Aging modifies endometrial dendritic cell function and unconventional double negative T cells in the human genital mucosa

Decoding Functional and Developmental Trajectories of Tissue-Resident Uterine Dendritic Cells Through Integrative Omics

Uterine dendritic cells (uDCs) are critical for endometrial function, yet their origin, molecular characteristics, and specific roles during the pre- and post-implantation periods in the human endometrium remain largely unknown. The complexity of the endometrial environment makes defining the contributions of uDCs subtypes challenging. We hypothesize that distinct uDC subsets carry out specialized functions, and that resident progenitor DCs generate these subtypes. Employing single-cell RNA sequencing on uterine tissues collected across different menstrual phases and during early pregnancy, we identify several uDCs subtypes, including resident progenitor DCs. CITE-seq was performed on endometrial single-cell suspensions to link surface protein expression with key genes identified by the RNAseq analysis. Our analysis revealed the developmental trajectory of the uDCs along with the distinct functional roles of each uDC subtype, including immune regulation, antigen presentation, and creating a conducive environment for embryo implantation. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of uDCs, serving as a foundational reference for future studies for better understanding female reproductive disorders such as infertility and pregnancy complications.

Human genital dendritic cell heterogeneity confers differential rapid response to HIV-1 exposure

Dendritic cells (DCs) play critical roles in HIV pathogenesis and require further investigation in the female genital tract, a main portal of entry for HIV infection. Here we characterized genital DC populations at the single cell level and how DC subsets respond to HIV immediately following exposure. We found that the genital CD11c+HLA-DR+ myeloid population contains three DC subsets (CD1c+ DC2s, CD14+ monocyte-derived DCs and CD14+CD1c+ DC3s) and two monocyte/macrophage populations with distinct functional and phenotypic properties during homeostasis. Following HIV exposure, the antiviral response was dominated by DCs' rapid secretory response, activation of non-classical inflammatory pathways and host restriction factors. Further, we uncovered subset-specific differences in anti-HIV responses. CD14+ DCs were the main population activated by HIV and mediated the secretory antimicrobial response, while CD1c+ DC2s activated inflammasome pathways and IFN responses. Identification of subset-specific responses to HIV immediately after exposure could aid targeted strategies to prevent HIV infection.

Impact of aging on the frequency, phenotype, and function of CD4+ T cells in the human female reproductive tract

Since CD4+ T cells are essential for regulating adaptive immune responses and for long lasting mucosal protection, changes in CD4+ T cell numbers and function are likely to affect protective immunity. What remains unclear is whether CD4+ T cell composition and function in the female reproductive tract (FRT) changes as women age. Here we investigated the changes in the composition and function of CD4+ T cells in the endometrium (EM), endocervix (CX), and ectocervix (ECX) with aging. We observed a significant decrease in both the total number and percentage of CD4+ T cells in the EM with increasing age, particularly in the years following menopause. CD4+ T cells within the FRT predominantly expressed CD69. The proportion of CD69+CD4+ T cells increased significantly with increasing age in the EM, CX and ECX. The composition of T helper cell subsets within the EM CD4+ T cell population also showed age-related changes. Specifically, there was a significant increase in the proportion of Th1 cells and a significant decrease in Th17 and Treg cells with increasing age. Furthermore, the production of IFNγ by CD4+ T cells in the EM, CX, and ECX significantly decreased with increasing age upon activation. Our findings highlight the complex changes occurring in CD4+ T cell frequency, phenotype, and function within the FRT as women age. Understanding these age-related immune changes in the FRT is crucial for enhancing our knowledge of reproductive health and immune responses in women.

Sialylation-associated long non-coding RNA signature predicts the prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and immunotherapy and chemotherapy options in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Sialylation in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) differs significantly from apoptotic and ferroptosis pathways. It plays a crucial role in cancer progression and immune response modulation. Exploring how sialylation affects tumor behavior and its link with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may provide new insights into UCEC prognosis and treatment.

METHODS

We obtained RNA transcriptome, clinical, and mutation data of UCEC samples from the TCGA database. Our approach involved developing a risk model based on the co-expression patterns of sialylation genes and lncRNAs. Prognostic lncRNAs were identified through Cox regression and further refined using LASSO analysis. To understand the biological functions and pathways of model-associated differentially expressed genes (MADEGs), we conducted enrichment analyses. We also assessed the immune infiltration status of MADEGs using eight different algorithms, which helped in evaluating the potential for immunotherapy. Additionally, we validated the expression of these lncRNAs in UCEC using cell lines and clinical samples.

RESULTS

We developed a UCEC risk model using five sialylation-related lncRNAs (AC004884.2, AC026202.2, LINC01579, LINC00942, SLC16A1-AS1). This model, confirmed through Cox analysis and clinical evaluation, effectively predicted patient outcomes. Survival data analysis across entire cohort, as well as within training and test groups, indicated better survival in low-risk UCEC patients. Enrichment analyses linked MADEGs to sialylation functions and cancer pathways. High-risk patients showed increased responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), as indicated by immunological assessments. Subgroup C2 patients showed superior outcomes and a robust response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Notably, LINC01579, LINC00942, and SLC16A1-AS1 were significantly overexpressed in UCEC clinical tumor samples as well as in Ishikawa and HEC-1-B cell lines, compared to the normal groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This lncRNA signature associated with sialylation could guide prognosis, enhance the understanding of molecular mechanisms, and inform treatment strategies in UCEC. It highlights the potential for the use of ICIs and chemotherapy.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with early-onset endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the differences in the clinicopathological characteristics of younger and older patients with endometrial cancer (EC) and develop a nomogram to assess the prognosis of early onset EC in terms of overall survival.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with EC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2015 were selected. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between younger and older patients, and survival analysis was performed for both groups. Prognostic factors affecting overall survival in young patients with EC were identified using Cox regression. A nomogram was created and internal validation was performed using the consistency index, decision curve analysis, receiver operating characteristic curves, and calibration curves. External validation used data from 70 patients with early onset EC. Finally, Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare survival outcomes across the risk subgroups.

RESULTS

A total of 1042 young patients and 12,991 older patients were included in this study. Younger patients were divided into training (732) and validation (310) cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Cox regression analysis identified age, tumorsize, grade, FIGO stage(International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) and surgery as independent risk factors for overall survival, and a nomogram was constructed based on these factors. Internal and external validations demonstrated the good predictive power of the nomogram. In particular, the C-index for the overall survival nomogram was 0.832 [95% confidence interval (0.797-0.844)] in the training cohort and 0.839 (0.810-0.868) in the internal validation cohort. The differences in the Kaplan-Meier curves between the different risk subgroups were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a nomogram for predicting overall survival of patients with early onset endometrial cancer based on the SEER database was developed to help assess the prognosis of patients and guide clinical treatment.