Bcl11b Regulates IL-17 Through the TGF-β/Smad Pathway in HDM-Induced Asthma

Stigmasterol alleviates airway inflammation in OVA-induced asthmatic mice via inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2 and IL-17A signaling pathways

Stigmasterol is a common dietary phytosterol with high nutritional value and physiological activity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of stigmasterol on inflammatory cytokines and the TGF-β1/Smad2 and IL-17A signaling pathway in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. Stigmasterol treatment improved airway remodeling. In addition, it significantly attenuated the symptoms of asthma attacks, reduced the number of macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils in BALF and inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-13. It further decreased the level of IL-17A in BALF, serum and spleen. Spleen single-cell suspension analysis via flow cytometry showed that IL-17A level was consistent with the results obtained in BALF, serum and spleen. Stigmasterol decreased the protein expression levels of TGF-β, p-Smad2 and IL-17A in the spleen, by increasing the protein expression level of IL-10. After 24 h of co-culture of TGF-β, IL-6 and stigmasterol, the level of IL-17 in CD4+ T cell supernatant was lower relative to levels in the group without stigmasterol. Meanwhile, stigmasterol treatment attenuated the expression level of TGF- β, p-Smad2 and IL-17A proteins in CD4+ T cells and enhanced the expression levels of IL-10 protein. These data suggested that stigmasterol inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad2 and IL-17A signaling pathway to achieve anti-asthmatic effects in the OVA-induced asthma mouse model. Collectively, the results of this study are that stigmasterol has achieved preliminary efficacy in the non-clinical laboratory, further studies are needed to consider the clinical application of stigmasterol.

LINC00158 modulates the function of BEAS-2B cells via targeting BCL11B and ameliorates OVA-LPS-induced severe asthma in mice models

Persistent type (T) 2 airway inflammation plays an important role in the development of severe asthma. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to T2 severe asthma have yet to be fully clarified. Human normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B cells) were transfected with LINC00158/BCL11B plasmid/small interfering RNA (siRNA). Levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers were measured using real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the targeting relationship between LINC00158 and BCL11B. The effects of LINC00158-lentivirus vector-mediated overexpression and dexamethasone on ovalbumin (OVA)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced severe asthma were investigated in mice in vivo. Our study showed that overexpression of LINC00158/BCL11B inhibited the levels of EMT-related proteins, apoptosis, and promoted the proliferation of BEAS-2B cells. BCL11B was a direct target of LINC00158. And LINC00158 targeted BCL11B to regulate EMT, apoptosis, and cell proliferation of BEAS-2B cells. Compared with severe asthma mice, LINC00158 overexpression alleviated OVA/LPS-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation, including reductions in T helper 2 cells factors in lung tissue and BALF, serum total- and OVA-specific IgE, inflammatory cell infiltration, and goblet cells hyperplasia. In addition, LINC00158 overexpression alleviated airway remodeling, including reduced plasma TGF-β1 and collagen fiber deposition, as well as suppression of EMT. Additionally, overexpression of LINC00158 enhanced the therapeutic effect of dexamethasone in severe asthmatic mice models. LINC00158 regulates BEAS-2B cell biological function by targeting BCL11B. LINC00158 ameliorates T2 severe asthma in vivo and provides new insights into the clinical treatment of severe asthma.

Molecular Mechanism of YuPingFeng in the Treatment of Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology

Objective

To explore the molecular targets and mechanism of YuPingFeng (YPF) for the treatment of asthma by using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods

The potential active ingredients and relevant targets of YPF were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Asthma-related gene targets were retrieved from GeneCards, OMIM, DrugBank, PharmGKB, and TTD databases. The protein-protein (PPI) network between YPF and asthma common targets was constructed by SRING online database and Cytoscape software. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to explore the complicated molecular biological processes and potential pathways. Finally, a molecular docking approach was carried out to verify the results.

Results

We obtained 100 potential targets of the 35 active ingredients in YPF and 1610 asthma-related targets. 60 YPF-asthma common targets were selected to perform PPI analysis. Seven core genes were screened based on two topological calculation methods. GO and KEGG results showed that the main pathways of YPF in treating asthma include TNF signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Finally, the molecular docking results indicated that the key ingredients of YPF had a good affinity with the relevant core genes.

Conclusion

This study reflects the multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway characteristics of YPF in treating asthma, providing a theoretical and scientific basis for the intervention of asthma by traditional Chinese medicine YPF.

Fucoxanthin Prevents the Ovalbumin-Induced Food Allergic Response by Enhancing the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier and Regulating the Intestinal Flora

This study aimed to determine whether fucoxanthin alleviated ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy (FA) and explored the possible mechanisms. The results indicated that supplementation with fucoxanthin at 10.0-20.0 mg/kg per day for 7 weeks inhibited food anaphylaxis and the production of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgG, histamine, and related cytokines while alleviating allergic symptoms in sensitized mice. Fucoxanthin enhanced the intestinal epithelial barrier by up-regulating tight junction (TJ) protein expression and promoting regenerating islet-derived protein III-gamma (RegIIIγ) and secretory IgA (sIgA) secretion. In addition, fucoxanthin induced the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors (interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)) by regulatory T (Treg) cells and decreased the pro-inflammatory factor levels (IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-17, and IL-1β), ameliorating intestinal inflammation. Compared with the model group, beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillaceae, increased in the intestinal flora, while pathogenic bacteria like Helicobacteraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, and Streptococcaceae decreased. Therefore, fucoxanthin may effectively prevent FA by enhancing the intestinal epithelial barrier and reshaping the intestinal flora.

Vitamin D ameliorates asthma-induced lung injury by regulating HIF-1α/Notch1 signaling during autophagy

Herein, we aimed to determine the effect of vitamin D (Vit D) and underlying mechanisms on asthma-induced lung injury via regulation of HIF-1α/Notch1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha/neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1) signaling during autophagy. We established an asthma mouse model using respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nasal drop combined with ovalbumin (OVA) atomization. Mice were treated with different Vit D concentrations. Pathological changes and cell apoptosis were examined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end-labeling) assay, respectively. Additionally, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining solutions were used to examine changes in lung tissue. Immunofluorescence determined LC 3B (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B) expression in lung tissues, whereas western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate other proteins, including HIF-1α and Notch1. Compared with the normal group, the asthma model group exhibited pathological lung tissue deterioration, elevated fibrosis, increased apoptosis cell numbers, and upregulated autophagy. Vitamin D supplementation ameliorated pathological changes and fibrosis in the lung tissue. Furthermore, Vit D treatment significantly suppressed apoptotic cell numbers and autophagy while enhancing the HIF-1α/Notch1 pathway. Given the HIF-1α/Notch1 agonistic activity, Vit D treatment inhibited apoptosis cell numbers, which were increased following asthma-induced upregulation of autophagy. Vitamin D improved asthma-induced lung tissue injury by suppressing autophagy via regulation of HIF-1α/Notch1 signaling in vivo.

The absence of IL-9 reduces allergic airway inflammation by reducing ILC2, Th2 and mast cells in murine model of asthma

Allergic asthma is an allergic inflammatory disease of the airways, in which numerous cell types and cytokines have been shown to contribute to pathogenesis of the disease. Although increased expression of IL-9 has been shown to influence the activity of structural as well as eosinophils and mast cells in asthma, the influence of IL-9 on function of ILC2 and Th2 cells remains unclear. This study therefore aimed to elucidate the role of IL-9 on ILC2 and Th2 cells using a murine model of asthma. A murine model of asthma was established using wild type (WT) and IL-9-deficient (Il9^−/−) transgenic mice sensitized to house dust mite (HDM). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected, and analysed for inflammatory cells (eosinophils, mast cells, Th2 cells and ILC2 cells), histopathological changes, and several cytokines. HDM challenge significantly increased accumulation of ILC2 cells, Th2 cells and mast cells, as well as goblet cell hyperplasia, and the expression of cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, but not IFN-γ, in WT mice compared to saline-challenged control group. In contrast, all pathological changes, including infiltration of ILC2 cells, Th2 cells and mast cells, were significantly attenuated in HDM-challenged Il9^−/− mice. Furthermore, the number of Ki67⁺ILC2 cells, Ki67⁺Th2 cells and Ki67⁺mast cells were significantly reduced in the absence of IL-9 signalling. These data suggest that IL-9 promotes the proliferation and type 2 cytokine production of type 2 cells in the murine models of asthma, and therefore might be a potential therapeutic target for asthma treatment.

Low concentrations of lead disturb phenotypical markers of the inflammatory and the anti-inflammatory profile of bone marrow-derived macrophages from BALB/c mice

Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous toxic metal that decreases resistance to infections, in which the macrophages have an essential role. Pb adverse effects on nitric oxide (NO^-) production and variable effects on inflammatory cytokines in activated macrophages have been reported, but no effects have been reported in anti-inflammatory macrophages. We studied Pb (0.03-6 μg/dL equivalent to 0.014-2.89 μM) effects on the function of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) induced to either inflammatory or anti-inflammatory phenotypes, with LPS + IFNγ or IL-4+IL-13, respectively, and whether these effects are related. Pb did not induce cytotoxicity at any concentration in both macrophage phenotypes. In inflammatory BMDM, Pb (6 μg/dL) inhibited NO^- production without affecting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels or basal arginase activity. At 3 and 6 μg/dL, Pb enhanced the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) membrane expression but did not modify CD86 expression, TNFα, or IL-1β production and secretion. In anti-inflammatory BMDM, Pb did not alter arginase activity, but at 3 and 6 μg/dL, increased TGF-β1 and mannose receptor expression. Results showed that environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb alter functional outcomes or phenotypic markers of anti-inflammatory for the first time. The Pb effects on the inflammatory macrophages are not dependent on negative feedback resulting from the Pb effect on the anti-inflammatory phenotype. The Pb affected only some molecules or specific pathways related to both phenotypes. These effects could be related to Pb effects on immune defense against intracellular pathogens and allergy susceptibility.

The role of Smad1/5 in mantle immunity of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii

The Smad protein family is an important medium for transducing BMP-Smads signals, and which have been proved that their important role in regulating shell biomineralization in Pinctada fucata martensii in our previous study. The members of TGF-β superfamily were involved in innate immunity in vertebrates and invertebrates, and Smad regulatory networks construct a balanced immune system. However, little is known about the role of Smad1/5 in immunity in P. f. martensii. The present study shows that the tissue distribution and the expression profiles of Smad1/5 at developmental stages suggested its wide distribution and crucial role in development at embryonic stages other than larval stage; the increased expression of bone morphogenetic proteins 2 (BMP2), Smad4, Smad1/5 and MSX mRNAs at mantle tissue after LPS and Poly (I:C) challenged implied the potential immune role of Smad1/5 and BMP2-Smad signals to defense against bacterial and virus infections; the reduced expression of immune gene nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), interleukin 17 (IL-17), CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) and lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF) mRNA following knockdown of Smad1/5 indicated that Smad1/5 can regulate their expression via BMP2-Smads pathway in the immunity process; the up-regulated expression of Smad1/5 and BMP2-Smad signals genes, and immune genes during wound healing indicated that Smad1/5 and BMP2-Smad signals genes may be involved in wound healing collaborated with immune genes via a different and complex Smads signaling pathway. These results indicated Smad1/5 could regulate innate immunity via BMP2-Smads signal pathway, and which provided new insights into the relationship between BMP2-Smads signal pathway and mantle immunity.

TGF-β1 and IL-17A comediate the protumor phenotype of neutrophils to regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The role of neutrophils in cancer has been the subject of intense research in recent years. One major theme that has emerged is that not all neutrophils are equal in the field of cancer. However, it remains unclear what induces the protumorigenic or antitumorigenic phenotype predominate in tumor. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate what factors induce which of these two phenotypes of neutrophil predominate in OSCC and to explore the role of neutrophil polarization on tumor.

METHODS

Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining were used to observe neutrophil infiltration and the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-17A in OSCC tissues. Recombinant human TGF-β1 and IL-17A were used to modulate neutrophil polarization. OSCC cell (SCC9 and SAS cell lines) migration, proliferation, invasion, stemness, and EMT were analyzed after treatment with conditioned medium from TGF-β1/IL-17A-activated neutrophils. The levels of neutrophil-associated markers in OSCC tissues and peripheral blood were examined by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Our data showed neutrophil infiltration and elevated expression of TGF-β1 and IL-17A in OSCC tissues. The cooperative effect of TGF-β1 and IL-17A promoted neutrophils to take on a protumor phenotype in vitro. TGF-β1/IL-17A-activated neutrophils remarkably induced cell migration, proliferation, invasion, stemness, and EMT in OSCC cells. Additionally, OSCC patients showed increased expression of MMP9 and decreased expression of CCL3 in circulating neutrophils.

CONCLUSION

TGF-β1 and IL-17A cooperated to augment the protumor functions of neutrophils, thereby promoting the progression of OSCC cells. In addition, the combination of neutrophil-associated markers may serve as a predictive method to screen for patients with OSCC.

Genes regulated by BCL11B during T-cell development are enriched for de novo mutations found in schizophrenia patients

While abnormal neurodevelopment contributes to schizophrenia (SCZ) risk, there is also evidence to support a role for immune dysfunction in SCZ. BCL11B, associated with SCZ in genome-wide association study (GWAS), is a transcription factor that regulates the differentiation and development of cells in the central nervous and immune systems. Here, we use functional genomics data from studies of BCL11B to investigate the contribution of neuronal and immune processes to SCZ pathophysiology. We identified the gene targets of BCL11B in brain striatal cells (n = 223 genes), double negative 4 (DN4) developing T cells (n = 114 genes) and double positive (DP) developing T cells (n = 518 genes) using an integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data. No gene-set was enriched for genes containing common variants associated with SCZ but the DP gene-set was enriched for genes containing missense de novo mutations (DNMs; p = .001) using data from 3,447 SCZ trios. Post hoc analysis revealed the enrichment to be stronger for DP genes negatively regulated by BCL11B. Biological processes enriched for genes negatively regulated by BCL11B in DP gene-set included immune system development and cytokine signaling. These analyses, leveraging a GWAS-identified SCZ risk gene and data on gene expression and transcription factor binding, indicate that DNMs in immune pathways contribute to SCZ risk.

Inhalation of nebulized Mycobacterium vaccae can protect against allergic bronchial asthma in mice by regulating the TGF-β/Smad signal transduction pathway

Background

Mycobacterium vaccae nebulization imparted protective effect against allergic asthma in a mouse model. The TGF-β/Smad signal transduction pathway plays an important role in allergic bronchial asthma. However, the effect of M. vaccae nebulization on the TGF-β/Smad signal transduction pathway in mouse models of allergic asthma remains unclear. This study investigated the preventive effect of M. vaccae nebulization during bronchial asthma in a mouse model and elucidate the implication of TGF-β/Smad signal transduction pathway in the process.

Methods

In total, 24 female Balb/c mice were randomized to normal control (group A), asthma control (group B), and M. vaccae nebulization (group C) groups. Both groups B and C were sensitized using ovalbumin for establishment of the asthmatic model; group A received phosphate-buffered solution. Prior to the establishment of asthma, Group C was nebulized with M. vaccae. Airway responsiveness was measured in all the groups, using a noninvasive lung function machine before and 24 h after establishment of the asthmatic model. The animals were then harvested, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected. The total cell counts in BALF was estimated. Protein expression of TGF-β1, TβR1, Smad1, and Smad7 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The population of CD3⁺γδT, IL-13⁺CD3⁺T, TGF-β⁺CD3⁺T, IL-13⁺CD3⁺γδT, and TGF-β⁺ CD3⁺ γδT cells were detected by flow cytometry. One-way analysis of variance for within-group comparisons, the least significant difference t-test or Student–Newman–Keuls test for intergroup comparisons, and the nonparametric rank sum test for analysis of airway inflammation scores were used in the study.

Results

The eosinophil count; protein expression of TGF-β1, TβR1, and Smad1; and percentages of CD3⁺γδT and IL-13⁺CD3⁺T cells were significantly lower in the M. vaccae nebulization group than in the asthma control group (P < 0.01). There were significant intergroup differences in the percentages of TGF-β⁺CD3⁺T and IL-13⁺CD3⁺γδT cells (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Mycobacterium vaccae nebulization could confer protection against allergic bronchial asthma by reducing airway responsiveness and alleviating airway inflammation in mice. The underlying mechanism might be attributed its effect on the deregulated expression of TGF-β1, TβR1, Smad1, and Smad7 of the TGF-β/Smad signal transduction pathway.

Resolution of allergic asthma

Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing and bronchoconstriction. Chronic inflammation may finally lead to structural damage followed by airway remodeling. Various studies in recent years contributed to unravel important aspects of the immunopathogenesis of asthma and adapted new pharmaceutical developments. Here, I consider some novel insights into the immunopathogenesis of asthma and the protective and pathogenic roles of some innate and adaptive immune cells as well as the function of soluble mediators such as cytokines. Particular attention will be given to new concepts on resolution of chronic airway inflammation for prevention of airway structural damage.

LncRNA-MEG3 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate Treg/Th17 balance in patients with asthma by targeting microRNA-17/ RORγt

BACKGROUND

Treg/Th17 imbalance plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Disordered LncRNAs were observed in asthma, however, whether LncRNAs can regulate the Treg/Th17 balance and its mechanism still needs to be investigated.

METHODS

Microarrays were performed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs and microRNAs in peripheral blood CD4 + T cells from patients with asthma and healthy controls. Bioinformatical evidence was used to select candidate lncRNAs and microRNAs which may involve in regulation of Treg/Th17 balance. The function of LncRNA-MEG3 and microRNA-17 on the alteration of the CD4 + T cell population were determined in vitro experiments. Meanwhile, the regulatory effect of LncRNA-MEG3 and microRNA-17 on RORγt or Foxp3 was estimated. The interaction of LncRNA-MEG3 with microRNA-17 was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down.

RESULTS

25 lncRNAs and 19 microRNAs were selected as candidate genes which differentially expressed in CD4 + T cells from patients with asthma compared with healthy controls and had potential to control Treg/Th17 balance by regulating RORγt or Foxp3. Alternation of LncRNA-MEG3 changed the function and increased the percentage of Th17. LncRNA-MEG3 could regulate the RORγt mRNA and protein level. LncRNA-MEG3 could inhibit the level of microRNA-17 as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). microRNA-17 suppressed Th17 though targeting RORγt directly.

CONCLUSION

LncRNA-MEG3 can sponge microRNA-17 as a ceRNA, thereby regulating RORγt and ultimately affecting Treg/Th17 balance in asthma. The lncRNA/microRNA axis may have potential application in clinical treatment and diagnosis of the disease.