Distinct Roles of IL-1β and IL-18 in NLRC4-Induced Autoinflammation

Overview of pyroptosis mechanism and in-depth analysis of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis mediated by NF-κB pathway in heart failure

The pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes has become an essential topic in heart failure research. The abnormal accumulation of these biological factors, including angiotensin II, advanced glycation end products, and various growth factors (such as connective tissue growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, among others), activates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in cardiovascular diseases, ultimately leading to pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes. Therefore, exploring the underlying molecular biological mechanisms is essential for developing novel drugs and therapeutic strategies. However, our current understanding of the precise regulatory mechanism of this complex signaling pathway in cardiomyocyte pyroptosis is still limited. Given this, this study reviews the milestone discoveries in the field of pyroptosis research since 1986, analyzes in detail the similarities, differences, and interactions between pyroptosis and other cell death modes (such as apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis), and explores the deep connection between pyroptosis and heart failure. At the same time, it depicts in detail the complete pathway of the activation, transmission, and eventual cardiomyocyte pyroptosis of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the process of heart failure. In addition, the study also systematically summarizes various therapeutic approaches that can inhibit NF-κB to reduce cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, including drugs, natural compounds, small molecule inhibitors, gene editing, and other cutting-edge technologies, aiming to provide solid scientific support and new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of heart failure.

Effects of antibiotic and disinfectant exposure on the mouse gut microbiome and immune function

This study explores the effects of disinfectant and antibiotic exposure on gut health, focusing on gut microbiota balance and gut immune function. Our analysis indicates that disinfectants increase the proportion of Gram-positive bacteria, particularly increasing Staphylococcus levels, while antibiotics increase the proportion of Gram-negative bacteria, especially Bacteroides levels. These changes disrupt microbial harmony and affect the gut microbiome's functional capacity. Additionally, our research reveals that both disinfectants and antibiotics reduce colon length and cause mucosal damage. A significant finding is the downregulation of NLRC4, a key immune system regulator in the gut, accompanied by changes in immune factor expression. This interaction between chemical exposure and immune system dysfunction increases susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease and other gut conditions. Given the importance of disinfectants in disease prevention, this study advocates for a balanced approach to their use, aiming to protect public health while minimizing adverse effects on the gut microbiome and immune function.

IMPORTANCE

Disinfectants are extensively employed across various sectors, such as the food sector. Disinfectants are widely used in various sectors, including the food processing industry, animal husbandry, households, and pharmaceuticals. Their extensive application risks environmental contamination, impacting water and soil quality. However, the effect of disinfectant exposure on the gut microbiome and the immune function of animals remains a significant, unresolved issue with profound public health implications. This highlights the need for increased scrutiny and more regulated use of disinfectants to mitigate unintended consequences on gut health and maintain immune system integrity.

The intricate relationship between autoimmunity disease and neutrophils death patterns: a love-hate story

Autoimmune diseases are pathological conditions that result from the misidentification of self-antigens in immune system, leading to host tissue damage and destruction. These diseases can affect different organs and systems, including the blood, joints, skin, and muscles. Despite the significant progress made in comprehending the underlying pathogenesis, the complete mechanism of autoimmune disease is still not entirely understood. In autoimmune diseases, the innate immunocytes are not functioning properly: they are either abnormally activated or physically disabled. As a vital member of innate immunocyte, neutrophils and their modes of death are influenced by the microenvironment of different autoimmune diseases due to their short lifespan and diverse death modes. Related to neutrophil death pathways, apoptosis is the most frequent cell death form of neutrophil non-lytic morphology, delayed or aberrant apoptosis may contribute to the development anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). In addition, NETosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis which are parts of lytic morphology exacerbate disease progression through various mechanisms in autoimmune diseases. This review aims to summarize recent advancements in understanding neutrophil death modes in various autoimmune diseases and provide insights into the development of novel therapeutic approaches for autoimmune diseases.

Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis evaluates causal associations between inflammatory bowel disease and osteoporosis

Introduction

Over the past few years, multiple observational studies have speculated a potential association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), and osteoporosis. However, no consensus has been reached regarding their interdependence and pathogenesis. Herein, we sought to further explore the causal associations between them.

Methods

We validated the association between IBD and reduced bone mineral density in humans based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. To investigate the causal relationship between IBD and osteoporosis, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization study using training and validation sets. Genetic variation data for IBD, CD, UC, and osteoporosis were derived from published genome-wide association studies in individuals of European ancestry. After a series of robust quality control steps, we included eligible instrumental variables (SNPs) significantly associated with exposure (IBD/CD/UC). We adopted five algorithms, including MR Egger, Weighted median, Inverse variance weighted, Simple mode, and Weighted mode, to infer the causal association between IBD and osteoporosis. In addition, we evaluated the robustness of Mendelian randomization analysis by heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test, leave-one-out sensitivity test, and multivariate Mendelian randomization.

Results

Genetically predicted CD was positively associated with osteoporosis risk, with ORs of 1.060 (95% CIs 1.016, 1.106; p = 0.007) and 1.044 (95% CIs 1.002, 1.088; p = 0.039) for CD in the training and validation sets, respectively. However, Mendelian randomization analysis did not reveal a significant causal relationship between UC and osteoporosis (p > 0.05). Furthermore, we found that overall IBD was associated with osteoporosis prediction, with ORs of 1.050 (95% CIs 0.999, 1.103; p = 0.055) and 1.063 (95% CIs 1.019, 1.109; p = 0.005) in the training and validation sets, respectively.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the causal association between CD and osteoporosis, complementing the framework for genetic variants that predispose to autoimmune disease.

Elevated free interleukin-18 associated with severity and mortality in prospective cohort study of 206 hospitalised COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

Divergence between deterioration to life-threatening COVID-19 or clinical improvement occurs for most within the first 14 days of symptoms. Life-threatening COVID-19 shares clinical similarities with Macrophage Activation Syndrome, which can be driven by elevated Free Interleukin-18 (IL-18) due to failure of negative-feedback release of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18bp). We, therefore, designed a prospective, longitudinal cohort study to examine IL-18 negative-feedback control in relation to COVID-19 severity and mortality from symptom day 15 onwards.

METHODS

662 blood samples, matched to time from symptom onset, from 206 COVID-19 patients were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-18 and IL-18bp, enabling calculation of free IL-18 (fIL-18) using the updated dissociation constant (K_d) of 0.05 nmol. Adjusted multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between highest fIL-18 and outcome measures of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Re-calculated fIL-18 values from a previously studied healthy cohort are also presented.

RESULTS

Range of fIL-18 in COVID-19 cohort was 10.05-1157.7 pg/ml. Up to symptom day 14, mean fIL-18 levels increased in all patients. Levels in survivors declined thereafter, but remained elevated in non-survivors. Adjusted regression analysis from symptom day 15 onwards showed a 100 mmHg decrease in PaO₂/FiO₂ (primary outcome) for each 37.7 pg/ml increase in highest fIL-18 (p < 0.03). Per 50 pg/ml increase in highest fIL-18, adjusted logistic regression gave an odds-ratio (OR) for crude 60-day mortality of 1.41 (1.1-2.0) (p < 0.03), and an OR for death with hypoxaemic respiratory failure of 1.90 [1.3-3.1] (p < 0.01). Highest fIL-18 was associated also with organ failure in patients with hypoxaemic respiratory failure, with an increase of 63.67 pg/ml for every additional organ supported (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated free IL-18 levels from symptom day 15 onwards are associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. ISRCTN: #13450549; registration date: 30/12/2020.

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases with chronic excess of serum interleukin-18

Review: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine that promotes various innate immune processes related to infection, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult-onset Still’s disease exhibit chronic excess of serum IL-18, which is associated with a high incidence of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), although the mechanisms of IL-18 regulation in such diseases remain largely unknown. Similar elevation of serum IL-18 and susceptibility to MAS/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) have been reported in monogenic diseases such as X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis deficiency (i.e., X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 2) and NLRC4-associated autoinflammatory disease. Recent advances in molecular and cellular biology allow the identification of other genetic defects such as defects in CDC42, PSTPIP1, and WDR1 that result in high serum IL-18 levels and hyperinflammation. Among these diseases, chronic excess of serum IL-18 appears to be linked with severe hyperinflammation and/or predisposition to MAS/HLH. In this review, we focus on recent findings in inflammatory diseases associated with and probably attributable to chronic excess of serum IL-18 and describe the clinical and therapeutical relevance of understanding the pathology of this group of diseases.

Inflammasome activation: from molecular mechanisms to autoinflammation

Inflammasomes are assembled by innate immune sensors that cells employ to detect a range of danger signals and respond with pro-inflammatory signalling. Inflammasomes activate inflammatory caspases, which trigger a cascade of molecular events with the potential to compromise cellular integrity and release the IL-1β and IL-18 pro-inflammatory cytokines. Several molecular mechanisms, working in concert, ensure that inflammasome activation is tightly regulated; these include NLRP3 post-translational modifications, ubiquitination and phosphorylation, as well as single-domain proteins that competitively bind to key inflammasome components, such as the CARD-only proteins (COPs) and PYD-only proteins (POPs). These diverse regulatory systems ensure that a suitable level of inflammation is initiated to counteract any cellular insult, while simultaneously preserving tissue architecture. When inflammasomes are aberrantly activated can drive excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cell death, leading to tissue damage. In several autoinflammatory conditions, inflammasomes are aberrantly activated with subsequent development of clinical features that reflect the degree of underlying tissue and organ damage. Several of the resulting disease complications may be successfully controlled by anti-inflammatory drugs and/or specific cytokine inhibitors, in addition to more recently developed small-molecule inhibitors. In this review, we will explore the molecular processes underlying the activation of several inflammasomes and highlight their role during health and disease. We also describe the detrimental effects of these inflammasome complexes, in some pathological conditions, and review current therapeutic approaches as well as future prospective treatments.

A bioinformatic search for correspondence between differentially expressed genes of domestic versus wild animals and orthologous human genes altering reproductive potential

One of the greatest achievements of genetics in the 20th century is D.K. Belyaev’s discovery of destabilizing selection during the domestication of animals and that this selection affects only gene expression regulation (not gene structure) and inf luences systems of neuroendocrine control of ontogenesis in a stressful environment. Among the experimental data generalized by Belyaev’s discovery, there are also f indings about accelerated extinc tion of testes’ hormonal function and disrupted seasonality of reproduction of domesticated foxes in comparison with their wild congeners. To date, Belyaev’s discovery has already been repeatedly conf irmed, for example, by independent observations during deer domestication, during the use of rats as laboratory animals, after the reintroduction of endangered species such as Przewalski’s horse, and during the creation of a Siberian reserve population of the Siberian grouse when it had reached an endangered status in natural habitats. A genome-wide comparison among humans, several domestic animals, and some of their wild congeners has given rise to the concept of self-domestication syndrome, which includes autism spectrum disorders. In our previous study, we created a bioinformatic model of human self-domestication syndrome using differentially expressed genes (DEGs; of domestic animals versus their wild congeners) orthologous to the human genes (mainly, nervous-system genes) whose changes in expression affect reproductive potential, i. e., growth of the number of humans in the absence of restrictions caused by limiting factors. Here, we applied this model to 68 human genes whose changes in expression alter the reproductive health of women and men and to 3080 DEGs of domestic versus wild animals. As a result, in domestic animals, we identif ied 16 and 4 DEGs, the expression changes of which are codirected with changes in the expression of the human orthologous genes decreasing and increasing human reproductive potential, respectively. The wild animals had 9 and 11 such DEGs, respectively. This difference between domestic and wild animals was signif icant according to Pearson’s χ2 test (p < 0.05) and Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05). We discuss the results from the standpoint of restoration of endangered animal species whose natural habitats are subject to an anthropogenic impact.

Association of Tim-3/Gal-9 Axis with NLRC4 Inflammasome in Glioma Malignancy: Tim-3/Gal-9 Induce the NLRC4 Inflammasome

Tim-3/Gal-9 and the NLRC4 inflammasome contribute to glioma progression. However, the underlying mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we observed that Tim-3/Gal-9 expression increased with glioma malignancy and found that Tim-3/Gal-9 regulate NLRC4 inflammasome formation and activation. Tim-3/Gal-9 and NLRC4 inflammasome-related molecule expression levels increased with WHO glioma grade, and this association was correlated with low survival. We investigated NLRC4 inflammasome formation by genetically regulating Tim-3 and its ligand Gal-9. Tim-3/Gal-9 regulation was positively correlated with the NLRC4 inflammasome, NLRC4, and caspase-1 expression. Tim-3/Gal-9 did not trigger IL-1β secretion but were strongly positively correlated with caspase-1 activity as they induced programmed cell death in glioma cells. A protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that the FYN-JAK1-ZNF384 pathways are bridges in NLRC4 inflammasome regulation by Tim-3/Gal-9. The present study showed that Tim-3/Gal-9 are associated with poor prognosis in glioma patients and induce NLRC4 inflammasome formation and activation. We proposed that a Tim-3/Gal-9 blockade could be beneficial in glioma therapy as it would reduce the inflammatory microenvironment by downregulating the NLRC4 inflammasome.

NLRC4 Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Are Associated with the Prognosis of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and study the correlation between NLR family CARD domain-containing 4 (NLRC4) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and the prognosis of patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

METHODS

In this study, we retrospectively studied the clinical data of 62 HLH patients, including 40 males and 22 females. The genomic DNA was extracted, and the genotypes at rs385076 locus and rs479333 locus of the NLRC4 gene were analyzed. The level of blood interleukin-18 (IL-18) was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Compared with the TT genotype at the NLRC4 gene rs385076 locus, the mortality of HLH patients with TC genotype and CC genotype was higher (RR = 3.205, 95% CI: 1.277-4.788, p = 0.012; RR = 3.052, 95% CI: 1.098-4.753, p = 0.031). Taking the CC genotype at rs479333 of the NLRC4 gene as a reference, HLH patients with CG genotype and GG genotype had a higher risk of death (RR = 3.475, 95% CI: 1.488-5.775, p = 0.003; RR = 2.986, 95% CI: 1.014-5.570, p = 0.047). NLRC4 gene rs385076 T>C and rs479333 C>G were significantly related to the poor prognosis of HLH patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC) for the prognostic outcome of HLH with serum IL-18 level was 0.6813 (95% CI: 0.5365-0.8260, p = 0.0189). NLRC4 gene rs385076 T>C and rs479333 C>G were related to higher serum IL-18 levels.

CONCLUSION

NLRC4 gene rs385076 T>C and rs479333 C>G are related to the poor prognosis of HLH patients.

The pivotal role of the NLRC4 inflammasome in neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

The NLRC4 inflammasome, a member of the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family, amplifies inflammation by facilitating the processing of caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18. We explored whether NLRC4 knockdown alleviated inflammatory injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Furthermore, we investigated whether NLRC4 inflammasome activation can be adjusted by the regulator of G protein signaling 2/leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 pathway. Fifty microliters of arterial blood was drawn and injected into the basal ganglion to simulate the ICH model. NLRC4 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were utilized to knockdown NLRC4. An LRRK2 inhibitor (GNE7915) was injected into the abdominal cavity. Short hairpin (sh) RNA lentiviruses and lentiviruses containing RGS2 were designed and applied to knockdown and promote RGS2 expression. Neurological functions, brain edema, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl staining, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence assay and Evans blue dye extravasation and autofluorescence assay were evaluated. It was shown that the NLRC4 inflammasome was activated following ICH injury. NLRC4 knockdown extenuated neuronal death, damage to the blood-brain barrier, brain edema and neurological deficiency 3 days after ICH. NLRC4 knockdown reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) cells as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and IL-18 following ICH. GNE7915 reduced pNLRC4 and NLRC4 inflammasome activation. RGS2 suppressed the interaction of LRRK2 and NLRC4 and NLRC4 inflammasome activation by regulating pLRRK2. Our study demonstrated that the NLRC4 inflammasome may aggravate the inflammatory injury induced by ICH and that RGS2/LRRK2 may relieve inflammatory injury by restraining NLRC4 inflammasome activation.

Molecular biology of autoinflammatory diseases

The long battle between humans and various physical, chemical, and biological insults that cause cell injury (e.g., products of tissue damage, metabolites, and/or infections) have led to the evolution of various adaptive responses. These responses are triggered by recognition of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and/or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), usually by cells of the innate immune system. DAMPs and PAMPs are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed by innate immune cells; this recognition triggers inflammation. Autoinflammatory diseases are strongly associated with dysregulation of PRR interactomes, which include inflammasomes, NF-κB-activating signalosomes, type I interferon-inducing signalosomes, and immuno-proteasome; disruptions of regulation of these interactomes leads to inflammasomopathies, relopathies, interferonopathies, and proteasome-associated autoinflammatory syndromes, respectively. In this review, we discuss the currently accepted molecular mechanisms underlying several autoinflammatory diseases.

A Bioinformatics Model of Human Diseases on the Basis of Differentially Expressed Genes (of Domestic Versus Wild Animals) That Are Orthologs of Human Genes Associated with Reproductive-Potential Changes

Earlier, after our bioinformatic analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms of TATA-binding protein-binding sites within gene promoters on the human Y chromosome, we suggested that human reproductive potential diminishes during self-domestication. Here, we implemented bioinformatics models of human diseases using animal in vivo genome-wide RNA-Seq data to compare the effect of co-directed changes in the expression of orthologous genes on human reproductive potential and during the divergence of domestic and wild animals from their nearest common ancestor (NCA). For example, serotonin receptor 3A (HTR3A) deficiency contributes to sudden death in pregnancy, consistently with Htr3a underexpression in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during their divergence from their NCA with cavy (C. aperea). Overall, 25 and three differentially expressed genes (hereinafter, DEGs) in domestic animals versus 11 and 17 DEGs in wild animals show the direction consistent with human orthologous gene-markers of reduced and increased reproductive potential. This indicates a reliable association between DEGs in domestic animals and human orthologous genes reducing reproductive potential (Pearson's χ2 test p < 0.001, Fisher's exact test p < 0.05, binomial distribution p < 0.0001), whereas DEGs in wild animals uniformly match human orthologous genes decreasing and increasing human reproductive potential (p > 0.1; binomial distribution), thus enforcing the norm (wild type).