IL-10-Producing ILCs: Molecular Mechanisms and Disease Relevance

Molecular mechanism of Dang-Shen-Yu-Xing decoction against Mycoplasma bovis pneumonia based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and experimental verification

Mycoplasma bovis pneumonia is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Mycoplasma bovis. It is particularly prevalent in calves, posing a significant threat to animal health and leading to substantial economic losses. Dang-Shen-Yu-Xing decoction is often used to treat this condition in veterinary clinics. It exhibits robust anti-inflammatory effects and can alleviate pulmonary fibrosis. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to preliminarily explore the molecular mechanism of Dang-Shen-Yu-Xing decoction for treating mycoplasma pneumonia in calves through a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation methods, and experimental validation. The active components and related targets of Dang-Shen-Yu-Xing decoction were extracted from several public databases. Additionally, complex interactions between drugs and targets were explored through network topology, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. Subsequently, the binding affinity of drug to disease-related targets was verified through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Finally, the pharmacodynamics were verified via animal experiments. The primary network topology analysis revealed two core targets and 10 key active components of Dang-Shen-Yu-Xing decoction against Mycoplasma bovis pneumonia. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that the mechanism of Dang-Shen-Yu-Xing decoction for treating mycoplasma bovis pneumonia involved multiple signaling pathways, with the main pathways including PI3K-Akt and IL17 signaling pathways. Moreover, molecular docking predicted the binding affinity and conformation of the core targets of Dang-Shen-Yu-Xing decoction, IL6, and IL10, with the associated main active ingredients. The results showed a strong binding of the active ingredients to the hub target. Further, molecular docking dynamics simulation revealed three key active components of IL10 induced by Dang-Shen-Yu-Xing decoction against Mycoplasma bovis pneumonia. Finally, animal experiments confirmed Dang-Shen-Yu-Xing decoction pharmacodynamics, suggesting that it holds potential as an alternative therapy for treating mycoplasma bovis pneumonia.

Proteomic analysis of plasma in healthy adults receiving recombinant vaccinia virus provides novel insights into HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still a global public health issue, and the development of an effective prophylactic vaccine inducing potent neutralizing antibodies remains a significant challenge. This study aims to explore the inflammation-related proteins associated with the neutralizing antibodies induced by the DNA/rTV vaccine. In this study, we employed the Olink chip to analyze the inflammation-related proteins in plasma in healthy individuals receiving HIV candidate vaccine (DNA priming and recombinant vaccinia virus rTV boosting) and compared the differences between neutralizing antibody-positive (nab + ) and -negative(nab-) groups. We identified 25 differentially expressed factors and conducted enrichment and correlation analysis on them. Our results revealed that significant expression differences in artemin (ARTN) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 23 (CCL23) between nab+ and -nab- groups. Notably, the expression of CCL23 was negatively corelated to the ID50 of neutralizing antibodies and the intensity of the CD4+ T cell responses. This study enriches our understanding of the immune picture induced by the DNA/rTV vaccine, and provides insights for future HIV vaccine development.

Regulatory ILC2-Role of IL-10 Producing ILC2 in Asthma

Over the past two decades, a growing body of evidence observations have shown group two innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) to be critical drivers of Type 2 (T2) inflammatory responses associated with allergic inflammatory conditions such as asthma. ILC2 releases copious amounts of pro-inflammatory T2 cytokines-interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the newly discovered regulatory subtype of ILC2 described in murine and human mucosal tissue and blood. These KLRG1+ILC2 have the capacity to produce the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Papers compiled in this review were based on queries of PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published from 2000 to 2023 using keywords "IL-10" and "ILC2". Studies with topical relevance to IL-10 production by ILC2 were included. ILC2 responds to microenvironmental cues, including retinoic acid (RA), IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-33, as well as neuropeptide mediators such as neuromedin-U (NMU), prompting a shift towards IL-10 and away from T2 cytokine production. In contrast, TGF-β attenuates IL-10 production by ILC2. Immune regulation provided by IL-10+ILC2s holds potential significance for the management of T2 inflammatory conditions. The observation of context-specific cues that alter the phenotype of ILC warrants examining characteristics of ILC subsets to determine the extent of plasticity or whether the current classification of ILCs requires refinement.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking-based investigation on traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus membranaceus in oral ulcer treatment

To analyze the mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) in molecular level in the oral ulcer (OU) treatment with reference to network pharmacology. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database was used in screening the AM active components and AM action targets; GeneCards database was used to screen OU targets; the common target were screened by Venny online tool; Cytoscape software was applied to construct the target gene regulation map of AM active components; STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network and the key targets were screened as per degree value; gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment of interactive genes were calculated through David database. There were 17 active ingredients and 429 target spots in Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database. There are 606 target genes for OU in GeneCards database. There are 67 common targets, including 10 key targets: IL10, IL6, TNF, IL1B, CXCL8, CCL2, TLR4, IL4, ICAM1, and IFNG. It involves 30 gene ontology terms and 20 KEGG signal channels. The molecular docking results showed that quercetin and kaempferol had a good binding activity with IL6, IL1B, TNF, and CCL2. Network pharmacological analysis shows that AM can regulate multiple signal pathways through multiple targets to treat OU.

TLR8 agonist partially improves IFN-γ deficiency of NK cells in chronic hepatitis B through the synergy of monocytes

BACKGROUND

Natural killer (NK) cells exhibit a selective deficiency of IFN-γ production in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) agonists could induce IFN-γ production in immune cells, although their effects on the deficiency in NK cells remain unclear.

AIMS

To investigate TLR8 expression in NK cells and the effect of TLR8 agonists in patients with CHB METHODS: We enrolled 32 patients with CHB and 19 healthy controls to assess TLR8 expression and IFN-γ production in NK cells. The sorted NK cells and monocytes were co-cultured to compare the extent of IFN-γ and IL-10 production after TLR8 agonist ssRNA40 stimulation. The synergic effect of NK cells and monocytes was assessed by blocking IL-12 and IL-18. We recruited another 22 patients with CHB undergoing nucleotide analogue (NA) therapy to explore the impact of antiviral treatment on the ssRNA40-mediated response of NK cells.

RESULTS

In patients with CHB, TLR8 expression in NK cells was up-regulated, accompanied by insufficient IFN-γ production. The enhanced IFN-γ secretion by ssRNA40 in NK cells depended on monocyte-derived IL-12 and IL-18. NK cells displayed an imbalanced response to ssRNA40 in patients with CHB with a weak increase in IFN-γ despite a higher IL-10 production. The response was improved in patients with CHB undergoing NA therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with CHB, targeting TLR8 partially rescues the IFN-γ insufficiency in NK cells. However, NK cells show an inhibitory response to TLR8 agonist stimulation. TLR8 agonist combined with NA may enhance the antiviral effect of NK cells.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on COPD and asthma control: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The role of vitamin D (VD) in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma remains largely undetermined. In the present meta-analysis, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the efficacy of VD in the treatment of COPD and asthma according to the latest update.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from their inception to June 2, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of VD with placebo against COPD or asthma were included.

Results

A total of 11 RCTs consisting of 1183 COPD patients and 19 RCTs consisting of 2025 asthmatic patients were finally included. As for pulmonary function, FEV1/FVC was not changed significantly, while FEV1% was improved in the VD group. In the asthma subgroup, FEV1% was not changed significantly, while FEV1/FVC was improved in the VD group. For the questionnaire and rating scale, the mMRC (modified Medical Research Council) dyspnoea scale score for COPD and ACT (Asthma Control Test) score for asthma were not significantly changed, while the SGRQ (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire) score for COPD was improved in the VD group. For inflammation indicators, IL-6 and IL-10 were statistically equivalent between the VD and placebo groups, while IgE, IL-5, and IL-10 (baseline VD deficiency subgroup) were improved in the VD group. The exacerbation, length of hospital stays, and mortality were statistically equivalent between the two groups.

Conclusions

VD supplementation improved the indicators of asthma and COPD, especially in pulmonary function, SGRQ scores, IL-5, and IgE.

Registration

The protocol could be found at PROSPERO with the registration number of CRD42020218058.

A pathogenic integrated view explaining the different endotypes of asthma and allergic disorders

The inflammation of allergic diseases is characterized by a complex interaction between type 2 and type 3 immune responses, explaining clinical symptoms and histopathological patterns. Airborne stimuli activate the mucosal epithelium to release a number of molecules impacting the activity of resident immune and environmental cells. Signals from the mucosal barrier, regulatory cells, and the inflamed tissue are crucial conditions able to modify innate and adaptive effector cells providing the selective homing of eosinophils or neutrophils. The high plasticity of resident T- and innate lymphoid cells responding to external signals is the prerequisite to explain the multiplicity of endotypes of allergic diseases. This notion paved the way for the huge use of specific biologic drugs interfering with pathogenic mechanisms of inflammation. Based on the response of the epithelial barrier, the activity of resident regulatory cells, and functions of structural non-lymphoid environmental cells, this review proposes some immunopathogenic scenarios characterizing the principal endotypes which can be associated with a precise phenotype of asthma. Recent literature indicates that similar concepts can also be applied to the inflammation of other non-respiratory allergic disorders. The next challenges will consist in defining specific biomarker(s) of each endotype allowing for a quick diagnosis and the most effective personalized therapy.

The Role of Crosstalk of Immune Cells in Pathogenesis of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as recurrent episodes of spontaneous wheal development and/or angioedema for more than six weeks and at least twice a week. The core link in the pathogenesis of CSU is the activation of mast cells, T cells, eosinophils, and other immune cells infiltrating around the small venules of the lesion. Increased vascular permeability, vasodilatation, and recruitment of inflammatory cells directly depend on mast cell mediators’ release. Complex regulatory systems tightly influence the critical roles of mast cells in the local microenvironment. The bias toward Th2 inflammation and autoantibodies derived from B cells, histamine expressed by basophils, and initiation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway by eosinophils or monocytes exerts powerful modulatory influences on mast cells. Cell-to-cell interactions between mast cells and eosinophils/T cells also are regulators of their function and may involve CSU’s pathomechanism. This review summarizes up-to-date knowledge regarding the crosstalk between mast cells and other immune cells, providing the impetus to develop new research concepts and treatment strategies for CSU.

Therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin on chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve via the inhibition of Schwann cell apoptosis

Therapeutic drugs of chronic neuralgia have a high risk of addiction, making it crucial to identify novel drugs for chronic neuralgia. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin on chronic sciatica via inhibiting Schwann cell apoptosis. 28 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, including the sham operation group, chronic constriction injury (CCI) group, mecobalamin group, and paeoniflorin group. The therapeutic effect and mechanism of paeoniflorin were evaluated via rat and cell experiments. Mechanical, hot, or cold hyperalgesia was induced in the rats after CCI operation, while paeoniflorin relieved chronic neuralgia. Besides, paeoniflorin decreased the levels of IL1, IL6, TNF‐α, CRP, and LPS and increased the level of IL10 in serum. As for the sciatic nerve, the number of inflammatory cells was decreased, and Schwann cells were present after paeoniflorin treatment, and paeoniflorin promoted the recovery of nerve structure. In cell experiments, LPS induced Schwann cell apoptosis via the TLR4/NF‐kB pathway. And paeoniflorin attenuated LPS‐induced Schwann cell apoptosis by decreasing the levels of TLR4, p‐NF‐kB, caspase3, cleaved‐caspase3, and cleaved‐caspase7. Overall, these results suggest that paeoniflorin alleviates chronic sciatica by decreasing inflammatory factor levels and promotes the repair of damaged nerves by reducing Schwann cell apoptosis.

Innate Lymphoid Cells: Role in Immune Regulation and Cancer

Immune regulation is composed of a complex network of cellular and molecular pathways that regulate the immune system and prevent tissue damage. It is increasingly clear that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are also armed with immunosuppressive capacities similar to well-known immune regulatory cells (i.e., regulatory T cells). In cancer, immunoregulatory ILCs have been shown to inhibit anti-tumour immune response through various mechanisms including: (a) direct suppression of anti-tumour T cells or NK cells, (b) inhibiting T-cell priming, and (c) promoting other immunoregulatory cells. To provide a framework of understanding the role of immunosuppressive ILCs in the context of cancer, we first outline a brief history and challenges related to defining immunosuppressive ILCs. Furthermore, we focus on the mechanisms of ILCs in suppressing anti-tumour immunity and consequentially promoting tumour progression.

The Pathogenic Roles of IL-22 in Colitis: Its Transcription Regulation by Musculin in T Helper Subsets and Innate Lymphoid Cells

IL-22 plays a crucial role in promoting inflammation, antimicrobial immunity and tissue repair at barrier surfaces. The role of IL-22 in colitis is still controversial: while IL-22 has a protective effect on gut epithelium in acute injuries, it also enhances colitis in a context-dependent manner. Here, we summarize the Yin and Yang of IL-22 in colitis. Particularly, we emphasize the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in IL-22 production and regulation. A previously underappreciated transcription factor, Musculin (MSC), has been recently identified to be expressed in not only Th17 cells, but also RORγt+/Id2+ IL-22-producing group 3 ILCs in the gut of naïve mice. We hypothesize that the co-expression and interaction of MSC with the key transcription repressor Id2 in developing lymphoid cells (e.g., in LTi cells) and ILC precursors might fine tune the developmental programs or regulate the plasticity of adaptive Th subset and innate ILCs. The much-elevated expression of IL-22 in MSC-/- ILC3s suggests that MSC may function as: 1) a transcription suppressor for cytokines, particularly for IL-22, and/or 2) a gatekeeper for specific lineages of Th cells and innate ILCs as well. Amelioration of colitis symptoms in MSC-/- mice by IL-22-blocking agent IL-22BP-Fc suggests a counterintuitive pathogenic role of IL-22 in the absence of MSC as a checkpoint. The theory that exuberant production of IL-22 under pathological conditions (e.g., in human inflammatory bowel disease, IBD) may cause epithelial inflammation due to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is worth further investigation. Rheostatic regulation of IL-22 may be of therapeutic value to restore homeostatic balance and promote intestinal health in human colitis.

Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells: Protectors in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are the innate counterparts of Th2 cells and are critically involved in the maintenance of homeostasis in a variety of tissues. Instead of expressing specific antigen receptors, ILC2s respond to external stimuli such as alarmins released from damage. These cells help control the delicate balance of inflammation in adipose tissue, which is a determinant of metabolic outcome. ILC2s play a key role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through their protective effects on tissue homeostasis. A variety of crosstalk takes place between resident adipose cells and ILC2s, with each interaction playing a key role in controlling this balance. ILC2 effector function is associated with increased browning of adipose tissue and an anti-inflammatory immune profile. Trafficking and maintenance of ILC2 populations are critical for tissue homeostasis. The metabolic environment and energy source significantly affect the number and function of ILC2s in addition to affecting their interactions with resident cell types. How ILC2s react to changes in the metabolic environment is a clear determinant of the severity of disease. Treating sources of metabolic instability via critical immune cells provides a clear avenue for modulation of systemic homeostasis and new treatments of T2DM.