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Arron HE, Marsh BD, Kell DB, Khan MA, Jaeger BR, Pretorius E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the biology of a neglected disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386607. [PMID: 38887284 PMCID: PMC11180809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by a wide range of symptoms that severely impact all aspects of life. Despite its significant prevalence, ME/CFS remains one of the most understudied and misunderstood conditions in modern medicine. ME/CFS lacks standardised diagnostic criteria owing to variations in both inclusion and exclusion criteria across different diagnostic guidelines, and furthermore, there are currently no effective treatments available. Moving beyond the traditional fragmented perspectives that have limited our understanding and management of the disease, our analysis of current information on ME/CFS represents a significant paradigm shift by synthesising the disease's multifactorial origins into a cohesive model. We discuss how ME/CFS emerges from an intricate web of genetic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers, notably viral infections, leading to a complex series of pathological responses including immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic disturbances. This comprehensive model not only advances our understanding of ME/CFS's pathophysiology but also opens new avenues for research and potential therapeutic strategies. By integrating these disparate elements, our work emphasises the necessity of a holistic approach to diagnosing, researching, and treating ME/CFS, urging the scientific community to reconsider the disease's complexity and the multifaceted approach required for its study and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley E. Arron
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Benjamin D. Marsh
- MRCPCH Consultant Paediatric Neurodisability, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - M. Asad Khan
- Directorate of Respiratory Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Beate R. Jaeger
- Long COVID department, Clinic St Georg, Bad Aibling, Germany
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Hu A, Sun L, Lin H, Liao Y, Yang H, Mao Y. Harnessing innate immune pathways for therapeutic advancement in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:68. [PMID: 38523155 PMCID: PMC10961329 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01765-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune pathway is receiving increasing attention in cancer therapy. This pathway is ubiquitous across various cell types, not only in innate immune cells but also in adaptive immune cells, tumor cells, and stromal cells. Agonists targeting the innate immune pathway have shown profound changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and improved tumor prognosis in preclinical studies. However, to date, the clinical success of drugs targeting the innate immune pathway remains limited. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that activation of the innate immune pathway can paradoxically promote tumor progression. The uncertainty surrounding the therapeutic effectiveness of targeted drugs for the innate immune pathway is a critical issue that needs immediate investigation. In this review, we observe that the role of the innate immune pathway demonstrates heterogeneity, linked to the tumor development stage, pathway status, and specific cell types. We propose that within the TME, the innate immune pathway exhibits multidimensional diversity. This diversity is fundamentally rooted in cellular heterogeneity and is manifested as a variety of signaling networks. The pro-tumor effect of innate immune pathway activation essentially reflects the suppression of classical pathways and the activation of potential pro-tumor alternative pathways. Refining our understanding of the tumor's innate immune pathway network and employing appropriate targeting strategies can enhance our ability to harness the anti-tumor potential of the innate immune pathway and ultimately bridge the gap from preclinical to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), and Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine (Ministry of Education), and Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
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Seton KA, Espejo-Oltra JA, Giménez-Orenga K, Haagmans R, Ramadan DJ, Mehlsen J. Advancing Research and Treatment: An Overview of Clinical Trials in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2024; 13:325. [PMID: 38256459 PMCID: PMC10816159 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, debilitating, and multi-faceted illness. Heterogenous onset and clinical presentation with additional comorbidities make it difficult to diagnose, characterize, and successfully treat. Current treatment guidelines focus on symptom management, but with no clear target or causative mechanism, remission rates are low, and fewer than 5% of patients return to their pre-morbid activity levels. Therefore, there is an urgent need to undertake robust clinical trials to identify effective treatments. This review synthesizes insights from clinical trials exploring pharmacological interventions and dietary supplements targeting immunological, metabolic, gastrointestinal, neurological, and neuroendocrine dysfunction in ME/CFS patients which require further exploration. Additionally, the trialling of alternative interventions in ME/CFS based on reported efficacy in the treatment of illnesses with overlapping symptomology is also discussed. Finally, we provide important considerations and make recommendations, focusing on outcome measures, to ensure the execution of future high-quality clinical trials to establish clinical efficacy of evidence-based interventions that are needed for adoption in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A. Seton
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK;
| | - José A. Espejo-Oltra
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Pathology, School of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia, San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Karen Giménez-Orenga
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia, San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Rik Haagmans
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK;
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Donia J. Ramadan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Jesper Mehlsen
- Surgical Pathophysiology Unit, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
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Reghu G, Vemula PK, Bhat SG, Narayanan S. Harnessing the innate immune system by revolutionizing macrophage-mediated cancer immunotherapy. J Biosci 2024; 49:63. [PMID: 38864238 PMCID: PMC11286319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising and safer alternative to conventional cancer therapies. It involves adaptive T-cell therapy, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based therapies. However, most of these modalities encounter restrictions in solid tumours owing to a dense, highly hypoxic and immune-suppressive microenvironment as well as the heterogeneity of tumour antigens. The elevated intra-tumoural pressure and mutational rates within fastgrowing solid tumours present challenges in efficient drug targeting and delivery. The tumour microenvironment is a dynamic niche infiltrated by a variety of immune cells, most of which are macrophages. Since they form a part of the innate immune system, targeting macrophages has become a plausible immunotherapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss several versatile approaches (both at pre-clinical and clinical stages) such as the direct killing of tumour-associated macrophages, reprogramming pro-tumour macrophages to anti-tumour phenotypes, inhibition of macrophage recruitment into the tumour microenvironment, novel CAR macrophages, and genetically engineered macrophages that have been devised thus far. These strategies comprise a strong and adaptable macrophage-toolkit in the ongoing fight against cancer and by understanding their significance, we may unlock the full potential of these immune cells in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Reghu
- Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 682 022, India
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Gandhi S, Opyrchal M, Grimm MJ, Slomba RT, Kokolus KM, Witkiewicz A, Attwood K, Groman A, Williams L, Tarquini ML, Wallace PK, Soh KT, Minderman H, Maguire O, O'Connor TL, Early AP, Levine EG, Kalinski P. Systemic infusion of TLR3-ligand and IFN-α in patients with breast cancer reprograms local tumor microenvironments for selective CTL influx. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007381. [PMID: 37963636 PMCID: PMC10649898 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presence of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) predicts the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. The ability of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligands, interferons (IFNs) and COX2 inhibitors to synergistically induce CTL-attracting chemokines (but not regulatory T cell (Treg)-attractants) in the TME, but not in healthy tissues, observed in our preclinical studies, suggested that their systemic application can reprogram local TMEs. METHODS Six evaluable patients (33-69 years) with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer received six doses of systemic chemokine-modulating (CKM) regimen composed of TLR3 ligand (rintatolimod; 200 mg; intravenous), IFN-α2b (20 MU/m2; intravenous) and COX2 inhibitor (celecoxib; 2×200 mg; oral) over 2 weeks. The predetermined primary endpoint was the intratumoral change in the expression of CTL marker, CD8α, in the post-CKM versus pre-CKM tumor biopsies. Patients received follow-up pembrolizumab (200 mg, intravenously, every 3 weeks), starting 3-8 days after completion of CKM. RESULTS Post-CKM biopsies showed selectively increased CTL markers CD8α (average 10.2-fold, median 5.5-fold, p=0.034) and granzyme B (GZMB; 6.1-fold, median 5.8-fold, p=0.02), but not FOXP3 (Treg marker) relative to HPRT1 expression, resulting in the increases in average CD8α/FOXP3 ratio and GZMB/FOXP3 ratio. CKM increased intratumoral CTL-attractants CCL5 and CXCL10, but not Treg-attractants CCL22 or CXCL12. In contrast, CD8+ T cells and their CXCR3+ subset showed transient decreases in blood. One clinical response (breast tumor autoamputation) and three stable diseases were observed. The patient with clinical response remains disease free, with a follow-up of 46 months as of data cut-off. CONCLUSIONS Short-term systemic CKM selectively increases CTL numbers and CTL/Treg ratios in the TME, while transiently decreasing CTL numbers in the blood. Transient effects of CKM suggest that its simultaneous application with checkpoint blockade and other forms of immunotherapy may be needed for optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Gandhi
- Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Mateusz Opyrchal
- Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Melissa J Grimm
- Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ronald T Slomba
- Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Kathleen M Kokolus
- Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Agnieszka Witkiewicz
- Advanced Tissue Imaging Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Kristopher Attwood
- Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Adrienne Groman
- Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Lauren Williams
- Clinical Research Services, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mary Lynne Tarquini
- Clinical Research Services, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Paul K Wallace
- Flow & Image Cytometry Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Kah Teong Soh
- Flow & Image Cytometry Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Hans Minderman
- Flow & Image Cytometry Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Orla Maguire
- Flow & Image Cytometry Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Tracey L O'Connor
- Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Amy P Early
- Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ellis G Levine
- Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Pawel Kalinski
- Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Berentschot JC, Drexhage HA, Aynekulu Mersha DG, Wijkhuijs AJM, GeurtsvanKessel CH, Koopmans MPG, Voermans JJC, Hendriks RW, Nagtzaam NMA, de Bie M, Heijenbrok-Kal MH, Bek LM, Ribbers GM, van den Berg-Emons RJG, Aerts JGJV, Dik WA, Hellemons ME. Immunological profiling in long COVID: overall low grade inflammation and T-lymphocyte senescence and increased monocyte activation correlating with increasing fatigue severity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254899. [PMID: 37881427 PMCID: PMC10597688 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection develop long COVID with fatigue as one of the most disabling symptoms. We performed clinical and immune profiling of fatigued and non-fatigued long COVID patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Methods Long COVID symptoms were assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, including the fatigue assessment scale (FAS, scores ≥22 denote fatigue), and followed up to one year after hospital discharge. We assessed inflammation-related genes in circulating monocytes, serum levels of inflammation-regulating cytokines, and leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets, including major monocyte subsets and senescent T-lymphocytes, at 3-6 months post-discharge. Results We included 37 fatigued and 36 non-fatigued long COVID patients and 42 HCs. Fatigued long COVID patients represented a more severe clinical profile than non-fatigued patients, with many concurrent symptoms (median 9 [IQR 5.0-10.0] vs 3 [1.0-5.0] symptoms, p<0.001), and signs of cognitive failure (41%) and depression (>24%). Immune abnormalities that were found in the entire group of long COVID patients were low grade inflammation (increased inflammatory gene expression in monocytes, increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokines) and signs of T-lymphocyte senescence (increased exhausted CD8+ TEMRA-lymphocytes). Immune profiles did not significantly differ between fatigued and non-fatigued long COVID groups. However, the severity of fatigue (total FAS score) significantly correlated with increases of intermediate and non-classical monocytes, upregulated gene levels of CCL2, CCL7, and SERPINB2 in monocytes, increases in serum Galectin-9, and higher CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts. Conclusion Long COVID with fatigue is associated with many concurrent and persistent symptoms lasting up to one year after hospitalization. Increased fatigue severity associated with stronger signs of monocyte activation in long COVID patients and potentially point in the direction of monocyte-endothelial interaction. These abnormalities were present against a background of immune abnormalities common to the entire group of long COVID patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Berentschot
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hemmo A. Drexhage
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Marion P. G. Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda J. C. Voermans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rudi W. Hendriks
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nicole M. A. Nagtzaam
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maaike de Bie
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Majanka H. Heijenbrok-Kal
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - L. Martine Bek
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerard M. Ribbers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Joachim G. J. V. Aerts
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Willem A. Dik
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Merel E. Hellemons
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Yong SJ, Halim A, Halim M, Ming LC, Goh KW, Alfaresi M, AlShehail BM, Al Fares MA, Alissa M, Sulaiman T, Alsalem Z, Alwashmi ASS, Khamis F, Al Kaabi NA, Albayat H, Alsheheri A, Garout M, Alsalman J, Alfaraj AH, Alhajri M, Dhama K, Alburaiky LM, Alsanad AH, AlShurbaji AT, Rabaan AA. Experimental drugs in randomized controlled trials for long-COVID: what's in the pipeline? A systematic and critical review. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:655-667. [PMID: 37534972 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2242773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over three years have passed since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and yet the treatment for long-COVID, a post-COVID-19 syndrome, remains long overdue. Currently, there is no standardized treatment available for long-COVID, primarily due to the lack of funding for post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS). Nevertheless, the past few years have seen a renewed interest in long-COVID research, with billions of dollars allocated for this purpose. As a result, multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been funded in the quest to find an effective treatment for long-COVID. AREAS COVERED This systematic review identified and evaluated the potential of current drug treatments for long-COVID, examining both completed and ongoing RCTs. EXPERT OPINION We identified four completed and 22 ongoing RCTs, investigating 22 unique drugs. However, most drugs were deemed to not have high potential for treating long-COVID, according to three pre-specified domains, a testament to the ordeal of treating long-COVID. Given that long-COVID is highly multifaceted with several proposed subtypes, treatments likely need to be tailored accordingly. Currently, rintatolimod appears to have modest to high potential for treating the myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) subtype, LTY-100 and Treamid for pulmonary fibrosis subtype, and metformin for general long-COVID prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Jie Yong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Alice Halim
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael Halim
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Mubarak Alfaresi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bashayer M AlShehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona A Al Fares
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alissa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarek Sulaiman
- Infectious Diseases Section, Medical Specialties Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab Alsalem
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ameen S S Alwashmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faryal Khamis
- Infection Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Nawal A Al Kaabi
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hawra Albayat
- Infectious Disease Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alsheheri
- Infectious Disease Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Garout
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care for Pilgrims, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jameela Alsalman
- Infection Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Amal H Alfaraj
- Pediatric Department, Abqaiq General Hospital, First Eastern Health Cluster, Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Alhajri
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
| | - Lamees M Alburaiky
- Pediatric Department, Safwa General Hospital, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahlam H Alsanad
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatrics Department, Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan
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8
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Cheng Y, Xu SM, Takenaka K, Lindner G, Curry-Hyde A, Janitz M. A Unique Circular RNA Expression Pattern in the Peripheral Blood of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients. Gene 2023:147568. [PMID: 37328077 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease with obscure aetiology. The underdiagnosis rate of ME/CFS is high due to the lack of diagnostic criteria based on objective markers. In recent years, circRNAs have emerged as potential genetic biomarkers for neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, making them likely to have the same prospect of being biomarkers in ME/CFS. However, despite the extensive amount of research that has been performed on the transcriptomes of ME/CFS patients, all of them are solely focused on linear RNAs, and the profiling of circRNAs in ME/CFS has been completely omitted. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of circRNAs, comparing ME/CFS patients and controls before and after two sessions of cardiopulmonary exercise longitudinally. In patients with ME/CFS, the number of detected circRNAs was higher compared to healthy controls, indicating potential differences in circRNA expression associated with the disease. Additionally, healthy controls showed an increase in the number of circRNAs following exercise testing, while no similar pattern was evident in ME/CFS patients, further highlighting physiological differences between the two groups. A lack of correlation was observed between differentially expressed circRNAs and their corresponding coding genes in terms of expression and function, suggesting the potential of circRNAs as independent biomarkers in ME/CFS. Specifically, 14 circRNAs were highly expressed in ME/CFS patients but absent in controls throughout the exercise study, indicating a unique molecular signature specific to ME/CFS patients and providing potential diagnostic biomarkers for the disease. Significant enrichment of protein and gene regulative pathways were detected in relation to five of these 14 circRNAs based on their predicted miRNA target genes. Overall, this is the first study to describe the circRNA expression profile in peripheral blood of ME/CFS patients, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Cheng
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Si-Mei Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Konii Takenaka
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Grace Lindner
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ashton Curry-Hyde
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael Janitz
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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9
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Thierry S, Maadadi S, Berton A, Dimier L, Perret C, Vey N, Ourfali S, Saccas M, Caron S, Boucard-Jourdin M, Colombel M, Werle B, Bonnin M. TL-532, a novel specific Toll-like receptor 3 agonist rationally designed for targeting cancers: discovery process and biological characterization. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2023; 10:117-132. [PMID: 37275475 PMCID: PMC10236204 DOI: 10.15698/mic2023.06.797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is an innate immune receptor that recognizes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and induces inflammation in immune and normal cells to initiate anti-microbial responses. TLR3 acts also as a death receptor only in cancer cells but not in their normal counterparts, making it an attractive target for cancer therapies. To date, all of the TLR3-activating dsRNAs used at preclinical or clinical stages have major drawbacks such as structural heterogeneity, toxicity, and lack of specificity and/or efficacy. We conducted the discovery process of a new family of TLR3 agonists that are chemically manufactured on solid-phase support and perfectly defined in terms of sequence and size. A stepwise discovery process was performed leading to the identification of TL-532, a 70 base pair dsRNA that is potent without transfection reagent and is highly specific for TLR3 without activating other innate nucleic sensors such as RIG-I/MDA5, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9. TL-532 induces inflammation in murine RAW264.7 myeloid macrophages, in human NCI-H292 lung cancer cells, and it promotes immunogenic apoptosis in tumor cells in vitro and ex vivo without toxicity towards normal primary cells. In conclusion, we identified a novel TLR3 agonist called TL-532 that has promising anticancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Thierry
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sarah Maadadi
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Aurore Berton
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Laura Dimier
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Clémence Perret
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Nelly Vey
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Saïd Ourfali
- Service d'Urologie et Chirurgie de la Transplantation, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France. Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Mathilde Saccas
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Solène Caron
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Mathilde Boucard-Jourdin
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marc Colombel
- Service d'Urologie et Chirurgie de la Transplantation, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
| | - Bettina Werle
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marc Bonnin
- TOLLYS SAS, 60F avenue Rockefeller, Lyon, France; Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
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10
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Wei X, Xin J, Chen W, Wang J, Lv Y, Wei Y, Li Z, Ding Q, Shen Y, Xu X, Zhang X, Zhang W, Zu X. Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorated complex factor-induced chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114862. [PMID: 37167729 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating disease with no symptomatic treatment. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a component derived from the traditional Chinese medicine A. membranaceus, has significant anti-fatigue activity. However, the mechanisms underlying the potential beneficial effects of APS on CFS remain poorly understood. A CFS model of 6-week-old C57BL/6 male mice was established using the multiple-factor method. These mice underwent examinations for behavior, oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators in brain and intestinal tissues, and ileum histomorphology. 16 S rDNA sequencing analysis indicated that APS regulated the abundance of gut microbiota and increased production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and anti-inflammatory bacteria. In addition, APS reversed the abnormal expression of Nrf2, NF-κB, and their downstream factors in the brain-gut axis and alleviated the reduction in SCFAs in the cecal content caused by CFS. Further, APS modulated the changes in serum metabolic pathways induced by CFS. Finally, it was verified that butyrate exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in neuronal cells. In conclusion, APS could increase the SCFAs content by regulating the gut microbiota, and SCFAs (especially butyrate) can further regulate the oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, thus alleviating CFS. This study explored the efficacy and mechanism of APS for CFS from the perspective of gut-brain axis and provides a reference to further explore the efficacy of APS and the role of SCFAs in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Jiayun Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Yanhui Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Yanping Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Zhanhong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Qianqian Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yunheng Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xike Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiuyun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China.
| | - Weidong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xianpeng Zu
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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11
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Ebola virus disease: In vivo protection provided by the PAMP restricted TLR3 agonist rintatolimod and its mechanism of action. Antiviral Res 2023; 212:105554. [PMID: 36804324 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) is a highly infectious and lethal pathogen responsible for sporadic self-limiting clusters of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Central Africa capable of reaching epidemic status. 100% protection from lethal EBOV-Zaire in Balb/c mice was achieved by rintatolimod (Ampligen) at the well tolerated human clinical dose of 6 mg/kg. The data indicate that the mechanism of action is rintatolimod's dual ability to act as both a competitive decoy for the IID domain of VP35 blocking viral dsRNA sequestration and as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) restricted agonist for direct TLR3 activation but lacking RIG-1-like cytosolic helicase agonist properties. These data show promise for rintatolimod as a prophylactic therapy against human Ebola outbreaks.
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12
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Panigaj M, Skelly E, Beasock D, Marriott I, Johnson MB, Salotti J, Afonin KA. Therapeutic immunomodulation by rationally designed nucleic acids and nucleic acid nanoparticles. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1053550. [PMID: 36798121 PMCID: PMC9927404 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1053550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system has evolved to defend organisms against exogenous threats such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites by distinguishing between "self" and "non-self". In addition, it guards us against other diseases, such as cancer, by detecting and responding to transformed and senescent cells. However, for survival and propagation, the altered cells and invading pathogens often employ a wide range of mechanisms to avoid, inhibit, or manipulate the immunorecognition. As such, the development of new modes of therapeutic intervention to augment protective and prevent harmful immune responses is desirable. Nucleic acids are biopolymers essential for all forms of life and, therefore, delineating the complex defensive mechanisms developed against non-self nucleic acids can offer an exciting avenue for future biomedicine. Nucleic acid technologies have already established numerous approaches in therapy and biotechnology; recently, rationally designed nucleic acids nanoparticles (NANPs) with regulated physiochemical properties and biological activities has expanded our repertoire of therapeutic options. When compared to conventional therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs), NANP technologies can be rendered more beneficial for synchronized delivery of multiple TNAs with defined stabilities, immunological profiles, and therapeutic functions. This review highlights several recent advances and possible future directions of TNA and NANP technologies that are under development for controlled immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Panigaj
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
- Institute of Biology & Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Elizabeth Skelly
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Damian Beasock
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Ian Marriott
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - M. Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Jacqueline Salotti
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
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Tschopp R, König RS, Rejmer P, Paris DH. Health system support among patients with ME/CFS in Switzerland. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2023; 18:876-885. [PMID: 36852237 PMCID: PMC9957780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex chronic and debilitating multifactorial disease. Adequate patient care is challenged by poor knowledge among health care professionals and the historical misconception that the disease is psychological in nature. This study assessed the health-related challenges faced by patients with ME/CFS in Switzerland and examined whether they receive adequate health care. Methods Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire between June and September of 2021, among 169 patients with ME/CFS in Switzerland. Results The mean age at diagnosis was 38.8 years. Only one-third of ME/CFS affected children and youth were correctly diagnosed before their 18th birthday. The mean time from disease onset to diagnosis was 6.7 years, and patients had an average of 11.1 different appointments and 2.6 misdiagnoses. A poor diagnosis rate and insufficient disease knowledge among health professionals in Switzerland led 13.5% of the patients to travel abroad to seek a diagnosis. Most patients (90.5%) were told at least once that their symptoms were psychosomatic. Swiss patients expressed high dissatisfaction with the health system and indicated that physicians lacked knowledge regarding ME/CFS. Therapies prescribed by physicians or tried by patients, as well as their perceived efficacy, were described. Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) was perceived as harmful by patients, whereas pacing, complementary/alternative medicine, and dietary supplements and medications to alleviate symptoms were reported to be helpful to varying degrees. Conclusion This study highlights that poor disease knowledge among health care providers in Switzerland has led to high patient dissatisfaction, and delays in ME/CFS diagnoses and prescription of inappropriate therapies, thus adding to patient distress and disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rea Tschopp
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland,University of Basel, Switzerland,Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Corresponding address: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.
| | - Rahel S. König
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel H. Paris
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland,University of Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Kavyani B, Lidbury BA, Schloeffel R, Fisher PR, Missailidis D, Annesley SJ, Dehhaghi M, Heng B, Guillemin GJ. Could the kynurenine pathway be the key missing piece of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) complex puzzle? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:412. [PMID: 35821534 PMCID: PMC9276562 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and debilitating disease with a substantial social and economic impact on individuals and their community. Despite its importance and deteriorating impact, progresses in diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS is limited. This is due to the unclear pathophysiology of the disease and consequently lack of prognostic biomarkers. To investigate pathophysiology of ME/CFS, several potential pathologic hallmarks have been investigated; however, these studies have failed to report a consistent result. These failures in introducing the underlying reason for ME/CFS have stimulated considering other possible contributing mechanisms such as tryptophan (TRP) metabolism and in particular kynurenine pathway (KP). KP plays a central role in cellular energy production through the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). In addition, this pathway has been shown to mediate immune response and neuroinflammation through its metabolites. This review, we will discuss the pathology and management of ME/CFS and provide evidence pertaining KP abnormalities and symptoms that are classic characteristics of ME/CFS. Targeting the KP regulation may provide innovative approaches to the management of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Kavyani
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brett A Lidbury
- The National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, RSPH, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Schloeffel
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- The Grove Health Pymble, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul R Fisher
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Missailidis
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah J Annesley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mona Dehhaghi
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Pandis.org, Melbourne, Australia.
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15
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Arabi F, Mansouri V, Ahmadbeigi N. Gene therapy clinical trials, where do we go? An overview. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113324. [PMID: 35779421 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been many ups and downs since the introduction of gene therapy as a therapeutic modality for diseases. However, the journey of gene therapy has reached a fundamental milestone, as evidenced by the increasing number of gene therapy products on the market. Looking at the currently approved and under-approval products, as well as the numerous clinical trials in this field, gene therapy has a promising future. Trend of changes in gene therapy strategies, vectors, and targets could be insightful for pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, and researchers. In this paper, following a brief history of gene therapy, we reviewed current gene therapy products as well as gene therapies that may be approved in the near future. We also looked at ten-year changes in gene therapy clinical trials strategies, such as the use of vectors, target cells, transferred genes, and ex-vivo/in-vivo methods, as well as the major fields that gene therapy has entered. Although gene therapy was initially used to treat genetic diseases, cancer now has the greatest number of gene therapy clinical trials. Changes in gene therapy strategies, particularly in pioneering countries in this field, may point to the direction of future clinical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Arabi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran
| | - Naser Ahmadbeigi
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran.
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16
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Leong KH, Yip HT, Kuo CF, Tsai SY. Treatments of chronic fatigue syndrome and its debilitating comorbidities: a 12-year population-based study. J Transl Med 2022; 20:268. [PMID: 35690765 PMCID: PMC9187893 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03461-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to provide 12-year nationwide epidemiology data to investigate the epidemiology and comorbidities of and therapeutic options for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) by analyzing the National Health Insurance Research Database. Methods 6306 patients identified as having CFS during the 2000–2012 period and 6306 controls (with similar distributions of age and sex) were analyzed. Result The patients with CFS were predominantly female and aged 35–64 years in Taiwan and presented a higher proportion of depression, anxiety disorder, insomnia, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, renal disease, type 2 diabetes, gout, dyslipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren syndrome, and herpes zoster. The use of selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), benzodiazepine (BZD), Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), muscle relaxants, analgesic drugs, psychotherapies, and exercise therapies was prescribed significantly more frequently in the CFS cohort than in the control group. Conclusion This large national study shared the mainstream therapies of CFS in Taiwan, we noticed these treatments reported effective to relieve symptoms in previous studies. Furthermore, our findings indicate that clinicians should have a heightened awareness of the comorbidities of CFS, especially in psychiatric problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kam-Hang Leong
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan.,Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Hei-Tung Yip
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, 404, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan.,Institute of Infectious Disease, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, 104, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, Nursing and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Yi Tsai
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan. .,Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan. .,Institute of Long-Term Care, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan. .,Department of Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 104, Taiwan.
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Yang J, Kuang H, Li N, Hamdy AM, Song J. The modulation and mechanism of probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules on the immune response in allergic diseases. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:8768-8780. [PMID: 35400262 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2062294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Allergic diseases, derived from the dysregulation of immune tolerance mechanisms, have been rising in the last two decades. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules exhibit a protective effect against allergic diseases, involving regulation of Th1/Th2 balance, induction of differentiation of T regulatory cells and activation of dendritic cells (DCs). DCs have a central role in controlling the immune response through their interaction with gut microbiota via their pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors and C-type-lectin receptors. This review discusses the effects and critical mechanism of probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules in regulating the immune system to alleviate allergic diseases. We first describe the development of immune response in allergic diseases and recent relevant findings. Particular emphasis is placed on the effects of probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules on allergic immune response. Then, we discuss the underlying mechanism of the impact of probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules on DCs-mediated immune tolerance induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Processing & Storage of Distinct Agricultural Products, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Kuang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Processing & Storage of Distinct Agricultural Products, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Processing & Storage of Distinct Agricultural Products, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ahmed Mahmoud Hamdy
- Dairy Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Jiajia Song
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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18
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Pandey PR, Young KH, Kumar D, Jain N. RNA-mediated immunotherapy regulating tumor immune microenvironment: next wave of cancer therapeutics. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:58. [PMID: 35189921 PMCID: PMC8860277 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAccumulating research suggests that the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays an essential role in regulation of tumor growth and metastasis. The cellular and molecular nature of the TIME influences cancer progression and metastasis by altering the ratio of immune- suppressive versus cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of the tumor. Targeting or activating the TIME components show a promising therapeutic avenue to combat cancer. The success of immunotherapy is both astounding and unsatisfactory in the clinic. Advancements in RNA-based technology have improved understanding of the complexity and diversity of the TIME and its effects on therapy. TIME-related RNA or RNA regulators could be promising targets for anticancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the available RNA-based cancer immunotherapies targeting the TIME. More importantly, we summarize the potential of various RNA-based therapeutics clinically available for cancer treatment. RNA-dependent targeting of the TIME, as monotherapy or combined with other evolving therapeutics, might be beneficial for cancer patients’ treatment in the near future.
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König RS, Albrich WC, Kahlert CR, Bahr LS, Löber U, Vernazza P, Scheibenbogen C, Forslund SK. The Gut Microbiome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Front Immunol 2022; 12:628741. [PMID: 35046929 PMCID: PMC8761622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.628741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a neglected, debilitating multi-systemic disease without diagnostic marker or therapy. Despite evidence for neurological, immunological, infectious, muscular and endocrine pathophysiological abnormalities, the etiology and a clear pathophysiology remains unclear. The gut microbiome gained much attention in the last decade with manifold implications in health and disease. Here we review the current state of knowledge on the interplay between ME/CFS and the microbiome, to identify potential diagnostic or interventional approaches, and propose areas where further research is needed. We iteratively selected and elaborated on key theories about a correlation between microbiome state and ME/CFS pathology, developing further hypotheses. Based on the literature we hypothesize that antibiotic use throughout life favours an intestinal microbiota composition which might be a risk factor for ME/CFS. Main proposed pathomechanisms include gut dysbiosis, altered gut-brain axis activity, increased gut permeability with concomitant bacterial translocation and reduced levels of short-chain-fatty acids, D-lactic acidosis, an abnormal tryptophan metabolism and low activity of the kynurenine pathway. We review options for microbiome manipulation in ME/CFS patients including probiotic and dietary interventions as well as fecal microbiota transplantations. Beyond increasing gut permeability and bacterial translocation, specific dysbiosis may modify fermentation products, affecting peripheral mitochondria. Considering the gut-brain axis we strongly suspect that the microbiome may contribute to neurocognitive impairments of ME/CFS patients. Further larger studies are needed, above all to clarify whether D-lactic acidosis and early-life antibiotic use may be part of ME/CFS etiology and what role changes in the tryptophan metabolism might play. An association between the gut microbiome and the disease ME/CFS is plausible. As causality remains unclear, we recommend longitudinal studies. Activity levels, bedridden hours and disease progression should be compared to antibiotic exposure, drug intakes and alterations in the composition of the microbiota. The therapeutic potential of fecal microbiota transfer and of targeted dietary interventions should be systematically evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel S König
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Werner C Albrich
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christian R Kahlert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lina Samira Bahr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation of Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Löber
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation of Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Host-Microbiome Factors in Cardiovascular Disease, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pietro Vernazza
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia K Forslund
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation of Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Host-Microbiome Factors in Cardiovascular Disease, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
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20
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Beheshtirouy S, Khani E, Khiali S, Entezari-Maleki T. Investigational antiviral drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Arch Virol 2022; 167:751-805. [PMID: 35138438 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), antiviral drugs are at the center of attention because of their critical role against severe acute respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition to designing new antivirals against SARS-COV-2, a drug repurposing strategy is a practical approach for treating COVID-19. A brief insight about antivirals would help clinicians to choose the best medication for the treatment of COVID-19. In this review, we discuss both novel and repurposed investigational antivirals, focusing on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samineh Beheshtirouy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elnaz Khani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sajad Khiali
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Taher Entezari-Maleki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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21
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Activation of Innate Immunity by Therapeutic Nucleic Acids. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413360. [PMID: 34948156 PMCID: PMC8704878 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics have gained increased attention during recent decades because of their wide range of application prospects. Immunostimulatory nucleic acids represent a promising class of potential drugs for the treatment of tumoral and viral diseases due to their low toxicity and stimulation of the body’s own innate immunity by acting on the natural mechanisms of its activation. The repertoire of nucleic acids that directly interact with the components of the immune system is expanding with the improvement of both analytical methods and methods for the synthesis of nucleic acids and their derivatives. Despite the obvious progress in this area, the problem of delivering therapeutic acids to target cells as well as the unresolved issue of achieving a specific therapeutic effect based on activating the mechanism of interferon and anti-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. Minimizing the undesirable effects of excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines remains an unsolved task. This review examines recent data on the types of immunostimulatory nucleic acids, the receptors interacting with them, and the mechanisms of immunity activation under the action of these molecules. Finally, data on immunostimulatory nucleic acids in ongoing and completed clinical trials will be summarized.
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22
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Noor N, Urits I, Degueure A, Rando L, Kata V, Cornett EM, Kaye AD, Imani F, Narimani-Zamanabadi M, Varrassi G, Viswanath O. A Comprehensive Update of the Current Understanding of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Anesth Pain Med 2021; 11:e113629. [PMID: 34540633 PMCID: PMC8438707 DOI: 10.5812/aapm.113629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a comprehensive literature review of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). We provide a description of the background, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management regarding CFS. CFS is a multifaceted illness that has many symptoms and a wide array of clinical presentations. As of recent, CFS has been merged with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Much of the difficulty in its management has stemmed from a lack of a concrete understanding of its etiology and pathogenesis. There is a potential association between dysfunction of the autoimmune, neuroendocrine, or autonomic nervous systems and the development of CFS. Possible triggering events, such as infections followed by an immune dysregulation resulting have also been proposed. In fact, ME/CFS was first described following Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infections, but it was later determined that it was not always preceded by EBV infection. Patient diagnosed with CFS have shown a noticeably earlier activation of anaerobic metabolism as a source of energy, which is suggestive of impaired oxygen consumption. The differential diagnoses range from tick-borne illnesses to psychiatric disorders to thyroid gland dysfunction. Given the many overlapping symptoms of CFS with other illnesses makes diagnosing it far from an easy task. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers it a diagnosing of exclusion, stating that self-reported fatigue for at minimum of six months and four of the following symptoms are necessary for a proper diagnosis: memory problems, sore throat, post-exertion malaise, tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes, myalgia, multi-joint pain, headaches, and troubled sleep. In turn, management of CFS is just as difficult. Treatment ranges from conservative, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressants, to minimally invasive management. Minimally invasive management involving ranscutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation of target points has demonstrated significant improvement in fatigue and associated symptoms in a 2017 randomized controlled study. The understanding of CFS is evolving before us as we continue to learn more about it. As further reliable studies are conducted, providing a better grasp of what the syndrome encompasses, we will be able to improve our diagnosis and management of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazir Noor
- Mount Sinai Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Miami Beach, FL, USA
- Corresponding Author: Mount Sinai Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
| | - Ivan Urits
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA, USA
- Southcoast Health, Southcoast Physician Group Pain Medicine, MA, USA
| | - Arielle Degueure
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Lauren Rando
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Vijay Kata
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Elyse M. Cornett
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Alan D. Kaye
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Farnad Imani
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Narimani-Zamanabadi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Anesthesiology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Omar Viswanath
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA, USA
- Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants – Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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23
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Moghimi N, Di Napoli M, Biller J, Siegler JE, Shekhar R, McCullough LD, Harkins MS, Hong E, Alaouieh DA, Mansueto G, Divani AA. The Neurological Manifestations of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2021; 21:44. [PMID: 34181102 PMCID: PMC8237541 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-021-01130-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global health challenge. This review aims to summarize the incidence, risk factors, possible pathophysiology, and proposed management of neurological manifestations of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or neuro-PASC based on the published literature. RECENT FINDINGS The National Institutes of Health has noted that PASC is a multi-organ disorder ranging from mild symptoms to an incapacitating state that can last for weeks or longer following recovery from initial infection with SARS-CoV-2. Various pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed as the culprit for the development of PASC. These include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect invasion of the virus into the brain, immune dysregulation, hormonal disturbances, elevated cytokine levels due to immune reaction leading to chronic inflammation, direct tissue damage to other organs, and persistent low-grade infection. A multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of neuro-PASC will be required to diagnose and address these symptoms. Tailored rehabilitation and novel cognitive therapy protocols are as important as pharmacological treatments to treat neuro-PASC effectively. With recognizing the growing numbers of COVID-19 patients suffering from neuro-PASC, there is an urgent need to identify affected individuals early to provide the most appropriate and efficient treatments. Awareness among the general population and health care professionals about PASC is rising, and more efforts are needed to understand and treat this new emerging challenge. In this review, we summarize the relevant scientific literature about neuro-PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Moghimi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
| | - Mario Di Napoli
- Neurological Service, SS Annunziata Hospital, Sulmona, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - José Biller
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL USA
| | - James E. Siegler
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Rahul Shekhar
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas USA
| | - Michelle S. Harkins
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Emily Hong
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
| | - Danielle A. Alaouieh
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
| | - Gelsomina Mansueto
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Afshin A. Divani
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
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24
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Stanculescu D, Larsson L, Bergquist J. Theory: Treatments for Prolonged ICU Patients May Provide New Therapeutic Avenues for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:672370. [PMID: 34026797 PMCID: PMC8137963 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.672370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We here provide an overview of treatment trials for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) patients and theorize about their relevance for potential treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these treatment trials generally target: (a) the correction of suppressed endocrine axes, notably through a "reactivation" of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, or (b) the interruption of the "vicious circle" between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. There are significant parallels in the treatment trials for prolonged critical illness and ME/CFS; this is consistent with the hypothesis of an overlap in the mechanisms that prevent recovery in both conditions. Early successes in the simultaneous reactivation of pulsatile pituitary secretions in ICU patients-and the resulting positive metabolic effects-could indicate an avenue for treating ME/CFS. The therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones-including in mitigating O&NS and inflammation and in stimulating the adreno-cortical axis-also merit further studies. Collaborative research projects should further investigate the lessons from treatment trials for prolonged critical illness for solving ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Larsson
- Basic and Clinical Muscle Biology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry–Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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25
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Toogood PL, Clauw DJ, Phadke S, Hoffman D. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): Where will the drugs come from? Pharmacol Res 2021; 165:105465. [PMID: 33529750 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by severe and disabling fatigue that fails to improve with rest; it is commonly accompanied by multifocal pain, as well as sleep disruption, and cognitive dysfunction. Even mild exertion can exacerbate symptoms. The prevalence of ME/CFS in the U.S. is estimated to be 0.5-1.5 % and is higher among females. Viral infection is an established trigger for the onset of ME/CFS symptoms, raising the possibility of an increase in ME/CFS prevalence resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Current treatments are largely palliative and limited to alleviating symptoms and addressing the psychological sequelae associated with long-term disability. While ME/CFS is characterized by broad heterogeneity, common features include immune dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanistic basis of the disease remains poorly understood. Herein, we review the current understanding, diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS and summarize past clinical studies aimed at identifying effective therapies. We describe the current status of mechanistic studies, including the identification of multiple targets for potential pharmacological intervention, and ongoing efforts towards the discovery of new medicines for ME/CFS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Toogood
- Michigan Drug Discovery, University of Michigan, Life Science Institute, 210 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, North University Building, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine (Rheumatology) and Psychiatry, University of Michigan/Michigan Medicine, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Center, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, P.O. Box 3885, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Sameer Phadke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, North University Building, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - David Hoffman
- Cayman Chemical Company, 1180 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
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26
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Profile of circulating microRNAs in myalgic encephalomyelitis and their relation to symptom severity, and disease pathophysiology. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19620. [PMID: 33184353 PMCID: PMC7665057 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex chronic disease, rooted in multi-system dysfunctions characterized by unexplained debilitating fatigue. Post-exertional malaise (PEM), defined as the exacerbation of the patient's symptoms following minimal physical or mental stress, is a hallmark of ME/CFS. While multiple case definitions exist, there is currently no well-established biomarkers or laboratory tests to diagnose ME/CFS. Our study aimed to investigate circulating microRNA expression in severely ill ME/CFS patients before and after an innovative stress challenge that stimulates PEM. Our findings highlight the differential expression of eleven microRNAs associated with a physiological response to PEM. The present study uncovers specific microRNA expression signatures associated with ME/CFS in response to PEM induction and reports microRNA expression patterns associated to specific symptom severities. The identification of distinctive microRNA expression signatures for ME/CFS through a provocation challenge is essential for the elucidation of the ME/CFS pathophysiology, and lead to accurate diagnoses, prevention measures, and effective treatment options.
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27
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Strayer DR, Young D, Mitchell WM. Effect of disease duration in a randomized Phase III trial of rintatolimod, an immune modulator for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240403. [PMID: 33119613 PMCID: PMC7595369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rintatolimod is a selective TLR3 agonist, which has demonstrated clinical activity for ME/CFS in Phase II and Phase III double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multi-site clinical trials. METHODS AND FINDINGS A hypothesis-based post-hoc analysis of the Intent to Treat (ITT) population diagnosed with ME/CFS from 12 independent clinical sites of a Phase III trial was performed to evaluate the effect of rintatolimod therapy based on disease duration. The clinical activity of rintatolimod was evaluated by exercise treadmill tolerance (ETT) using a modified Bruce protocol. The ITT population (n = 208) was divided into two subsets of symptom duration. Patients with symptom duration of 2-8 years were identified as the Target Subset (n = 75); the remainder (<2 year plus >8 year) were identified as the Non-Target Subset (n = 133). Placebo-adjusted percentage improvements in exercise duration and the vertical rise for the Target Subset (n = 75) were more than twice that of the ITT population. The Non-Target Subset (n = 133) failed to show any clinically significant ETT response to rintatolimod when compared to placebo. Within the Target Subset, 51.2% of rintatolimod-treated patients improved their exercise duration by ≥25% (p = 0.003) despite reduced statistical power from division of the original ITT population into two subsets. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Analysis of ETT from a Phase III trial has identified within the ITT population, a subset of ME/CFS patients with ≥2 fold increased exercise response to rintatolimod. Substantial improvement in physical performance was seen for the majority (51.2%) of these severely debilitated patients who improved exercise duration by ≥25%. This magnitude of exercise improvement was associated with clinically significant enhancements in quality of life. The data indicate that ME/CFS patients have a relatively short disease duration window (<8 years) to expect a significant response to rintatolimod under the dosing conditions utilized in this Phase III clinical trial. These results may have direct relevance to the cognitive impairment and fatigue being experienced by patients clinically recovered from COVID-19 and free of detectable SARS-CoV-2. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00215800.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Strayer
- AIM ImmunoTech Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Diane Young
- AIM ImmunoTech Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - William M. Mitchell
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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28
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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9030091. [PMID: 31394725 PMCID: PMC6787585 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9030091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic disease of unknown aetiology that is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) as a disorder of the brain. The disease predominantly affects adults, with a peak age of onset of between 20 and 45 years with a female to male ratio of 3:1. Although the clinical features of the disease have been well established within diagnostic criteria, the diagnosis of ME/CFS is still of exclusion, meaning that other medical conditions must be ruled out. The pathophysiological mechanisms are unclear but the neuro-immuno-endocrinological pattern of CFS patients gleaned from various studies indicates that these three pillars may be the key point to understand the complexity of the disease. At the moment, there are no specific pharmacological therapies to treat the disease, but several studies' aims and therapeutic approaches have been described in order to benefit patients' prognosis, symptomatology relief, and the recovery of pre-existing function. This review presents a pathophysiological approach to understanding the essential concepts of ME/CFS, with an emphasis on the population, clinical, and genetic concepts associated with ME/CFS.
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29
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Morris MC, Cooney KE, Sedghamiz H, Abreu M, Collado F, Balbin EG, Craddock TJA, Klimas NG, Broderick G, Fletcher MA. Leveraging Prior Knowledge of Endocrine Immune Regulation in the Therapeutically Relevant Phenotyping of Women With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Clin Ther 2019; 41:656-674.e4. [PMID: 30929860 PMCID: PMC6478538 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The complex and varied presentation of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has made it difficult to diagnose, study, and treat. Its symptoms and likely etiology involve multiple components of endocrine and immune regulation, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and their interactive oversight of immune function. We propose that the persistence of ME/CFS may involve changes in the regulatory interactions across these physiological axes. We also propose that the robustness of this new pathogenic equilibrium may at least in part explain the limited success of conventional single-target therapies. METHODS A comprehensive model was constructed of female endocrine-immune signaling consisting of 28 markers linked by 214 documented regulatory interactions. This detailed model was then constrained to adhere to experimental measurements in a subset of 17 candidate immune markers measured in peripheral blood of patients with ME/CFS and healthy control subjects before, during, and after a maximal exercise challenge. A set of 26 competing numerical models satisfied these data to within 5% error. FINDINGS Mechanistically informed predictions of endocrine and immune markers that were either unmeasured or exhibited high subject-to-subject variability pointed to possible context-specific overexpression in ME/CFS at rest of corticotropin-releasing hormone, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8, estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1, interleukin (IL)-23, and luteinizing hormone, and underexpression of adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, interferon-γ, IL-10, IL-17, and IL-1α. Simulations of rintatolimod and rituximab treatment predicted a shift in the repertoire of available endocrine-immune regulatory regimens. Rintatolimod was predicted to make available substantial remission in a significant subset of subjects, in particular those with low levels of IL-1α, IL-17, and cortisol; intermediate levels of progesterone and FSH; and high estrogen levels. Rituximab treatment was predicted to support partial remission in a smaller subset of patients with ME/CFS, specifically those with low norepinephrine, IL-1α, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8, and cortisol levels; intermediate FSH and gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 levels; and elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, luteinizing hormone, IL-12, and B-cell activation. IMPLICATIONS Applying a rigorous filter of known signaling mechanisms to experimentally measured immune marker expression in ME/CFS has highlighted potential new context-specific markers of illness. These novel endocrine and immune markers may offer useful candidates in delineating new subtypes of ME/CFS and may inform on refinements to the inclusion criteria and instrumentation of new and ongoing trials involving rintatolimod and rituximab treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Morris
- Center for Clinical Systems Biology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Katherine E Cooney
- Center for Clinical Systems Biology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Hooman Sedghamiz
- Center for Clinical Systems Biology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Maria Abreu
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fanny Collado
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Balbin
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Travis J A Craddock
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gordon Broderick
- Center for Clinical Systems Biology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA; Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Mary Ann Fletcher
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
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Richman S, Morris MC, Broderick G, Craddock TJA, Klimas NG, Fletcher MA. Pharmaceutical Interventions in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Literature-based Commentary. Clin Ther 2019; 41:798-805. [PMID: 30871727 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disorder characterized by prolonged periods of fatigue, chronic pain, depression, and a complex constellation of other symptoms. Currently, ME/CFS has no known cause, nor are the mechanisms of illness well understood. Therefore, with few exceptions, attempts to treat ME/CFS have been directed mainly toward symptom management. These treatments include antivirals, pain relievers, antidepressants, and oncologic agents as well as other single-intervention treatments. Results of these trials have been largely inconclusive and, in some cases, contradictory. Contributing factors include a lack of well-designed and -executed studies and the highly heterogeneous nature of ME/CFS, which has made a single etiology difficult to define. Because the majority of single-intervention treatments have shown little efficacy, it may instead be beneficial to explore broader-acting combination therapies in which a more focused precision-medicine approach is supported by a systems-level analysis of endocrine and immune co-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer Richman
- Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA; Center for Clinical Systems Biology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Matthew C Morris
- Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA; Center for Clinical Systems Biology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Gordon Broderick
- Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA; Center for Clinical Systems Biology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA; Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Travis J A Craddock
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Computer Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Mary Ann Fletcher
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
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TLR Agonists as Adjuvants for Cancer Vaccines. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1024:195-212. [PMID: 28921471 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5987-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are one of the best characterised families of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and play a critical role in the host defence to infection. Accumulating evidence indicates that TLRs also participate in maintaining tissue homeostasis by controlling inflammation and tissue repair, as well as promoting antitumour effects via activation and modulation of adaptive immune responses. TLR agonists have successfully been exploited to ameliorate the efficacy of various cancer therapies. In this chapter, we will discuss the rationales of using TLR agonists as adjuvants to cancer treatments and summarise the recent findings of preclinical and clinical studies of TLR agonist-based cancer therapies.
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32
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Corridoni D, Chapman T, Ambrose T, Simmons A. Emerging Mechanisms of Innate Immunity and Their Translational Potential in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018. [PMID: 29515999 PMCID: PMC5825991 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the innate immune system through pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) signaling plays a pivotal role in the early induction of host defense following exposure to pathogens. Loss of intestinal innate immune regulation leading aberrant immune responses has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The precise role of PRRs in gut inflammation is not well understood, but considering their role as bacterial sensors and their genetic association with IBD, they likely contribute to dysregulated immune responses to the commensal microbiota. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the emerging functions of PRRs including their functional cross-talk, how they respond to mitochondrial damage, induce mitophagy or autophagy, and influence adaptive immune responses by interacting with the antigen presentation machinery. The review also summarizes some of the recent attempts to harness these pathways for therapeutic approaches in intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corridoni
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Chapman
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Ambrose
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Simmons
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Zhang Z, Ma X, Xia Z, Chen J, Liu Y, Chen Y, Zhu J, Li J, Yu H, Zong Y, Lu G. NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediates fatigue-like behaviors in mice via neuroinflammation. Neuroscience 2017; 358:115-123. [PMID: 28684277 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Numerous experimental and clinical studies have suggested that the interaction between the immune system and the brain plays an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The NLRP3 inflammasome is an important part of the innate immune system. This complex regulates proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) maturation, which triggers different kinds of immune-inflammatory reactions. We employed repeated forced swims to establish a model of CFS in mice. NLRP3 knockout (KO) mice were also used to explore NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the mechanisms of CFS, using the same treatment. After completing repeated swim tests, the mice displayed fatigue-like behaviors, including locomotor activity and reduced fall-off time on the rota-rod test, which was accompanied by significantly higher mature IL-1β level in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum. We also found increased NLRP3 protein expression, NLRP3 inflammasome formation and increased mature IL-1β production in the PFC, relative to untreated mice. The NLRP3 KO mice displayed significantly moderated fatigue behaviors along with decreased PFC and serum IL-1β levels under the same treatment. These findings demonstrated the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the mechanism of swimming-induced fatigue. Future therapies targeting the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway may have significant potential for fatigue prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziteng Zhang
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiujuan Ma
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhenna Xia
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jikuai Chen
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yangang Liu
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yongchun Chen
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiangbo Zhu
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jinfeng Li
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huaiyu Yu
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ying Zong
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Guocai Lu
- Department of Health Toxicology, College of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Suzhou CTI Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Jiangsu 215300, China.
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Eriksen W. The spread of EBV to ectopic lymphoid aggregates may be the final common pathway in the pathogenesis of ME/CFS. Med Hypotheses 2017; 102:8-15. [PMID: 28478837 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
According to the hypothesis presented here, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) develops over 3 steps: Step 1 is characterized by the aggregation of lymphoid cells in dorsal root ganglia or other nervous structures. The cause of this formation of ectopic lymphoid aggregates may be an acute infection, asymptomatic reactivations of a common neurotropic virus, exposure to a neurotoxin, or physical injury to peripheral nerves. In step 2, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected lymphocytes or monocytes bring EBV from the circulation to one or several of these lymphoid aggregates, whereupon cell-to-cell transmission of EBV and proliferation of latently EBV-infected lymphocytes lead to the presence of many EBV-infected cells in the lymphoid aggregates. The EBV-infected cells in the aggregates ignite an inflammation in the surrounding nervous tissue. This local inflammation elicits, in turn, a wave of glial cell activation that spreads from the EBV-infected area to parts of the nervous system that are not EBV-infected, disturbing the neuron-glial interaction in both the peripheral - and central nervous system. In step 3, immune cell exhaustion contributes to a consolidation of the pathological processes. There might be a cure: Infusions of autologous EBV-specific T-lymphocytes can perhaps remove the EBV-infected cells from the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Eriksen
- Domain for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
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