Splenic Architecture and Function Requires Tight Control of Transmembrane TNF Expression

Surface-Engineered Polygonatum Sibiricum Polysaccharide CaCO3 Microparticles as Novel Vaccine Adjuvants to Enhance Immune Response

Micro- and nanoparticles delivery systems have been widely studied as vaccine adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity and sustain long-term immune responses. Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) has been widely studied as an immunoregulator in improving immune responses. In this study, we synthesized and characterized cationic modified calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microparticles loaded with PSP (PEI-PSP-CaCO3, CTAB-PSP-CaCO3), studied the immune responses elicited by PEI-PSP-CaCO3 and CTAB-PSP-CaCO3 carrying ovalbumin (OVA). Our results demonstrated that PEI-PSP-CaCO3 significantly enhanced the secretion of IgG and cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) in vaccinated mice. Additionally, PEI-PSP-CaCO3 induced the activation of dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and germinal center (GC) B cells in draining lymph nodes (dLNs). It also enhanced lymphocyte proliferation, increased the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells, and elevated the frequency of CD3+ CD69+ T cells in spleen lymphocytes. Therefore, PEI-PSP-CaCO3 microparticles induced a stronger cellular and humoral immune response and could be potentially useful as a vaccine delivery and adjuvant system.

Microparticulated Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide shows potent vaccine adjuvant effect

Adjuvants are necessary for protein vaccines and have been used for nearly 100 years. However, developing safe and effective adjuvants is still urgently needed. Polysaccharides isolated from traditional Chinese medicine are considered novel vaccine adjuvant sources. This study aimed to investigate the adjuvant activity and immune-enhancing mechanisms of the microparticulated Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (MP-PSP) modified by calcium carbonate. PSP demonstrated adjuvant activity, and MP-PSP further showed a higher humoral response compared to PSP. Subsequently, MP-PSP was elucidated to improving the immunity by slowing the rate of antigen release and activating dendritic cells along with interleukin-6 secretion through toll-like receptor 4 signaling, followed by T follicular helper cell and B cell interactions. Moreover, MP-PSP had a good safety profile in vaccinated mice. Thus, MP-PSP may be a promising vaccine adjuvant and warrants further investigation.

Editorial for Special Issue “Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases”

This Special Issue focuses on the rapidly evolving field of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and the achievements that were made over the last 10 years [...]

Targeting Differential Roles of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors as a Therapeutic Strategy for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an irreversible sight-threatening disorder primarily due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death by apoptosis with subsequent loss of optic nerve fibers. A considerable amount of empirical evidence has shown the significant association between tumor necrosis factor cytokine (TNF; TNFα) and glaucoma; however, the exact role of TNF in glaucoma progression remains unclear. Total inhibition of TNF against its receptors can cause side effects, although this is not the case when using selective inhibitors. In addition, TNF exerts its antithetic roles via stimulation of two receptors, TNF receptor I (TNFR1) and TNF receptor II (TNFR2). The pro-inflammatory responses and proapoptotic signaling pathways predominantly mediated through TNFR1, while neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic signals induced by TNFR2. In this review, we attempt to discuss the involvement of TNF receptors (TNFRs) and their signaling pathway in ocular tissues with focus on RGC and glial cells in glaucoma. This review also outlines the potential application TNFRs agonist and/or antagonists as neuroprotective strategy from a therapeutic standpoint. Taken together, a better understanding of the function of TNFRs may lead to the development of a treatment for glaucoma.