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Wu H, Tang T, Deng H, Chen D, Zhang C, Luo J, Chen S, Zhang P, Yang J, Dong L, Chang T, Tang ZH. Immune checkpoint molecule Tim-3 promotes NKT cell apoptosis and predicts poorer prognosis in Sepsis. Clin Immunol 2023; 254:109249. [PMID: 36736642 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a leading cause of death among critically ill patients, which is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a deregulated host immune response to infection. Immune checkpoint molecule Tim-3 plays important and complex roles in regulating immune responses and in inducing immune tolerance. Although immune checkpoint blockade would be expected as a promising therapeutic strategy for sepsis, but the underlying mechanism remain unknown, especially under clinical conditions. METHODS Tim-3 expression and apoptosis in NKT cells were compared in septic patients (27 patients with sepsis and 28 patients with septic shock). Phenotypic and functional characterization of Tim-3+ NKT cells were analysed, and then the relationship between Tim-3 + NKT cells and clinical prognosis were investigated in septic patients. α-lactose (Tim-3/Galectin-9 signalling inhibitor) and Tim-3 mutant mice (targeting mutation of the Tim-3 cytoplasmic domain) were utilized to evaluate the protective effect of Tim-3 signalling blockade following septic challenge. RESULTS There is a close correlation between Tim-3 expression and the functional status of NKT cells in septic patients, Upregulated Tim-3 expression promoted NKT cell activation and apoptosis during the early stage of sepsis, and it was associated with worse disease severity and poorer prognosis in septic patients. Blockade of the Tim-3/Galectin-9 signal axis using α-lactose inhibited in vitro apoptosis of NKT cells isolated from septic patients. Impaired activity of Tim-3 protected mice following septic challenge. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings demonstrated that immune checkpoint molecule Tim-3 in NKT cells plays a critical role in the immunopathogenesis of septic patients. Blockade of immune checkpoint molecule Tim-3 may be a promising immunomodulatory strategy in future clinical practice for the management of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Tingxuan Tang
- Class 1901, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Hai Deng
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Deng Chen
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jialiu Luo
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shunyao Chen
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Peidong Zhang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jingzhi Yang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Liming Dong
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Teding Chang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Zhao-Hui Tang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Plavsic I, Žitinić I, Mikolasevic I, Poropat G, Hauser G. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-induced and non-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-induced acute pancreatitis: Two distinct clinical and immunological entities? World J Gastrointest Endosc 2018; 10:259-266. [PMID: 30364685 PMCID: PMC6198307 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v10.i10.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is common gastrointestinal disease of varied aetiology. The most common cause of AP is gallstones, followed by alcohol abuse as an independent risk factor. With the increased need for invasive techniques to treat pancreatic and bile duct pathologies such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), AP has emerged as the most frequent complication. While severe AP following ERCP is rare (0.5%), if it does develop it has a greater severity index compared to non-ERCP AP. Development of a mild form of AP after ERCP is not considered a clinically relevant condition. Differences in the clinical presentation and prognosis of the mild and severe forms have been found between non-ERCP AP and post-endoscopic pancreatitis (PEP). It has been proposed that AP and PEP may also have different immunological responses to the initial injury. In this review, we summarise the literature on clinical and inflammatory processes in PEP vs non-ERCP AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Plavsic
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical care medicine, Clinical Hospital Centre, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka 51000, Croatia
| | - Ivana Žitinić
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Clinical Hospital Centre, Rijeka 51000, Croatia
| | - Ivana Mikolasevic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Clinical Hospital Centre, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka 51000, Croatia
| | - Goran Poropat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Clinical Hospital Centre, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka 51000, Croatia
| | - Goran Hauser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Clinical Hospital Centre, Medical Faculty, Faculty of health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka 51000, Croatia
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3
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Inácio DP, Amado T, Silva-Santos B, Gomes AQ. Control of T cell effector functions by miRNAs. Cancer Lett 2018; 427:63-73. [PMID: 29679611 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The differentiation of effector T cells is a tightly regulated process that relies on the selective expression of lineage-defining master regulators that orchestrate unique transcriptional programs, including the production of distinct sets of effector cytokines. miRNAs are post-transcriptional regulators that are now viewed as critical players in these gene expression networks and help defining cell identity and function. This review summarises the role of individual miRNAs in the regulation of the differentiation of effector T cell subsets, including CD4+ T helper cells, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and innate-like NKT cells. Moreover, we refer to miRNAs that have been identified to affect simultaneously two or more effector T cell populations, impacting on the balance between effector T cells in vivo, thus constituting potential biomarkers or targets for therapies aiming at boosting immunity or controlling autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Inácio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago Amado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bruno Silva-Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Anita Q Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, 1990-096, Lisboa, Portugal.
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4
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a-Lactose Improves the Survival of Septic Mice by Blockade of TIM-3 Signaling to Prevent NKT Cell Apoptosis and Attenuate Cytokine Storm. Shock 2017; 47:337-345. [DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000000717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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5
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Kharkwal SS, Arora P, Porcelli SA. Glycolipid activators of invariant NKT cells as vaccine adjuvants. Immunogenetics 2016; 68:597-610. [PMID: 27377623 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-016-0925-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Natural Killer T cells (NKT cells) are a subpopulation of T lymphocytes with unique phenotypic properties and a remarkably broad range of immune effector and regulatory functions. One subset of these cells, known as invariant NKT cells (iNKT cells), has become a significant focus in the search for new and better ways to enhance immunotherapies and vaccination. These unconventional T cells are characterized by their ability to be specifically activated by a range of foreign and self-derived glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d, an MHC class I-related antigen presenting molecule that has evolved to bind and present lipid antigens. The development of synthetic α-galactosylceramides as a family of powerful glycolipid agonists for iNKT cells has led to approaches for augmenting a wide variety of immune responses, including those involved in vaccination against infections and cancers. Here we review the basic background biology of iNKT cells that is relevant to their potential for improving immune responses, and summarize recent work supporting the further development of glycolipid activators of iNKT cells as a new class of vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalu Sharma Kharkwal
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Pooja Arora
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Steven A Porcelli
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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6
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Ng TW, Saavedra-Ávila NA, Kennedy SC, Carreño LJ, Porcelli SA. Current efforts and future prospects in the development of live mycobacteria as vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 14:1493-507. [PMID: 26366616 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.1089175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of more effective vaccines against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains a major goal in the effort to reduce the enormous global burden of disease caused by this pathogen. Whole-cell vaccines based on live mycobacteria with attenuated virulence represent an appealing approach, providing broad antigen exposure and intrinsic adjuvant properties to prime durable immune responses. However, designing vaccine strains with an optimal balance between attenuation and immunogenicity has proven to be extremely challenging. Recent basic and clinical research efforts have broadened our understanding of Mtb pathogenesis and created numerous new vaccine candidates that have been designed to overcome different aspects of immune evasion by Mtb. In this review, we provide an overview of the current efforts to create improved vaccines against tuberculosis based on modifications of live attenuated mycobacteria. In addition, we discuss the use of such vaccine strains as vectors for stimulating protective immunity against other infectious diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony W Ng
- a 1 Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Microbiology & Immunology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Noemí A Saavedra-Ávila
- a 1 Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Microbiology & Immunology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Steven C Kennedy
- a 1 Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Microbiology & Immunology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Leandro J Carreño
- a 1 Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Microbiology & Immunology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,b 2 Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Programa Disciplinario de Inmunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Steven A Porcelli
- a 1 Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Microbiology & Immunology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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NK and NKT Cell Depletion Alters the Outcome of Experimental Pneumococcal Pneumonia: Relationship with Regulation of Interferon-γ Production. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:532717. [PMID: 26114123 PMCID: PMC4465773 DOI: 10.1155/2015/532717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells contribute to the innate host defense but their role in bacterial sepsis remains controversial. Methods. C57BL/6 mice were infected intratracheally with 5 × 10(5) cfu of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Animals were divided into sham group (Sham); pretreated with isotype control antibody (CON) group; pretreated with anti-asialo GM1 antibody (NKd) group; and pretreated with anti-CD1d monoclonal antibody (NKTd) group before bacterial challenge. Serum and tissue samples were analyzed for bacterial load, cytokine levels, splenocyte apoptosis rates, and cell characteristics by flow cytometry. Splenocyte miRNA expression was also analyzed and survival was assessed. Results. NK cell depletion prolonged survival. Upon inhibition of NKT cell activation, spleen NK (CD3-/NK1.1+) cells increased compared to all other groups. Inhibition of NKT cell activation led to higher bacterial loads and increased levels of serum and splenocyte IFN-γ. Splenocyte miRNA analysis showed that miR-200c and miR-29a were downregulated, while miR-125a-5p was upregulated, in anti-CD1d treated animals. These changes were moderate after NK cell depletion. Conclusions. NK cells appear to contribute to mortality in pneumococcal pneumonia. Inhibition of NKT cell activation resulted in an increase in spleen NK (CD3-/NK1.1+) cells and a higher IFN-γ production, while altering splenocyte miRNA expression.
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Carreño LJ, Kharkwal SS, Porcelli SA. Optimizing NKT cell ligands as vaccine adjuvants. Immunotherapy 2015; 6:309-20. [PMID: 24762075 DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NKT cells are a subpopulation of T lymphocytes with phenotypic properties of both T and NK cells and a wide range of immune effector properties. In particular, one subset of these cells, known as invariant NKT cells (iNKT cells), has attracted substantial attention because of their ability to be specifically activated by glycolipid antigens presented by a cell surface protein called CD1d. The development of synthetic α-galactosylceramides as a family of powerful glycolipid agonists for iNKT cells has led to approaches for augmenting a wide variety of immune responses, including those involved in vaccination against infections and cancers. Here, we review basic, preclinical and clinical observations supporting approaches to improving immune responses through the use of iNKT cell-activating glycolipids. Results from preclinical animal studies and preliminary clinical studies in humans identify many promising applications for this approach in the development of vaccines and novel immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro J Carreño
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Christaki E, Giamarellos-Bourboulis EJ. The complex pathogenesis of bacteremia: from antimicrobial clearance mechanisms to the genetic background of the host. Virulence 2013; 5:57-65. [PMID: 24067507 PMCID: PMC3916384 DOI: 10.4161/viru.26514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteremia develops when bacteria manage to escape the host immune mechanisms or when the otherwise well-orchestrated immune response fails to control bacterial spread due to inherent or acquired immune defects that are associated with susceptibility to infection. The pathogenesis of bacteremia has some characteristic features that are influenced by the genetic signature of the host. In this review, the host defense mechanisms that help prevent bacteremia will be described and the populations who are at risk because of congenital or acquired deficiencies in such mechanisms will be defined. A special mention will be made to novel insights regarding host immune defense against the most commonly isolated organisms from patients with community-acquired bloodstream infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Christaki
- Third Department of Internal Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Papageorgiou General Hospital; Thessaloniki, Greece; Infectious Diseases Division; Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; Providence, RI USA
| | - Evangelos J Giamarellos-Bourboulis
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine; Medical School; University of Athens; Athens, Greece; Integrated Research and Treatment Center; Center for Sepsis Control and Care; Jena University Hospital; Jena, Germany
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10
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Retracted: NKT Cells in Sepsis. Clin Dev Immunol 2012. [DOI: 10.1155/2012/501041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Karvunidis T, Chvojka J, Lysak D, Sykora R, Krouzecky A, Radej J, Novak I, Matejovic M. Septic shock and chemotherapy-induced cytopenia: effects on microcirculation. Intensive Care Med 2012; 38:1336-44. [PMID: 22584795 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-012-2582-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neutrophil and platelet activation and their interactions with endothelial cells are considered central features of sepsis-induced microcirculatory alterations. However, no study has evaluated the microvascular pattern of septic shock patients with chemotherapy-induced severe cytopenia. METHODS Demographic and hemodynamic variables together with sublingual microcirculation recording [orthogonal polarization spectral imaging enhanced by sidestream dark-field technology (OPS-SDF) videomicroscopy] were collected in four groups of subjects: septic shock (SS, N = 9), septic shock in cytopenic patients (NSS, N = 8), cytopenia without infection (NEUTR, N = 7), and healthy controls (CTRL, N = 13). Except for controls, all measurements were repeated after complete resolution of septic shock and/or neutropenia. Video files were processed using appropriate software tool and semiquantitatively evaluated [total vascular density (TVD, mm/mm(2)), perfused vessel density (PVD, mm/mm(2)), proportion of perfused vessels (PPV, %), mean flow index (MFI), and flow heterogeneity index (FHI)]. RESULTS Compared with controls, there were statistically significant microcirculatory alterations within all tested groups of patients (TVD: SS = 8.8, NSS = 8.8, NEUTR = 9.1 versus CTRL = 12.6, p < 0.001; PVD: SS = 6.3, NSS = 6.1, NEUTR = 6.9 versus CTRL = 12.5, p < 0.001; PPV: SS = 71.6, NSS = 68.9, NEUTR = 73.3 versus CTRL = 98.7, p < 0.001; MFI: SS = 2.1, NSS = 1.9, NEUTR = 2.1 versus CTRL = 3.0, p < 0.05; FHI: SS = 1.0, NSS = 0.9, NEUTR = 0.6 versus CTRL = 0.0, p < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between SS, NSS, and NEUTR groups at baseline. Incomplete restoration of microcirculatory perfusion was observed after septic shock and/or neutropenia resolution with a trend towards better recovery in MFI and FHI variables in NSS as compared with SS patients. CONCLUSIONS Microvascular derangements in septic shock did not differ between noncytopenic and cytopenic patients. Our data might suggest that profound neutropenia and thrombocytopenia do not render microcirculation more resistant to sepsis-induced microvascular alterations. The role and mechanisms of microvascular alterations associated with chemotherapy-induced cytopenia warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Karvunidis
- 1st Department of Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Charles University in Prague, Medical School and Teaching Hospital in Pilsen, Alej Svobody 80, 304 60 Pilsen, Czech Republic
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Pre-inflammatory Mediators and Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Preterm Neonates with Sepsis. Inflammation 2011; 35:1094-101. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-011-9416-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Watkins RR, Yamshchikov AV, Lemonovich TL, Salata RA. The role of vitamin D deficiency in sepsis and potential therapeutic implications. J Infect 2011; 63:321-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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14
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Zhou L, Park JJ, Zheng Q, Dong Z, Mi Q. MicroRNAs are key regulators controlling iNKT and regulatory T-cell development and function. Cell Mol Immunol 2011; 8:380-7. [PMID: 21822298 PMCID: PMC4012887 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2011.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of evolutionarily conserved, small, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate expression of their target genes. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs are important regulators that control the development, differentiation and function of different immune cells. Both CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are critical for immune homeostasis and play a pivotal role in the maintenance of self-tolerance and immunity. Here, we review the important roles of miRNAs in the development and function of iNKT and Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Henry Ford Immunology Program, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
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