CCL5/CCR5-mediated peripheral inflammation exacerbates blood‒brain barrier disruption after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice

Gastrodin against oxidative stress-inflammation crosstalk via inhibiting mtDNA/TLR9 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling to ameliorate ischemic stroke injury

The pathway of Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (termed as JAK2/STAT3) plays an active role in stroke-related inflammation induced by ischemic stress. Gastrodin, the primary compound in Gastrodia elata Bl, has been identified for its notable neuroprotective effects and demonstrated to ameliorate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion but its exact mechanisms governing this defense are still unclear. This study aims to investigate whether gastrodin can regulate mitochondrial function via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway to limit cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. In vivo, gastrodin significantly reduced infarct volume, improved neurobiological function, attenuated neuronal apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, mtDNA leakage, and inflammatory responses. At the cellular level, gastrodin administration rescued OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mechanistically, gastrodin notably suppressed Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) expression, important for the recognition of disrupted endogenous DNA to produce inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, gastrodin mitigated inflammation by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling, influencing inflammatory factors to aggravate inflammation. Notably, the effects of gastrodin were abolished by Coumermycin A1 (C-A1), a JAK2 agonist, validating the role of JAK2/STAT3 signaling. In summary, gastrodin enhances the protective effect against mitochondrial damage in ischemic stroke by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Gastrodin is a possible therapy for cerebral ischemia.

Aconitate decarboxylase 1 mediates the acute airway inflammatory response to environmental exposures

Background

Environmental lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and microbial component-enriched organic dusts cause significant lung disease. These environmental exposures induce the recruitment and activation of distinct lung monocyte/macrophage subpopulations involved in disease pathogenesis. Aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1) was one of the most upregulated genes following LPS (vs. saline) exposure of murine whole lungs with transcriptomic profiling of sorted lung monocyte/macrophage subpopulations also highlighting its significance. Given monocyte/macrophage activation can be tightly linked to metabolism, the objective of these studies was to determine the role of the immunometabolic regulator ACOD1 in environmental exposure-induced lung inflammation.

Methods

Wild-type (WT) mice were intratracheally (i.t.) instilled with 10 μg of LPS or saline. Whole lungs were profiled using bulk RNA sequencing or sorted to isolate monocyte/macrophage subpopulations. Sorted subpopulations were then characterized transcriptomically using a NanoString innate immunity multiplex array 48 h post-exposure. Next, WT and Acod1-/- mice were instilled with LPS, 25% organic dust extract (ODE), or saline, whereupon serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissues were collected. BALF metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were quantified by mass spectrometry. Cytokines/chemokines and tissue remodeling mediators were quantitated by ELISA. Lung immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Invasive lung function testing was performed 3 h post-LPS with WT and Acod1-/- mice.

Results

Acod1-/- mice treated with LPS demonstrated decreased BALF levels of itaconate, TCA cycle reprogramming, decreased BALF neutrophils, increased lung CD4+ T cells, decreased BALF and lung levels of TNF-α, and decreased BALF CXCL1 compared to WT animals. In comparison, Acod1-/- mice treated with ODE demonstrated decreased serum pentraxin-2, BALF levels of itaconate, lung total cell, neutrophil, monocyte, and B-cell infiltrates with decreased BALF levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and decreased lung CXCL1 vs. WT animals. Mediators of tissue remodeling (TIMP1, MMP-8, MMP-9) were also decreased in the LPS-exposed Acod1-/- mice, with MMP-9 also reduced in ODE-exposed Acod1-/- mice. Lung function assessments demonstrated a blunted response to LPS-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in Acod1-/- animals.

Conclusion

Acod1 is robustly upregulated in the lungs following LPS exposure and encodes a key immunometabolic regulator. ACOD1 mediates the proinflammatory response to acute inhaled environmental LPS and organic dust exposure-induced lung inflammation.

Modulation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression: the impact of CCR7 on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Existing studies have already revealed the involvement of C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) in diverse human cancers, including esophageal cell squamous carcinoma (ESCA). Our current study, aims to explore the relevant mechanisms implicated.

METHODS

ESCA cell lines were collected for CCR7 expression quantification using western blot. Following the transfection, the viability, migration and invasion of ESCA cells were evaluated via cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays. The specific molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of CCR7 in ESCA cells were explored via calculating the expressions of proteins related to metastasis and Janus kinase 2/signal transduction and transcription activation 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway via western blot. The correlation between CCR7 and metastasis-related proteins was explored via Pearson's correlation test.

RESULTS

CCR7 was high-expressed in ESCA cells and CCR7 knockdown repressed the viability, migration and invasion of ESCA cells, concurrent with the increased expression of E-cadherin (E-cad, which was also known as CDH1 and lowly expressed in ESCA cells) and the decreased expressions of vimentin (Vim, which was highly expressed in ESCA cells) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, which was also highly expressed in ESCA cells). Meanwhile, CCR7 was positively correlated with Vim and MMP-9 yet negatively correlated with E-cad in ESCA cells, which indicated that CCR7 has a role in promoting tumor progression in ESCA cells. Besides, the phosphorylation of STAT3 and JAK2 in ESCA cells was elevated, which was diminished following CCR7 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

This study proves the modulation of CCR7 on ESCA in vitro, which was achieved via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our discovery will provide new therapeutic basis and insights for ESCA.

Perihematomal Neurovascular Protection: Blocking HSP90 Reduces Blood Infiltration Associated with Inflammatory Effects Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rates

The active hemorrhage surrounding the hematoma is caused by the infiltration of blood into the cerebral parenchyma through the ruptured vessel, including the compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB). This process is thought to be mainly driven by inflammation and serves as a significant pathological characteristic that contributes to the neurological deterioration observed in individuals with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) exhibits abnormally high expression levels in various diseases and is closely associated with the onset of inflammation. Here, we found that blocking HSP90 effectively alleviates the inflammatory damage to BBB and subsequent bleeding around the hematoma. We have observed increased HSP90 levels in the serum of patients with ICH and the perihematoma region in ICH rats. Treatment with anti-HSP90 drugs (Geldanamycin and radicicol) effectively reduced HSP90 levels, resulting in enhanced neurological outcomes, decreased hematoma volume, and prevented peripheral immune cells from adhering to the BBB and infiltrating the brain parenchyma surrounding the hematoma in ICH rats. Mechanistically, anti-HSP90 therapy alleviated BBB injury caused by ICH-induced inflammation by suppressing TLR4 signaling. The study highlights the potential of anti-HSP90 therapy in mitigating BBB disruption and hemorrhage surrounding the hematoma, providing new insights into the management of ICH by targeting HSP90.

CCR5 antagonist maraviroc alleviates doxorubicin-induced neuroinflammation and neurobehavioral deficiency by regulating NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling in a breast cancer mouse model

The chemotherapeutic agent Doxorubicin (DOX) is known to cause chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI). Maraviroc, a potent C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) antagonist, shows neuroprotective properties, while its role in CICI remains unclear. This study determined the therapeutic potential of maraviroc on CICI. Adult C57BL/6J mice with implanted breast cancer cells received four weekly intraperitoneal injections of saline (Control group), 5 mg/kg DOX (DOX group), 10 mg/kg maraviroc (MVC group), or 5 mg/kg DOX with 10 mg/kg maraviroc (DOX + MVC group). The Morris Water Maze (MWM) was used for neurobehavioural test. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the expressions of inflammatory markers, apoptosis-related proteins, and synaptic-related proteins. The volume and weight of tumor were also evaluated after treatments. DOX treatment significantly increased chemokines (CCL3, CCL4) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) in tumor-bearing mice hippocampus. While maraviroc administration reduced hippocampal proinflammatory factors compared to the DOX group. Furthermore, it also lowered apoptosis markers, restored synaptic proteins levels, and inhibited the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. Accordingly, maraviroc treatment significantly improved DOX-induced neurobehavioural impairments as evidenced by an increased number of platform crossings and percentage of target quadrant time in the MWM test. Additionally, when combined with DOX, maraviroc had additional inhibitory effects on tumor growth. These findings suggest that maraviroc can mitigate DOX-induced CICI by suppressing elevated proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines through the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, potentially offering an anti-tumor benefit. This research presents a promising therapeutic approach for DOX-induced CICI, enhancing the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments.

Silencing CXCL16 alleviate neuroinflammation and M1 microglial polarization in mouse brain hemorrhage model and BV2 cell model through PI3K/AKT pathway

Neuroinflammation and microglia polarization play pivotal roles in brain injury induced by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Despite the well-established involvement of CXC motif chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) in regulating inflammatory responses across various diseases, its specific functions in the context of neuroinflammation and microglial polarization following ICH remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the impact of CXCL16 on neuroinflammation and microglia polarization using both mouse and cell models. Our findings revealed elevated CXCL16 expression in mice following ICH and in BV2 cells after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Specific silencing of CXCL16 using siRNA led to a reduction in the expression of neuroinflammatory factors, including IL-1β and IL-6, as well as decreased expression of the M1 microglia marker iNOS. Simultaneously, it enhanced the expression of anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-10 and the M2 microglia marker Arg-1. These results were consistent across both mouse and cell models. Intriguingly, co-administration of the PI3K-specific agonist 740 Y-P with siRNA in LPS-stimulated cells reversed the effects of siRNA. In conclusion, silencing CXCL16 can positively alleviate neuroinflammation and M1 microglial polarization in BV2 inflammation models and ICH mice. Furthermore, in BV2 cells, this beneficial effect is mediated through the PI3K/Akt pathway. Inhibition of CXCL16 could be a novel approach for treating and diagnosing cerebral hemorrhage.

Stress and the gut-brain axis: an inflammatory perspective

The gut-brain axis (GBA) plays a dominant role in maintaining homeostasis as well as contributes to mental health maintenance. The pathways that underpin the axis expand from macroscopic interactions with the nervous system, to the molecular signals that include microbial metabolites, tight junction protein expression, or cytokines released during inflammation. The dysfunctional GBA has been repeatedly linked to the occurrence of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors development. The importance of the inflammatory aspects of the altered GBA has recently been highlighted in the literature. Here we summarize current reports on GBA signaling which involves the immune response within the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB). We also emphasize the effect of stress response on altering barriers' permeability, and the therapeutic potential of microbiota restoration by probiotic administration or microbiota transplantation, based on the latest animal studies. Most research performed on various stress models showed an association between anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, dysbiosis of gut microbiota, and disruption of intestinal permeability with simultaneous changes in BBB integrity. It could be postulated that under stress conditions impaired communication across BBB may therefore represent a significant mechanism allowing the gut microbiota to affect brain functions.

Immune-mediated disruption of the blood-brain barrier after intracerebral hemorrhage: Insights and potential therapeutic targets

AIMS

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a condition that arises due to the rupture of cerebral blood vessels, leading to the flow of blood into the brain tissue. One of the pathological alterations that occurs during an acute ICH is an impairment of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which leads to severe perihematomal edema and an immune response.

DISCUSSION

A complex interplay between the cells of the BBB, for example, pericytes, astrocytes, and brain endothelial cells, with resident and infiltrating immune cells, such as microglia, monocytes, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and others accounts for both damaging and protective mechanisms at the BBB following ICH. However, the precise immunological influence of BBB disruption has yet to be richly ascertained, especially at various stages of ICH.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the changes in different cell types and molecular components of the BBB associated with immune-inflammatory responses during ICH. Furthermore, it highlights promising immunoregulatory therapies to protect the integrity of the BBB after ICH. By offering a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind BBB damage linked to cellular and molecular immunoinflammatory responses after ICH, this article aimed to accelerate the identification of potential therapeutic targets and expedite further translational research.

Role of Regulatory T Cells in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common cerebrovascular disease that can lead to severe neurological dysfunction in surviving patients, resulting in a heavy burden on patients and their families. When ICH occurs, the blood‒brain barrier is disrupted, thereby promoting immune cell migration into damaged brain tissue. As important immunosuppressive T cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells are involved in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and the suppression of immune responses after ICH. Treg cells mitigate brain tissue damage after ICH in a variety of ways, such as inhibiting the neuroinflammatory response, protecting against blood‒brain barrier damage, reducing oxidative stress damage and promoting nerve repair. In this review, we discuss the changes in Treg cells in ICH clinical patients and experimental animals, the mechanisms by which Treg cells regulate ICH and treatments targeting Treg cells in ICH, aiming to support new therapeutic strategies for clinical treatment.

Cannabinoids' Role in Modulating Central and Peripheral Immunity in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Cannabinoids (the endocannabinoids, the synthetic cannabinoids, and the phytocannabinoids) are well known for their various pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory features, which are fundamentally important for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The aging of the global population is causing an increase in these diseases that require the development of effective drugs to be even more urgent. Taking into account the unavailability of effective drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, it seems appropriate to consider the role of cannabinoids in the treatment of these diseases. To our knowledge, few reviews are devoted to cannabinoids' impact on modulating central and peripheral immunity in neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this review is to provide the best possible information about the cannabinoid receptors and immuno-modulation features, peripheral immune modulation by cannabinoids, cannabinoid-based therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders, and the future development prospects of making cannabinoids versatile tools in the pursuit of effective drugs.

Evaluating CXCL12 for Effects on Reactive Gene Expression in Primary Astrocytes

Upon injury to the CNS, astrocytes undergo morphological and functional changes commonly referred to as astrocyte reactivity. Notably, these reactive processes include altered expression of factors that control immune processes and neuronal survival, as well as increased expression of the CXCL12 receptor, CXCR7/ACKR3. We now asked whether these events are related in that the astrocytic CXCL12 system modulates immune responses and/or neuronal survival. Short-term exposure of astrocytes cultured from the postnatal rat cortex to CXCL12 prominently increased the expression of serpine1/PAI1 on the mRNA level, but showed either no or only minor effects on the expression of additional reactive genes, selected from previous array studies. CXCL12-induced increases in PAI1 protein levels were only detectable in the additional presence of chemokines/cytokines, suggesting that translation of serpine1 mRNA depends on the cooperation of various factors. As expected, expression of most of the selected genes increased after acute or chronic activation of astrocytes with either LPS or a combination of IL-1β and TNFα. CXCL12 partially attenuated expression of some of the LPS and IL-1β/TNFα-induced genes under acute conditions, in particular those encoding CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and CCL5. Taken together, these findings argue for the involvement of the astrocyte CXCL12 system in the control of the immune response of the injured CNS, where it may control distinct steps.

[Relationship Between the Migration of Endogenous Neural Stem Cells and the Pattern of Change in Immune Cell Phenotypes in the Microenvironment After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats]

Objective

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the second most common type of stroke, can cause long-lasting disability in the afflicted patients. The study was conducted to examine the patterns of change in endogenous neural stem cells (eNSCs) and in the regenerative microenvironment after ICH, to observe the relationship between the migration of eNSCs and the pattern of change in the polarization state of immune cells in the microenvironment, and provide a research basis for research on clinical nerve repair.

Methods

The collagenase injection method was used for modeling. The ICH model was induced in adult female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by injecting type VII collagenase (2 U) into the brain tissue of rats. All the experimental rats weighed 280-300 g. In order to simulate the ICU at different time points, including the acute phase (within 1 week), subacute phase (1-3 weeks), and the chronic phase (over 3 weeks), brain tissues were harvested at 3 day post injection (3 DPI), 10 DPI, 20 DPI, and 30 DPI to evaluate the modeling effect. Immunofluorescence staining of the brain tissue sections was performed with DCX antibody to observe the pattern of change in the migration of eNSCs in the brain tissue at different time points. Immunofluorescence staining of brain tissue sections was performed with CD206 antibody and CD86 antibody for respective observation of the pattern of change in pro-inflammatory (M1-type) and anti-inflammatory (M2-type) immune cells in the regenerative microenvironment of the brain tissue after ICM.

Results

Spontaneous ICH was successfully induced by injecting type Ⅶ collagenase into the brain tissue of SD rats. The volume of the hematoma formed started to gradually increase at 3 DPI and reached its maximum at 10 DPI. After that, the hematoma was gradually absorbed and was completely absorbed by 30 DPI. Analysis of the pattern of changes in eNSCs in the brain tissue showed that a small number of eNSCs were activated at 3 DPI, but very soon their number started to decrease. By 10 DPI, eNSCs gradually began to increase. A large number of eNSCs migrated to the hemorrhage site at 20 DPI. Then the number of eNSCs decreased significantly at 30 DPI (P<0.01). Analysis of the immune microenvironment of the brain tissue showed that pro-inflammatory (M1 type) immune cells increased significantly at 10 and 20 DPI (P<0.01) and decreased at 30 DPI. Anti-inflammatory (M2 type) immune cells began to increase gradually at 3 DPI, decreased significantly at 20 DPI (P<0.05), and then showed an increase at 30 DPI.

Conclusion

After ICH in rats, eNSCs migrating toward the site of ICH first increase and then decrease. The immune microenvironment demonstrates a pattern of change in which inflammation is suppressed at first, then promoted, and finally suppressed again. Inflammation may have a stimulatory effect on the migration of eNSCs, but excessive inflammatory activation has an inhibitory effect on the differentiation and further activation of eNSCs. After ICH, the early stage of repair and protection (10 d) and the subacute phase (20 d) may provide the best opportunities for intervention.

Peroxiredoxin II exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress-induced neuronal pyroptosis

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a critical neurological condition with few treatment options, where secondary immune responses and specific cell death forms, like pyroptosis, worsen brain damage. Pyroptosis involves gasdermin-mediated membrane pores, increasing inflammation and neural harm, with the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway being central to this process. Peroxiredoxin II (Prx II), recognized for its mitochondrial protection and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging abilities, appears as a promising neuronal pyroptosis modulator. However, its exact role and action mechanisms need clearer definition. This research aims to explore Prx II impact on neuronal pyroptosis and elucidate its mechanisms, especially regarding endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage modulation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Utilizing MTT assays, Microscopy, Hoechst/PI staining, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, we found Prx II effectively reduces LPS/ATP-induced pyroptosis and neuroinflammation in HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells. Our results indicate Prx II's neuroprotective actions are mediated through PI3K/AKT activation and ER stress pathway inhibition, diminishing mitochondrial dysfunction and decreasing neuronal pyroptosis through the ROS/MAPK/NF-κB pathway. These findings highlight Prx II potential therapeutic value in improving intracerebral hemorrhage outcomes by lessening secondary brain injury via critical signaling pathway modulation involved in neuronal pyroptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study not only underlines Prx II importance in neuroprotection but also opens new therapeutic intervention avenues in intracerebral hemorrhage, stressing the complex interplay between redox regulation, ER stress, and mitochondrial dynamics in neuroinflammation and cell death management.

Iron/ROS/Itga3 mediated accelerated depletion of hippocampal neural stem cell pool contributes to cognitive impairment after hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke, specifically intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), has been implicated in the development of persistent cognitive impairment, significantly compromising the quality of life for affected individuals. Nevertheless, the precise underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report for the first time that the accumulation of iron within the hippocampus, distal to the site of ICH in the striatum, is causally linked to the observed cognitive impairment with both clinical patient data and animal model. Both susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) demonstrated significant iron accumulation in the hippocampus of ICH patients, which is far from the actual hematoma. Logistical regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis identified iron level as an independent risk factor with a negative correlation with post-ICH cognitive impairment. Using a mouse model of ICH, we demonstrated that iron accumulation triggers an excessive activation of neural stem cells (NSCs). This overactivation subsequently leads to the depletion of the NSC pool, diminished neurogenesis, and the onset of progressive cognitive dysfunction. Mechanistically, iron accumulation elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which downregulated the expression of Itga3. Notably, pharmacological chelation of iron accumulation or scavenger of aberrant ROS levels, as well as conditionally overexpressed Itga3 in NSCs, remarkably attenuated the exhaustion of NSC pool, abnormal neurogenesis and cognitive decline in the mouse model of ICH. Together, these results provide molecular insights into ICH-induced cognitive impairment, shedding light on the value of maintaining NSC pool in preventing cognitive dysfunction in patients with hemorrhagic stroke or related conditions.

Delayed CCL23 response is associated with poor outcomes after cardiac arrest

Chemokines, a family of chemotactic cytokines, mediate leukocyte migration to and entrance into inflamed tissue, contributing to the intensity of local inflammation. We performed an analysis of chemokine and immune cell responses to cardiac arrest (CA). Forty-two patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest were analyzed, and twenty-two patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery were enrolled. Quantitative antibody array, chemokines, and endotoxin quantification were performed using the patients blood. Analysis of CCL23 production in neutrophils obtained from CA patients and injected into immunodeficient mice after CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were done using flow cytometry. The levels of CCL2, CCL4, and CCL23 are increased in CA patients. Temporal dynamics were different for each chemokine, with early increases in CCL2 and CCL4, followed by a delayed elevation in CCL23 at forty-eight hours after CA. A high level of CCL23 was associated with an increased number of neutrophils, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), worse cerebral performance category (CPC) score, and higher mortality. To investigate the role of neutrophil activation locally in injured brain tissue, we used a mouse model of CA/CPR. CCL23 production was increased in human neutrophils that infiltrated mouse brains compared to those in the peripheral circulation. It is known that an early intense inflammatory response (within hours) is associated with poor outcomes after CA. Our data indicate that late activation of neutrophils in brain tissue may also promote ongoing injury via the production of CCL23 and impair recovery after cardiac arrest.

CCR5 and inflammatory storm

Chemokines and their corresponding receptors play crucial roles in orchestrating inflammatory and immune responses, particularly in the context of pathological conditions disrupting the internal environment. Among these receptors, CCR5 has garnered considerable attention due to its significant involvement in the inflammatory cascade, serving as a pivotal mediator of neuroinflammation and other inflammatory pathways associated with various diseases. However, a notable gap persists in comprehending the intricate mechanisms governing the interplay between CCR5 and its ligands across diverse and intricate inflammatory pathologies. Further exploration is warranted, especially concerning the inflammatory cascade instigated by immune cell infiltration and the precise binding sites within signaling pathways. This study aims to illuminate the regulatory axes modulating signaling pathways in inflammatory cells by providing a comprehensive overview of the pathogenic processes associated with CCR5 and its ligands across various disorders. The primary focus lies on investigating the pathomechanisms associated with CCR5 in disorders related to neuroinflammation, alongside the potential impact of aging on these processes and therapeutic interventions. The discourse culminates in addressing current challenges and envisaging potential future applications, advocating for innovative research endeavors to advance our comprehension of this realm.

Edaravone dexborneol alleviates ischemic injury and neuroinflammation by modulating microglial and astrocyte polarization while inhibiting leukocyte infiltration

Poststroke inflammation is essential in the mechanism of secondary injury, and it is orchestrated by resident microglia, astrocytes, and circulating immune cells. Edaravone dexborneol (EDB) is a combination of edaravone and borneol that has been identified as a clinical protectant for stroke management. In this study, we verified the anti-inflammatory effect of EDB in the mouse model of ischemia and investigated its modulatory action on inflammation-related cells. C57BL/6 male mice, which had the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), were treated (i.p.) with EDB (15 mg/kg). EDB administration significantly reduced the brain infarction and improved the sensorimotor function after stroke. And EDB alleviated the neuroinflammation by restraining the polarization of microglia/macrophages and astrocyte toward proinflammatory phenotype and inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) and chemokines (including MCP-1 and CXCL1). Furthermore, EDB ameliorated the MCAO-induced impairment of Blood-brain barrier (BBB) by suppressing the degradation of tight junction protein and attenuated the accumulation of peripheral leukocytes in the ischemic brain. Additionally, systemic EDB administration inhibited the macrophage phenotypic shift toward the M1 phenotype and the macrophage-dependent inflammatory response in the spleen and blood. Collectively, EDB protects against ischemic stroke injury by inhibiting the proinflammatory activation of microglia/macrophages and astrocytes and through reduction by invasion of circulating immune cells, which reduces central and peripheral inflammation following stroke.

CC Chemokine Family Members' Modulation as a Novel Approach for Treating Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System Injury-A Review of Clinical and Experimental Findings

Despite significant progress in modern medicine and pharmacology, damage to the nervous system with various etiologies still poses a challenge to doctors and scientists. Injuries lead to neuroimmunological changes in the central nervous system (CNS), which may result in both secondary damage and the development of tactile and thermal hypersensitivity. In our review, based on the analysis of many experimental and clinical studies, we indicate that the mechanisms occurring both at the level of the brain after direct damage and at the level of the spinal cord after peripheral nerve damage have a common immunological basis. This suggests that there are opportunities for similar pharmacological therapeutic interventions in the damage of various etiologies. Experimental data indicate that after CNS/PNS damage, the levels of 16 among the 28 CC-family chemokines, i.e., CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL6, CCL7, CCL8, CCL9, CCL11, CCL12, CCL17, CCL19, CCL20, CCL21, and CCL22, increase in the brain and/or spinal cord and have strong proinflammatory and/or pronociceptive effects. According to the available literature data, further investigation is still needed for understanding the role of the remaining chemokines, especially six of them which were found in humans but not in mice/rats, i.e., CCL13, CCL14, CCL15, CCL16, CCL18, and CCL23. Over the past several years, the results of studies in which available pharmacological tools were used indicated that blocking individual receptors, e.g., CCR1 (J113863 and BX513), CCR2 (RS504393, CCX872, INCB3344, and AZ889), CCR3 (SB328437), CCR4 (C021 and AZD-2098), and CCR5 (maraviroc, AZD-5672, and TAK-220), has beneficial effects after damage to both the CNS and PNS. Recently, experimental data have proved that blockades exerted by double antagonists CCR1/3 (UCB 35625) and CCR2/5 (cenicriviroc) have very good anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. In addition, both single (J113863, RS504393, SB328437, C021, and maraviroc) and dual (cenicriviroc) chemokine receptor antagonists enhanced the analgesic effect of opioid drugs. This review will display the evidence that a multidirectional strategy based on the modulation of neuronal-glial-immune interactions can significantly improve the health of patients after CNS and PNS damage by changing the activity of chemokines belonging to the CC family. Moreover, in the case of pain, the combined administration of such antagonists with opioid drugs could reduce therapeutic doses and minimize the risk of complications.

Toxicogenomics of the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5): Exploring the potential impacts of chemical-CCR5 interactions on inflammation and human health

This article explores the impact of environmental chemicals on CCR5 expression and related inflammatory responses based on curated data from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). A total of 143 CCR5-interacting chemicals was found, with 229 chemical interactions. Of note, 67 (29.3%) out of 229 interactions resulted in "increased expression" of CCR5 mRNA or CCR5 protein, and 42 (18.3%) chemical interactions resulted in "decreased expression". The top-5 CCR5-interacting chemicals were "Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin", "Lipopolysaccharides", "Benzo(a)pyrene", "Drugs, Chinese Herbal", and "Ethinyl Estradiol". Based on the number of interactions and importance as environmental contaminant, we then focused our analysis on Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin and Benzo(a)pyrene. There is some consistency in the data supporting an increase in CCR5 expression triggered by Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin; although data concerning CCR5-Benzo(a)pyrene interactions is limited. Considering the high linkage disequilibrium between CCR5 and CCR2 genes, we also search for chemicals that interact with both genes, which resulted in 72 interacting chemicals, representing 50.3% of the 143 CCR5-interacting chemicals and 37.5% of the 192 CCR2-interacting chemicals. In conclusion, CTD data showed that environmental contaminants indeed affect CCR5 expression, with a tendency towards increased expression. The interaction of environmental contaminants with other chemokine receptor genes may potentialize their toxic effects on the chemokine system, favoring inflammation.

RNA sequencing reveals differential long noncoding RNA expression profiles in bacterial and viral meningitis in children

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the involvement of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in bacterial and viral meningitis in children.

METHODS

The peripheral blood of five bacterial meningitis patients, five viral meningitis samples, and five healthy individuals were collected for RNA sequencing. Then, the differentially expressed lncRNA and mRNA were detected in bacterial meningitis vs. controls, viral meningitis vs. healthy samples, and bacterial vs. viral meningitis patients. Besides, co-expression and the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, 2 lncRNAs and 32 mRNAs were identified in bacterial meningitis patients, and 115 lncRNAs and 54 mRNAs were detected in viral meningitis. Compared with bacterial meningitis, 165 lncRNAs and 765 mRNAs were identified in viral meningitis. 2 lncRNAs and 31 mRNAs were specific to bacterial meningitis, and 115 lncRNAs and 53 mRNAs were specific to viral meningitis. The function enrichment results indicated that these mRNAs were involved in innate immune response, inflammatory response, and immune system process. A total of 8 and 1401 co-expression relationships were respectively found in bacterial and viral meningitis groups. The ceRNA networks contained 1 lncRNA-mRNA pair and 4 miRNA-mRNA pairs in viral meningitis group. GPR68 and KIF5C, identified in bacterial meningitis co-expression analysis, had an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.00, while the AUC of OR52K2 and CCR5 is 0.883 and 0.698, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research is the first to profile the lncRNAs in bacterial and viral meningitis in children and may provide new insight into understanding meningitis regulatory mechanisms.

CCL5 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Background

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the urinary system. There is an urgent need for further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of bladder cancer (BC) progression. It has been observed that C-C chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) and its receptor C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) are expressed abnormally and activated in solid tumors and hematological malignancies, which is gaining increasing attention. However, the underlying mechanism of CCL5 in BC remains unclear.

Methods

The expression levels of CCL5 were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot. Proliferation analysis of cells was carried out using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The assessment of the migration was conducted using a wound-healing assay. A Matrigel-coated transwell chamber was used to test cell invasiveness. A subcutaneous transplantation tumor model and tail vein injection pulmonary metastasis tumor model were used to evaluate the proliferation and metastasis of BC cell in vivo.

Results

This study showed that CCL5 promotes proliferative, migratory, and tumor-growing BC cells in vitro and tumor metastasizing BC cells in vivo. Moreover, we found that the tumor-promotive role of CCL5 is dependent on activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

CCL5 may play an oncogenic role in BC and may also serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

The Renin-Angiotensin System: The Challenge behind Autoimmune Dermatological Diseases

Autoimmune dermatological diseases (AIDD) encompass a diverse group of disorders characterized by aberrant immune responses targeting the skin and its associated structures. In recent years, emerging evidence suggests a potential involvement of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. RAS is a multicomponent cascade, primarily known for its role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. All of the RAS components play an important role in controlling inflammation and other immune responses. Angiotensin II, the main effector, acts on two essential receptors: Angiotensin Receptor 1 and 2 (AT1R and AT2R). A disturbance in the axis can lead to many pathological processes, including autoimmune (AI) diseases. AT1R activation triggers diverse signaling cascades involved in inflammation, fibrosis and tissue remodeling. Experimental studies have demonstrated the presence of AT1R in various cutaneous cells and immune cells, further emphasizing its potential contribution to the AI processes in the skin. Furthermore, recent investigations have highlighted the role of other RAS components, beyond angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and Ang II, that may contribute to the pathophysiology of AIDD. Alternative pathways involving ACE2, Ang receptors and Ang-(1-7) have been implicated in regulating immune responses and tissue homeostasis within the skin microenvironment. Understanding the intricate involvement of the RAS in AIDD may provide novel therapeutic opportunities. Targeting specific components of the RAS, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) or alternative RAS pathway modulators, could potentially ameliorate inflammatory responses, reduce tissue damage and lessen disease manifestations. Further research is warranted to outline the exact mechanisms underlying RAS-mediated immune dysregulation in AIDD. This abstract aims to provide a concise overview of the intricate interplay between the RAS and AIDD. Therefore, we elaborate a systematic review of the potential challenge of RAS in the AIDD, including psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, vitiligo, lupus erythematosus and many more.

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption after Stroke

Growing evidence has proved that alterations in the gut microbiota have been linked to neurological disorders including stroke. Structural and functional disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is observed after stroke. In this context, there is pioneering evidence supporting that gut microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of stroke by regulating the BBB function. However, only a few experimental studies have been performed on stroke models to observe the BBB by altering the structure of gut microbiota, which warrant further exploration. Therefore, in order to provide a novel mechanism for stroke and highlight new insights into BBB modification as a stroke intervention, this review summarizes existing evidence of the relationship between gut microbiota and BBB integrity and discusses the mechanisms of gut microbiota on BBB dysfunction and its role in stroke.