Changes of Treg and Th17 cells as well as cytokines in children with acute bronchitis

Astragaloside IV Alleviates Depression in Rats by Modulating Intestinal Microbiota, T-Immune Balance, and Metabolome

This study aims to explore the effects of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on abnormal behaviors, intestinal microbiota, intestinal T-immune balance, and fecal metabolism of a model of depression in rats. Herein, we integrally applied 16S rRNA sequencing, molecular biological techniques, and 1H NMR-based fecal metabolomics to demonstrate the antidepression activity of AS-IV. The results suggested that AS-IV regulated the depression-like behaviors of rats, which are presented by an increase of body weight, upregulation of sucrose preference rates, and a decrease of immobility time. Additionally, AS-IV increased the abundances of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus and Oscillospira) in a model of depression in rats. Moreover, AS-IV regulated significantly the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells, and the abnormal contents of both anti-inflammatory factors and pro-inflammatory factors. Besides, fecal metabolomics showed that AS-IV improved the abnormal levels of short-chain fatty acids and amino acids. Collectively, our research supplemented new data, supporting the potential of AS-IV as an effective diet or diet composition to improve depression-like behaviors, dysfunctions of microbiota, imbalance of T immune, and the abnormality of fecal metabolome. However, the causality of the other actions was not proven because of the experimental design and the methodology used. The current findings suggest that AS-IV could function as a promising diet or diet composition to alleviate depressed symptoms.

Regulatory T cells in lung disease and transplantation

Pulmonary disease can refer to the disease of the lung itself or the pulmonary manifestations of systemic diseases, which are often connected to the malfunction of the immune system. Regulatory T (Treg) cells have been shown to be important in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing inflammatory damage, including lung diseases. Given the increasing amount of evidence linking Treg cells to various pulmonary conditions, Treg cells might serve as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of lung diseases and potentially promote lung transplant tolerance. The most potent and well-defined Treg cells are Foxp3-expressing CD4+ Treg cells, which contribute to the prevention of autoimmune lung diseases and the promotion of lung transplant rejection. The protective mechanisms of Treg cells in lung disease and transplantation involve multiple immune suppression mechanisms. This review summarizes the development, phenotype and function of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells. Then, we focus on the therapeutic potential of Treg cells in preventing lung disease and limiting lung transplant rejection. Furthermore, we discussed the possibility of Treg cell utilization in clinical applications. This will provide an overview of current research advances in Treg cells and their relevant application in clinics.