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Zhang J, Chen J, Lin K. Immunogenic cell death-based oncolytic virus therapy: a sharp sword of tumor immunotherapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2024:176913. [PMID: 39154830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has been applied in clinical practice, but low response to immune therapies remains a thorny issue. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are considered promising for cancer treatment because they can selectively target and destroy tumor cells followed by spreading to nearby tumor tissues for a new round of infection. Immunogenic cell death (ICD), which is the major mechanism of OVs' anticancer effects, is induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress and reactive oxygen species overload after virus infection and release specific damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in different types of tumor cells to transform the tumor microenvironment from "cold" to "hot". In this paper, we broadly define ICD as those types of cell death that is immunogenic, and describe their signaling pathways respectively. Focusing on ICD, we also elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of recent combination therapies and their future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Jiahe Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, The First Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Kezhi Lin
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Cancer-related Pathogens and Immunity, Experiential Center of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325001, China.
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Habib S, Osborn G, Willsmore Z, Chew MW, Jakubow S, Fitzpatrick A, Wu Y, Sinha K, Lloyd-Hughes H, Geh JLC, MacKenzie-Ross AD, Whittaker S, Sanz-Moreno V, Lacy KE, Karagiannis SN, Adams R. Tumor associated macrophages as key contributors and targets in current and future therapies for melanoma. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:895-911. [PMID: 38533720 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2326626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the success of immunotherapies for melanoma in recent years, there remains a significant proportion of patients who do not yet derive benefit from available treatments. Immunotherapies currently licensed for clinical use target the adaptive immune system, focussing on Tcell interactions and functions. However, the most prevalent immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of melanoma are macrophages, a diverse immune cell subset displaying high plasticity, to which no current therapies are yet directly targeted. Macrophages have been shown not only to activate the adaptive immune response, and enhance cancer cell killing, but, when influenced by factors within the TME of melanoma, these cells also promote melanoma tumorigenesis and metastasis. AREAS COVERED We present a review of the most up-to-date literatureavailable on PubMed, focussing on studies from within the last 10 years. We also include data from ongoing and recent clinical trials targeting macrophages in melanoma listed on clinicaltrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION Understanding the multifaceted role of macrophages in melanoma, including their interactions with immune and cancer cells, the influence of current therapies on macrophage phenotype and functions and how macrophages could be targeted with novel treatment approaches, are all critical for improving outcomes for patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabana Habib
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gabriel Osborn
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Zena Willsmore
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Min Waye Chew
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie Jakubow
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda Fitzpatrick
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Oncology Department, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Innovation Hub, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Yin Wu
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Oncology Department, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Khushboo Sinha
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
| | - Hawys Lloyd-Hughes
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, England
| | - Jenny L C Geh
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, England
| | | | - Sean Whittaker
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, Division of Breast Cancer Research, The Institute of Cancer Research, London
| | - Katie E Lacy
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sophia N Karagiannis
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Innovation Hub, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Adams
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Yan Z, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Xu J, Wang J, Wang Z. Enhancing cancer therapy: the integration of oncolytic virus therapy with diverse treatments. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:242. [PMID: 38992667 PMCID: PMC11238399 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03424-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
As one of the significant challenges to human health, cancer has long been a focal point in medical treatment. With ongoing advancements in the field of medicine, numerous methodologies for cancer therapy have emerged, among which oncolytic virus therapy has gained considerable attention. However, oncolytic viruses still exhibit limitations. Combining them with various therapies can further enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment, offering renewed hope for patients. In recent research, scientists have recognized the promising prospect of amalgamating oncolytic virus therapy with diverse treatments, potentially surmounting the restrictions of singular approaches. The central concept of this combined therapy revolves around leveraging oncolytic virus to incite localized tumor inflammation, augmenting the immune response for immunotherapeutic efficacy. Through this approach, the patient's immune system can better recognize and eliminate cancer cells, simultaneously reducing tumor evasion mechanisms against the immune system. This review delves deeply into the latest research progress concerning the integration of oncolytic virus with diverse treatments and its role in various types of cancer therapy. We aim to analyze the mechanisms, advantages, potential challenges, and future research directions of this combination therapy. By extensively exploring this field, we aim to instill renewed hope in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Yan
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Tiantai People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province (Tiantai Branch of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Taizhou, 317200, Zhejiang, China
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengbo Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Tiantai People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province (Tiantai Branch of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Taizhou, 317200, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianghua Xu
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jilong Wang
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Tiantai People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province (Tiantai Branch of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Taizhou, 317200, Zhejiang, China.
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhangquan Wang
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Tiantai People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province (Tiantai Branch of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Taizhou, 317200, Zhejiang, China.
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Legaz I, Navarro-Noguera E, Collados-Ros A, Bolarín JM, Muro M. Biomarkers of Innate Immunity and Immunological Susceptibility to Viral Infection in Patients with Alcoholic Cirrhosis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:336. [PMID: 38397937 PMCID: PMC10887413 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The harmful effect of alcohol on the immune system may be due to both a direct action of the alcohol or its metabolites on immune cells as an indirect action modifying the different mechanisms of intercellular interaction. The interplay between stimulatory (aKIR) and inhibitory (iKIR) natural killer (NK) cell receptors and their corresponding human leukocyte antigen (HLA) ligands influences the outcome of virus infection. The aim was to analyze the influence of the KIR/HLA pair genetic profile in male alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) patients with and without viral infections to find susceptibility biomarkers that can help establish the risks and prevent viral infections. METHODS A total of 281 male AC patients were analyzed. The sociodemographic characteristics, viral hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted, and genetic the KIR/HLA profiles were investigated. A total of 6 KIR genes and their corresponding ligands (HLA-C) were analyzed. Patients were grouped into two groups: with and without associated viral infection. RESULTS A statistically significant increase in the combination of KIR2DL2+/C1C1 was observed in male AC patients with viral infection compared to those without viral infection (45.9% vs. 24.5%, p = 0.021). The analysis of KIR2DL3+/C1+ showed a high frequency comparing healthy controls and male AC patients without virus infection (85% vs. 76.4%; p = 0.026). The analysis of KIR2DL3+/C2C2 frequency showed a statistically significant increase comparing male AC patients without viral infection and healthy controls (23.6% vs. 15%; p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS The genetic KIR2DL2+/C2C2 profiles may play a significant role in determining the vulnerability of male AC patients to viral infections, providing valuable insights for future research and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro-Noguera
- Digestive Medicine Service, Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Aurelia Collados-Ros
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose Miguel Bolarín
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital “Virgen de la Arrixaca”—IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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Qian Y, Yin Y, Zheng X, Liu Z, Wang X. Metabolic regulation of tumor-associated macrophage heterogeneity: insights into the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapeutic opportunities. Biomark Res 2024; 12:1. [PMID: 38185636 PMCID: PMC10773124 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a heterogeneous population that play diverse functions in tumors. Their identity is determined not only by intrinsic factors, such as origins and transcription factors, but also by external signals from the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as inflammatory signals and metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming has rendered TAM to exhibit a spectrum of activities ranging from pro-tumorigenic to anti-tumorigenic, closely associated with tumor progression and clinical prognosis. This review implicates the diversity of TAM phenotypes and functions, how this heterogeneity has been re-evaluated with the advent of single-cell technologies, and the impact of TME metabolic reprogramming on TAMs. We also review current therapies targeting TAM metabolism and offer new insights for TAM-dependent anti-tumor immunotherapy by focusing on the critical role of different metabolic programs in TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yujia Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaocui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Liu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xipeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Peng X, Zheng J, Liu T, Zhou Z, Song C, Geng Y, Wang Z, Huang Y. Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity, Potential Therapeutic Avenues, and Emerging Therapies. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:288-307. [PMID: 37537777 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230712095021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review describes the comprehensive portrait of tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, we provided a panoramic perspective on the transformation and functions of the diverse constituents in TME, and the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance, beginning with the immune cells and metabolic dynamics within TME. Lastly, we summarized the most auspicious potential therapeutic strategies. RESULTS TME is a unique realm crafted by malignant cells to withstand the onslaught of endogenous and exogenous therapies. Recent research has revealed many small-molecule immunotherapies exhibiting auspicious outcomes in preclinical investigations. Furthermore, some pro-immune mechanisms have emerged as a potential avenue. With the advent of nanosystems and precision targeting, targeted therapy has now transcended the "comfort zone" erected by cancer cells within TME. CONCLUSION The ceaseless metamorphosis of TME fosters the intransigent resilience and proliferation of tumors. However, existing therapies have yet to surmount the formidable obstacles posed by TME. Therefore, scientists should investigate potential avenues for therapeutic intervention and design innovative pharmacological and clinical technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Peng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jingfan Zheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Tianzi Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ziwen Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chen Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zichuan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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El-Ayoubi A, Klawitter M, Rüttinger J, Wellhäusser G, Holm PS, Danielyan L, Naumann U. Intranasal Delivery of Oncolytic Adenovirus XVir-N-31 via Optimized Shuttle Cells Significantly Extends Survival of Glioblastoma-Bearing Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4912. [PMID: 37894279 PMCID: PMC10605419 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor with restricted treatment options and a dismal prognosis. Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) has developed as a promising approach for GBM treatment. However, reaching invasive GBM cells may be hindered by tumor-surrounding, non-neoplastic cells when the oncolytic virus (OV) is applied intratumorally. Using two xenograft GBM mouse models and immunofluorescence analyses, we investigated the intranasal delivery of the oncolytic adenovirus (OAV) XVir-N-31 via virus-loaded, optimized shuttle cells. Intranasal administration (INA) was selected due to its non-invasive nature and the potential to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our findings demonstrate that the INA of XVir-N-31-loaded shuttle cells successfully delivered OAVs to the core tumor and invasive GBM cells, significantly prolonged the survival of the GBM-bearing mice, induced immunogenic cell death and finally reduced the tumor burden, all this highlighting the therapeutic potential of this innovative approach. Overall, this study provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of the INA of XVir-N-31 via shuttle cells as a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM. The non-invasive nature of the INA of OV-loaded shuttle cells holds great promise for future clinical translation. However, further research is required to assess the efficacy of this approach to ultimately progress in human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali El-Ayoubi
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center Neurology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.E.-A.); (M.K.); (J.R.); (G.W.)
| | - Moritz Klawitter
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center Neurology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.E.-A.); (M.K.); (J.R.); (G.W.)
| | - Jakob Rüttinger
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center Neurology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.E.-A.); (M.K.); (J.R.); (G.W.)
| | - Giulia Wellhäusser
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center Neurology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.E.-A.); (M.K.); (J.R.); (G.W.)
| | - Per Sonne Holm
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, D-81675 Munich, Germany;
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- XVir Therapeutics GmbH, D-80331 Munich, Germany
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Neuroscience Laboratory and Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
| | - Ulrike Naumann
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center Neurology, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.E.-A.); (M.K.); (J.R.); (G.W.)
- Gene and RNA Therapy Center (GRTC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Shin DY, Kim BS, Lee HY, Park YM, Kim YW, Kim MJ, Yang HJ, Kim MS, Bae JS. Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold leaf extract enhanced immunostimulatory effects in a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rat model. Food Nutr Res 2023; 67:9422. [PMID: 37152296 PMCID: PMC10155189 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v67.9422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold (EA) is a medicinal plant used in some Asian countries to treat various diseases, including cancer, hyperglycemia, diabetes, urticaria, dysmenorrhea, and arthritis. Owing to the wide range of pharmacological applications of EA, various roles of EA are being studied. Objective We evaluated the immune-enhancing effect of EA treatment in a cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppressed rat model. Design We analyzed the immune enhancement effect of EA on macrophages by western blotting. In addition, cell viability and natural killer (NK) cell activity were analyzed in splenocytes following EA treatment. For in vivo studies, analysis of weekly body weight, spleen weight, immune cell count, cytokine levels, and spleen histological findings was performed following EA administration in Cy-induced immunocompromised rats. Results EA significantly increased cell viability and phospho-nuclear factor-kappa B and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase protein levels in the macrophages. EA significantly increased NK cell activity in splenocytes compared with the control group. In Cy-induced immunosuppressed rats, EA administration increased spleen tissue weight and the contents of leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, intermediate cells, and plasma cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ). In addition, improvement in the damaged spleen tissue was observed. Conclusions These findings confirm that EA exerts an immune-enhancing effect, thereby suggesting its potential as an immunostimulatory agent or functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yeop Shin
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, South Korea
- INVIVO Co. Ltd., Nonsan, South Korea
| | - Byeong Soo Kim
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, South Korea
| | | | | | - Yong Wan Kim
- Daegu Cancer Center, Research and Development Unit, DongSung Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Daegu, South Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Korea Food Research Institute, Iseo, South Korea
| | | | - Mi Seong Kim
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, College of Dentistry, Institute of Biomaterial-Implant, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Jun Sang Bae
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea
- Jun Sang Bae, Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, 460, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Korea.
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