Immune suppression by neutrophils in HIV-1 infection: role of PD-L1/PD-1 pathway

Identifying and Evaluating Biological Markers of Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Comprehensive Review

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) manifests as persistent chronic pain that emerges after a herpes zoster outbreak and greatly diminishes quality of life. Unfortunately, its treatment efficacy has remained elusive, with many therapeutic efforts yielding less than satisfactory results. The research to discern risk factors predicting the onset, trajectory, and prognosis of PHN has been extensive. However, these risk factors often present as nonspecific and diverse, indicating the need for more reliable, measurable, and objective detection methods. The exploration of potential biological markers, including hematological indices, pathological insights, and supportive tests, is increasing. This review highlights potential biomarkers that are instrumental for the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of PHN while also delving deeper into its genesis. Drawing from prior research, aspects such as immune responsiveness, neuronal injury, genetic makeup, cellular metabolism, and pain signal modulation have emerged as prospective biomarkers. The immune spectrum spans various cell subtypes, with an emphasis on T cells, interferons, interleukins, and other related cytokines. Studies on nerve injury are directed toward pain-related proteins and the density and health of epidermal nerve fibers. On the genetic and metabolic fronts, the focus lies in the detection of predisposition genes, atypical protein manifestations, and energy-processing dynamics, with a keen interest in vitamin metabolism. Tools such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography, and infrared imaging have come to the forefront in the pain signaling domain. This review compiles the evidence, potential clinical implications, and challenges associated with these promising biomarkers, paving the way for innovative strategies for predicting, diagnosing, and addressing PHN.

Unusual presentation of PD-1 inhibitors in people living with HIV with advanced gastric cancer: Case report

This paper seeks to determine the effect of combination anti-PD-1 and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on people living with HIV (PLWH) with advanced gastric cancer. In our case, a PLWH with recurrent locally advanced gastric cancer was treated with anti-PD-1 inhibitor and ART. A significant reduction in tumor lesions (as demonstrated by contrast-enhanced CT imaging) and a better quality of life were achieved following treatment. There have been limited studies on the treatment of PLWH with advanced gastric cancer. Chemotherapy is most often used, however, with unsatisfactory outcomes. to date, there have been no published reports on the use of PD-1 inhibitors in PLWH with advanced gastric cancer. Our report provides a valuable reference for future management of such patients.

Elevated Inflammation Associated with Markers of Neutrophil Function and Gastrointestinal Disruption in Pilot Study of Plasmodium fragile Co-Infection of ART-Treated SIVmac239+ Rhesus Macaques

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and malaria, caused by infection with Plasmodium spp., are endemic in similar geographical locations. As a result, there is high potential for HIV/Plasmodium co-infection, which increases the pathology of both diseases. However, the immunological mechanisms underlying the exacerbated disease pathology observed in co-infected individuals are poorly understood. Moreover, there is limited data available on the impact of Plasmodium co-infection on antiretroviral (ART)-treated HIV infection. Here, we used the rhesus macaque (RM) model to conduct a pilot study to establish a model of Plasmodium fragile co-infection during ART-treated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, and to begin to characterize the immunopathogenic effect of co-infection in the context of ART. We observed that P. fragile co-infection resulted in parasitemia and anemia, as well as persistently detectable viral loads (VLs) and decreased absolute CD4+ T-cell counts despite daily ART treatment. Notably, P. fragile co-infection was associated with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1). P. fragile co-infection was also associated with increased levels of neutrophil elastase, a plasma marker of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, but significant decreases in markers of neutrophil degranulation, potentially indicating a shift in the neutrophil functionality during co-infection. Finally, we characterized the levels of plasma markers of gastrointestinal (GI) barrier permeability and microbial translocation and observed significant correlations between indicators of GI dysfunction, clinical markers of SIV and Plasmodium infection, and neutrophil frequency and function. Taken together, these pilot data verify the utility of using the RM model to examine ART-treated SIV/P. fragile co-infection, and indicate that neutrophil-driven inflammation and GI dysfunction may underlie heightened SIV/P. fragile co-infection pathogenesis.

PD-L1 expression in squamous cervical carcinomas of Mozambican women living with or without HIV

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in squamous cervical cancer (SCC) and can be used for targeted immunotherapy. The highest mortality rates of SCC are reported in sub-Saharan Africa, where Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence is high. In Mozambique most SCC patients present at advanced stages. Thus, there is a need to introduce new treatment options. However, immunocompromised patients were frequently excluded in previous clinical trials. Our aim was to determine if PD-L1 expression in SCC is as prevalent among women living with HIV (WLWH) as among other patients. 575 SCC from Maputo Central Hospital were included. HIV status was available in 266 (46%) cases PD-L1 expression was scored through tumour proportion score (TPS) and combined positive score (CPS). PD-L1 was positive in 20.1% of the cases (n = 110), TPS (score ≥ 25%) and in 26.3% (n = 144), CPS (score ≥ 1). Stratifying according to the HIV status, WLWH were TPS positive in 16.7%, compared to 20.9%, p = 0.43, and concerning CPS 21.1% versus 28.7%, p = 0.19, respectively. PD-L1 status was not influenced by stage, Ki-67 or p16, CD8 expression influenced only CPS status. Our data indicates that the documented effect of PD-L1 therapy on SCC should be confirmed in randomized clinical trials in an HIV endemic milieu.

MDSC expansion during HIV infection: regulators, ART and immune reconstitution

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) become expanded in different pathological conditions including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and this may worsen the disease status and accelerate disease progression. In HIV infection, MDSCs suppress anti-HIV immune responses and hamper immune reconstitution. Understanding the factors and mechanisms of MDSC expansion during HIV infection is central to understanding the pathophysiology of HIV infection. This may pave the way to developing new therapeutic targets or strategies. In this work we addressed (i) the mechanisms that regulate MDSC expansion, (ii) the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the frequency of MDSCs during HIV infection; (iii) the impact of MDSCs on immune reconstitution during successful ART; and (iv) the potential of MDSCs as a therapeutic target.

Neutrophils display distinct post-translational modifications in response to varied pathological stimuli

Neutrophils play a vital role in the innate immunity by perform effector functions through phagocytosis, degranulation, and forming extracellular traps. However, over-functioning of neutrophils has been associated with sterile inflammation such as Type 2 Diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Neutrophils exhibiting phenotypical and functional heterogeneity in both homeostatic and pathological conditions suggests distinct signaling pathways are activated in disease-specific stimuli and alter neutrophil functions. Hence, we examined mass spectrometry based post-translational modifications (PTM) of neutrophil proteins in response to pathologically significant stimuli, including high glucose, homocysteine and bacterial lipopolysaccharides representing diabetes-indicator, an activator of thrombosis and pathogen-associated molecule, respectively. Our data revealed that these aforesaid stimulators differentially deamidate, citrullinate, acetylate and methylate neutrophil proteins and align to distinct biological functions associated with degranulation, platelet activation, innate immune responses and metabolic alterations. The PTM patterns in response to high glucose showed an association with neutrophils extracellular traps (NETs) formation, homocysteine induced proteins PTM associated with signaling of systemic lupus erythematosus and lipopolysaccharides induced PTMs were involved in pathways related to cardiomyopathies. Our study provides novel insights into neutrophil PTM patterns and functions in response to varied pathological stimuli, which may serve as a resource to design therapeutic strategies for the management of neutrophil-centred diseases.

Neutrophil diversity is associated with T-cell immunity and clinical relevance in patients with thyroid cancer

Neutrophil heterogeneity is involved in autoimmune diseases, sepsis, and several cancers. However, the link between neutrophil heterogeneity and T-cell immunity in thyroid cancer is incompletely understood. We investigated the circulating neutrophil heterogeneity in 3 undifferentiated thyroid cancer (UTC), 14 differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) (4 Stage IV, 10 Stage I-II), and healthy controls (n = 10) by transcriptomic data and cytometry. Participants with UTC had a significantly higher proportion of immature high-density neutrophils (HDN) and lower proportion of mature HDN in peripheral blood compared to DTC. The proportion of circulating PD-L1+ immature neutrophils were significantly increased in advanced cancer patients. Unsupervised analysis of transcriptomics data from circulating HDN revealed downregulation of innate immune response and T-cell receptor signaling pathway in cancer patients. Moreover, UTC patients revealed the upregulation of glycolytic process and glutamate receptor signaling pathway. Comparative analysis across tumor types and stages revealed the downregulation of various T-cell-related pathways, such as T-cell receptor signaling pathway and T-cell proliferation in advanced cancer patients. Moreover, the proportions of CD8+ and CD4+ T effector memory CD45RA+ (TEMRA) cells from peripheral blood were significantly decreased in UTC patients compared to DTC patients. Finally, we demonstrated that proportions of tumor-infiltrated neutrophils were increased and related with poor prognosis in advanced thyroid cancer using data from our RNA-seq and TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data. In conclusion, observed prevalence of circulating immature high-density neutrophils and their immunosuppressive features in undifferentiated thyroid cancers underscore the importance of understanding neutrophil dynamics in the context of tumor progression in thyroid cancer.

Drug Repurposing of ACT001 to Discover Novel Promising Sulfide Prodrugs with Improved Safety and Potent Activity for Neutrophil-Mediated Antifungal Immunotherapy

Neutrophil-mediated immunotherapy is a promising strategy for treating Candida albicans infection due to its potential in dealing with drug-resistant events. Our previous study found that ACT001 exhibited good antifungal immunotherapeutic activity by inhibiting PD-L1 expression in neutrophils, but its strong cytotoxicity and high BBB permeability hindered its antifungal application. To address these deficiencies, a series of novel sulfide derivatives were designed and synthesized based on a slow-release prodrug strategy. Among these derivatives, compound 16 exhibited stronger inhibition of PD-L1 expression, less cytotoxicity to neutrophils, and lower BBB permeability than ACT001. Compound 16 also significantly enhanced neutrophil-mediated antifungal immunity in C. albicans infected mice, with acceptable pharmacokinetic properties and good oral safety. Moreover, pharmacological mechanism studies demonstrated that ACT001 and compound 16 reduced PD-L1 expression in neutrophils by directly targeting STAT3. Briefly, this study provided a novel prototype compound 16 which exhibited great potential in neutrophil-mediated antifungal immunotherapy.

In vivo single-cell high-dimensional mass cytometry analysis to track the interactions between Klebsiella pneumoniae and myeloid cells

In vivo single-cell approaches have transformed our understanding of the immune populations in tissues. Mass cytometry (CyTOF), that combines the resolution of mass spectrometry with the ability to conduct multiplexed measurements of cell molecules at the single cell resolution, has enabled to resolve the diversity of immune cell subsets, and their heterogeneous functionality. Here we assess the feasibility of taking CyTOF one step further to immuno profile cells while tracking their interactions with bacteria, a method we term Bac-CyTOF. We focus on the pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae interrogating the pneumonia mouse model. Using Bac-CyTOF, we unveil the atlas of immune cells of mice infected with a K. pneumoniae hypervirulent strain. The atlas is characterized by a decrease in the populations of alveolar and monocyte-derived macrophages. Conversely, neutrophils, and inflammatory monocytes are characterized by an increase in the subpopulations expressing markers of less active cells such as the immune checkpoint PD-L1. These are the cells infected. We show that the type VI secretion system (T6SS) contributes to shape the lung immune landscape. The T6SS governs the interaction with monocytes/macrophages by shifting Klebsiella from alveolar macrophages to interstitial macrophages and limiting the infection of inflammatory monocytes. The lack of T6SS results in an increase of cells expressing markers of active cells, and a decrease in the subpopulations expressing PD-L1. By probing Klebsiella, and Acinetobacter baumannii strains with limited ability to survive in vivo, we uncover that a heightened recruitment of neutrophils, and relative high levels of alveolar macrophages and eosinophils and the recruitment of a characteristic subpopulation of neutrophils are features of mice clearing infections. We leverage Bac-CyTOF-generated knowledge platform to investigate the role of the DNA sensor STING in Klebsiella infections. sting-/- infected mice present features consistent with clearing the infection including the reduced levels of PD-L1. STING absence facilitates Klebsiella clearance.

Immature neutrophils in cord blood exert increased expression of genes associated with antimicrobial function

Introduction

The immune systems of both the mother and the newborn face significant challenges during birth. Proper immune regulation after birth is essential for the survival of neonates. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the neonatal immune system is relatively immature, particularly in its adaptive arm, placing the primary responsibility for immune surveillance on innate immunity.

Methods

Given the significant role of neutrophils in protecting the neonate after birth, we conducted a study investigating the properties of neutrophils in newborn cord blood using various methodological approaches.

Results

Our findings demonstrate the presence of immature low-density neutrophils in the cord blood, which are likely responsible for the observed elevated expression of genes coding for proteins essential to antimicrobial response, including myeloperoxidase, neutrophils elastase, and defensins.

Discussion

We propose that these cells function normally and support the protection of newborns early after birth. Furthermore, our results suggest that the mode of delivery might significantly influence the programming of neutrophil function. The presented findings emphasize the importance of distinct neutrophil subpopulations in neonatal immunity and their potential impact on early postnatal health.

Phenotype and oxidative burst of low-density neutrophil subpopulations are altered in common variable immunodeficiency patients

Common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) is the most common form of primary antibody immunodeficiency. Due to low antibody levels, CVID patients receive intravenous or subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy as treatment. CVID is associated with the chronic activation of granulocytes, including an increased percentage of low-density neutrophils (LDNs). In this study, we examined changes in the percentage of LDNs and the expression of their surface markers in 25 patients with CVID and 27 healthy donors (HD) after in vitro stimulation of whole blood using IVIg. An oxidative burst assay was used to assess the functionality of LDNs. CVID patients had increased both relative and absolute LDN counts with a higher proportion of mLDNs compared to iLDNs, distinguished based on the expression of CD10 and CD16. Immature LDNs in the CVID and HD groups had significantly reduced oxidative burst capacity compared to mature LDNs. Interestingly we observed reduced oxidative burst capacity, reduced expression of CD10 after stimulation of WB, and higher expression of PD-L1 in mature LDNs in CVID patients compared to HD cells. Our data indicate that that the functional characteristics of LDNs are closely linked to their developmental stage. The observed reduction in oxidative burst capacity in mLDNs in CVID patients could contribute to an increased susceptibility to recurrent bacterial infections among CVID patients.

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical squamous cell carcinoma of HIV-infected and non-infected patients

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in cervical carcinoma, hindering tumor destruction. The aim of this study was to assess PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) from human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) and human immunodeficiency virus-negative (HIV-) patients. A total of 166 SCC and SIL samples of HIV+ and HIV- patients were included and analyzed for PD-L1 expression through tumor proportion score (TPS), and results were stratified in five TPS groups using SP263 antibody and, combined positive score (CPS) using 22C3 antibody. In cohort 1 (SP263 clone), all HIV+ patients were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) scored < 1; and 87.5% of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) adjacent to SCC, 19% of HSILs non-adjacent to SCC, and 69% of SCCs scored ≥ 1 (15.4% scored 5). In HIV- patients, all NILM, LSILs, HSILs adjacent to SCC, and two HSILs non-adjacent to SCC scored < 1. SCC: 88.2% scored ≥ 1 and 5.9% scored 5. In cohort 2 (SP263 and 22C3 clones), 16.7% of HIV+ patients with SCC were positive with both clones, CPS ≥ 1 (22C3) or score 5 (≥ 50%) (SP263), showing no significant differences in positivity between both clones. These results indicate that a relatively low percentage of SCCs (16.7%; both in HIV+ and in HIV- patients) express PD-L1 (TPS ≥ 50% and CPS > 1), which may be due to some samples being archival material, sample characteristics, or use of different methodologies, highlighting the need for standardization of PD-L1 assessment in SCC of the cervix. The fact that PD-L1 is overexpressed in SILs of HIV+ patients suggests potential additional applications for immunotherapy in this disease.

Fc receptors are key discriminatory markers of granulocytes subsets in people living with HIV-1

Introduction

Granulocytes are innate immune cells that play a key role in pathogen elimination. Recent studies revealed the diversity of granulocytes in terms of phenotype and function. In particular, a subset of granulocytes identified as low-density granulocytes (LDG) has been described in physiological conditions and with increased frequencies in several pathological contexts. However, the properties of LDG are still controversial as they vary according to the pathophysiological environment. Here we investigated the heterogeneity of granulocyte populations and the potential differences in phenotype and immunomodulatory capacity between LDG and normal density granulocytes (NDG) in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH).

Methods

To this end, we developed an optimized method to purify LDG and NDG from a single blood sample, and performed in-depth, comparative phenotypic characterization of both granulocyte subtypes. We also assessed the impact of purification steps on the expression of cell surface markers on LDG by immunophenotyping them at different stages of isolation.

Results

We identified 9 cell surface markers (CD16, CD32, CD89, CD62L, CD177, CD31, CD10, CXCR4 and CD172α) differentially expressed between LDG and NDG. Noteworthy, markers that distinguish the two subsets include receptors for the Fc part of IgG (CD16, CD32) and IgA (CD89). Importantly, we also highlighted that the purification procedure affects the expression of several cell surface markers (i.e.CD63, CD66b, …) which must be taken into account when characterizing LDG. Our work sheds new light on the properties of LDG in PLWH and provides an extensive characterization of this granulocyte subset in which Fc receptors are key discriminatory markers.

Pro-inflammatory feedback loops define immune responses to pathogenic Lentivirus infection

BACKGROUND

The Lentivirus human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes chronic inflammation and AIDS in humans, with variable rates of disease progression between individuals driven by both host and viral factors. Similarly, simian lentiviruses vary in their pathogenicity based on characteristics of both the host species and the virus strain, yet the immune underpinnings that drive differential Lentivirus pathogenicity remain incompletely understood.

METHODS

We profile immune responses in a unique model of differential lentiviral pathogenicity where pig-tailed macaques are infected with highly genetically similar variants of SIV that differ in virulence. We apply longitudinal single-cell transcriptomics to this cohort, along with single-cell resolution cell-cell communication techniques, to understand the immune mechanisms underlying lentiviral pathogenicity.

RESULTS

Compared to a minimally pathogenic lentiviral variant, infection with a highly pathogenic variant results in a more delayed, broad, and sustained activation of inflammatory pathways, including an extensive global interferon signature. Conversely, individual cells infected with highly pathogenic Lentivirus upregulated fewer interferon-stimulated genes at a lower magnitude, indicating that highly pathogenic Lentivirus has evolved to partially escape from interferon responses. Further, we identify CXCL10 and CXCL16 as important molecular drivers of inflammatory pathways specifically in response to highly pathogenic Lentivirus infection. Immune responses to highly pathogenic Lentivirus infection are characterized by amplifying regulatory circuits of pro-inflammatory cytokines with dense longitudinal connectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work presents a model of lentiviral pathogenicity where failures in early viral control mechanisms lead to delayed, sustained, and amplifying pro-inflammatory circuits, which in turn drives disease progression.

Brief Report: In cART-Treated HIV-Infected Patients, Immunologic Failure Is Associated With a High Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Frequency

BACKGROUND

During HIV infection, effective combined antiretroviral therapy suppresses viral replication and restores the number of circulating CD4+ T cells. However, 15%-30% of treated patients show a discordant response to combined antiretroviral therapy. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are expanded in HIV+ patients; to better understand the role of MDSC on CD4 T-cell recovery, we evaluated the frequency of MDSC in HIV+ patients under combined antiretroviral therapy and its association with immunologic response.

METHODS

We enrolled 60 HIV+ patients, including complete responders (R, n = 44), virologic nonresponders (VNR, n = 5), and immunologic nonresponders (INR, n = 11). The frequency of circulating MDSC and the percentage of activated and naïve CD4 T cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Plasmatic cytokine levels were analyzed by automated ELISA.

RESULTS

As previously observed, polymorphonuclear MDSC (PMN-MDSC) frequency was higher in HIV+ patients compared with healthy donors. Furthermore, PMN-MDSC percentage was higher in INR than R patients, and a significant association between MDSC frequency and immunologic failure was confirmed by a receiver operator characteristic analysis. Accordingly, an inverse correlation was found between the percentages of PMN-MDSC and naïve CD4 T cells. A positive correlation was observed between PMN-MDSC frequency and the percentage of human leucocyte antigen locus DR + CD4 T cells and the plasmatic level of IL-1β and IL-8.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that a high frequency of PMN-MDSC persists in INR, possibly because of immune activation, contributing to CD4 T-cell recovery failure. These findings further highlight the detrimental role of MDSC during HIV infection, suggesting these cells as a possible new therapeutic target.

Single-cell atlas of the liver myeloid compartment before and after cure of chronic viral hepatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic viral infections present serious public health challenges; however, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are now able to cure nearly all patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), representing the only cure of a human chronic viral infection to date. DAAs provide a valuable opportunity to study immune pathways in the reversal of chronic immune failures in an in vivo human system.

METHODS

To leverage this opportunity, we used plate-based single-cell RNA-seq to deeply profile myeloid cells from liver fine needle aspirates in patients with HCV before and after DAA treatment. We comprehensively characterised liver neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells, conventional dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, classical monocytes, non-classical monocytes, and macrophages, and defined fine-grained subpopulations of several cell types.

RESULTS

We discovered cell type-specific changes post-cure, including an increase in MCM7+STMN1+ proliferating CD1C+ conventional dendritic cells, which may support restoration from chronic exhaustion. We observed an expected downregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) post-cure as well as an unexpected inverse relationship between pre-treatment viral load and post-cure ISG expression in each cell type, revealing a link between viral loads and sustained modifications of the host's immune system. We found an upregulation of PD-L1/L2 gene expression in ISG-high neutrophils and IDO1 expression in eosinophils, pinpointing cell subpopulations crucial for immune regulation. We identified three recurring gene programmes shared by multiple cell types, distilling core functions of the myeloid compartment.

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive single-cell RNA-seq atlas of human liver myeloid cells in response to cure of chronic viral infections reveals principles of liver immunity and provides immunotherapeutic insights.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02476617).

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Chronic viral liver infections continue to be a major public health problem. Single-cell characterisation of liver immune cells during hepatitis C and post-cure provides unique insights into the architecture of liver immunity contributing to the resolution of the first curable chronic viral infection of humans. Multiple layers of innate immune regulation during chronic infections and persistent immune modifications after cure are revealed. Researchers and clinicians may leverage these findings to develop methods to optimise the post-cure environment for HCV and develop novel therapeutic approaches for other chronic viral infections.

HPV-Negative and HPV-Positive Oral Cancer Cells Stimulate the Polarization of Neutrophils towards Different Functional Phenotypes In Vitro

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the leading causes of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), while the correlation between HPV and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains controversial. The inflammatory infiltrate involved in these epithelial neoplasms differs based on their association with HPV. HPV- tumors show higher tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN) infiltration. It is believed that TANs can play a dual role in cancer by exerting either anti-tumorigenic or pro-tumorigenic effects. However, the impact of HPV status on neutrophil polarization remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of OSCC cells, both HPV- and HPV16+, on the functional phenotype of neutrophils. Peripheral blood neutrophils were stimulated with supernatants from OSCC cell lines and non-tumorigenic HaCaT keratinocytes transduced with HPV16 E6/E7 oncogenes. Subsequently, cytokine production, cell viability, metabolism, expression of degranulation markers, and PD-L1 expression were evaluated. Our findings demonstrate that in contrast to UPCI:SCC154 (HPV+ OSCC) cells, the SCC-9 (HPV- OSCC) cell line induced a highly activated functional state in neutrophils, which is potentially associated with a pro-tumorigenic effect. The HaCaT 16-E7 supernatant only stimulated the activation of some neutrophil functions. Understanding the complex interplay between neutrophils and their microenvironment has the potential to identify TANs as viable therapeutic targets.

Platelet and HIV Interactions and Their Contribution to Non-AIDS Comorbidities

Platelets are anucleate cytoplasmic cell fragments that circulate in the blood, where they are involved in regulating hemostasis. Beyond their normal physiologic role, platelets have emerged as versatile effectors of immune response. During an infection, cell surface receptors enable platelets to recognize viruses, resulting in their activation. Activated platelets release biologically active molecules that further trigger host immune responses to protect the body against infection. Their impact on the immune response is also associated with the recruitment of circulating leukocytes to the site of infection. They can also aggregate with leukocytes, including lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils, to immobilize pathogens and prevent viral dissemination. Despite their host protective role, platelets have also been shown to be associated with various pathophysiological processes. In this review, we will summarize platelet and HIV interactions during infection. We will also highlight and discuss platelet and platelet-derived mediators, how they interact with immune cells, and the multifaceted responsibilities of platelets in HIV infection. Furthermore, we will give an overview of non-AIDS comorbidities linked to platelet dysfunction and the impact of antiretroviral therapy on platelet function.

Diminished PD-L1 regulation along with dysregulated T lymphocyte subsets and chemokine in ANCA-associated vasculitis

ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a life-threatening disease characterized by small vessel inflammation and pathogenic self-directed antibodies. Programmed death-ligand 1 receptor (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) are immune checkpoint molecules crucial for maintaining tolerance and immune homeostasis. After checkpoint inhibition therapy, development of various autoimmune diseases and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have been observed. Here, we investigated the immunomodulatory roles of neutrophils through the expression of immune checkpoint molecule (PD-L1), migratory molecules (CXCR2), chemotactic chemokines (CXCL5) and other important molecules (BAFF and HMGB1) in development of AAV. We also scrutinized the immune mechanism responsible for development of pauci-immune crescentic GN (PICGN). We demonstrate for the first time that the frequency of PD-L1 expressing neutrophils was significantly reduced in AAV patients compared to healthy controls and correlated negatively with disease severity (BVASv3). Further, in renal biopsy, reduced PD-L1 immune checkpoint expression provides a microenvironment that unleashes uncontrolled activated CD4 + T cells, B cells, neutrophils and macrophages and ultimately causes engulfment of immune complexes leading to PICGN. Furthermore, during remission, reduced neutrophils PD-L1 and CXCR2 expression, increased neutrophils CXCL5 expression and increased peripheral effector memory T cells and increased HMGB1 and BAFF levels in serum, demonstrate the propensity for the persistence of sub-clinical inflammation, which could explain relapse, in this group of diseases.

Clinical significance of B7-H3 expression in circulating CD4+CD25high T cells, CD14+ monocytes, and plasma for the progression of HIV infection

BACKGROUND

B7-H3 is an important immune checkpoint molecule that plays a negative role in immune regulation. This study was aimed to explore B7-H3 expression in HIV-infected patients and its clinical significance.

METHODS

To explore the expression and clinical significance of B7-H3 in HIV-infected patients, we investigated the B7-H3 expression pattern and the correlation of B7-H3 expression with clinical parameters of HIV-infected patients with different levels of CD4⁺ T cells. To assess the role of B7-H3 in regulating the function of T cells in HIV infection, we performed a proliferation assay and T cell function test in vitro.

RESULTS

B7-H3 expression in HIV-infected patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls. mB7-H3 expression on CD4⁺CD25^high T cells and CD14⁺ monocytes increased with disease progression. mB7-H3 expression on CD4⁺CD25^high T cells and monocytes was negatively correlated with lymphocyte count, CD4⁺T cell count, and positively correlated with HIV viral load in HIV-infected patients. when the number of CD4⁺ T cells in HIV-infected patients was ≥ 200/µL, sB7-H3 and mB7-H3 expression levels on CD4⁺CD25^high T cells and monocytes were negatively correlated with lymphocyte count, CD4⁺T cell count. sB7-H3 and mB7-H3 expression on monocytes were positively correlated with HIV viral load. B7-H3 inhibited the proliferation of lymphocytes and the secretion of IFN-γ in vitro, especially the ability of CD8⁺ T cells to secrete IFN-γ.

CONCLUSIONS

B7-H3 played an important negative regulatory role in anti-HIV infection immunity. It could be used as a potential biomarker for the progression of HIV infection and a novel target for the treatment of HIV infection.

Persistent immunosuppressive effects of dibutyl phthalate exposure in adult male mice

Increased exposure to manmade chemicals may be linked to an increase in immune-related diseases in humans and immune system dysfunction in wildlife. Phthalates are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) suspected to influence the immune system. The aim of this study was to characterize the persistent effects on leukocytes in the blood and spleen, as well as plasma cytokine and growth factor levels, one week after the end of five weeks of oral treatment with dibutyl phthalate (DBP; 10 or 100 mg/kg/d) in adult male mice. Flow cytometry analysis of the blood revealed that DBP exposure decreased the total leukocyte count, classical monocyte and T helper (Th) populations, whereas it increased the non-classical monocyte population compared to the vehicle control (corn oil). Immunofluorescence analysis of the spleen showed increased CD11b⁺Ly6G⁺ (marker of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells; PMN-MDSCs), and CD43⁺staining (marker of non-classical monocytes), whereas CD3⁺ (marker of total T cells) and CD4⁺ (marker of Th cells) staining decreased. To investigate the mechanisms of action, levels of plasma cytokines and chemokines were measured using multiplexed immunoassays and other key factors were analyzed using western blotting. The observed increase in M-CSF levels and the activation of STAT3 may promote PMN-MDSC expansion and activity. Increased ARG1, NOX2 (gp91phox), and protein nitrotyrosine levels, as well as GCN2 and phosphor-eIRFα, suggest that oxidative stress and lymphocyte arrest drive the lymphocyte suppression caused by PMN-MDSCs. The plasma levels of IL-21 (promotes the differentiation of Th cells) and MCP-1 (regulates migration and infiltration of monocytes/macrophages) also decreased. These findings show that adult DBP exposure can cause persistent immunosuppressive effects, which may increase susceptibility to infections, cancers, and immune diseases, and decrease vaccine efficacy.

Neutrophil sub-types in maintaining immune homeostasis during steady state, infections and sterile inflammation

INTRODUCTION

Neutrophils are component of innate immune system and a) eliminate pathogens b) maintain immune homeostasis by regulating other immune cells and c) contribute to the resolution of inflammation. Neutrophil mediated inflammation has been described in pathogenesis of various diseases. This indicates neutrophils do not represent homogeneous population but perform multiple functions through confined subsets. Hence, in the present review we summarize various studies describing the heterogeneous nature of neutrophils and associated functions during steady state and pathological conditions.

METHODOLOGY

We performed extensive literature review with key words 'Neutrophil subpopulations' 'Neutrophil subsets', Neutrophil and infections', 'Neutrophil and metabolic disorders', 'Neutrophil heterogeneity' in PUBMED.

RESULTS

Neutrophil subtypes are characterized based on buoyancy, cell surface markers, localization and maturity. Recent advances in high throughput technologies indicate the existence of functionally diverse subsets of neutrophils in bone marrow, blood and tissues in both steady state and pathological conditions. Further, we found proportions of these subsets significantly vary in pathological conditions. Interestingly, stimulus specific activation of signalling pathways in neutrophils have been demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

Neutrophil sub-populations differ among diseases and hence, mechanisms regulating formation, sustenance, proportions and functions of these sub-types vary between physiological and pathological conditions. Hence, mechanistic insights of neutrophil subsets in disease specific manner may facilitate development of neutrophil-targeted therapies.

Persistent T cell proliferation and MDSCs expansion precede incomplete CD4+ T cell recovery in people with acute HIV-1 infection with early ART

HIV-1 infection causes T cell dysfunction that cannot be fully restored by anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expand and suppress T cell function during viral infection. In this study, we evaluated the dynamics of phenotypes and function of T cells and MDSCs and the effects of their interaction on CD4⁺ T cell reconstitution in people with acute HIV-1 infection (PWAH) with early ART. Flow cytometry was used to detect the phenotypic dynamics and function of T cells and MDSCs at pre-ART, 4, 24, 48, and 96 weeks of ART. We observed that T cells were hyper-activated and hyper-proliferative in PWAH at pre-ART. Early ART normalized T cell activation but not their proliferation. T cell proliferation, enriched in PD-1⁺ T cells, was persisted and negatively associated with CD4⁺ T-cell counts after ART. Moreover, M-MDSCs frequency was increased and positively correlated with T cell proliferation after 96 weeks of ART. M-MDSCs persisted and inhibited T cell proliferation ex vivo, which could be partially reversed by PD-L1 blockade. Further, we found higher frequencies of proliferative CD4⁺ T cells and M-MDSCs in PWAH with lower CD4⁺ T cell numbers (<500 cells/μL) compared to PWAH with higher CD4⁺ T cell numbers (>600 cells/μL) after 96 weeks of ART. Our findings indicate that persistent T cell proliferation, MDSCs expansion, and their interaction may affect CD4⁺ T-cell recovery in PWAH with early ART.

IL-4, IL-13 and IFN-γ -induced genes in highly purified human neutrophils

Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are related cytokines with well-known specific roles in type 2 immune response. However, their effects on neutrophils are not completely understood. For this, we studied human primary neutrophil responses to IL-4 and IL-13. Neutrophils are dose-dependently responsive to both IL-4 and IL-13 as indicated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) phosphorylation upon stimulation, with IL-4 being more potent inducer of STAT6. IL-4-, IL-13- and Interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated gene expression in highly purified human neutrophils induced both overlapping and unique gene expression in highly purified human neutrophils. IL-4 and IL-13 specifically regulate several immune-related genes, including IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), while type1 immune response-related IFN-γ induced gene expression related for example, to intracellular infections. In analysis of neutrophil metabolic responses, oxygen independent glycolysis was specifically regulated by IL-4, but not by IL-13 or IFN-γ, suggesting specific role for type I IL-4 receptor in this process. Our results provide a comprehensive analysis of IL-4, IL-13 and IFN-γ -induced gene expression in neutrophils while also addressing cytokine-mediated metabolic changes in neutrophils.

Abnormal thrombosis and neutrophil activation increase hospital-acquired sacral pressure injuries and morbidity in COVID-19 patients

Hospitalized patients have an increased risk of developing hospital-acquired sacral pressure injury (HASPI). However, it is unknown whether SARS-CoV-2 infection affects HASPI development. To explore the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HASPI development, we conducted a single institution, multi-hospital, retrospective study of all patients hospitalized for ≥5 days from March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Patient demographics, hospitalization information, ulcer characteristics, and 30-day-related morbidity were collected for all patients with HASPIs, and intact skin was collected from HASPI borders in a patient subset. We determined the incidence, disease course, and short-term morbidity of HASPIs in COVID-19(+) patients, and characterized the skin histopathology and tissue gene signatures associated with HASPIs in COVID-19 disease. COVID-19(+) patients had a 63% increased HASPI incidence rate, HASPIs of more severe ulcer stage (OR 2.0, p<0.001), and HASPIs more likely to require debridement (OR 3.1, p=0.04) compared to COVID-19(-) patients. Furthermore, COVID-19(+) patients with HASPIs had 2.2x increased odds of a more severe hospitalization course compared to COVID-19(+) patients without HASPIs. HASPI skin histology from COVID-19(+) patients predominantly showed thrombotic vasculopathy, with the number of thrombosed vessels being significantly greater than HASPIs from COVID-19(-) patients. Transcriptional signatures of a COVID-19(+) sample subset were enriched for innate immune responses, thrombosis, and neutrophil activation genes. Overall, our results suggest that immunologic dysregulation secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including neutrophil dysfunction and abnormal thrombosis, may play a pathogenic role in development of HASPIs in patients with severe COVID-19.

Neutrophil-T cell crosstalk and the control of the host inflammatory response

While fundamental in their innate role in combating infection and responding to injury, neutrophils are emerging as key modulators of adaptive immune responses. Such functions are attained via both soluble and nonsoluble effectors that enable at least two major downstream outcomes: first, to mediate and control acute inflammatory responses and second, to regulate adaptive immunity and ultimately promoting the development and maintenance of immune tolerance either by releasing immuno-modulatory factors, including cytokines, or by directly interacting with cells of the adaptive immune system. Herein, we review these novel properties of neutrophils and redefine the pathophysiological functions of these fascinating multi-tasking cells, exploring the different mechanisms through which neutrophils are able to either enhance and orchestrate T cell pro-inflammatory responses or inhibit T cell activity to maintain immune tolerance.

Effect of Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) on Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Population in Egyptian Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Patients: A Potential Immunomodulatory Role of DAAs

Chronic hepatitis C is a major health concern with high morbidity and mortality rates. The introduction of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) as a first-line treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has significantly enhanced HCV eradication. However, DAA therapy is facing rising concerns regarding long-term safety, viral resistance, and reinfection. HCV is associated with different immune alteration mechanisms that can evade immunity and establish persistent infection. One of these suggested mechanisms is the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which is known to accumulate in chronic inflammatory conditions. Moreover, the role of DAA in restoring immunity after successful viral eradication is still unclear and needs further investigations. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of MDSCs in chronic HCV Egyptian patients and its response to DAA in treated compared with untreated patients. Fifty untreated chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, 50 DAA-treated CHC patients, and 30 healthy individuals were recruited. We used flow cytometer analysis to measure MDSCs frequency and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis to evaluate the serum level of interferon (IFN)-γ. We found a significant elevation in MDSC% among the untreated group (34.5 ± 12.4%) compared with the DAA-treated group (18.3 ± 6.7%), while the control group had a mean of (3.8 ± 1.6%). IFN-γ concentration was higher in treated patients compared with untreated. We also found a significant negative correlation (rs -0.662) (p < 0.001) between MDSC% and IFN-γ concentration among treated HCV patients. Our results revealed important evidence of MDSCs accumulation in CHC patients and partial retrieval of the immune system regulatory function after DAA therapy.

Distinct phenotype of neutrophil, monocyte, and eosinophil populations indicates altered myelopoiesis in a subset of patients with multiple myeloma

Hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM), promote systemic immune dysregulation resulting in an alteration and increased plasticity of myeloid cell subsets. To determine the heterogeneity of the myeloid cell compartment in the peripheral blood of patients with MM, we performed a detailed investigation of the phenotype and function of myeloid subpopulations. We report that a subset of MM patients exhibits a specific myeloid cell phenotype indicative of altered myelopoiesis characterized by significant changes in the properties of circulating granulocytic, monocytic, and eosinophilic populations. The subset, referred to as MM2, is defined by a markedly elevated level of CD64 (FcγRI) on the surface of circulating neutrophils. Compared to healthy controls or MM1 patients displaying intermediate levels of CD64, neutrophils from MM2 patients exhibit a less differentiated phenotype, low levels of CD10 and CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2), increased capacity for the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and an expansion of CD16^neg immature neutrophil subset. Classical and patrolling monocytes from MM2 patients express elevated levels of CD64 and activation markers. MM2 eosinophils display lower levels of C-C Chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4, CD284), and tissue factor (TF, CD142). The MM2 (CD64^high) phenotype is independent of age, race, sex, and treatment type. Characteristic features of the MM2 (CD64^high) phenotype are associated with myeloma-defining events including elevated involved/uninvolved immunoglobulin free light chain (FLC) ratio at diagnosis. Detailed characterization of the altered myeloid phenotype in multiple myeloma will likely facilitate the identification of patients with an increased risk of disease progression and open new avenues for the rational design of novel therapeutic approaches.

Immunoregulatory functions of mature CD10+ and immature CD10- neutrophils in sepsis patients

Introduction

Neutrophil plays a more and more important role in sepsis with paralysis of immunoregulation. Till now, there was no biomarker to identify and isolate the mature and immature neutrophils in sepsis patients. CD10 shows on mature neutrophils at the latest stages of its differentiation. Our study aimed to investigate whether CD10 was a valid biomarker for distinguishing immature and mature neutrophil subgroups under septic conditions and their immunoregulatory effects on lymphocytes.

Methods

Totally 80 healthy volunteers and 107 sepsis patients were recruited in this study. Fluorescence-conjugated anti-CD66b, and anti-CD10 monoclonal antibodies followed by incubation with specific anti-fluorochrome microbeads was used to isolate different subgroups of neutrophils. T cell apoptotic assays and T cell proliferation assays followed by flow cytometry analysis were used to evaluate the immunoregulatory effect of each subgroup of neutrophils.

Results

(1) The cytological morphology of CD10⁺ neutrophils was mature and that of CD10^- neutrophils was immature in sepsis patients. (2) Mature CD10⁺ neutrophils inhibited the proliferation of T cell and immature CD10^- neutrophils promoted the T cell proliferation.

Conclusion

(1) CD10 was a good biomarker to distinguish mature from immature neutrophils in sepsis patients. (2) Mature CD10⁺ and immature CD10^- neutrophils displayed opposite immunoregulatory effects on T cells in sepsis patients.

Longitudinal Immune Profiling Highlights CD4+ T Cell Exhaustion Correlated with Liver Fibrosis in Schistosoma japonicum Infection

Schistosomiasis remains an important public health concern. The eggs deposited in livers invoke a Th2-dominant response, which mediates the fibrotic granulomatous response. However, the mechanisms involved in this immunopathological process are still not perfectly clear. Here, we report a single-cell transcriptional landscape of longitudinally collected BALB/c mouse splenocytes at different time points after Schistosoma japonicum infection. We found that exhausted CD4+ T cells were enriched after infection, changing from coproducing multiple cytokines to predominantly producing the Th2 cytokine IL-4. Regulatory B cells had high expression of Fcrl5, Ptpn22, and Lgals1, potentially regulating exhausted CD4+ T cells via direct PD-1-PD-L2 and PD-1-PD-L1 interactions. Within the myeloid compartment, the number of precursor and immature neutrophils sharply increased after infection. Moreover, dendritic cells, macrophages, and basophils showed inhibitory interactions with exhausted CD4+ T cells. Besides, in mouse livers, we found that exhausted CD4+ T cells were distributed around egg granuloma, promoting collagen expression in primary mouse hepatic stellate cells via IL-4 secretion, resulting in liver fibrosis. Our study provides comprehensive characterization of the composition and cellular states of immune cells with disease progression, which will facilitate better understanding of the mechanism underlying liver fibrotic granulomatous response in schistosomiasis.

Gestationally dependent immune organization at the maternal-fetal interface

The immune system and placenta have a dynamic relationship across gestation to accommodate fetal growth and development. High-resolution characterization of this maternal-fetal interface is necessary to better understand the immunology of pregnancy and its complications. We developed a single-cell framework to simultaneously immuno-phenotype circulating, endovascular, and tissue-resident cells at the maternal-fetal interface throughout gestation, discriminating maternal and fetal contributions. Our data reveal distinct immune profiles across the endovascular and tissue compartments with tractable dynamics throughout gestation that respond to a systemic immune challenge in a gestationally dependent manner. We uncover a significant role for the innate immune system where phagocytes and neutrophils drive temporal organization of the placenta through remarkably diverse populations, including PD-L1⁺ subsets having compartmental and early gestational bias. Our approach and accompanying datasets provide a resource for additional investigations into gestational immunology and evoke a more significant role for the innate immune system in establishing the microenvironment of early pregnancy.

PD-L1 negatively regulates antifungal immunity by inhibiting neutrophil release from bone marrow

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been shown to be inducibly expressed on neutrophils to suppress host immunity during polymicrobial sepsis, virus and parasite infections. However, the role of PD-L1 on neutrophil-mediated antifungal immunity remains wholly unknown. Here, we show that the expression of PD-L1 on murine and human neutrophils was upregulated upon the engagement of C-type lectin receptor Dectin-1 with its ligand β-glucans, exposed on fungal pathogen Candida albicans yeast. Moreover, β-glucan stimulation induced PD-L1 translocation into nucleus to regulate the production of chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL2, which control neutrophil mobilization. Importantly, C. albicans infection-induced expression of PD-L1 leads to neutrophil accumulation in bone marrow, through mediating their autocrine secretion of CXCL1/2. Furthermore, neutrophil-specific deficiency of PD-L1 impaired CXCL1/2 secretion, which promoted neutrophil migration from bone marrow into the peripheral circulation, thereby conferring host resistance to C. albicans infection. Finally, either PD-L1 blockade or pharmacological inhibition of PD-L1 expression significantly increased neutrophil release from bone marrow to enhance host antifungal immunity. Our data together indicate that activation of Dectin-1/PD-L1 cascade by β-glucans inhibits neutrophil release from bone marrow reserve, contributing to the negative regulation of antifungal innate immunity, which functions as a potent immunotherapeutic target against life-threatening fungi infections.

Hepatitis Viruses Control Host Immune Responses by Modifying the Exosomal Biogenesis Pathway and Cargo

The development of smart immune evasion mechanisms is crucial for the establishment of acute and chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatitis is a major health problem worldwide arising from different causes, such as pathogens, metabolic disorders, and xenotoxins, with the five hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HEV) representing the majority of the cases. Most of the hepatitis viruses are considered enveloped. Recently, it was reported that the non-enveloped HAV and HEV are, in reality, quasi-enveloped viruses exploiting exosomal-like biogenesis mechanisms for budding. Regardless, all hepatitis viruses use exosomes to egress, regulate, and eventually escape from the host immune system, revealing another key function of exosomes apart from their recognised role in intercellular communication. This review will discuss how the hepatitis viruses exploit exosome biogenesis and transport capacity to establish successful infection and spread. Then, we will outline the contribution of exosomes in viral persistence and liver disease progression.

Following successful anti-leishmanial treatment, neutrophil counts, CD10 expression and phagocytic capacity remain reduced in visceral leishmaniasis patients co-infected with HIV

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients co-infected with HIV (VL/HIV patients) experience frequent treatment failures, VL relapses, opportunistic infections, and higher mortality. Their immune system remains profoundly suppressed after clinical cure and they maintain higher parasite load. This is in contrast with patients with VL alone (VL patients). Since neutrophils play a critical role in the control of Leishmania replication and the regulation of immune responses, we tested the hypothesis that neutrophil activation status and effector functions are fully restored in VL, but not in VL/HIV patients. Our results show the neutrophil counts and all activation markers and effector functions tested in our study were reduced at the time of diagnosis in VL and VL/HIV patients as compared to controls. CD62L, CD63, arginase 1 expression levels and reactive oxygen species production were restored at the end of treatment in both groups. However, neutrophil counts, CD10 expression and phagocytosis remained significantly lower throughout follow-up in VL/HIV patients; suggesting that dysregulated neutrophils contribute to the impaired host defence against pathogens in VL/HIV patients.

Bioinformatic analysis of PD-1 checkpoint blockade response in influenza infection

Background

The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling pathway is significantly upregulated in influenza virus infection, which impairs the antiviral response. Blocking this signaling pathway may reduce the damage, lower the virus titer in lung tissue, and alleviate the symptoms of infection to promote recovery. In addition to the enhanced viral immune response, using of immune checkpoint inhibitors in influenza virus infection is controversial, the aim of this study was to identify the key factors and regulatory mechanisms in the PD-1 checkpoint blockade response microenvironment in influenza infection.

Methods

A BALB/c mouse model of influenza A/PR8(H1N1) infection was established then constructed, and whole-transcriptome sequencing including mRNAs, miRNAs (microRNAs), lncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs), and circRNAs (circular RNAs) of mice treated with PD-1 checkpoint blockade by antibody treatment and IgG2a isotype control before infection with A/PR8(H1N1) were performed. Subsequently, the differential expression of transcripts between these two groups was analyzed, followed by functional interaction prediction analysis to investigate gene-regulatory circuits.

Results

In total, 84 differentially expressed dif-mRNAs, 36 dif-miRNAs, 90 dif-lncRNAs and 22 dif-circRNAs were found in PD-1 antagonist treated A/PR8(H1N1) influenza-infected lungs compared with the controls (IgG2a isotype control treated before infection). In spleens between the above two groups, 45 dif-mRNAs, 36 dif-miRNAs, 57 dif-lncRNAs, and 24 dif-circRNAs were identified. Direct function enrichment analysis of dif-mRNAs and dif-miRNAs showed that these genes were mainly involved in myocardial damage related to viral infection, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, RAP1 (Ras-related protein 1) signaling pathway, and Axon guidance. Finally, 595 interaction pairs were obtained for the lungs and 462 interaction pairs for the spleens were obtained in the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) complex network, in which the downregulated mmu-miR-7043-3p and Vps39–204 were enriched significantly in PD-1 checkpoint blockade treated A/PR8(H1N1) infection group.

Conclusions

The present study provided a basis for the identification of potential pathways and hub genes that might be involved in the PD-1 checkpoint blockade response microenvironment in influenza infection.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-022-01081-7.

PD-L1+ neutrophils as novel biomarkers for stage IV melanoma patients treated with nivolumab

Melanoma displays a rising incidence, and the mortality associated with metastatic form remains high. Monoclonal antibodies that block programmed death (PD-1) and PD Ligand 1 (PD-L1) network have revolutionized the history of metastatic disease. PD-L1 is expressed on several immune cells and can be also expressed on human neutrophils (PMNs). The role of peripheral blood PMNs as predictive biomarkers in anti-PD-1 therapy of melanoma is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine activation status and PD-L1 expression on human neutrophils as possible novel biomarkers in stage IV melanoma patients (MPs). We found that PMNs from MPs displayed an activated phenotype and increased PD-L1 levels compared to healthy controls (HCs). Patients with lower PD-L1⁺ PMN frequencies displayed better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to patients with high PD-L1⁺ PMN frequencies. Multivariate analysis showed that PD-L1⁺ PMNs predicted patient outcome in BRAF wild type MP subgroup but not in BRAF mutated MPs. PD-L1⁺ PMN frequency emerges as a novel biomarker in stage IV BRAF wild type MPs undergoing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Our findings suggest further evaluation of the role of neutrophil subsets and their mediators in melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy.

Altered Innate Immunity and Damaged Epithelial Integrity in Vaginal Microbial Dysbiosis

The role of neutrophils relative to vaginal dysbiosis is unclear. We hypothesize that bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria may induce the activation and accumulation of mucosal neutrophils within the female reproductive tract (FRT), resulting in epithelial barrier damage. We collected endocervical cytobrushes from women with and without BV and assessed bacteria community type and frequency/functional phenotypes of neutrophils. We performed in vitro whole blood co-cultures with BV-associated bacteria and healthy vaginal commensals and assessed their impact on epithelial integrity using transepithelial electrical resistance. We demonstrated increased neutrophil frequency (p < 0.0001), activation (p < 0.0001), and prolonged lifespan (p < 0.0001) in the cytobrushes from women with non-Lactobacillus dominant (nLD) communities. Our in vitro co-cultures confirmed these results and identified significant barrier damage in the presence of neutrophils and G. vaginalis. Here, we demonstrate that BV-associated bacteria induce neutrophil activation and increase lifespan, potentially causing accumulation in the FRT and epithelial barrier damage.

Changes Within H3K4me3-Marked Histone Reveal Molecular Background of Neutrophil Functional Plasticity

Neutrophils are a heterogenous population capable of both antimicrobial functions and suppressor ones, however, no specific pattern of transcription factors controlling this plasticity has been identified. We observed rapid changes in the neutrophil status after stimulation with LPS, pre-activating concentration of TNF-α, or IL-10. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) analysis of histone H3K4me3 allowed us to identify various transcriptional start sites (TSSs) associated with plasticity and heterogeneity of human neutrophils. Gene Ontology analysis demonstrated great variation within target genes responsible for neutrophil activation, cytokine production, apoptosis, histone remodelling as well as NF-κB transcription factor pathways. These data allowed us to assign specific target genes positioned by H3K4me3-marked histone with a different pattern of gene expression related to NF-κB pathways, apoptosis, and a specific profile of cytokines/chemokines/growth factors realised by neutrophils stimulated by LPS, IL-10, or TNF-α. We discovered IL-10-induced apoptotic neutrophils being transcriptionally active cells capable of switching the profile of cytokines/chemokines/growth factors desired in resolving inflammation via non-canonical NF-κB pathway with simultaneous inhibition of canonical NF-κB pathway. As apoptotic/suppressive neutrophils induced by IL-10 via positioning genes within H3K4me3-marked histone were transcriptionally active, newly described DNA binding sites can be considered as potential targets for immunotherapy.

H3K4me3 histone ChIP-Seq analysis reveals molecular drivers critical for switching neutrophils from their pro- to anti-inflammatory properties.

Distinct immune profiles of HIV-infected subjects are linked to specific lipid mediator signature

INTRODUCTION

To date, with no prophylactic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine available, HIV incidence rates remain undefeated. Despite full virological suppression, HIV+ individuals exhibit a higher rate of cardiovascular disorders and cancers what is attributed to the residual, persistent levels of immune activation.

METHODS

We have established the Virological and Immunological Monitoring (VIM) platform and forty VIM samples that included treated immunological responders (IRs) or nonresponders (INRs), viremic untreated subjects and uninfected controls, were phenotyped by flow cytometry and plasma was used to quantify proinflammatory eicosanoids and the specialized proresolving mediators by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

While HIV infection profoundly altered lipid mediator (LM) profile, differences were also seen in patients on viral suppressive therapy. IRs exhibited higher levels of proresolving mediators as compared to INRs and notable differences in plasma LM were also seen in early and late treated individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated distortions in proinflammatory/proresolution processes in infected patients including those with controlled viremia.

Learning to Be Elite: Lessons From HIV-1 Controllers and Animal Models on Trained Innate Immunity and Virus Suppression

Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has drastically changed the lives of people living with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), long-term treatment has been associated with a vast array of comorbidities. Therefore, a cure for HIV-1 remains the best option to globally eradicate HIV-1/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, development of strategies to achieve complete eradication of HIV-1 has been extremely challenging. Thus, the control of HIV-1 replication by the host immune system, namely functional cure, has long been studied as an alternative approach for HIV-1 cure. HIV-1 elite controllers (ECs) are rare individuals who naturally maintain undetectable HIV-1 replication levels in the absence of ART and whose immune repertoire might be a desirable blueprint for a functional cure. While the role(s) played by distinct human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression and CD8+ T cell responses expressing cognate ligands in controlling HIV-1 has been widely characterized in ECs, the innate immune phenotype has been decidedly understudied. Comparably, in animal models such as HIV-1-infected humanized mice and simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)-infected non-human primates (NHP), viremic control is known to be associated with specific major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alleles and CD8+ T cell activity, but the innate immune response remains incompletely characterized. Notably, recent work demonstrating the existence of trained innate immunity may provide new complementary approaches to achieve an HIV-1 cure. Herein, we review the known characteristics of innate immune responses in ECs and available animal models, identify gaps of knowledge regarding responses by adaptive or trained innate immune cells, and speculate on potential strategies to induce EC-like responses in HIV-1 non-controllers.

Role of T Regulatory Cells and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been raised as a pandemic disease since December 2019. Immunosuppressive cells including T regulatory cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are key players in immunological tolerance and immunoregulation; however, they contribute to the pathogenesis of different diseases including infections. Tregs have been shown to impair the protective role of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes against viral infections. In COVID-19 patients, most studies reported reduction, while few other studies found elevation in Treg levels. Moreover, Tregs have a dual role, depending on the different stages of COVID-19 disease. At early stages of COVID-19, Tregs have a critical role in decreasing antiviral immune responses, and consequently reducing the viral clearance. On the other side, during late stages, Tregs reduce inflammation-induced organ damage. Therefore, inhibition of Tregs in early stages and their expansion in late stages have potentials to improve clinical outcomes. In viral infections, MDSC levels are highly increased, and they have the potential to suppress T cell proliferation and reduce viral clearance. Some subsets of MDSCs are expanded in the blood of COVID-19 patients; however, there is a controversy whether this expansion has pathogenic or protective effects in COVID-19 patients. In conclusion, further studies are required to investigate the role and function of immunosuppressive cells and their potentials as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in COVID-19 patients.

Neutrophil Functional Heterogeneity and Implications for Viral Infections and Treatments

Evidence suggests that neutrophils exert specialized effector functions during infection and inflammation, and that these cells can affect the duration, severity, and outcome of the infection. These functions are related to variations in phenotypes that have implications in immunoregulation during viral infections. Although the complexity of the heterogeneity of neutrophils is still in the process of being uncovered, evidence indicates that they display phenotypes and functions that can assist in viral clearance or augment and amplify the immunopathology of viruses. Therefore, deciphering and understanding neutrophil subsets and their polarization in viral infections is of importance. In this review, the different phenotypes of neutrophils and the roles they play in viral infections are discussed. We also examine the possible ways to target neutrophil subsets during viral infections as potential anti-viral treatments.

The Role of the Oral Immune System in Oropharyngeal Candidiasis-Facilitated Invasion and Dissemination of Staphylococcus aureus

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus account for most invasive fungal and bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs), respectively. However, the initial point of invasion responsible for S. aureus BSIs is often unclear. Recently, C. albicans has been proposed to mediate S. aureus invasion of immunocompromised hosts during co-colonization of oral mucosal surfaces. The status of the oral immune system crucially contributes to this process in two distinct ways: firstly, by allowing invasive C. albicans growth during dysfunction of extra-epithelial immunity, and secondly following invasion by some remaining function of intra-epithelial immunity. Immunocompromised individuals at risk of developing invasive oral C. albicans infections could, therefore, also be at risk of contracting concordant S. aureus BSIs. Considering the crucial contribution of both oral immune function and dysfunction, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of relevant aspects of intra and extra-epithelial oral immunity and discuss predominant immune deficiencies expected to facilitate C. albicans induced S. aureus BSIs.

Lymphocytes Infiltration and Expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in Colorectal Cancer Between HIV-Infected and Non-HIV-Infected Patients: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study

Background

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and expression of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) are crucial for antitumor immunity. However, the status remains undetermined in HIV-infected colorectal cancer (CRC), limiting the use of immunotherapy in HIV-infected CRC patients.

Methods

We examined 27 HIV-infected patients and 120 non-HIV-infected patients with CRC from 2015-2020 at Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center. After matching the propensity score, 13 paired patients in the two groups were also compared. The expression of PD-1/PD-L1 as well as tumor-infiltrating CD4, CD8, and CD56 immune cells was examined using multiplex immunofluorescent analysis. The cell density for positive staining was calculated (cells/mm²) and compared between HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected groups. In addition, the co-expression of PD-1 on immune cells and PD-L1 on tumor cells was compared in these two groups.

Results

The mean densities of tumor-infiltrating CD4, CD8, CD56 immune cells were 620.2, 261.2, and 0.2 cells/mm², respectively, in HIV-infected colorectal tumors compared with 698.6, 243, and 14 cells/mm² in non-HIV-infected tumors. PD-1 expression was 227 cells/mm² in HIV-infected tumors and 365.2 cells/mm² in non-HIV-infected tumors. Besides, PD-L1 expression was 108.5 cells/mm² in HIV-infected tumors and 126.8 cells/mm² in non-HIV-infected tumors, and no significant difference was found between the two groups. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the expression of PD-1 on TILs and PD-L1 on tumor cells.

Conclusion

HIV-infected CRC patients had similar tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD4 and CD8 T cells) compared to non-HIV-infected controls and substantially similar PD-1 expression on TILs and PD-L1 expression on tumors. These results support the inclusion of HIV-infected CRC patients in future immunotherapy trials.

Optimization of methods for the accurate characterization of whole blood neutrophils

Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating leukocyte population with critical roles in immune defense, regulation of innate and adaptive immune systems, and disease pathogenesis. Our progress in understanding precise mechanisms of neutrophil activation, recruitment, and function has been hampered by the lack of optimized and standardized methods for the characterization and phenotyping of this readily activated population. By comparing eight methods of neutrophil characterization, we demonstrate that the level of neutrophil activation and degranulation is associated with specific experimental conditions and the number and type of manipulation steps employed. Staining whole blood at 4 °C and removal of remaining unbound antibodies prior to one-step fixation and red blood cell lysis minimizes neutrophil activation, decreases phenotypic alterations during processing, and prevents nonspecific antibody binding. The effects of anticoagulants used for collection, processing delays, and time and temperature during sample analysis on neutrophil phenotype are addressed. The presented data provide a foundation for higher quality standards of neutrophil characterization improving consistency and reproducibility among studies.

Upregulation of Checkpoint Ligand Programmed Death-Ligand 1 in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Explained by Proximal Complement Activation

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare hemolytic disease driven by impaired complement regulation. Mutations in genes encoding the enzymes that build the GPI anchors are causative, with somatic mutations in the PIG-A gene occurring most frequently. As a result, the important membrane-bound complement regulators CD55 and CD59 are missing on the affected hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny, rendering those cells vulnerable to complement attack. Immune escape mechanisms sparing affected PNH stem cells from removal are suspected in the PNH pathogenesis, but molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. We hypothesized that exuberant complement activity in PNH results in enhanced immune checkpoint interactions, providing a molecular basis for the potential immune escape in PNH. In a series of PNH patients, we found increased expression levels of the checkpoint ligand programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on granulocytes and monocytes, as well as in the plasma of PNH patients. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that complement activation leading to the decoration of particles/cells with C3- and/or C4-opsonins increased PD-L1 expression on neutrophils and monocytes as shown for different in vitro models of classical or alternative pathway activation. We further establish in vitro that complement inhibition at the level of C3, but not C5, inhibits the alternative pathway-mediated upregulation of PD-L1 and show by means of soluble PD-L1 that this observation translates into the clinical situation when PNH patients are treated with either C3 or C5 inhibitors. Together, the presented data show that the checkpoint ligand PD-L1 is increased in PNH patients, which correlates with proximal complement activation.

Expansion of Immature Neutrophils During SIV Infection Is Associated With Their Capacity to Modulate T-Cell Function

In spite of the efficacy of combinational antiretroviral treatment (cART), HIV-1 persists in the host and infection is associated with chronic inflammation, leading to an increased risk of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurocognitive disorders, and cancer. Myeloid cells, mainly monocytes and macrophages, have been shown to be involved in the immune activation observed in HIV-1 infection. However, less attention has been paid to neutrophils, the most abundant circulating myeloid cell, even though neutrophils are strongly involved in tissue damage and inflammation in several chronic diseases, in particular, autoimmune diseases. Herein, we performed a longitudinal characterization of neutrophil phenotype and we evaluated the interplay between neutrophils and T cells in the model of pathogenic SIVmac251 experimental infection of cynomolgus macaques. We report that circulating granulocytes consists mainly of immature CD10- neutrophils exhibiting a prime phenotype during primary and chronic infection. We found that neutrophil priming correlates with CD8⁺ T cell activation. Moreover, we provide the evidence that neutrophils are capable of modulating CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ production in different ways depending on the time of infection. Thus, our study emphasizes the role of primed immature neutrophils in the modulation of T-cell responses in SIV infection.

Dysfunction of low-density neutrophils in peripheral circulation in patients with sepsis

Low-density neutrophils (LDNs) have been described in tumors and various autoimmune diseases, where they exhibit immune dysfunction and alter disease progression. Nevertheless, LDNs have been rarely reported in sepsis. We studied sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Wright-Giemsa stain assay and Transmission electron microscopy were performed to detect the morphology of neutrophils. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the number and function of LDNs. Concentration of cytokines was measured using ELISA. Neutrophil chemotaxis was examined using an under-agarose chemotaxis model. We found that LDNs were significantly elevated in patients with sepsis. Phenotypes and morphological characteristics suggest that LDNs may be formed by mixtures of neutrophils at various maturation stages. In vitro experiments showed that LDN formation was closely associated with neutrophil degranulation. We preliminarily discussed changes in immune function in LDNs. Compared with high-density neutrophils, expression levels of CXC chemokine receptor 4 on LDN surfaces were increased, phagocytotic capacity was decreased, and life span was prolonged. The chemotactic ability of LDNs was significantly reduced, possibly related to the increased expression of P2X1. These data suggest that LDNs are essential components of neutrophils in sepsis. To clarify the source and dysfunction mechanism of LDN in sepsis may be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in the future.