF1-339 genotypes were determined. The frequencies of the wild-type (GG) and mutant (GA) genotypes remarkably differed between the URSA and control groups. The mutant genotype was associated with an increased risk of recurrent abortion. Furthermore, ROS levels in the URSA group with the GG genotype were significantly higher than those in the group with the GA genotype (p < 0.05). RELA expression in URSA patients with the GA genotype was considerably higher than that in control individuals with the GG genotype. These findings indicate that mutations in NCF1 may increase the risk of URSA via the NADP/ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway, which has implications for the diagnosis and treatment of URSA.

Host Cell Antimicrobial Responses against Helicobacter pylori Infection: From Biological Aspects to Therapeutic Strategies

The colonization of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in human gastric mucosa is highly associated with the occurrence of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. Antibiotics, including amoxicillin, clarithromycin, furazolidone, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline, are commonly used and considered the major treatment regimens for H. pylori eradication, which is, however, becoming less effective by the increasing prevalence of H pylori resistance. Thus, it is urgent to understand the molecular mechanisms of H. pylori pathogenesis and develop alternative therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on the virulence factors for H. pylori colonization and survival within host gastric mucosa and the host antimicrobial responses against H. pylori infection. Moreover, we describe the current treatments for H. pylori eradication and provide some insights into new therapeutic strategies for H. pylori infection.

Two major genes associated with autoimmune arthritis, Ncf1 and Fcgr2b, additively protect mice by strengthening T cell tolerance

A breach of T cell tolerance is considered as a major step in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. In collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model, immunization with type II collagen (COL2) leads to arthritis in mice through T cells responding to the immunodominant COL2_259–273 peptide. T cells could escape from thymus negative selection because endogenous COL2_259–273 peptide only weakly binds to the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) molecule A^q. To investigate the regulation of T cell tolerance, we used a new mouse strain BQ.Col2^266E with homozygous D266E mutations in the Col2 gene leading to a replacement of the endogenous aspartic acid (D) to glutamic acid (E) at position 266 of the COL2_259–273 peptide, resulting in stronger binding to A^q. We also established BQ.Col2^264R mice carrying an additional K264R mutation changed the lysine (K) at position 264 to eliminate the major TCR recognition site. The BQ.Col2^266E mice were fully resistant to CIA, while the BQ.Col2^264R mice developed severe arthritis. Furthermore, we studied two of the most important non-MHCII genes associated with CIA, i.e., Ncf1 and Fcgr2b. Deficiency of either gene induced arthritis in BQ.Col2^266E mice, and the downstream effects differ as Ncf1 deficiency reduced Tregs and was likely to decrease expression of autoimmune regulator (AIRE) while Fcgr2b did not. In conclusion, the new human-mimicking mouse model has strong T cell tolerance to COL2, which can be broken by deficiency of Fcgr2b or Ncf1, allowing activation of autoreactive T cells and development of arthritis.

Proteomic analysis and identification reveal the anti-inflammatory mechanism of clofazimine on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice

Background and objective

Acute lung injury (ALI)/ acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was increasingly recognized as one of the most severe acute hyperimmune response of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Clofazimine (CFZ) has attracted attention due to its anti-inflammatory property in immune diseases as well as infectious diseases. However, the role and potential molecular mechanism of CFZ in anti-inflammatory responses remain unclear.

Methods

We analyze the protein expression profiles of CFZ and LPS from Raw264.7 macrophages using quantitative proteomics. Next, the protective effect of CFZ on LPS-induced inflammatory model is assessed, and its underlying mechanism is validated by molecular biology analysis.

Results

LC–MS/MS-based shotgun proteomics analysis identified 4746 (LPS) and 4766 (CFZ) proteins with quantitative information. The key proteins and their critical signal transduction pathways including TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling was highlighted, which was involved in multiple inflammatory processes. A further analysis of molecular biology revealed that CFZ could significantly inhibit the proliferation of Raw264.7 macrophages, decrease the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, alleviate lung histological changes and pulmonary edema, improve the survival rate, and down-regulate TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling in LPS model.

Conclusion

This study can provide significant insight into the proteomics-guided pharmacological mechanism study of CFZ and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for infectious disease.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00011-022-01623-w.

The NCF1 variant aggravates autoimmunity by facilitating the activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a professional type I IFN producer that play critical roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, both genetic regulation of the function of pDCs and their relationships with autoimmunity are largely undetermined. Here, we investigated the causality of the neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1) missense variant, which is one of the most significant associated risk variants for lupus, and found that the substitution of arginine (R) for histidine (H) at position 90 in the NCF1 protein (NCF1 p.R90H) led to excessive activation of pDCs. A mechanism study demonstrated that p.R90H reduced the affinity of NCF1 for phospholipids, thereby impairing endosomal localization of NCF1. As NCF1 is a subunit of the NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) complex, this impairment led to an acidified endosomal pH and facilitated downstream TLR signaling. Consistently, the homozygous knockin mice manifested aggravated lupus progression in a pDC-dependent lupus model. More important, pharmaceutical intervention revealed that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) could antagonize the detrimental function of NCF1 p.R90H in the lupus model and systemic lupus erythematosus samples, supporting the idea that NCF1 p.R90H could be identified as a genetic biomarker for HCQ application. Therefore, our study provides insights into the genetic control of pDC function and a paradigm for applying genetic variants to improve targeted therapy for autoimmune diseases.

The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Synovial Microenvironment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that begins with a loss of tolerance to modified self-antigens and immune system abnormalities, eventually leading to synovitis and bone and cartilage degradation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are commonly used as destructive or modifying agents of cellular components or they act as signaling molecules in the immune system. During the development of RA, a hypoxic and inflammatory situation in the synovium maintains ROS generation, which can be sustained by increased DNA damage and malfunctioning mitochondria in a feedback loop. Oxidative stress caused by abundant ROS production has also been shown to be associated with synovitis in RA. The goal of this review is to examine the functions of ROS and related molecular mechanisms in diverse cells in the synovial microenvironment of RA. The strategies relying on regulating ROS to treat RA are also reviewed.

Characterization of chronic relapsing antibody mediated arthritis in mice with a mutation in Ncf1 causing reduced oxidative burst

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting joints with a hallmark of autoantibody production. Mannan-enhanced collagen type II (COL2) antibody induced arthritis (mCAIA) in neutrophil cytosolic factor 1(Ncf1) mutation mouse is a chronic disease model imitating RA in mice. In this study, we characterize the chronic phase of mCAIA in Ncf1 mutated (BQ.Ncf1^m1j/m1j) mice. Arthritis was induced by an intravenous injection of anti-COL2 monoclonal antibodies on day 0 followed by intra-peritoneal injections of mannan (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on days 3 and 65 in BQ.Ncf1^m1j/m1j and BQ mice. Bone erosion was analysed by computed tomography (CT) and blood cell phenotypes by flow cytometry. Cytokines and anti-COL2 antibodies were analyzed with multiplex bead-based assays. The arthritis in the Ncf1^m1j/m1j mice developed with a chronic and relapsing disease course, which was followed for 200 days and bone erosions of articular joints were evaluated. An increased number of circulating CD11b⁺ Ly6G⁺ neutrophils were observed during the chronic phase, together with a higher level of G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) and TNF-α. In conclusion, the chronic relapsing arthritis of mCAIA in the Ncf1^m1j/m1j mice develop bone erosions associated with a sustained neutrophil type of inflammatory responses.

Paradoxical immunodeficiencies-When failures of innate immunity cause immunopathology

Innate immunity facilitates immediate defense against invading pathogens throughout all organs and tissues but also mediates tissue homeostasis and repair, thereby playing a key role in health and development. Recognition of pathogens is mediated by germline-encoded PRRs. Depending on the specific PRRs triggered, ligand binding leads to phagocytosis and pathogen killing and the controlled release of immune-modulatory factors such as IFNs, cytokines, or chemokines. PRR-mediated and other innate immune responses do not only prevent uncontrolled replication of intruding pathogens but also contribute to the tailoring of an effective adaptive immune response. Therefore, hereditary or acquired immunodeficiencies impairing innate responses may paradoxically cause severe immunopathology in patients. This can occur in the context of, but also independently of an increased microbial burden. It can include pathogen-dependent organ damage, autoinflammatory syndromes, and neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discuss the current state of research of several different such immune paradoxes. Understanding the underlying mechanisms causing immunopathology as a consequence of failures of innate immunity may help to prevent life-threatening disease.

LC-MS/MS-Based Serum Protein Profiling for Identification of Candidate Biomarkers in Pakistani Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder of complex disease etiology. Currently available serological diagnostic markers lack in terms of sensitivity and specificity and thus additional biomarkers are warranted for early disease diagnosis and management. We aimed to screen and compare serum proteome profiles of rheumatoid arthritis serotypes with healthy controls in the Pakistani population for identification of potential disease biomarkers. Serum samples from rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls were enriched for low abundance proteins using ProteoMinerTM columns. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were assigned to one of the four serotypes based on anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies and rheumatoid factor. Serum protein profiles were analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The changes in the protein abundances were determined using label-free quantification software ProgenesisQITM followed by pathway analysis. Findings were validated in an independent cohort of patients and healthy controls using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 213 proteins were identified. Comparative analysis of all groups (false discovery rate < 0.05, >2-fold change, and identified with ≥2 unique peptides) identified ten proteins that were differentially expressed between rheumatoid arthritis serotypes and healthy controls including pregnancy zone protein, selenoprotein P, C4b-binding protein beta chain, apolipoprotein M, N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase, catalytic chain, oncoprotein-induced transcript 3 protein, Carboxypeptidase N subunit 2, Apolipoprotein C-I and Apolipoprotein C-III. Pathway analysis predicted inhibition of liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor activation pathway and production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species pathway in macrophages in all serotypes. A catalogue of potential serum biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis were identified. These biomarkers can be further evaluated in larger cohorts from different populations for their diagnostic and prognostic potential.

Redox Homeostasis Involvement in the Pharmacological Effects of Metformin in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Significance: Metformin has been proposed as a treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The primary target of metformin, the electron transport chain complex I in the mitochondria, is associated with redox homeostasis in immune cells, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This review addresses the evidence and knowledge gaps on whether a beneficial effect of metformin in lupus may be due to a restoration of a balanced redox state. Recent Advances: Clinical trials in SLE patients with mild-to-moderate disease activity and preclinical studies in mice have provided encouraging results for metformin. The mechanism by which this therapeutic effect was achieved is largely unknown. Metformin regulates redox homeostasis in a context-specific manner. Multiple cell types contribute to SLE, with evidence of increased mitochondrial oxidative stress in T cells and neutrophils. Critical Issues: The major knowledge gaps are whether the efficacy of metformin is linked to a restored redox homeostasis in the immune system, and if it does, in which cell types it occurs? We also need to know which patients may have a better response to metformin, and whether it corresponds to a specific mechanism? Finally, the identification of biomarkers to predict treatment outcomes would be of great value. Future Directions: Mechanistic studies must address the context-dependent pharmacological effects of metformin. Multiple cell types as well as a complex disease etiology should be considered. These studies must integrate the rapid advances made in understanding how metabolic programs direct the effector functions of immune cells. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 462-479.

Targeting Protein O-GlcNAcylation, a Link between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Inflammatory Disease

Unresolved hyperglycaemia, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is a well characterised manifestation of altered fuel homeostasis and our understanding of its role in the pathologic activation of the inflammatory system continues to grow. Metabolic disorders like T2DM trigger changes in the regulation of key cellular processes such as cell trafficking and proliferation, and manifest as chronic inflammatory disorders with severe long-term consequences. Activation of inflammatory pathways has recently emerged as a critical link between T2DM and inflammation. A substantial body of evidence has suggested that this is due in part to increased flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP). The HBP, a unique nutrient-sensing metabolic pathway, produces the activated amino sugar UDP-GlcNAc which is a critical substrate for protein O-GlcNAcylation, a dynamic, reversible post-translational glycosylation of serine and threonine residues in target proteins. Protein O-GlcNAcylation impacts a range of cellular processes, including inflammation, metabolism, trafficking, and cytoskeletal organisation. As increased HBP flux culminates in increased protein O-GlcNAcylation, we propose that targeting O-GlcNAcylation may be a viable therapeutic strategy for the prevention and management of glucose-dependent pathologies with inflammatory components.

Human SLE variant NCF1-R90H promotes kidney damage and murine lupus through enhanced Tfh2 responses induced by defective efferocytosis of macrophages

OBJECTIVES

We previously identified a hypomorphic variant, p.Arg90His (p.R90H) of neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1, a regulatory subunit of phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 complex), as an putative causal variant for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and established a knock-in (KI) H90 variant in the C57BL/6 background to study how this variant promotes lupus development.

METHODS

Wild type (WT) and KI littermates were assessed for immune profiles and lupus-like features. Disease activity and renal damage of patients with SLE were assessed by systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) and renal items of systemic lupus international collaborating clinics (SLICC), respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with WT littermates, 5-week-old homozygous KI mice had reduced oxidative burst, splenomegaly, elevated type I interferon (IFN-I) scores, increased ratios of splenic follicular T helper 2 (Tfh2) to either T follicular regulatory (Tfr) or Tfh1 cells, increased ANA+ follicular, germinal centre and plasma cells without spontaneous kidney disease up to 1 year of age. Pristane treatment exacerbated the immune dysregulation and induced IFN-I-dependent kidney disease in 36-week-old H90 KI female mice. Decreased efferocytosis of macrophages derived from KI mice and patients with homozygous H90 SLE promoted elevated ratios of Tfh2/Tfr and Tfh2/Tfh1 as well as dysregulated humoral responses due to reduced voltage-gated proton channel 1 (Hv1)-dependent acidification of phagosome pH to neutralise the decreased electrogenic effect of the H90 variant, resulting in impaired maturation and phagosome proteolysis, and increased autoantibody production and kidney damage in mice and patients with SLE of multiple ancestries.

CONCLUSIONS

A lupus causal variant, NCF1-H90, reduces macrophage efferocytosis, enhances Tfh2 responses and promotes autoantibody production and kidney damage in both mice and patients with SLE.

EROS is a selective chaperone regulating the phagocyte NADPH oxidase and purinergic signalling

EROS (essential for reactive oxygen species) protein is indispensable for expression of gp91phox, the catalytic core of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. EROS deficiency in humans is a novel cause of the severe immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, but its mechanism of action was unknown until now. We elucidate the role of EROS, showing it acts at the earliest stages of gp91phox maturation. It binds the immature 58 kDa gp91phox directly, preventing gp91phox degradation and allowing glycosylation via the oligosaccharyltransferase machinery and the incorporation of the heme prosthetic groups essential for catalysis. EROS also regulates the purine receptors P2X7 and P2X1 through direct interactions, and P2X7 is almost absent in EROS-deficient mouse and human primary cells. Accordingly, lack of murine EROS results in markedly abnormal P2X7 signalling, inflammasome activation, and T cell responses. The loss of both ROS and P2X7 signalling leads to resistance to influenza infection in mice. Our work identifies EROS as a highly selective chaperone for key proteins in innate and adaptive immunity and a rheostat for immunity to infection. It has profound implications for our understanding of immune physiology, ROS dysregulation, and possibly gene therapy.

Ncf1 Governs Immune Niches in the Lung to Mediate Pulmonary Inflammation in Mice

Neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (Ncf1) is a major genetic factor associated with autoimmune diseases and has been identified as a key player in autoimmune mediated inflammation. We addressed the role of Ncf1 in an antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation model, and found that the Ncf1^m1j mutation, causing a deficient reactive oxygen species response, alleviated disease. The Ncf1^m1j mutation was associated with a reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in airways, but had limited effect on mucus secretion, antibody production and lung fibrosis. The disease remission in the Ncf1 mutated mice was reversed when functional Ncf1 was transgenically expressed in alveolar macrophages, suggesting that the cellular inflammation was depended on functional Ncf1 in alveolar macrophages. By determining cytokine and chemokine profiles in lung and serum, we found that Ncf1 deficiency allowed an increased expression of Th1 cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-12. Since also epithelial cytokines were found to be regulated by Ncf1, we tested the effect of Ncf1 in IL-33 and IL-25 induced lung inflammation models. Mice with the Ncf1^m1j mutation showed less sensitivity to IL-33, but not IL-25, induced lung inflammation, in a macrophage independent manner. The mice with deficient Ncf1 showed a reduced eosinophil infiltration and group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) activation. The production of IFN-γ in CD4⁺ T cells was increased, whereas IL-5 and IL-13 in ILC2 were decreased. Importantly, anti-IFN-γ antibody treatment of Ncf1 deficient mice increased eosinophil infiltration and rescued ILC2 activation in the lung. We conclude that Ncf1 deficiency enhances Th1 response, deactivates ILC2, and protects against pulmonitis.

Comprehensive analysis of endoplasmic reticulum stress and immune infiltration in major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a life-threatening, debilitating mental health condition. An important factor in the development of depression is endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). However, their roles in MDD have not yet been established. The goal of this study was to examine ERS and its underlying molecular mechanisms in MDD.

METHODS

We used data from two microarray datasets (GSE98793 and GSE39653) and the GeneCards database to examine the reticulum stress-related differentially expressed genes (ERSR-DEGs) associated with MDD. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were used to further investigate the function and mechanism of ERS in MDD. Moreover, we constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to identify hub genes as well as the regulatory network of microRNAs (miRNAs), transcription factors (TFs), and potential drugs related to ERSR-DEGs. CIBERSORT was then used to evaluate the immune activity of MDD samples and conduct a correlation analysis between the hub genes and immune cells.

RESULTS

In total, 37 ERSR-DEGs and five hub genes were identified (NCF1, MAPK14, CASP1, CYBA, and TNF). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that ERSR-DEGs were predominantly enriched in inflammation-and immunity-related pathways, such as tumor necrosis factor signaling, NF-κB signaling, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Additionally, 179 miRNAs, 25 TFs, and 15 potential drugs were tested for their interactions with the ERSR-DEGs. CIBERSORT found high proportions of Tregs, monocytes, and macrophages M0 in the MDD samples. Among these, hub genes showed a significant correlation with immune cell infiltration in patients with MDD.

CONCLUSIONS

NCF1, MAPK14, CASP1, CYBA, and TNF are potential ERS-related biomarkers for the diagnosis of MDD. Our research has revealed a significant correlation between immune cells and ERS-related genes with MDD. Not only did our study contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of ERS in underlying MDD pathology, but it also established a paradigm for future studies on ERS.

Glycan Activation of Clec4b Induces Reactive Oxygen Species Protecting against Neutrophilia and Arthritis

Animal models for complex diseases are needed to position and analyze the function of interacting genes. Previous positional cloning identified Ncf1 and Clec4b to be major regulators of arthritis models in rats. Here, we investigate epistasis between Ncf1 and Clec4b, two major regulators of arthritis in rats. We find that Clec4b and Ncf1 exert an additive effect on arthritis given by their joint ability to regulate neutrophils. Both genes are highly expressed in neutrophils, together regulating neutrophil availability and their capacity to generate reactive oxygen species. Using a glycan array, we identify key ligands of Clec4b and demonstrate that Clec4b-specific stimulation triggers neutrophils into oxidative burst. Our observations highlight Clec4b as an important regulator of neutrophils and demonstrate how epistatic interactions affect the susceptibility to, and severity of, autoimmune arthritis.

Recent Advances in Understanding the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Treatment Strategies

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a chronic systemic, multi-factorial, inflammatory, and progressive autoimmune disease affecting many people worldwide. While patients show very individual courses of disease, with RA focusing on the musculoskeletal system, joints are often severely affected, leading to local inflammation, cartilage destruction, and bone erosion. To prevent joint damage and physical disability as one of many symptoms of RA, early diagnosis is critical. Auto-antibodies play a pivotal clinical role in patients with systemic RA. As biomarkers, they could help to make a more efficient diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decision. Besides auto-antibodies, several other factors are involved in the progression of RA, such as epigenetic alterations, post-translational modifications, glycosylation, autophagy, and T-cells. Understanding the interplay between these factors would contribute to a deeper insight into the causes, mechanisms, progression, and treatment of the disease. In this review, the latest RA research findings are discussed to better understand the pathogenesis, and finally, treatment strategies for RA therapy are presented, including both conventional approaches and new methods that have been developed in recent years or are currently under investigation.

NOX1/NADPH oxidase is involved in the LPS-induced exacerbation of collagen-induced arthritis

We investigate as yet an unidentified role of NOX1, a non-phagocytic isoform of the superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase, in immune responses using Nox1-knockout mice (Nox1-KO). The transcripts of NOX1 was expressed in lymphoid tissues, including the spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and inguinal lymphoid nodes. When antibody production after ovalbumin (OVA) immunization was examined, no significant differences were observed in serum anti-OVA IgG levels between wild-type mice (WT) and Nox1-KO. In the experimental asthma, the infiltration of eosinophils and the Th2 cytokine response after the induction of asthma with OVA were similar between the two genotypes. However, the severity and incidence of experimental collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) following the administration of a low dose of endotoxin (LPS) were significantly lower in Nox1-KO. While neither serum levels of autoantibodies nor in vitro cytokine responses were affected by Nox1 deficiency, NOX1 mRNA levels in the spleen significantly increased after the LPS challenge. Among the spleen cells, remarkable LPS-induced upregulation of NOX1 was demonstrated in both CD11b+ monocytes/macrophages and CD11c+ dendritic cells, suggesting that LPS-inducible NOX1 in monocytes/macrophages/dendritic cells may modulate the development of experimental CIA. Therapeutic targeting of NOX1 may therefore control the onset and/or severity of arthritis which is exacerbated by bacterial infection.

Immune-related genes and gene sets for predicting the response to anti-programmed death 1 therapy in patients with primary or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Although antibodies targeting the immune checkpoint protein programmed death-1 (PD-1) exert therapeutic effects in patients with primary or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the majority of patients exhibit partial or complete resistance to anti-PD1 treatment. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify reliable biomarkers for predicting the response to anti-PD-1 therapy. The present study analyzed tumor specimens isolated from 24 patients (13 with primary and 11 with metastatic NSCLC) prior to treatment with approved PD1-targeting antibodies. The expression profile of 395 immune-related genes was examined using RNA immune-oncology panel sequencing. The results demonstrated that six immune-related differently expressed genes (DEGs), including HLA-F-AS1, NCF1, RORC, DMBT1, KLRF1 and IL-18, and five DEGs, including HLA-A, HLA-DPA1, TNFSF18, IFI6 and PTK7, may be used as single biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment in patients with primary and with metastatic NSCLC, respectively. In addition, two DEG sets comprising either six (HLA-F-AS1, NCF1, RORC, DMBT1, KLRF and IL-18) or two (HLA-A and TNFSF18) DEGs as potential combination biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with NSCLC. Patients with a calculated expression level of the DEG sets >6.501 (primary NSCLC) or >6.741 (metastatic NSCLC) may benefit from the anti-PD-1 therapy. Overall, these findings provided a basis for the identification of additional biomarkers for predicting the response to anti-PD-1 treatment.

Recovery of Depleted miR-146a in ALS Cortical Astrocytes Reverts Cell Aberrancies and Prevents Paracrine Pathogenicity on Microglia and Motor Neurons

Reactive astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) change their molecular expression pattern and release toxic factors that contribute to neurodegeneration and microglial activation. We and others identified a dysregulated inflammatory miRNA profile in ALS patients and in mice models suggesting that they represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Such cellular miRNAs are known to be released into the secretome and to be carried by small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which may be harmful to recipient cells. Thus, ALS astrocyte secretome may disrupt cell homeostasis and impact on ALS pathogenesis. Previously, we identified a specific aberrant signature in the cortical brain of symptomatic SOD1-G93A (mSOD1) mice, as well as in astrocytes isolated from the same region of 7-day-old mSOD1 mice, with upregulated S100B/HMGB1/Cx43/vimentin and downregulated GFAP. The presence of downregulated miR-146a on both cases suggests that it can be a promising target for modulation in ALS. Here, we upregulated miR-146a with pre-miR-146a, and tested glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) and dipeptidyl vinyl sulfone (VS) for their immunoregulatory properties. VS was more effective in restoring astrocytic miR-146a, GFAP, S100B, HMGB1, Cx43, and vimentin levels than GUDCA, which only recovered Cx43 and vimentin mRNA. The miR-146a inhibitor generated typical ALS aberrancies in wild type astrocytes that were abolished by VS. Similarly, pre-miR-146a transfection into the mSOD1 astrocytes abrogated aberrant markers and intracellular Ca²⁺ overload. Such treatment counteracted miR-146a depletion in sEVs and led to secretome-mediated miR-146a enhancement in NSC-34-motor neurons (MNs) and N9-microglia. Secretome from mSOD1 astrocytes increased early/late apoptosis and FGFR3 mRNA in MNs and microglia, but not when derived from pre-miR-146a or VS-treated cells. These last strategies prevented the impairment of axonal transport and synaptic dynamics by the pathological secretome, while also averted microglia activation through either secretome, or their isolated sEVs. Proteomic analysis of the target cells indicated that pre-miR-146a regulates mitochondria and inflammation via paracrine signaling. We demonstrate that replenishment of miR-146a in mSOD1 cortical astrocytes with pre-miR-146a or by VS abrogates their phenotypic aberrancies and paracrine deleterious consequences to MNs and microglia. These results propose miR-146a as a new causal and emerging therapeutic target for astrocyte pathogenic processes in ALS.

The Two Formyl Peptide Receptors Differently Regulate GPR84-Mediated Neutrophil NADPH Oxidase Activity

Neutrophils express the two formyl peptide receptors (FPR1 and FPR2) and the medium-chain fatty acid receptor GPR84. The FPRs are known to define a hierarchy among neutrophil G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), that is, the activated FPRs can either suppress or amplify GPCR responses. In this study, we investigated the position of GPR84 in the FPR-defined hierarchy regarding the activation of neutrophil nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, an enzyme system designed to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are important regulators in cell signaling and immune regulation. When resting neutrophils were activated by GPR84 agonists, a modest ROS release was induced. However, vast amounts of ROS were induced by these GPR84 agonists in FPR2-desensitized neutrophils, and the response was inhibited not only by a GPR84-specific antagonist but also by an FPR2-specific antagonist. This suggests that the amplified GPR84 agonist response is achieved through a reactivation of desensitized FPR2s. In addition, the GPR84-mediated FPR2 reactivation was independent of β-arrestin recruitment and sensitive to a protein phosphatase inhibitor. In contrast to FPR2-desensitized cells, FPR1 desensitization primarily resulted in a suppressed GPR84 agonist-induced ROS response, indicating a receptor hierarchical desensitization of GPR84 by FPR1-generated signals. In summary, our data show that the two FPRs in human neutrophils control the NADPH oxidase activity with concomitant ROS production by communicating with GPR84 through different mechanisms. While FPR1 desensitizes GPR84 and by that suppresses the release of ROS induced by GPR84 agonists, amplified ROS release is achieved by GPR84 agonists through reactivation of the desensitized FPR2.

From Flies to Men: ROS and the NADPH Oxidase in Phagocytes

The cellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) represents an evolutionary ancient antimicrobial defense system against microorganisms. The NADPH oxidases (NOX), which are predominantly localized to endosomes, and the electron transport chain in mitochondria are the major sources of ROS. Like any powerful immunological process, ROS formation has costs, in particular collateral tissue damage of the host. Moreover, microorganisms have developed defense mechanisms against ROS, an example for an arms race between species. Thus, although NOX orthologs have been identified in organisms as diverse as plants, fruit flies, rodents, and humans, ROS functions have developed and diversified to affect a multitude of cellular properties, i.e., far beyond direct antimicrobial activity. Here, we focus on the development of NOX in phagocytic cells, where the so-called respiratory burst in phagolysosomes contributes to the elimination of ingested microorganisms. Yet, NOX participates in cellular signaling in a cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic manner, e.g., via the release of ROS into the extracellular space. Accordingly, in humans, the inherited deficiency of NOX components is characterized by infections with bacteria and fungi and a seemingly independently dysregulated inflammatory response. Since ROS have both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, their tight regulation in space and time is required for an efficient and well-balanced immune response, which allows for the reestablishment of tissue homeostasis. In addition, distinct NOX homologs expressed by non-phagocytic cells and mitochondrial ROS are interlinked with phagocytic NOX functions and thus affect the overall redox state of the tissue and the cellular activity in a complex fashion. Overall, the systematic and comparative analysis of cellular ROS functions in organisms of lower complexity provides clues for understanding the contribution of ROS and ROS deficiency to human health and disease.

Genetic susceptibility of hypertension-induced kidney disease

Hypertension is the second leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after diabetes mellitus. The significant differences in the incidence of hypertensive ESRD between different patient populations worldwide and patients with and without family history indicate that genetic determinants play an important role in the onset and progression of this disease. Recent studies have identified genetic variants and pathways that may contribute to the alteration of renal function. Mechanisms involved include affecting renal hemodynamics (the myogenic and tubuloglomerular feedback responses); increasing the production of reactive oxygen species in the tubules; altering immune cell function; changing the number, structure, and function of podocytes that directly cause glomerular damage. Studies with hypertensive animal models using substitution mapping and gene knockout strategies have identified multiple candidate genes associated with the development of hypertension and subsequent renal injury. Genome-wide association studies have implicated genetic variants in UMOD, MYH9, APOL-1, SHROOM3, RAB38, and DAB2 have a higher risk for ESRD in hypertensive patients. These findings provide genetic evidence of potential novel targets for drug development and gene therapy to design individualized treatment of hypertension and related renal injury.

The effects of soy supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Soy products contain several compounds with anti-inflammatory properties like genistein and daidzein which reported to act through different pathways. Present study conducted considering the inconsistent results and lack of any comprehensive review regarding randomized controlled trials which assess the effect of soy products on inflammatory markers.

METHODS

Following electronic databases were searched up to March 2020: PubMed, Scopus, ISI web of science, and Cochrane Library All randomized trials which assessed the effect of soy product supplementation on c-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were included for last analysis. Treatment effects were expressed as mean difference (MD) and the standard deviation (SD) of outcomes. To estimate the overall effect the random-effects model was employed.

RESULTS

Finally, 51 randomized trial were included for present study. Last analysis showed that soy product supplementation lead to significant reduction in CRP (MD -0.27 mg/L; 95% CI: -0.51, -0.02, p = 0.028) but it did not affect IL-6 (MD 0.0 pg/ml; 95% CI: -0.06, 0.06, p = 0.970) and TNF-α (MD = -0.04 pg/ml; 95% CI: -0.11, 0.03, p = 0.252). Subgroup analysis showed that soy supplementation had a significant impact on decreasing IL-6 and TNF-α levels when studies had a long-term intervention (≥12 weeks) and used low dose isoflavone (<100 mg/day).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, present systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant reduction in CRP levels after soy supplementation whiles IL-6 and TNF-α did not affect.

Reactive oxygen species in immune cells: A new antitumor target

Immune cells have the potential to control the growth of tumor. However, this effect could be offset by immunosuppression associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species. Multiple studies indicate that the antitumor effect of immune cells is correlated with their antioxidant capacity. This review discusses the role of reactive oxygen species in the tumor microenvironment by describing their distinct effects on different immune cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, tumor-associated macrophages, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. In the end, we conclude with the prospect of treatment for cancer by targeting antioxidant defense in immune cells.

Taurine Metabolism Aggravates the Progression of Lupus by Promoting the Function of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells

OBJECTIVE

Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Metabolic abnormalities cause dysregulation of multiple immune cells, but the metabolic regulation of type I IFN production is not well clarified in SLE. We undertook this study to define amino acid metabolism features in SLE and to explore the function of disease-relevant metabolites in the control of plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC)-mediated type I IFN production and the progression of SLE.

METHODS

Metabolomic profiling of the serum from SLE patients and healthy controls was performed by mass spectrometry. The effects of SLE-related metabolites on type I IFN production were explored in human and mouse pDCs. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of pDCs from wild-type and Ncf1^-/- mice were measured by flow cytometry. Mechanisms were investigated by RNA sequencing and immunoblotting. In vivo effects of SLE-relevant metabolites were systemically analyzed in B6.Cg-Sle1^NZM2410/Aeg Yaa/DcrJ mice.

RESULTS

Taurine was higher in the serum from SLE patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001) and rheumatoid arthritis patients (P < 0.001). Taurine content was positively correlated with disease activity and the expression of IFN signature genes. The addition of taurine facilitated IFN regulatory factor 7 phosphorylation and enhanced type I IFN production by reducing the ROS levels in pDCs in a neutrophil cytosolic factor 1-dependent manner. Taurine supplementation promoted expression of type I IFN-induced genes, activated lymphocytes, and increased autoantibodies and proteinuria, leading to more serious nephritis.

CONCLUSION

Taurine metabolism is involved in the development of SLE by enhancing pDC-mediated type I IFN production. Targeted inhibition of taurine or implementation of a taurine-restricted diet has therapeutic potential in SLE.

Association of NCF2, NCF4, and CYBA Gene Polymorphisms with Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Chinese Population

Objective

Recent studies have focused on the special roles of NADPH-oxidase in multiple autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, the association of genetic variation in NADPH-oxidase genes with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was not extensively studied in a Chinese population. We performed this study to examine the association of NCF2, NCF4, and CYBA gene polymorphisms with RA susceptibility in a Chinese population.

Methods

Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (NCF2 rs10911363, NCF4 rs1883112, rs4821544, rs729749, CYBA rs3794624, and rs4673) were genotyped in a cohort composed of 593 RA patients and 596 normal controls. Improved multiple ligase detection reaction (iMLDR) was used for genotyping.

Results

We observed that NCF4 rs4821544 CT genotype and C allele frequencies in RA patients were significantly decreased when compared to controls (CT vs. TT: P = 0.043; C vs. T: P = 0.031), and rs4821544 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased RA risk under the dominant model (TT vs. CT+CC: P = 0.031). Our results also indicated that rs729749 CT genotype frequency was significantly lower in RA patients than that in controls (CT vs. CC: P = 0.033). Moreover, the rs729749 CT genotype frequency was also significantly decreased in RA patients in males (CT vs. CC: P = 0.024). No significant association between NCF2 and CYBA gene polymorphisms and RA susceptibility was observed. There were significant associations between rs4821544 TT genotype and T allele frequencies and anti-CCP in male RA patients.

Conclusions

In summary, NCF4 rs4821544 and rs729749 polymorphisms might contribute to RA susceptibility, while NCF2 and CYBA gene polymorphisms were not associated with RA susceptibility.

Functional selective FPR1 signaling in favor of an activation of the neutrophil superoxide generating NOX2 complex

The formyl peptide receptors FPR1 and FPR2 are abundantly expressed by neutrophils, in which they regulate proinflammatory tissue recruitment of inflammatory cells, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and resolution of inflammatory reactions. The unique dual functionality of the FPRs makes them attractive targets to develop FPR‐based therapeutics as novel anti‐inflammatory treatments. The small compound RE‐04‐001 has earlier been identified as an inducer of ROS in differentiated HL60 cells but the precise target and the mechanism of action of the compound was has until now not been elucidated. In this study, we reveal that RE‐04‐001 specifically targets and activates FPR1, and the concentrations needed to activate the neutrophil NADPH‐oxidase was very low (EC₅₀ ∼1 nM). RE‐04‐001 was also found to be a neutrophil chemoattractant, but when compared to the prototype FPR1 agonist N‐formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe (fMLF), the concentrations required were comparably high, suggesting that signaling downstream of the RE‐04‐001‐activated‐FPR1 is functionally selective. In addition, the RE‐04‐001‐induced response was strongly biased toward the PLC‐PIP₂‐Ca²⁺ pathway and ERK1/2 activation but away from β‐arrestin recruitment. Compared to the peptide agonist fMLF, RE‐04‐001 is more resistant to inactivation by the MPO‐H₂O₂‐halide system. In summary, this study describes RE‐04‐001 as a novel small molecule agonist specific for FPR1, which displays a biased signaling profile that leads to a functional selective activating of human neutrophils. RE‐04‐001 is, therefore, a useful tool, not only for further mechanistic studies of the regulatory role of FPR1 in inflammation in vitro and in vivo, but also for developing FPR1‐specific drug therapeutics.

Idelalisib Rescues Natural Killer Cells from Monocyte-Induced Immunosuppression by Inhibiting NOX2-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species

The phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate-3 kinase-δ (PI3Kδ) inhibitor idelalisib, used alone or in combination with anti-CD20, is clinically efficacious in B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by promoting apoptosis of malignant B cells. PI3K regulates the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the myeloid NADPH oxidase NOX2, but the role of PI3Kδ in myeloid cell-induced immunosuppression is unexplored. We assessed the effects of idelalisib on the spontaneous and IgG antibody-induced ROS production by human monocytes, on ROS-induced cell death of human natural killer (NK) cells, and on tumor cell clearance in an NK cell-dependent mouse model of metastasis. Idelalisib potently and efficiently inhibited the formation of NOX2-derived ROS from monocytes and rescued NK cells from ROS-induced cell death. Idelalisib also promoted NK cell cytotoxicity against anti-CD20-coated primary human CLL cells and cultured malignant B cells. Experiments using multiple PI3K inhibitors implicated the PI3Kδ isoform in regulating NOX2-induced ROS formation and immunosuppression. In B6 mice, systemic treatment with idelalisib significantly reduced the formation of lung metastases from intravenously injected melanoma cells but did not affect metastasis in B6.129S6-Cybbtm1Din (Nox2 ^-/-) mice or in NK cell-deficient mice. Our results imply that idelalisib rescues NK cells from NOX2/ROS-dependent immunosuppression and thus exerts antineoplastic efficacy beyond B-cell inhibition.

How the redox state regulates immunity

Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences. The view of oxidative stress as a cause of cell damage has evolved over the past few decades to a much more nuanced view of the role of oxidative changes in cell physiology. This is no more evident than in the field of immunity, where oxidative changes are now known to regulate many aspects of the immune response, and inflammatory pathways in particular. Our understanding of redox regulation of immunity now encompasses not only increases in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, but also changes in the activities of oxidoreductase enzymes. These enzymes are important regulators of immune pathways both via changes in their redox activity, but also via other more recently identified cytokine-like functions. The emerging picture of redox regulation of immune pathways is one of increasing complexity and while therapeutic targeting of the redox environment to treat inflammatory disease is a possibility, any such strategy is likely to be more nuanced than simply inhibiting ROS production.

NCF1-339 polymorphism is associated with altered formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, high serum interferon activity and antiphospholipid syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus

​OBJECTIVES: A single nucleotide polymorphism in the NCF1 gene (NCF1-339, rs201802880), encoding NADPH oxidase type II subunit NCF1/p47phox, reducing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is strongly associated with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed at characterising NCF1-339 effects on neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, type I interferon activity and antibody profile in patients with SLE. ​METHODS: Neutrophil NET-release pathways (n=31), serum interferon (n=141) and finally antibody profiles (n=305) were investigated in SLE subjects from Lund, genotyped for NCF1-339. Then, 1087 SLE subjects from the rheumatology departments of four Swedish SLE centres, genotyped for NCF1-339, were clinically characterised to validate these findings. ​RESULTS: Compared with patients with normal-ROS NCF1-339 genotypes, neutrophils from patients with SLE with low-ROS NCF1-339 genotypes displayed impaired NET formation (p<0.01) and increased dependence on mitochondrial ROS (p<0.05). Low-ROS patients also had increased frequency of high serum interferon activity (80% vs 21.4%, p<0.05) and positivity for anti-β2 glycoprotein I (p<0.01) and anticardiolipin antibodies (p<0.05) but were not associated with other antibodies. We confirmed an over-representation of having any antiphospholipid antibody, OR 1.40 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.95), anti-β2 glycoprotein I, OR 1.82 (95% CI 1.02 to 3.24) and the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), OR 1.74 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.55) in all four cohorts (n=1087). ​CONCLUSIONS: The NCF1-339 SNP mediated decreased NADPH oxidase function, is associated with high interferon activity and impaired formation of NETs in SLE, allowing dependence on mitochondrial ROS. Unexpectedly, we revealed a striking connection between the ROS deficient NCF1-339 genotypes and the presence of phospholipid antibodies and APS.

Neutrophil Cytosolic Factor 1 Contributes to the Development of Sepsis

To identify differentially expressed genes in sepsis and potential key role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) genes associated with sepsis. Gene expression dataset was available from GSE46599. Firstly, we screened the differentially expressed genes between sepsis and healthy samples. Then, the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) online tools were utilized to perform gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses at the functional level. Differentially expressed genes mediating ROS levels were validated in the next investigation and analysis. We identified 1094 genes expressed differentially between normal and sepsis samples, including 655 upregulated genes and 439 downregulated genes. At the functional level, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that those differentially expressed genes were majorly associated with the immune response and metabolic process in sepsis. Further analysis revealed that neutrophil cytosolic factor 1(NCF1), a critical gene in the ROS system, upregulated in THP-1 cell and monocytes under lipopolysaccharides stimulation. Moreover, we identified the upregulation of NCF1 in a sepsis model. We screened the differentially expressed genes from the global level and identified NCF1 might be a critical target gene in sepsis.

Impact of Donor Human Milk in the Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Gut Transcriptome Profile by Use of Exfoliated Intestinal Cells

Background: Own mother’s milk (OMM) is the optimal nutrition for preterm infants. However, pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) is a valid alternative. We explored the differences of the transcriptome in exfoliated epithelial intestinal cells (EEIC) of preterm infants receiving full feed with OMM or DHM. Methods: The prospective observational study included preterm infants ≤ 32 weeks’ gestation and/or ≤1500 g birthweight. Total RNA from EEIC were processed for genome-wide expression analysis. Results: Principal component analysis and unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed two clustered groups corresponding to the OMM and DHM groups that showed differences in the gene expression profile in 1629 transcripts. The OMM group overexpressed lactalbumin alpha gene (LALBA), Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene (COX1) and caseins kappa gene (CSN3), beta gene (CSN2) and alpha gene (CSN1S1) and underexpressed Neutrophil Cytosolic Factor 1 gene (NCF1) compared to the DHM group. Conclusions: The transcriptomic analysis of EEIC showed that OMM induced a differential expression of specific genes that may contribute to a more efficient response to a pro-oxidant challenge early in the postnatal period when preterm infants are at a higher risk of oxidative stress. The use of OMM should be strongly promoted in preterm infants.

Astilbin reduces ROS accumulation and VEGF expression through Nrf2 in psoriasis-like skin disease

Background

Psoriasis is a common and intractable skin disease affecting the physical and mental health of patients. The accumulation of ROS is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and antioxidants are believed to be therapeutic. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of astilbin on ROS accumulation in psoriasis.

Results

The study showed that 50 μg/ml astilbin could inhibit the growth and reduce the accumulation of ROS in HaCaT cells stimulated by IL-17 and TNF-α. Astilbin could elevate the Nrf2 accumulation in the nuclei, eventually leading to the transcriptional activation of various antioxidant proteins and reducing the expression of VEGF.

Conclusions

Our results collectively suggest that astilbin could induce Nrf2 nucleus translocation, which is contribute to reduce the ROS accumulation and VEGF expression, and inhibit the proliferation of HaCaT cells.