The role of SOCS proteins in the development of virus- induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Unveiling the pathological functions of SOCS in colorectal cancer: Current concepts and future perspectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, marked by increasing incidence and mortality rates in recent years. The pathogenesis of CRC is complex, involving chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, heightened immunoinflammatory responses, and resistance to apoptosis. The suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family, comprised of key negative regulators within cytokine signaling pathways, plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, growth, and metabolic regulation. Deficiencies in various SOCS proteins can trigger the activation of the Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathways, following the binding of cytokines and growth factors to their receptors. Mounting evidence indicates that SOCS proteins are integral to the development and progression of CRC, positioning them as promising targets for novel anticancer therapies. This review delves into the structure, function, and molecular mechanisms of SOCS family members, examining their roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immune modulation. Additionally, it explores their potential impact on the regulation of CRC immunotherapy, offering new insights and perspectives that may inform the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for CRC.

Lysophosphatidylcholines Promote Influenza Virus Reproduction through the MAPK/JNK Pathway in PMA-Differentiated THP-1 Macrophages

Obesity and metabolic syndrome alter serum lipid profiles. They also increase vulnerability to viral infections and worsen the survival rate and symptoms after infection. How serum lipids affect influenza virus proliferation is unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of lysophosphatidylcholines on influenza A virus (IAV) proliferation. IAV particles in the culture medium were titrated using extraction-free quantitative PCR, and viral RNA and protein levels were assessed using real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. RNA sequencing data were analyzed using PCA and heatmap analysis, and pathway analysis was performed using the KEGG mapper and PathIN tools. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS21.0. LPC treatment of THP-1 cells significantly increased IAV proliferation and IAV RNA and protein levels, and saturated LPC was more active in IAV RNA expression than unsaturated LPC was. The functional analysis of genes affected by LPCs showed that the expression of genes involved in IAV signaling, such as suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 3 (PI3K) and AKT serine/threonine kinase 3 (AKT3), Toll-like receptor 7 (TKR7), and interferon gamma receptor 1 (IFNGR1), was changed by LPC. Altered influenza A pathways were linked with MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling. Treatment with inhibitors of MAPK or PI3K attenuated viral gene expression changes induced by LPCs. The present study shows that LPCs stimulated virus reproduction by modifying the cellular environment to one in which viruses proliferated better. This was mediated by the MAPK, JNK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Further animal studies are needed to confirm the link between LPCs from serum or the respiratory system and IAV proliferation.

Enterovirus D68 infection upregulates SOCS3 expression to inhibit JAK-STAT3 signaling and antagonize the innate interferon response of the host

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) can cause respiratory diseases and acute flaccid paralysis, posing a great threat to public health. Interferons are cytokines secreted by host cells that have broad-spectrum antiviral effects, inducing the expression of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). EV-D68 activates ISG expression early in infection, but at a later stage, the virus suppresses ISG expression, a strategy evolved by EV-D68 to antagonize interferons. Here, we explore a host protein, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), is upregulated during EV-D68 infection and antagonizes the antiviral effects of type I interferon. We subsequently demonstrate that the structural protein of EV-D68 upregulated the expression of RFX7, a transcriptional regulator of SOCS3, leading to the upregulation of SOCS3 expression. Further exploration revealed that SOCS3 plays its role by inhibiting the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The expression of SOCS3 inhibited the expression of ISG, thereby inhibiting the antiviral effect of type I interferon and promoting EV-D68 transcription, protein production, and viral titer. Notably, a truncated SOCS3, generated by deleting the kinase inhibitory region (KIR) domain, failed to promote replication and translation of EV-D68. Based on the above studies, we designed a short peptide named SOCS3 inhibitor, which can specifically bind and inhibit the KIR structural domain of SOCS3, significantly reducing the RNA and protein levels of EV-D68. In summary, our results demonstrated a novel mechanism by which EV-D68 inhibits ISG transcription and antagonizes the antiviral responses of host type I interferon.

Current therapeutic modalities and chemopreventive role of natural products in liver cancer: Progress and promise

Liver cancer is a severe concern for public health officials since the clinical cases are increasing each year, with an estimated 5-year survival rate of 30%–35% after diagnosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a significant subtype of liver cancer (approximate75%) and is considered primary liver cancer. Treatment for liver cancer mainly depends on the stage of its progression, where surgery including, hepatectomy and liver transplantation, and ablation and radiotherapy are the prime choice. For advanced liver cancer, various drugs and immunotherapy are used as first-line treatment, whereas second-line treatment includes chemotherapeutic drugs from natural and synthetic origins. Sorafenib and lenvatinib are first-line therapies, while regorafenib and ramucirumab are second-line therapy. Various metabolic and signaling pathways such as Notch, JAK/ STAT, Hippo, TGF-β, and Wnt have played a critical role during HCC progression. Dysbiosis has also been implicated in liver cancer. Drug-induced toxicity is a key obstacle in the treatment of liver cancer, necessitating the development of effective and safe medications, with natural compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, diallyl sulfide, and others emerging as promising anticancer agents. This review highlights the current status of liver cancer research, signaling pathways, therapeutic targets, current treatment strategies and the chemopreventive role of various natural products in managing liver cancer.

Toxic mechanisms of the trichothecenes T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol on protein synthesis

The toxic mechanisms of trichothecenes, including T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol (DON), are closely related with their effects on protein synthesis. Increasing lines of evidence show that T-2 toxin can reduce the levels of tight junction proteins, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by disrupting cellular barriers and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) and Nrf2/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathways. Moreover, it can inhibit aggrecan synthesis, thus causing Kashin-Beck disease. Regarding type B trichothecene, DON inhibits activation marker and β-catenin synthesis by acting on immune cells and the wingless/integrated (Wnt) pathway; it also inhibits cell proliferation and immune surveillance. In addition, DON has been shown to destroy tight junctions, glucose transport, and tumor endothelial marker 8, thus disturbing intestinal function and changing cell migration. This review summarizes the inhibitory effects of the trichothecenes T-2 toxin and DON on different protein synthesis, while discussing their underlying mechanisms. Focus is given to the effects of these toxins on tight junctions, aggrecan, activation markers, and hormones including testosterone under the influence of steroidogenic enzymes. This review can extend the current understanding of the effects of trichothecenes on protein synthesis and help to further understand their toxic mechanisms.

Application and progress of the detection technologies in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a very high incidence and fatality rate, and in most cases, it is already at an advanced stage when diagnosed. Therefore, early prevention and detection of HCC are two of the most effective strategies. However, the methods recommended in the practice guidelines for the detection of HCC cannot guarantee high sensitivity and specificity except for the liver biopsy, which is known as the "gold standard". In this review, we divided the detection of HCC into pre-treatment diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring, and found that in addition to the traditional imaging detection and liver biopsy, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), lens culinaris-agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3), protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) and other biomarkers are excellent biomarkers for HCC, especially when they are combined together. Most notably, the emerging liquid biopsy shows great promise in detecting HCC. In addition, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) and other relevant biomarkers may become promising biomarkers for HCC post-treatment monitoring. Through the detailed introduction of the diagnostic technology of HCC, we can have a detailed understanding of its development process and then obtain some enlightenment from the diagnosis, to improve the diagnostic rate of HCC and reduce its mortality.

Obesity and Leptin Resistance in the Regulation of the Type I Interferon Early Response and the Increased Risk for Severe COVID-19

Obesity, and obesity-associated conditions such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, are important risk factors for severe Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The common denominator is metaflammation, a portmanteau of metabolism and inflammation, which is characterized by chronically elevated levels of leptin and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These induce the “Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling 1 and 3” (SOCS1/3), which deactivates the leptin receptor and also other SOCS1/3 sensitive cytokine receptors in immune cells, impairing the type I and III interferon early responses. By also upregulating SOCS1/3, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 adds a significant boost to this. The ensuing consequence is a delayed but over-reactive immune response, characterized by high-grade inflammation (e.g., cytokine storm), endothelial damage, and hypercoagulation, thus leading to severe COVID-19. Superimposing an acute disturbance, such as a SARS-CoV-2 infection, on metaflammation severely tests resilience. In the long run, metaflammation causes the “typical western” conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. Severe COVID-19 and other serious infectious diseases can be added to the list of its short-term consequences. Therefore, preventive measures should include not only vaccination and the well-established actions intended to avoid infection, but also dietary and lifestyle interventions aimed at improving body composition and preventing or reversing metaflammation.

Proteomimetics of Natural Regulators of JAK-STAT Pathway: Novel Therapeutic Perspectives

The JAK-STAT pathway is a crucial cellular signaling cascade, including an intricate network of Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) responsible for its regulation. It mediates the activities of several cytokines, interferons, and growth factors and transduces extracellular signals into transcriptional programs to regulate cell growth and differentiation. It is essential for the development and function of both innate and adaptive immunities, and its aberrant deregulation was highlighted in neuroinflammatory diseases and in crucial mechanisms for tumor cell recognition and tumor-induced immune escape. For its involvement in a multitude of biological processes, it can be considered a valuable target for the development of drugs even if a specific focus on possible side effects associated with its inhibition is required. Herein, we review the possibilities to target JAK-STAT by focusing on its natural inhibitors as the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins. This protein family is a crucial checkpoint inhibitor in immune homeostasis and a valuable target in immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer and immune deficiency disorders.

IL-6/STAT3 Is a Promising Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor of which the occurrence and development, the tumorigenicity of HCC is involving in multistep and multifactor interactions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional inflammatory cytokine, has increased expression in HCC patients and is closely related to the occurrence of HCC and prognosis. IL-6 plays a role by binding to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and then triggering the Janus kinase (JAK) associated with the receptor, stimulating phosphorylation and activating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to initiate downstream signals, participating in the processes of anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer cells. IL-6/STAT3 signal axes elicit an immunosuppressive in tumor microenvironment, it is important to therapy HCC by blocking the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Recent, some inhibitors of IL-6/STAT3 have been development, such as S31-201 or IL-6 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (IL-6 mAb), Madindoline A (Inhibits the dimerization of IL-6/IL-6R/gpl30 trimeric complexes), C188-9 and Curcumin (Inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation), etc. for treatment of cancers. Overall, consideration of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, and its role in the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC will contribute to the development of potential drugs for targeting treatment of liver cancer.

Suppression of Interferon-α Treatment Response by Host Negative Factors in Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection remains a major global public health issue for which there is still lacking effective curative treatment. Interferon-α (IFN-α) and its pegylated form have been approved as an anti-HBV drug with the advantage of antiviral activity and host immunity against HBV infection enhancement, however, IFN-α treatment failure in CHB patients is a challenging obstacle with 70% of CHB patients respond poorly to exogenous IFN-α treatment. The IFN-α treatment response is negatively regulated by both viral and host factors, and the role of viral factors has been extensively illustrated, while much less attention has been paid to host negative factors. Here, we summarized evidence of host negative regulators and parameters involved in IFN-α therapy failure, review the mechanisms responsible for these effects, and discuss the possible improvement of IFN-based therapy and the rationale of combining the inhibitors of negative regulators in achieving an HBV cure.