Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors: Pleiotropic Signaling Complexes and Their Differential Effects

Interferon-gamma signaling drives epithelial TNF-alpha receptor-2 expression during colonic tissue repair

Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is traditionally recognized for its pro-inflammatory role during intestinal inflammation. Here, we demonstrate that IFNγ also functions as a pro-repair molecule by increasing TNFα receptor 2 (TNFR2 protein/TNFRSF1B gene) expression on intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) following injury in vitro and in vivo. In silico analyses identified binding sites for the IFNγ signaling transcription factor STAT1 in the promoter region of TNFRSF1B. Scratch-wounded IEC exposed to IFNγ exhibited a STAT1-dependent increase in TNFR2 expression. In situ hybridization revealed elevated Tnfrsf1b mRNA levels in biopsy-induced colonic mucosal wounds, while intraperitoneal administration of IFNγ neutralizing antibodies following mucosal injury resulted in impaired IEC Tnfrsf1b mRNA and inhibited colonic mucosal repair. These findings challenge conventional notions that "pro-inflammatory" mediators solely exacerbate damage by highlighting latent pro-repair functions. Moreover, these results emphasize the critical importance of timing and amount in the synthesis and release of IFNγ and TNFα during the inflammatory process, as they are pivotal in restoring tissue homeostasis.

Beyond CAR-T: The rise of CAR-NK cell therapy in asthma immunotherapy

Asthma poses a major public health burden. While existing asthma drugs manage symptoms for many, some patients remain resistant. The lack of a cure, especially for severe asthma, compels exploration of novel therapies. Cancer immunotherapy successes with CAR-T cells suggest its potential for asthma treatment. Researchers are exploring various approaches for allergic diseases including membrane-bound IgE, IL-5, PD-L2, and CTLA-4 for asthma, and Dectin-1 for fungal asthma. NK cells offer several advantages over T cells for CAR-based immunotherapy. They offer key benefits: (1) HLA compatibility, meaning they can be used in a wider range of patients without the need for matching tissue types. (2) Minimal side effects (CRS and GVHD) due to their limited persistence and cytokine profile. (3) Scalability for "off-the-shelf" production from various sources. Several strategies have been introduced that highlight the superiority and challenges of CAR-NK cell therapy for asthma treatment including IL-10, IFN-γ, ADCC, perforin-granzyme, FASL, KIR, NCRs (NKP46), DAP, DNAM-1, TGF-β, TNF-α, CCL, NKG2A, TF, and EGFR. Furthermore, we advocate for incorporating AI for CAR design optimization and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology for precise gene manipulation to generate highly effective CAR constructs. This review will delve into the evolution and production of CAR designs, explore pre-clinical and clinical studies of CAR-based therapies in asthma, analyze strategies to optimize CAR-NK cell function, conduct a comparative analysis of CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapy with their respective challenges, and finally present established novel CAR designs with promising potential for asthma treatment.

New and emerging oral therapies for psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2-3% of the global population. Traditional systemic treatments, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin and fumaric acid esters, have limited efficacy and are associated with significant adverse effects, necessitating regular monitoring and posing risks of long-term toxicity. Recent advancements have introduced biologic drugs that offer improved efficacy and safety profiles. However, their high cost and the inconvenience of parenteral administration limit their accessibility. Consequently, there is a growing interest in developing new, targeted oral therapies. Small molecules, such as phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors (e.g. apremilast) and TYK2 inhibitor (e.g. deucravacitinib), have shown promising results with favourable safety profiles. Additionally, other novel oral agents targeting specific pathways, including IL-17, IL-23, TNF, S1PR1 and A3AR, are under investigation. These treatments aim to combine the efficacy of biologics with the convenience and accessibility of oral administration, addressing the limitations of current therapies. This narrative review synthesizes the emerging oral therapeutic agents for psoriasis, focusing on their mechanisms of action, stages of development and clinical trial results.

The ability of microRNAs to regulate the immune response in ischemia/reperfusion inflammatory pathways

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating the immune responses induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Through their ability to modulate gene expression, microRNAs adjust immune responses by targeting specific genes and signaling pathways. This review focuses on the impact of microRNAs on the inflammatory pathways triggered during ischemia/reperfusion injury and highlights their ability to modulate inflammation, playing a critical role in the pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Dysregulated expression of microRNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury, therefore targeting specific microRNAs offers an opportunity to restore immune homeostasis and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the complex network of immunoregulatory microRNAs could provide novel therapeutic interventions aimed at attenuating excessive inflammation and preserving tissue integrity.

Structural Determinants of Health and Markers of Immune Activation and Systemic Inflammation in Sexual Minority Men With and Without HIV

Among sexual minority men (SMM), HIV and use of stimulants such as methamphetamine are linked with immune activation and systemic inflammation. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SMM encountered financial challenges and structural obstacles that might have uniquely contributed to immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation, beyond the impacts of HIV and stimulant use. Between August 2020 and February 2022, 72 SMM with and without HIV residing in South Florida enrolled in a COVID-19 prospective cohort study. Multiple linear regression analyses examined unemployment, homelessness, and history of arrest as structural correlates of soluble markers of immune activation (i.e., sCD14 and sCD163) and inflammation (i.e., sTNF-α receptors I and II) at baseline after adjusting for HIV status, stimulant use, and recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Enrolled participants were predominantly Latino (59%), gay-identified (85%), and with a mean age of 38 (SD, 12) years with approximately one-third (38%) of participants living with HIV. After adjusting for HIV status, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recent stimulant use, unemployment independently predicted higher levels of sCD163 (β = 0.24, p = 0.04) and sTNF-α receptor I (β = 0.26, p = 0.02). Homelessness (β = 0.25, p = 0.02) and history of arrest (β = 0.24, p = 0.04) independently predicted higher levels of sCD14 after adjusting for HIV status, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recent stimulant use. Independent associations exist between structural barriers and immune activation and systemic inflammation in SMM with and without HIV. Future longitudinal research should further elucidate complex bio-behavioral mechanisms linking structural factors with immune activation and inflammation.

The Role of Changes in the Expression of Inflammation-Associated Genes in the Variants of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Age-dependent cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a common disease with a high social burden characterized by heterogeneity of forms and frequent comorbidity with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previously, we identified two MRI types of CSVD with specific clinical presentation and, probably, different mechanisms. The present study included 34 patients with CSVD and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) of stage Fazekas (F) 3 (mean age 61.7 ± 8.9) and 11 volunteers (mean age 57.3 ± 9.7). Total RNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes. The expression of 58 protein-coding genes associated with CSVD and/or AD and 4 reference genes were assessed as part of the original panel for the NanoString nCounter analyzer. Testing results were validated by real-time PCR. There was a significant decrease in the expression levels of the ACOX1, CD33, CD2AP, TNFR1, and VEGFC genes in MRI type 2 relative to the control group as well as a decrease in the expression level of the CD33 gene in MRI type 2 compared to MRI type 1. Processes associated with inflammatory pathways with decreased expression of the identified genes are important in the development of MRI type 2 of CSVD. Given the direct connection of the established genes with AD, the importance of this form of CSVD in comorbidity with AD has been assumed.

Reactive oxygen species activate the Drosophila TNF receptor Wengen for damage-induced regeneration

Tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) control pleiotropic pro-inflammatory functions that range from apoptosis to cell survival. The ability to trigger a particular function will depend on the upstream cues, association with regulatory complexes, and downstream pathways. In Drosophila melanogaster, two TNFRs have been identified, Wengen (Wgn) and Grindelwald (Grnd). Although several reports associate these receptors with JNK-dependent apoptosis, it has recently been found that Wgn activates a variety of other functions. We demonstrate that Wgn is required for survival by protecting cells from apoptosis. This is mediated by dTRAF1 and results in the activation of p38 MAP kinase. Remarkably, Wgn is required for apoptosis-induced regeneration and is activated by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced following apoptosis. This ROS activation is exclusive for Wgn, but not for Grnd, and can occur after knocking down Eiger/TNFα. The extracellular cysteine-rich domain of Grnd is much more divergent than that of Wgn, which is more similar to TNFRs from other animals, including humans. Our results show a novel TNFR function that responds to stressors by ensuring p38-dependent regeneration.

Derivation of novel metabolic pathway score identifies alanine metabolism as a targetable influencer of TNF-alpha signaling

Background

Better understanding of the interaction between metabolism and immune response will be key to understanding physiology and disease. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα) has been studied widely. However, despite the extensive knowledge about TNFα, the cytokine appears to induce not only variable, but often contradictory, effects on inflammation and cell proliferation. Despite advancements in the metabolomics field, it is still difficult to analyze the types of multi-dose, multi-time point studies needed for elucidating the varied immunologic responses induced by TNFα.

Results

We studied the dose and time course effects of TNFα on murine fibroblast cultures and further elucidated these connections using selective blockade of the TNF receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2). To streamline analysis, we developed a method to collate the metabolic pathway output from MetaboAnalyst into a single value for the Index of pathway significance (IPS). Using this metric, we tested dose-, time-, and receptor-dependent effects of TNFα signaling on cell metabolism. Guided by these results, we then demonstrate that alanine supplementation enriched TNFR1-related responses in both cell and mouse models.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that TNFα, particularly when signaling through TNFR1, may preferentially use alanine metabolism for energy. These results are limited in by cell type used and immune outputs measured. However, we anticipate that our novel method may assist other researchers in identifying metabolic targets that influence their disease or model of interest through simplifying the analysis of multi-condition experiments. Furthermore, our results endorse the consideration of follow up studies in immunometabolism to improve outcomes in TNF-mediated diseases.

Adipokines-A Cohort Prospective Study in Children with Severe Burns

Burns generate every year an important burden of morbidity, being a major global public health problem through prolonged hospitalization, complications, and increased mortality. This study's purpose was to evaluate the serum levels of three adipokines and to establish significant correlations with other circulating molecules and with some clinical parameters. We evaluated 32 children with severe burns (over 25% total burned surface area-TBSA) at 48 h, day 10, and day 21 post burn, and 21 controls. The serum levels of adiponectin, resistin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (among nine other biochemical parameters) were detected by Multiplex technique. Significant statistical differences were obtained for resistin and leptin compared to the control group, in different moments of measurements. Adiponectin serum levels presented statistically significant correlations with hot liquid mechanism of burn, the Revised Baux score, TBSA, resistin, PAI-1, CRP, TNF-α, and triglycerides (TGLs) serum levels. Resistin serum levels presented statistically significant correlations with adiponectin, CRP, PAI-1, leptin, and TNF-α. Additionally, we found statistically significant correlations between leptin serum levels and length of hospitalization, TNF-α, resistin, adiponectin, and PAI-1 serum levels. In severely burned children, adiponectin, resistin, and leptin specifically correlate with clinical parameters and with proteins involved in the systemic inflammatory response and the hypermetabolic response.

Maintenance of Lognormal-Like Skewed Dendritic Spine Size Distributions in Dentate Granule Cells of TNF, TNF-R1, TNF-R2, and TNF-R1/2-Deficient Mice

Dendritic spines are sites of synaptic plasticity and their head size correlates with the strength of the corresponding synapse. We recently showed that the distribution of spine head sizes follows a lognormal-like distribution even after blockage of activity or plasticity induction. As the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) influences synaptic transmission and constitutive TNF and receptor (TNF-R)-deficiencies cause changes in spine head size distributions, we tested whether these genetic alterations disrupt the lognormality of spine head sizes. Furthermore, we distinguished between spines containing the actin-modulating protein synaptopodin (SP-positive), which is present in large, strong and stable spines and those lacking it (SP-negative). Our analysis revealed that neither TNF-deficiency nor the absence of TNF-R1, TNF-R2 or TNF-R 1 and 2 (TNF-R1/R2) degrades the general lognormal-like, skewed distribution of spine head sizes (all spines, SP-positive spines, SP-negative spines). However, TNF, TNF-R1 and TNF-R2-deficiency affected the width of the lognormal distribution, and TNF-R1/2-deficiency shifted the distribution to the left. Our findings demonstrate the robustness of the lognormal-like, skewed distribution, which is maintained even in the face of genetic manipulations that alter the distribution of spine head sizes. Our observations are in line with homeostatic adaptation mechanisms of neurons regulating the distribution of spines and their head sizes.

Tumor necrosis factor α receptor 1A transduces the inhibitory effect on axon regeneration triggered by IgG anti-ganglioside GD1a antibodies

Anti-ganglioside antibodies (anti-Gg Abs) have been linked to delayed/poor clinical recovery in both axonal and demyelinating forms of Guillain-Barrè Syndrome (GBS). In many instances, the incomplete recovery is attributed to the peripheral nervous system's failure to regenerate. The cross-linking of cell surface gangliosides by anti-Gg Abs triggers inhibition of nerve repair in both in vitro and in vivo axon regeneration paradigms. This mechanism involves the activation of the small GTPase RhoA, which negatively modulates the growth cone cytoskeleton. At present, the identity/es of the receptor/s responsible for transducing the signal that ultimately leads to RhoA activation remains poorly understood. The aim of this work was to identify the transducer molecule responsible for the inhibitory effect of anti-Gg Abs on nerve repair. Putative candidate molecules were identified through proteomic mass spectrometry of ganglioside affinity-captured proteins from rat cerebellar granule neurons (Prendergast et al., 2014). These candidates were evaluated using an in vitro model of neurite outgrowth with primary cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGn) and an in vivo model of axon regeneration. Using an shRNA-strategy to silence putative candidates on DRGn, we identified tumor necrosis factor receptor 1A protein (TNFR1A) as a transducer molecule for the inhibitory effect on neurite outgrowth from rat/mouse DRGn cultures of a well characterized mAb targeting the related gangliosides GD1a and GT1b. Interestingly, lack of TNFr1A expression on DRGn abolished the inhibitory effect on neurite outgrowth caused by anti-GD1a but not anti-GT1b specific mAbs, suggesting specificity of GD1a/transducer signaling. Similar results were obtained using primary DRGn cultures from TNFR1a-null mice, which did not activate RhoA after exposure to anti-GD1a mAbs. Generation of single point mutants at the stalk region of TNFR1A identified a critical amino acid for transducing GD1a signaling, suggesting a direct interaction. Finally, passive immunization with an anti-GD1a/GT1b mAb in an in vivo model of axon regeneration exhibited reduced inhibitory activity in TNFR1a-null mice compared to wild type mice. In conclusion, these findings identify TNFR1A as a novel transducer receptor for the inhibitory effect exerted by anti-GD1a Abs on nerve repair, representing a significant step forward toward understanding the factors contributing to poor clinical recovery in GBS associated with anti-Gg Abs.

Meta-Analytic Gene-Clustering Algorithm for Integrating Multi-Omics and Multi-Study Data

Gene pathways and gene-regulatory networks are used to describe the causal relationship between genes, based on biological experiments. However, many genes are still to be studied to define novel pathways. To address this, a gene-clustering algorithm has been used to group correlated genes together, based on the similarity of their gene expression level. The existing methods cluster genes based on only one type of omics data, which ignores the information from other types. A large sample size is required to achieve an accurate clustering structure for thousands of genes, which can be challenging due to the cost of multi-omics data. Meta-analysis has been used to aggregate the data from multiple studies and improve the analysis results. We propose a computationally efficient meta-analytic gene-clustering algorithm that combines multi-omics datasets from multiple studies, using the fixed effects linear models and a modified weighted correlation network analysis framework. The simulation study shows that the proposed method outperforms existing single omic-based clustering approaches when multi-omics data and/or multiple studies are available. A real data example demonstrates that our meta-analytic method outperforms single-study based methods.

TNF signaling mediates cellular immune function and promotes malaria parasite killing in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine and a master regulator of immune cell function in vertebrates. While previous studies have implicated TNF signaling in invertebrate immunity, the roles of TNF in mosquito innate immunity and vector competence have yet to be explored. Herein, we confirm the identification of a conserved TNF-α pathway in Anopheles gambiae consisting of the TNF-α ligand, Eiger, and its cognate receptors Wengen and Grindelwald. Through gene expression analysis, RNAi, and in vivo injection of recombinant TNF-α, we provide direct evidence for the requirement of TNF signaling in regulating mosquito immune cell function by promoting granulocyte midgut attachment, increased granulocyte abundance, and oenocytoid rupture. Moreover, our data demonstrate that TNF signaling is an integral component of anti-Plasmodium immunity that limits malaria parasite survival. Together, our data support the existence of a highly conserved TNF signaling pathway in mosquitoes that mediates cellular immunity and influences Plasmodium infection outcomes, offering potential new approaches to interfere with malaria transmission by targeting the mosquito host.

Genetic variants in ATP2B2 as risk factors for mortality in patients unrelated but not associated with families with severe COVID-19

Introduction

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease has a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to severe. Ancestral contribution, sex, immune response, and genetic factors influence the presentation of the disease. The objective of the present study was to validate these genetic variants in patients with severe COVID-19 who died and in survivor patients. Methods: Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in six genes: ATPase plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting 2 (ATP2B2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2), (interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 2) IFNAR2, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 1A (TNFRSF1A), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 1B (TNFRSF1B), were explored in two groups: the first consisted of severe COVID-19-related patients (familial cases from 58 families, n = 130), and the second group of unrelated severe COVID-19 patients (n = 1045). In each study group, death was evaluated as the outcome.

Results

In non-related patients with severe COVID-19, carriers of GG genotype (rs2289274) in the ATP2B2 gene showed a high-risk probability of non-surviving (OR = 1.43). Survival analysis to 75 days indicates that carriers of GG have a higher risk than GA or AA genotypes (p = 0.0059). The haplotype GG (rs2289273-rs2289274) in ATP2B2 was found to be associated with a high risk of death in severe non-related COVID-19 patients. No significant associations were found between severe COVID-19-related patients and SNVs in ATP2B2, TMPRSS2, DOCK2, IFNAR2, TNFRSF1A, or TNFRSF1B.

Conclusions

Unrelated patients with severe COVID-19 that carry the GG genotype (rs2289274) in ATP2B2 showed a high death risk. Survival analysis to 75 days indicates that carriers of GG have a higher risk of non-survival compared to GA or AA genotypes.

TNFR1 Absence Is Not Crucial for Different Types of Cell Reaction to TNF: A Study of the TNFR1-Knockout Cell Model

BACKGROUND

One of the mechanisms regulating the biological activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in cells is the co-expression of TNFR1/TNFR2 receptors. A model with a differential level of receptor expression is required to evaluate the contribution of these mechanisms.

AIM

The development of a cellular model to compare the effects of TNF on cells depending on the presence of both receptors and TNFR2 alone.

METHODS

TNFR1 absence modifications of ZR-75/1 and K-562 cell lines were obtained by TNFR1 knockout. The presence of deletions was confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and the absence of cell membrane receptor expression was confirmed by flow cytometry. The dose-dependent effect of TNF on intact and knockout cells was comparatively evaluated by the effect on the cell cycle, the type of cell death, and the profile of expressed genes.

RESULTS

Knockout of TNFR1 resulted in a redistribution of TNFR2 receptors with an increased proportion of TNFR2+ cells in both lines and a multidirectional change in the density of expression in the lines (increased in K562 and decreased in ZR75/1). The presence of a large number of cells with high TNFR2 density in the absence of TNFR1 in the K562 cells was associated with greater sensitivity to TNF-stimulating doses and increased proliferation but did not result in a significant change in cell death parameters. A twofold increase in TNFR2+ cell distribution in this cell line at a reduced expression density in ZR75/1 cells was associated with a change in sensitivity to low cytokine concentrations in terms of proliferation; an overall increase in cell death, most pronounced at standard stimulating concentrations; and increased expression of the lymphocyte-activation gene groups, host-pathogen interaction, and innate immunity.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of TNFR1 leads to different variants of compensatory redistribution of TNFR2 in cellular models, which affects the type of cell response and the threshold level of sensitivity. The directionality of cytokine action modulation and sensitivity to TNF levels depends not only on the fraction of cells expressing TNFR2 but also on the density of expression.

HspBP1 in Complex with the Peptide of the Innate Immunity Protein Tag7 is Able to Lyse Tumor Cells Carrying TNFR1 Receptor

The search for new cytotoxic agents capable of lysing tumor cells is an important task in the fight against cancer. Here we have shown that the HspBP1 protein, the chaperone of the heat shock protein Hsp70, is able to form a complex with the previously discovered peptide (17.1) of the innate immunity protein Tag7. Experiments using thermophoresis demonstrated that the affinity of the Tag7 protein peptide 17.1 to the HspBP1 molecule is 100 times higher than that of the full-sized Tag7 molecule. The addition of the 17.1-HspBP1 complex to tumor cells induces apoptosis and necroptosis in them. The results obtained in this work can be used to develop promising antitumor drugs.

TNF receptor 2 knockout mouse had reduced lung cancer growth and schizophrenia-like behavior through a decrease in TrkB-dependent BDNF level

The relationship between schizophrenia (SCZ) and cancer development remains controversial. Based on the disease-gene association platform, it has been revealed that tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) could be an important mediatory factor in both cancer and SCZ development. TNF-α also increases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the development of SCZ and tumor, but the role of TNFR in mediating the association between the two diseases remains unclear. We studied the vital roles of TNFR2 in the progression of tumor and SCZ-like behavior using A549 lung cancer cell xenografted TNFR2 knockout mice. TNFR2 knockout mice showed significantly decreased tumor size and weight as well as schizophrenia-like behaviors compared to wild-type mice. Consistent with the reduced tumor growth and SCZ-like behaviors, the levels of TrkB and BDNF expression were significantly decreased in the lung tumor tissues and pre-frontal cortex of TNFR2 knockout mice. However, intravenous injection of BDNF (160 μg/kg) to TNFR2 knockout mice for 4 weeks increased tumor growth and SCZ-like behaviors as well as TrkB expression. In in vitro study, significantly decreased cell growth and expression of TrkB and BDNF by siTNFR2 transfection were found in A549 lung cancer cells. However, the addition of BDNF (100 ng/ml) into TNFR2 siRNA transfected A549 lung cancer cells recovered cell growth and the expression of TrkB. These results suggest that TNFR2 could be an important factor in mediating the comorbidity between lung tumor growth and SCZ development through increased TrkB-dependent BDNF levels.

Mast cell-sensory neuron crosstalk in allergic diseases

Mast cells (MCs) are tissue-resident immune cells, well-positioned at the host-environment interface for detecting external antigens and playing a critical role in mobilizing innate and adaptive immune responses. Sensory neurons are afferent neurons innervating most areas of the body but especially in the periphery, where they sense external and internal signals and relay information to the brain. The significance of MC-sensory neuron communication is now increasingly becoming recognized, especially because both cell types are in close physical proximity at the host-environment interface and around major organs of the body and produce specific mediators that can activate each other. In this review, we explore the roles of MC-sensory neuron crosstalk in allergic diseases, shedding light on how activated MCs trigger sensory neurons to initiate signaling in pruritus, shock, and potentially abdominal pain in allergy, and how activated sensory neurons regulate MCs in homeostasis and atopic dermatitis associated with contact hypersensitivity and type 2 inflammation. Throughout the review, we also discuss how these 2 sentinel cell types signal each other, potentially resulting in a positive feedback loop that can sustain inflammation. Unraveling the mysteries of MC-sensory neuron crosstalk is likely to unveil their critical roles in various disease conditions and enable the development of new therapeutic approaches to combat these maladies.

Therapeutic and immunomodulatory potentials of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and immune checkpoints related molecules

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are used in many studies due to their therapeutic potential, including their differentiative ability and immunomodulatory properties. These cells perform their therapeutic functions by using various mechanisms, such as the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, direct cell-to-cell contact, extracellular vesicles (EVs) production, and mitochondrial transfer. However, mechanisms related to immune checkpoints (ICPs) and their effect on the immunomodulatory ability of MSCs are less discussed. The main function of ICPs is to prevent the initiation of unwanted responses and to regulate the immune system responses to maintain the homeostasis of these responses. ICPs are produced by various types of immune system regulatory cells, and defects in their expression and function may be associated with excessive responses that can ultimately lead to autoimmunity. Also, by expressing different types of ICPs and their ligands (ICPLs), tumor cells prevent the formation and durability of immune responses, which leads to tumors' immune escape. ICPs and ICPLs can be produced by MSCs and affect immune cell responses both through their secretion into the microenvironment or direct cell-to-cell interaction. Pre-treatment of MSCs in inflammatory conditions leads to an increase in their therapeutic potential. In addition to the effect that inflammatory environments have on the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines by MSCs, they can increase the expression of various types of ICPLs. In this review, we discuss different types of ICPLs and ICPs expressed by MSCs and their effect on their immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential.

The Complexity of Being A20: From Biological Functions to Genetic Associations

A20, encoded by TNFAIP3, is a critical negative regulator of immune activation. A20 is a ubiquitin editing enzyme with multiple domains, each of which mediates or stabilizes a key ubiquitin modification. A20 targets diverse proteins that are involved in pleiotropic immunologic pathways. The complexity of A20-mediated immunomodulation is illustrated by the varied effects of A20 deletion in different cell types and disease models. Clinically, the importance of A20 is highlighted by its extensive associations with human disease. A20 germline variants are associated with a wide range of inflammatory diseases, while somatic mutations promote development of B cell lymphomas. More recently, the discovery of A20 haploinsufficiency (HA20) has provided real world evidence for the role of A20 in immune cell function. Originally described as an autosomal dominant form of Behcet's disease, HA20 is now considered a complex inborn error of immunity with a broad spectrum of immunologic and clinical phenotypes.

Fabrication of a Coculture Organoid Model in the Biomimetic Matrix of Alginate to Investigate Breast Cancer Progression in a TAMs-Leading Immune Microenvironment

The current research models of breast cancer are usually limited in their capacity to recapitulate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. The lack of an extracellular matrix (ECM) oversimplifies cell-cell or cell-ECM cross-talks. Moreover, the lack of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), that can comprise up to 50% of some solid neoplasms, poses a major problem for recognizing various hallmarks of cancer. To address these concerns, a type of direct breast cancer cells (BCCs)-TAMs coculture organoid model was well developed by a sequential culture method in this study. Alginate cryogels were fabricated with appropriate physical and mechanical properties to serve as an alternative ECM. Then, our previous experience was leveraged to polarize TAMs inside of the cryogels for creating an in vitro immune microenvironment. The direct coculture significantly enhanced BCCs organoid growth and cancer aggressive phenotypes, including the stemness, migration, ECM remodeling, and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis and protein-protein interaction networks implied certain pathways (PI3K-Akt pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, etc.) and targets (TNF, PPARG, TLR2, etc.) during breast cancer progression in a TAM-leading immune microenvironment. Future studies to advance treatment strategies for BCC patients may benefit from using this facile model to reveal and target the interactions between cancer signaling and the immune microenvironment.

Acylation of MLKL Impacts Its Function in Necroptosis

Mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) is a key signaling protein of necroptosis. Upon activation by phosphorylation, MLKL translocates to the plasma membrane and induces membrane permeabilization, which contributes to the necroptosis-associated inflammation. Membrane binding of MLKL is initially initiated by electrostatic interactions between the protein and membrane phospholipids. We previously showed that MLKL and its phosphorylated form (pMLKL) are S-acylated during necroptosis. Here, we characterize the acylation sites of MLKL and identify multiple cysteines that can undergo acylation with an interesting promiscuity at play. Our results show that MLKL and pMLKL undergo acylation at a single cysteine, with C184, C269, and C286 as possible acylation sites. Using all-atom molecular dynamic simulations, we identify differences that the acylation of MLKL causes at the protein and membrane levels. Through investigations of the S-palmitoyltransferases that might acylate pMLKL in necroptosis, we showed that zDHHC21 activity has the strongest effect on pMLKL acylation, inactivation of which profoundly reduced the pMLKL levels in cells and improved membrane integrity. These results suggest that blocking the acylation of pMLKL destabilizes the protein at the membrane interface and causes its degradation, ameliorating the necroptotic activity. At a broader level, our findings shed light on the effect of S-acylation on MLKL functioning in necroptosis and MLKL-membrane interactions mediated by its acylation.

HCV-induced autophagy and innate immunity

The interplay between autophagy and host innate immunity has been of great interest. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) impedes signaling pathways initiated by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize pathogens-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Autophagy, a cellular catabolic process, delivers damaged organelles and protein aggregates to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. Autophagy is also an innate immune response of cells to trap pathogens in membrane vesicles for removal. However, HCV controls the autophagic pathway and uses autophagic membranes to enhance its replication. Mitophagy, a selective autophagy targeting mitochondria, alters the dynamics and metabolism of mitochondria, which play important roles in host antiviral responses. HCV also alters mitochondrial dynamics and promotes mitophagy to prevent premature cell death and attenuate the interferon (IFN) response. In addition, the dysregulation of the inflammasomal response by HCV leads to IFN resistance and immune tolerance. These immune evasion properties of HCV allow HCV to successfully replicate and persist in its host cells. In this article, we discuss HCV-induced autophagy/mitophagy and its associated immunological responses and provide a review of our current understanding of how these processes are regulated in HCV-infected cells.

Inflammatory Biomarkers, Cognitive Functioning, and Brain Imaging Abnormalities in Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review

Objective

Recent studies have pointed to neuroinflammation and neurotrophic factors as crucial mediators in the pathophysiology origins of mood disorders. The aim of this review is to assess the potential association between cognitive impairment, brain imaging abnormalities, and inflammatory biomarkers in patients affected by bipolar disorder (BD).

Method

Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, with no year restriction, up until August 2023, for human studies that examined the relationship between inflammatory markers and cognitive impairment in BD patients. Studies based on neuroimaging, such as MRI, DTI, and fMRI, were also included, along with those examining the moderating role of specific inflammatory markers in the alteration of the brain.

Results

59 human clinical studies satisfied the criteria for consideration. Most of the studies reviewed concur that inflammatory state, measured by peripheral blood levels of CRP and cytokines, constitutes an important contributor to cognitive impairment observed in patients with BD. Robust evidence indicates an association between cognitive impairment and CRP, IL-1RA, IL-6, and TNF-α with its receptors, whereas there is no convincing evidence for the involvement of other neuroinflammatory biomarkers. Neuroimaging studies suggest that brain structural/functional abnormalities seen in BD could also be linked to a neuroinflammatory condition.

Conclusions

Current data provide evidence of a link between cognitive impairments observed in BD patients and mechanisms of neuroinflammation. Emerging evidence indicates that systemic inflammation might also play an important role in the deterioration of brain structures critical to cognitive functions in patients with BD. The convergence of findings across these studies strengthens our understanding of the complex neurobiological underpinnings of these disorders. Identification of BD specific inflammatory markers may be of assistance for future early therapeutic interventions.

The Role of Nrf2 and Inflammation on the Dissimilar Cardiotoxicity of Doxorubicin in Two-Time Points: a Cardio-Oncology In Vivo Study Through Time

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a topoisomerase II inhibitor used in cancer therapy. Despite its efficacy, DOX causes serious adverse effects, such as short- and long-term cardiotoxicity. This work aimed to assess the short- and long-term cardiotoxicity of DOX and the role of inflammation and antioxidant defenses on that cardiotoxicity in a mice model. Adult CD-1 male mice received a cumulative dose of 9.0 mg/kg of DOX (2 biweekly intraperitoneal injections (ip), for 3 weeks). One week (1W) or 5 months (5M) after the last DOX administration, the heart was collected. One week after DOX, a significant increase in p62, tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) 2, glutathione peroxidase 1, catalase, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) cardiac expression, and a trend towards an increase in interleukin (IL)-6, TNFR1, and B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X (Bax) expression was observed. Moreover, DOX induced a decrease on nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) cardiac expression. In both 1W and 5M, DOX led to a high density of infiltrating M1 macrophages, but only the 1W-DOX group had a significantly higher number of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 immunopositive cells. As late effects (5M), an increase in Nrf2, myeloperoxidase, IL-33, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression, and a trend towards increased catalase expression were observed. Moreover, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and carbonylated proteins expression decreased, and a trend towards decreased p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression were seen. Our study demonstrated that DOX induces adverse outcome pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress, although activating different time-dependent response mechanisms.

The brain cytokine orchestra in multiple sclerosis: from neuroinflammation to synaptopathology

The central nervous system (CNS) is finely protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Immune soluble factors such as cytokines (CKs) are normally produced in the CNS, contributing to physiological immunosurveillance and homeostatic synaptic scaling. CKs are peptide, pleiotropic molecules involved in a broad range of cellular functions, with a pivotal role in resolving the inflammation and promoting tissue healing. However, pro-inflammatory CKs can exert a detrimental effect in pathological conditions, spreading the damage. In the inflamed CNS, CKs recruit immune cells, stimulate the local production of other inflammatory mediators, and promote synaptic dysfunction. Our understanding of neuroinflammation in humans owes much to the study of multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common autoimmune and demyelinating disease, in which autoreactive T cells migrate from the periphery to the CNS after the encounter with a still unknown antigen. CNS-infiltrating T cells produce pro-inflammatory CKs that aggravate local demyelination and neurodegeneration. This review aims to recapitulate the state of the art about CKs role in the healthy and inflamed CNS, with focus on recent advances bridging the study of adaptive immune system and neurophysiology.

Emerging Oral Therapies for the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review of Pipeline Agents

The introduction of biologic agents for the treatment of psoriasis has revolutionized the current treatment landscape, targeting cytokines in the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 pathway and demonstrating strong efficacy and safety profiles in clinical trials. These agents however are costly, are associated with a risk of immunogenicity, and require administration by intravenous or subcutaneous injection, limiting their use among patients. Oral therapies, specifically small molecule and microbiome therapeutics, have the potential to be more convenient and cost-effective agents for patients and have been a focus of development in recent years, with few targeted oral medications available for the disease. In this manuscript, we review pipeline oral therapies for psoriasis identified through a search of ClinicalTrials.gov (30 June 2022-1 October 2023). Available preclinical and clinical trial data on each therapeutic agent are discussed. Small molecules under development include tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, Janus kinase inhibitors, A3 adenosine receptor agonists, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 agonists, several of which are entering phase III trials. Oral microbials have also demonstrated success in early phase studies. As new oral therapies emerge for the treatment of psoriasis, real-world data and comparative trials are needed to better inform their use among patients.

The Contribution of Microglia and Brain-Infiltrating Macrophages to the Pathogenesis of Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Diseases during TMEV Infection of the Central Nervous System

The infection of the central nervous system (CNS) with neurotropic viruses induces neuroinflammation and is associated with the development of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. The activation of the innate and adaptive immune response, including microglial, macrophages, and T and B cells, while required for efficient viral control within the CNS, is also associated with neuropathology. Under healthy conditions, resident microglia play a pivotal role in maintaining CNS homeostasis. However, during pathological events, such as CNS viral infection, microglia become reactive, and immune cells from the periphery infiltrate into the brain, disrupting CNS homeostasis and contributing to disease development. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), a neurotropic picornavirus, is used in two distinct mouse models: TMEV-induced demyelination disease (TMEV-IDD) and TMEV-induced seizures, representing mouse models of multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, respectively. These murine models have contributed substantially to our understanding of the pathophysiology of MS and seizures/epilepsy following viral infection, serving as critical tools for identifying pharmacological targetable pathways to modulate disease development. This review aims to discuss the host-pathogen interaction during a neurotropic picornavirus infection and to shed light on our current understanding of the multifaceted roles played by microglia and macrophages in the context of these two complexes viral-induced disease.

Calcium-sensing receptor and NF-κB pathways in TN breast cancer contribute to cancer-induced cardiomyocyte damage via activating neutrophil extracellular traps formation

Cardiovascular disorders are commonly prevalent in cancer patients, yet the mechanistic link between them remains poorly understood. Because neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have implications not just in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but also in breast cancer (BC), it was hypothesized to contribute to CVD in the context of oncogenesis. We established a mouse model using nude mice to simulate liver metastasis of triple-negative BC (TNBC) through the injection of MDA-MB-231 cells. Multiple imaging and analysis techniques were employed to assess the cardiac function and structure, including echocardiography, HE staining, Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). MDA-MB-231 cells underwent treatment with a CaSR inhibitor, CaSR agonist, and NF-κB channel blocker. The phosphorylation of NF-κB channel protein p65 and the expression and secretion of IL-8 were assessed using qRT-PCR, Western Blot, and ELISA, respectively. In addition, MDA-MB-231 cells were co-cultured with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) under varying conditions. The co-localization of PMN extracellular myeloperoxidase (MPO) and DNA were observed by cellular immunofluorescence staining to identify the formation of NETs. Then, the cardiomyocytes were co-cultured with the above medium that contains NETs or not, respectively; the effects of NETs on cardiomyocytes apoptosis were perceived by flow cytometry. The ultrastructural changes of myocardial cells were perceived by TEM, and ELISA detected the levels of myocardial enzyme (LDH, MDA and SOD). Overall, according to our research, CaSR has been found to have a regulatory role in IL-8 secretion in MDA-MB-231 cells, as well as in the formation of NETs by PMN cells. These findings suggest CaSR-mediated stimulation in PMN can lead to increased NETs formation and subsequently to cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes, which potentially via activation of the NF-κB signaling cascade of BC cell.

Preexisting tissue mechanical hypertension at adherens junctions disrupts apoptotic extrusion in epithelia

Apical extrusion is a tissue-intrinsic process that allows epithelia to eliminate unfit or surplus cells. This is exemplified by the early extrusion of apoptotic cells, which is critical to maintain the epithelial barrier and prevent inflammation. Apoptotic extrusion is an active mechanical process, which involves mechanotransduction between apoptotic cells and their neighbors, as well as local changes in tissue mechanics. Here we report that the preexisting mechanical tension at adherens junctions (AJs) conditions the efficacy of apoptotic extrusion. Specifically, increasing baseline mechanical tension by overexpression of a phosphomimetic Myosin II regulatory light chain (MRLC) compromises apoptotic extrusion. This occurs when tension is increased in either the apoptotic cell or its surrounding epithelium. Further, we find that the proinflammatory cytokine, TNFα, stimulates Myosin II and increases baseline AJ tension to disrupt apical extrusion, causing apoptotic cells to be retained in monolayers. Importantly, reversal of mechanical tension with an inhibitory MRLC mutant or tropomyosin inhibitors is sufficient to restore apoptotic extrusion in TNFα-treated monolayers. Together, these findings demonstrate that baseline levels of tissue tension are important determinants of apoptotic extrusion, which can potentially be coopted by pathogenetic factors to disrupt the homeostatic response of epithelia to apoptosis.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of tnf-α1 in zebrafish reduces disease resistance after Edwardsiella piscicida bacterial infection

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an important cytokine involved in immune responses to bacterial infections in vertebrates, including fish. Although Tnf-α is a well-studied cytokine, there are contradictory findings about Tnf-α function following bacterial infection. In this study, we analyzed the expression and function of the Tnf-α-type I isoform (Tnf-α1) in zebrafish by knockout experiments using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool. The open reading frame of tnf-α1 encodes a 25.82 kDa protein with 234 amino acids (aa). The expression of tnf-α1 in the early stages of zebrafish was observed from the 2-cell stage. Adult zebrafish spleens showed the highest expression of tnf-α1. To evaluate the function of Tnf-α1, an 8 bp deletion in the target region, resulting in a short truncated protein of 55 aa, was used to create the tnf-α1 knockout mutant. The pattern of downstream gene expression in 7-day larvae in wild-type (WT) and tnf-α1 knockout fish was examined. We also verified the fish mortality rate after Edwardsiella piscicida challenge and found that it was much higher in tnf-α1 knockout fish than in WT fish. Additionally, downstream gene expression analyses after E. piscicida exposure revealed a distinct expression pattern in tnf-α1 knockout fish compared to that in WT fish. Overall, our study using tnf-α1 deletion in zebrafish confirmed that Tnf-α1 is critical for immune regulation during bacterial infection.

Investigating the Potential Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets of Inflammatory Cytokines in Post-stroke Depression

Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects approximately one-third of stroke survivors, severely impacting general recovery and quality of life. Despite extensive studies, the exact mechanisms underlying PSD remain elusive. However, emerging evidence implicates proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-18, play critical roles in PSD development. These cytokines contribute to PSD through various mechanisms, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, neurotransmitter alterations, neurotrophic factor changes, gut microbiota imbalances, and genetic predispositions. This review is aimed at exploring the role of cytokines in stroke and PSD while identifying their potential as specific therapeutic targets for managing PSD. A more profound understanding of the mechanisms regulating inflammatory cytokine expression and anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10 in PSD may facilitate the development of innovative interventions to improve outcomes for stroke survivors experiencing depression.

Copper in Gynecological Diseases

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for the correct development of eukaryotic organisms. This metal plays a key role in many cellular and physiological activities, including enzymatic activity, oxygen transport, and cell signaling. Although the redox activity of Cu is crucial for enzymatic reactions, this property also makes it potentially toxic when found at high levels. Due to this dual action of Cu, highly regulated mechanisms are necessary to prevent both the deficiency and the accumulation of this metal since its dyshomeostasis may favor the development of multiple diseases, such as Menkes' and Wilson's diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. As the relationship between Cu and cancer has been the most studied, we analyze how this metal can affect three fundamental processes for tumor progression: cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Gynecological diseases are characterized by high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, depending on the case, and mainly include benign and malignant tumors. The cellular processes that promote their progression are affected by Cu, and the mechanisms that occur may be similar. We analyze the crosstalk between Cu deregulation and gynecological diseases, focusing on therapeutic strategies derived from this metal.

Knockouts of TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B Genes in K562 Cell Line Lead to Diverse Long-Lasting Responses to TNF-α

This research delves into the intricate landscape of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) signaling, a multi-functional cytokine known for its diverse cellular effects. Specifically, we investigate the roles of two TNF receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, in mediating TNF-α-induced transcriptional responses. Using human K562 cell lines with TNFR1 and TNFR2 knockouts, we explore changes in gene expression patterns following TNF-α stimulation. Our findings reveal distinct transcriptional profiles in TNFR1 and TNFR2 knockout cells, shedding light on the unique contributions of these receptors to TNF-α signaling. Notably, several key pathways associated with inflammation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation exhibit altered regulation in the absence of TNFR1 or TNFR2. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms governing TNF-α signaling and its diverse cellular effects, with potential implications for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Post-functionalization of sulfur quantum dots and their aggregation-dependent antibacterial activity

Sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) have emerged as an intriguing class of luminescent nanomaterial due to their exceptional physiochemical and optoelectronic properties. However, their biomedical application is still in its infancy due to the limited scope of their surface functionalization. Herein, we explored the surface functionalization of SQDs through different thiol ligands with tuneable functionality and tested their antibacterial efficacy. Notably, very high antibacterial activity of functionalized SQDs (10-25 ng ml-1) was noted, which is 105 times higher compared to that of nonfunctionalized SQDs. Moreover, a rare phenomenon of the reverse trend of antibacterial activity through surface modification was observed, with increasing surface hydrophobicity of various nanomaterials as the antibacterial activity increased. However, we also noted that as the surface hydrophobicity increased, the SQDs tended to exhibit a propensity for aggregation, which consequently decreased their antibacterial efficacy. This identical pattern was also evident in in vivo assessments. Overall, this study illuminates the importance of surface modifications of SQDs and the role of surface hydrophobicity in the development of antibacterial agents.

Modulating the dynamics of NFκB and PI3K enhances the ensemble-level TNFR1 signaling mediated apoptotic response

Cell-to-cell variability during TNFα stimulated Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (TNFR1) signaling can lead to single-cell level pro-survival and apoptotic responses. This variability stems from the heterogeneity in signal flow through intracellular signaling entities that regulate the balance between these two phenotypes. Using systematic Boolean dynamic modeling of a TNFR1 signaling network, we demonstrate that the signal flow path variability can be modulated to enable cells favour apoptosis. We developed a computationally efficient approach "Boolean Modeling based Prediction of Steady-state probability of Phenotype Reachability (BM-ProSPR)" to accurately predict the network's ability to settle into different phenotypes. Model analysis juxtaposed with the experimental observations revealed that NFκB and PI3K transient responses guide the XIAP behaviour to coordinate the crucial dynamic cross-talk between the pro-survival and apoptotic arms at the single-cell level. Model predicted the experimental observations that ~31% apoptosis increase can be achieved by arresting Comp1 - IKK* activity which regulates the NFκB and PI3K dynamics. Arresting Comp1 - IKK* activity causes signal flow path re-wiring towards apoptosis without significantly compromising NFκB levels, which govern adequate cell survival. Priming an ensemble of cancerous cells with inhibitors targeting the specific interaction involving Comp1 and IKK* prior to TNFα exposure could enable driving them towards apoptosis.

TNFR1 signaling is positively regulated by Jak-2 and c-Src via tyrosine phosphorylation

Background/aim

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα, a.k.a. TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that exerts most of its effects through type 1 TNF receptor (TNFR1). Following TNF binding, TNFR1 recruits TRADD (tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1-associated DEATH domain). This interaction triggers formation of signalosome complexes which have been claimed to induce apoptosis (via downstream caspase activations), inflammation (via NF-kappaB) and stress pathways (JNK & p38). However, the mechanism underlying TNF-induced ERK and AKT activation is not completely revealed. TNFR1 is known to constitutively bind c-Src and JAK2, and these enzymes were previously demonstrated to modulate TNF signaling. Therefore, we hypothesized that TNFR1 could be tyrosine phosphorylated by JAK2 and/or c-Src and TNF-induced ERK and Akt activation may be mediated by this phosphorylation.

Materials and methods

Site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) was performed to substitute the two putative Tyrosine phosphorylation sites on TNFR1 (Y360 and Y401) with alanine (A) or with aspartic acid (D), to inhibit or mimic constitutive phosphorylation, respectively. In 293T cells transfected with mutated or wild type TNFR1, ERK and Akt activations were determined by western blot. TNFR1 interaction with c-Src, JAK2, p85 and Grb2 was examined by co-IP. NF-kB activation was measured by luciferase assay, while proliferation was measured by MTT and apoptosis was evaluated by colorimetric caspase 8/3 assays. For determination of necrosis rates, cellular DNA fragmentation ELISA was performed.

Results

In this report, we show that TNFR1 is phosphorylated by JAK2 tyrosine kinase at Y401 and by c-Src at Y360 and Y401. Phosphorylation of Y360 and Y401 augments the interaction of Grb2 and PI3Kp85 with TNFR1. We also demonstrate that phosphomimetic mutations of Y360D and Y401D enhance ERK and Akt activation.

Conclusion

TNFR1 is tyrosine phosphorylated by both c-Src and JAK2, triggering a "noncanonical" pathway, that activates ERK and Akt.

Acylation of MLKL impacts its function in necroptosis

Mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) is a key signaling protein of necroptosis. Upon activation by phosphorylation, MLKL translocates to the plasma membrane and induces membrane permeabilization which contributes to the necroptosis-associated inflammation. Membrane binding of MLKL is initially initiated by the electrostatic interactions between the protein and membrane phospholipids. We previously showed that MLKL and its phosphorylated form (pMLKL) are S-acylated during necroptosis. Here, we characterize acylation sites of MLKL and identify multiple cysteines that can undergo acylation with an interesting promiscuity at play. Our results show that MLKL and pMLKL undergo acylation at a single cysteine, C184, C269 and C286 are the possible acylation sites. Using all atom molecular dynamic simulations, we identify differences that the acylation of MLKL causes at the protein and membrane level. Through systematic investigations of the S-palmitoyltransferases that might acylate MLKL in necroptosis, we showed that zDHHC21 activity has the strongest effect on pMLKL acylation, inactivation of which profoundly reduced the pMLKL levels in cells and improved membrane integrity. These results suggest that blocking the acylation of pMLKL destabilizes the protein at the membrane interface and causes its degradation, ameliorating necroptotic activity. At a broader level, our findings shed light on the effect of S-acylation on MLKL functioning in necroptosis and MLKL-membrane interactions mediated by its acylation.

Mechanisms of polydatin against spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation

BACKGROUND

Polydatin has shown considerable pharmacological activities in ischemia-reperfusion injuries of various organs. However, its effects and mechanisms in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury have not been fully established. In this study, the mechanisms of polydatin against spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury were investigated via network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.

METHODS

Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database, while polydatin-related action targets were obtained from the CTD and SwissTarget databases. A protein-protein interaction network of potential targets was constructed using the String platform. After selecting the potential key targets, GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed via the Metascape database, and a network map of "drug-target-pathway-disease" constructed. The relationships between polydatin and various key targets were assessed via molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for optimal core protein-compound complexes obtained by molecular docking.

RESULTS

Topological analysis of the PPI network revealed 14 core targets. GO functional enrichment analysis revealed that 435 biological processes, 12 cell components and 29 molecular functions were enriched while KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 91 enriched signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that polydatin had the highest binding affinity for MAPK3, suggesting that MAPK3 is a key target of polydatin against spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed good binding abilities between polydatin and MAPK3.

CONCLUSIONS

Polydatin exerts its effects on spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury through multiple targets and pathways. MAPK3 may be a key target of polydatin in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Autoantibodies from patients with kidney allograft vasculopathy stimulate a proinflammatory switch in endothelial cells and monocytes mediated via GPCR-directed PAR1-TNF-α signaling

Non-HLA-directed regulatory autoantibodies (RABs) are known to target G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and thereby contribute to kidney transplant vasculopathy and failure. However, the detailed underlying signaling mechanisms in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and immune cells need to be clarified in more detail. In this study, we compared the immune stimulatory effects and concomitant intracellular and extracellular signaling mechanisms of immunoglobulin G (IgG)-fractions from kidney transplant patients with allograft vasculopathy (KTx-IgG), to that from patients without vasculopathy, or matched healthy controls (Con-IgG). We found that KTx-IgG from patients with vasculopathy, but not KTx-IgG from patients without vasculopathy or Con-IgG, elicits HMEC activation and subsequent upregulation and secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) from HMECs, which was amplified in the presence of the protease-activated thrombin receptor 1 (PAR1) activator thrombin, but could be omitted by selectively blocking the PAR1 receptor. The amount and activity of the TNF-α secreted by HMECs stimulated with KTx-IgG from patients with vasculopathy was sufficient to induce subsequent THP-1 monocytic cell activation. Furthermore, AP-1/c-FOS, was identified as crucial transcription factor complex controlling the KTx-IgG-induced endothelial TNF-α synthesis, and mircoRNA-let-7f-5p as a regulatory element in modulating the underlying signaling cascade. In conclusion, exposure of HMECs to KTx-IgG from patients with allograft vasculopathy, but not KTx-IgG from patients without vasculopathy or healthy Con-IgG, triggers signaling through the PAR1-AP-1/c-FOS-miRNA-let7-axis, to control TNF-α gene transcription and TNF-α-induced monocyte activation. These observations offer a greater mechanistic understanding of endothelial cells and subsequent immune cell activation in the clinical setting of transplant vasculopathy that can eventually lead to transplant failure, irrespective of alloantigen-directed responses.

Immunity impacts cognitive deficits across neurological disorders

Cognitive deficits are a common comorbidity with neurological disorders and normal aging. Inflammation is associated with multiple diseases including classical neurodegenerative dementias such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), in which over half of all patients experience some form of cognitive deficits. Other degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) including frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTLD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), and even normal aging all have cytokine-associated reductions in cognitive function. Thus, there is likely commonality between these secondary cognitive deficits and inflammation. Neurological disorders are increasingly associated with substantial neuroinflammation, in which CNS-resident cells secrete cytokines and chemokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukins (ILs) including IL-1β and IL-6. CNS-resident cells also respond to a wide variety of cytokines and chemokines, which can have both direct effects on neurons by changing the expression of ion channels and perturbing electrical properties, as well as indirect effects through glia-glia and immune-glia cross-talk. There is significant overlap in these cytokine and chemokine expression profiles across diseases, with TNFα and IL-6 strongly associated with cognitive deficits in multiple disorders. Here, we review the involvement of various cytokines and chemokines in AD, MS, FTLD, PD, TBI, MDD, and normal aging in the absence of dementia. We propose that the neuropsychiatric phenotypes observed in these disorders may be at least partially attributable to a dysregulation of immunity resulting in pathological cytokine and chemokine expression from both CNS-resident and non-resident cells.

Drosophila TNF/TNFRs: At the crossroad between metabolism, immunity, and tissue homeostasis

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a highly conserved proinflammatory cytokine with important functions in immunity, tissue repair, and cellular homeostasis. Due to the simplicity of the Drosophila TNF-TNF receptor (TNFR) system and a broad genetic toolbox, the fly has played a pivotal role in deciphering the mechanisms underlying TNF-mediated physiological and pathological functions. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding of how local and systemic sources of Egr/TNF contribute to its antitumor and tumor-promoting properties, and its emerging functions in adaptive growth responses, sleep regulation, and adult tissue homeostasis. The recent annotation of TNF as an adipokine and its indisputable contribution to obesity- and cancer-associated metabolic diseases have provoked a new area of research focusing on its dual function in regulating immunity and energy homeostasis. Here, we discuss the role of TNFR signaling in coupling immune and metabolic processes and how this might be relevant in the adaption of host to environmental stresses, or, in the case of obesity, promote metabolic derangements and disease.

Parameters of TNF receptor co-expression in allergic and autoimmune processes: Differences and diagnostic significance

The authors used a method quantitative estimation density of TNFR1/TNFR2 on cells by flow cytometry with calibration particles, which allowed them to estimate the absolute number of receptors on cells regardless of the type of flow cytometer. The TNF receptor expression parameters were used to determine their association with the fact of disease and to build diagnostic models. The proposed methodological approach using a combination of flow cytometry and mathematical modeling techniques represents a promising direction for testing the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the studied biomarkers. The multifactorial regression analysis constructed on the basis of this approach made it possible to refine and supplement diagnostic schemes for determining the probability of rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma in patients.

Neutrophils and the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)

We are not entirely able to understand, assess, and modulate the functioning of the immune system in clinical situations that lead to a systemic inflammatory response. In the search for diagnostic and treatment strategies (which are still far from perfect), it became very important to study the pathogenesis and participation of endogenous inflammation mediators. This study attempts to more precisely establish the role of neutrophils in individual phenomena occurring during an inflammatory and anti-inflammatory reaction, taking into account their cidal, immunoregulatory, and reparative abilities. Pro- and anticoagulatory properties of endothelium in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) are emphasised, along with the resulting clinical implications (the application of immunotherapy using mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) or IL-6 antagonists in sepsis and COVID-19 treatment, among others). Special attention is paid to reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced by neutrophils activated during "respiratory burst" in the course of SIRS; the protective and pathogenic role of these endogenous mediators is highlighted. Moreover, clinically useful biomarkers of SIRS (neutrophil extracellular traps, cell-free DNA, DAMP, TREMs, NGAL, miRNA, selected cytokines, ROS, and recognised markers of endothelial damage from the group of adhesins by means of immunohistochemical techniques) related to the neutrophils are presented, and their role in the diagnosing and forecasting of sepsis, burn disease, and COVID-19 is emphasised. Finally, examples of immunomodulation of sepsis and antioxidative thermal injury therapy are presented.

N-acetyltransferase 10 promotes cutaneous wound repair via the NF-κB-IL-6 axis

Cutaneous wound healing, an integral part for protection of skin barrier, is a complex biological process and intimately associated with keratinocyte migration. However, mechanisms regulating keratinocyte migration in the process of cutaneous wound repair remain largely unknown. Here, we found that N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) is essential for cutaneous wound repair in an in vivo skin wound healing model-a significant delay of wound repair in Nat10 haploinsufficient mice and a remarkable inhibition of keratinocyte migration by NAT10 knockdown in an in vitro keratinocyte migration model. We further demonstrate that loss of NAT10 expression attenuates the wound-induced IL-6/IL-8 expression through inhibiting NF-κB/p65 activity in keratinocytes. By deeply digging, silencing NAT10 compromises the level of nuclear p65 by facilitating its poly-ubiquitination, thus accelerates its degradation in the nucleus. Notably, we detected a strong positive correlation between the expression of NAT10 and relevant NF-kB/p65-IL6 signaling activity in mouse wound skin tissues. Overall, our study reveals an important role of NAT10 on cutaneous wound repair by potentiating NF-κB/p65-IL-6/8-STAT3 signaling. Targeting NAT10 might be a potential strategy for the treatment of skin wound dysfunctions and related diseases.

A Novel Multi-Component Formulation Reduces Inflammation In Vitro and Clinically Lessens the Symptoms of Chronic Eczematous Skin

Long-term treatments for inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis or eczema can cause adverse effects. Super Protein Multifunction (SPM) was investigated as a potential treatment for managing skin inflammation by monitoring the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced using LPS and poly(I:C)/TNFα in HaCaT keratinocytes and Hs27 fibroblasts as measured via RT-PCR. SPM solution was also assessed for its effect on cytokine release, measured using ELISA, in a UVB-irradiated 3D human skin model. To evaluate the efficiency of SPM, 20 patients with mild eczematous skin were randomized to receive SPM or vehicle twice a day for three weeks in a double-blind controlled trial. In vitro studies showed SPM inhibited inflammation-induced IL-1β, IL-6, IL-33, IL-1α, TSLP, and TNFα expression or release. In the clinical study, the SPM group showed significant improvements in the IGA, PA, and DLQI scores compared to the vehicle group. Neither group showed significant differences in VAS (pruritus). Histological analysis showed reduced stratum corneum thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration. The results suggest that SPM may reduce inflammation in individuals with chronic eczematous skin.

Repressive Control of Keratinocyte Cytoplasmic Inflammatory Signaling

The overactivity of keratinocyte cytoplasmic signaling contributes to several cutaneous inflammatory and immune pathologies. An important emerging complement to proteins responsible for this overactivity is signal repression brought about by several proteins and protein complexes with the native role of limiting inflammation. The signaling repression by these proteins distinguishes them from transmembrane receptors, kinases, and inflammasomes, which drive inflammation. For these proteins, defects or deficiencies, whether naturally arising or in experimentally engineered skin inflammation models, have clearly linked them to maintaining keratinocytes in a non-activated state or returning cells to a post-inflamed state after a signaling event. Thus, together, these proteins help to resolve acute inflammatory responses or limit the development of chronic cutaneous inflammatory disease. We present here an integrated set of demonstrated or potentially inflammation-repressive proteins or protein complexes (linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex [LUBAC], cylindromatosis lysine 63 deubiquitinase [CYLD], tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3-interacting protein 1 [TNIP1], A20, and OTULIN) for a comprehensive view of cytoplasmic signaling highlighting protein players repressing inflammation as the needed counterpoints to signal activators and amplifiers. Ebb and flow of players on both sides of this inflammation equation would be of physiological advantage to allow acute response to damage or pathogens and yet guard against chronic inflammatory disease. Further investigation of the players responsible for repressing cytoplasmic signaling would be foundational to developing new chemical-entity pharmacologics to stabilize or enhance their function when clinical intervention is needed to restore balance.

Cytokines as Biomarkers for Evaluating Physical Exercise in Trained and Non-Trained Individuals: A Narrative Review

Physical activity and exercise training have numerous health benefits, including the prevention and management of chronic diseases, improvement of cardiovascular health, and enhancement of mental well-being. However, the effectiveness of training programs can vary widely among individuals due to various factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Thus, identifying reliable biomarkers to evaluate physical training effectiveness and personalize training programs is crucial. Cytokines are signaling molecules produced by immune cells that play a vital role in inflammation and tissue repair. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential use of cytokines as biomarkers for evaluating training effectiveness. This review article aims to provide an overview of cytokines, their potential as biomarkers, methods for measuring cytokine levels, and factors that can affect cytokine levels. The article also discusses the potential benefits of using cytokines as biomarkers, such as monitoring muscle damage and inflammation, and the potential for personalized training programs based on cytokine responses. We believe that the use of cytokines as biomarkers holds great promise for optimizing training programs and improving overall health outcomes.

Salivary cytokine expression after non-surgical periodontal therapy in smokers: 12-month follow-up

BACKGROUND

Diverse smoking trajectories may influence cytokine expression after non-surgical periodontal therapy and supportive periodontal care. Thus, we aimed to describe cytokine profiles in periodontal healing after periodontal therapy in smokers.

METHODS

A smoking cessation program and non-surgical periodontal therapy were offered to 80 smokers with periodontitis. Smoking trajectories (quitters/light, moderate, heavy) were observed. The association of salivary interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) with smoking trajectories and periodontal outcomes was determined using mixed-effects linear regression.

RESULTS

Among quitters/light smokers, IL-1β was associated with an increase in mean periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and mean clinical attachment level (CAL). IL-6 was associated with a decrease in mean PPD and CAL in heavy smokers, whereas IL-8 was associated with a decrease in PPD among moderate smokers. TNFα was associated with a reduction in mean PPD and CAL among quitters/light smokers, while among moderate smokers, TNFα was associated with an increase in mean PPD and CAL. IL-12 and IL-13 were associated with a decrease in mean PPD in moderate smokers.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that distinctive smoking exposures induce differential cytokine expression, which, in turn, seems to influence periodontal repair.

Shared inflammatory pathways of rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

The association between chronic inflammation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well established. In the general population, inflammation is an established independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and much interest is placed on controlling inflammation to reduce cardiovascular events. As inflammation encompasses numerous pathways, the development of targeted therapies in RA provides an opportunity to understand the downstream effect of inhibiting specific pathways on cardiovascular risk. Data from these studies can inform cardiovascular risk management in patients with RA, and in the general population. This Review focuses on pro-inflammatory pathways targeted by existing therapies in RA and with mechanistic data from the general population on cardiovascular risk. Specifically, the discussions include the IL-1, IL-6 and TNF pathways, as well as the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signalling pathway, and the role of these pathways in RA pathogenesis in the joint alongside the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Overall, some robust data support inhibition of IL-1 and IL-6 in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, with growing data supporting IL-6 inhibition in both patients with RA and the general population to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.