SJMHE1 Peptide from Schistosoma japonicum Inhibits Asthma in Mice by Regulating Th17/Treg Cell Balance via miR-155

Schistosoma-related molecules as a new strategy to combat type 1 diabetes through immune regulation

The study of immune regulation mechanisms induced by parasites may help develop new treatment methods for inflammatory diseases including type 1 diabetes, which is related to type 1 immune responses. The negative correlation between schistosomiasis infection and type 1 diabetes has been confirmed, and the mechanism of Schistosoma-mediated prevention of type 1 diabetes may be related to the adaptive and innate immune systems. Schistosoma-related molecules affect immune cell composition and macrophage polarization and stimulate an increase in natural killer T cells. Furthermore, Schistosoma-related molecules can regulate the adaptive immune responses related to the prevention of type 1 diabetes and change the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg axis. Our previous review showed the role of regulatory T cells in the protective of type 1 diabetes mediated by Schistosoma. Here, we aim to review the other mechanisms of schistosomiasis infection and Schistosoma-related products in regulating the immune response associated with the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

SARS-CoV2 infection induce miR-155 expression and skewed Th17/Treg balance by changing SOCS1 level: A clinical study

BACKGROUND

One of the regulators in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV2) infection is miRNAs. In COVID-19 patients, immunological responses to SARS-CoV2 infection may be impacted by miR-155, a miRNA associated to inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 50 confirmed COVID-19 patients /Healthy Controls (HCs) was isolated by Ficoll. The frequency of T helper 17 and regulatory T cells was analyzed by flowcytometry. The RNA was extracted from each sample and after synthesis of c-DNA, the relative expression of miR-155, suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS-1), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and Fork Head Box Protein 3 (FoxP3) was evaluated by real-time PCR. The protein level of STAT3, FoxP3 and RORγT in the isolated PBMCs measured by western blotting. The serum level of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17 and IL21 was assessed by ELISA method.

RESULTS

The population of Th17 cells showed a significant rise, whereas Treg cells reduced in COVID-19 cases. The master transcription factor of Treg (FoxP3) and Th17 (RORγT) relative expression showed the same pattern as flowcytometry. STAT3 level of expression at RNA and protein level increased in COVID-19 cases. FOXP3 and SOCS-1 proteins were down-regulated. The relative expression of miR-155, up-regulated in PBMC of COVID-19 patients and revealed a negative correlation with SOCS-1. The serum cytokine profile showed a reduction in TGF-β, on the other hand an increase was seen in IL-17, IL-21 and IL-10 in COVID-19 cases toward control group.

CONCLUSION

Based on the studies conducted in this field, it can be suggested that Th17/Treg in covid-19 patients can be affected by miR-155 and it can be considered a valuable diagnostic and prognostic factor in this disease.

Schistosoma japonicum-derived peptide SJMHE1 ameliorates allergic symptoms and responses in mice with allergic rhinitis

Helminth derived excretory/secretory molecules have shown efficacy in the treatment of allergic asthma in mice, but their roles in allergic rhinitis (AR) are little known. In this study, we aimed to determine the intervention effect of SJMHE1, a Schistosoma japonicum derived small molecular peptide, on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mice and investigate its possible mechanism. AR was induced in BALB/c mice, following which the mice were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), OVA323-339 and SJMHE1 respectively. SJMHE1 treatment improved clinical symptoms (rubbing and sneezing), suppressed infiltrates of inflammatory cells and eosinophils in nasal mucosa, modulated the production of type-2 (IL-4 and IL-13) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in the nasal lavage fluids (NLF), spleen, and serum. To investigate the underlying mechanism, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled SJMHE1 was subcutaneously injected into AR mice, and we found that the FITC-SJMHE1 could accumulate in spleen, but not in nasal mucosa. FITC-SJMHE1 mainly bound to CD19 positive cells (B cells), and the SJMHE1 treatment significantly increased the proportion of regulatory B cells (Bregs) and B10 cells, along with the enhancement of PR domain containing protein 1 (Prdm1) protein levels. SJMHE1 may alleviate AR by upregulating Bregs, and has great potential as a new avenue for the AR treatment.

A non-invasive strategy for suppressing asthmatic airway inflammation and remodeling: Inhalation of nebulized hypoxic hUCMSC-derived extracellular vesicles

Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are extremely promising nanoscale cell-free therapeutic agents. We previously identified that intravenous administration (IV) of human umbilical cord MSC-EVs (hUCMSC-EVs), especially hypoxic hUCMSC-EVs (Hypo-EVs), could suppress allergic airway inflammation and remodeling. Here, we further investigated the therapeutic effects of Hypo-EVs administration by atomizing inhalation (INH), which is a non-invasive and efficient drug delivery method for lung diseases. We found that nebulized Hypo-EVs produced by the atomization system (medical/household air compressor and nebulizer) maintained excellent structural integrity. Nebulized Dir-labeled Hypo-EVs inhaled by mice were mainly restricted to lungs. INH administration of Hypo-EVs significantly reduced the airway inflammatory infiltration, decreased the levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), declined the content of OVA-specific IgE in serum, attenuated the goblet cell metaplasia, and the expressions of subepithelial collagen-1 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Notably, Hypo-EV INH administration was generally more potent than Hypo-EV IV in suppressing IL-13 levels and collagen-1 and α-SMA expressions. RNA sequencing revealed that various biological processes, such as cell adhesion, innate immune response, B cell activation, and extracellular space, were associated with the activity of Hypo-EV INH against asthma mice. In addition, Hypo-EVs could load exogenous miR-146a-5p (miR-146a-5p-EVs). Furthermore, INH administration of miR-146a-5p-EVs resulted in a significantly increased expression of miR-146a-5p mostly in lungs, and offered greater protection against the OVA-induced increase in airway inflammation, subepithelial collagen accumulation and myofibroblast compared with nebulized Hypo-EVs. Overall, nebulized Hypo-EVs effectively attenuated allergic airway inflammation and remodeling, potentially creating a non-invasive route for the use of MSC-EVs in asthma treatment.

Helminth infection and helminth-derived products: A novel therapeutic option for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and it has become the most common chronic liver disease. Helminths have co-evolved with humans, inducing multiple immunomodulatory mechanisms to modulate the host’s immune system. By using their immunomodulatory ability, helminths and their products exhibit protection against various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and MetS, which are closely associated with NAFLD. Here, we review the pathogenesis of NAFLD from abnormal glycolipid metabolism, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. Correspondingly, helminths and their products can treat or relieve these NAFLD-related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and MetS, by promoting glycolipid metabolism homeostasis, regulating inflammation, and restoring the balance of gut microbiota. Considering that a large number of clinical trials have been carried out on helminths and their products for the treatment of inflammatory diseases with promising results, the treatment of NAFLD and obesity-related diseases by helminths is also a novel direction and strategy.

IL-36 Cytokines: Their Roles in Asthma and Potential as a Therapeutic

Interleukin (IL)-36 cytokines are members of the IL-1 superfamily, which consists of three agonists (IL-36α, IL-36β and IL-36γ) and an IL-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra). IL-36 cytokines are crucial for immune and inflammatory responses. Abnormal levels of IL-36 cytokine expression are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation, autoimmunity, allergy and cancer. The present study provides a summary of recent reports on IL-36 cytokines that participate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, and the potential mechanisms underlying their roles in asthma. Abnormal levels of IL-36 cytokines are associated with the pathogenesis of different types of asthma through the regulation of the functions of different types of cells. Considering the important role of IL-36 cytokines in asthma, these may become a potential therapeutic target for asthma treatment. However, existing evidence is insufficient to fully elucidate the specific mechanism underlying the action of IL-36 cytokines during the pathological process of asthma. The possible mechanisms and functions of IL-36 cytokines in different types of asthma require further studies.