A binary module for microbiota-mediated regulation of γδ17 cells, hallmarked by microbiota-driven expression of programmed cell death protein 1

Little is known about how microbiota regulate innate-like γδ T cells or how these restrict their effector functions within mucosal barriers, where microbiota provide chronic stimulation. Here, we show that microbiota-mediated regulation of γδ17 cells is binary, where microbiota instruct in situ interleukin-17 (IL-17) production and concomitant expression of the inhibitory receptor programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Microbiota-driven expression of PD-1 and IL-17 and preferential adoption of a PD-1high phenotype are conserved for γδ17 cells across multiple mucosal barriers. Importantly, microbiota-driven PD-1 inhibits in situ IL-17 production by mucosa-resident γδ17 effectors, linking microbiota to their simultaneous activation and suppression. We further show the dynamic nature of this microbiota-driven module and define an inflammation-associated activation state for γδ17 cells marked by augmented PD-1, IL-17, and lipid uptake, thus linking the microbiota to dynamic subset-specific activation and metabolic remodeling to support γδ17 effector functions in a microbiota-dense tissue environment.

Repeated intra-articular injections of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for knee osteoarthritis: a phase I, single-arm study

INTRODUCTION

Stem cell therapy has emerged as an effective treatment for multiple diseases, and some studies also demonstrate that it may be a promising treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). However, few studies have clarified the safety of repeated intra-articular injection of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs). To promote its application in treating OA, we conducted an open-label trial to investigate the safety of repeated intra-articular injections of UC-MSCs.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with OA (Kellgrene-Lawrence grade 2 or 3) who received repeated intra-articular injections of UC-MSCs were evaluated in three months of follow-up. The primary outcomes were the adverse events, and the second outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scores and SF-12 quality of life score.

RESULTS

A total of 5 of 14 patients (35.7%) experienced transient adverse reactions, which resolved spontaneously. All patients showed some improvement in knee function limitation and pain after receiving stem cell therapy. VAS score 6.0 to 3.5, WOMAC score 26.0 to 8.5, MOCART score 42.0 to 58.0, SF-12 score 39.0 to 46.0.

CONCLUSION

Repeated intra-articular injection of UC-MSCs demonstrates safety in treating OA and does not induce serious adverse events. This treatment may transiently improve symptoms in patients with knee OA and may be a potential therapeutic option for OA.

Developmentally programmed early-age skin localization of iNKT cells supports local tissue development and homeostasis

Skin is exposed to various environmental assaults and undergoes morphological changes immediately after birth. Proper localization and function of immune cells in the skin is crucial for protection and establishment of skin tissue homeostasis. Here we report the discovery of a developmentally programmed process that directs preferential localization of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells to the skin for early local homeostatic regulation. We show that iNKT cells are programmed predominantly with a CCR10+ skin-homing phenotype during thymic development in infant and young mice. Early skin localization of iNKT cells is critical for proper commensal bacterial colonization and tissue development. Mechanistically, skin iNKT cells provide a local source of transferrin that regulates iron metabolism in hair follicle progenitor cells and helps hair follicle development. These findings provide molecular insights into the establishment and physiological functions of iNKT cells in the skin during early life.

Influence of incentive mechanism and fit degree on user's environmental behavior-Taking Alipay "Ant Forest" in China as an example

How to use game elements to motivate users and influence their behavior has become a new research trend, which is vital for enhancing the willingness of potential platform users to participate in environmental protection. This paper aims to analyze the influence of incentive mechanism and fit degree on user's environmental behavior based on the stimulus-organism-response theory and self-determination theory. The questionnaire data of 500 users was collected and the impact of incentives on user's environmental behavior was analyzed by structural equation modeling. The results show that economic, value, and social incentives have a significant impact on user's environmental behavior. Besides, the value and social incentives of "Ant Forest" game platform positively influence user fit (conscious participation, enthusiasm, and platform interaction), but the impact of economic incentive on platform interaction is not statistically significant. From the perspective of user fit, "Ant Forest" game platform can positively promote users to adopt environmental behavior, because it explores users' needs from their perspective to give full play to the role of game incentives on users' environmental behavior. Additionally, this research provides the practical implications for managers exploring the effects of co-creation processes in developing countries and regions.

Inhibition of CCL28/CCR10-Mediated eNOS Downregulation Improves Skin Wound Healing in the Obesity-Induced Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Chronic, nonhealing skin wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), are common in patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, we investigated the role of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 28 (CCL28) and its receptor C-C chemokine receptor type 10 (CCR10) in downregulation of endothelial nitric (NO) oxide synthase (eNOS) in association with delayed skin wound healing in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes. We observed reduced eNOS expression and elevated CCL28/CCR10 levels in dorsal skin of db/db mice and subdermal leg biopsy specimens from human subjects with type 2 diabetes. Further interrogation revealed that overexpression of CCR10 reduced eNOS expression, NO bioavailability, and tube formation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMVECs) in vitro, which was recapitulated in mouse dorsal skin. In addition, incubation of HDMVECs with CCL28 led to internalization of the CCR10/eNOS complex and colocalization with lysosome-associated membrane protein 1. Finally, topical application of myristoylated CCR10 binding domain 7 amino acid (Myr-CBD7) peptide prevented CCR10-eNOS interaction and subsequent eNOS downregulation, enhanced eNOS/NO levels, eNOS/VEGF-R2+ microvessel density, and blood perfusion, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels, and importantly, decreased wound healing time in db/db mice. Thus, endothelial cell CCR10 activation in genetically obese mice with type 2 diabetes promotes eNOS depletion and endothelial dysfunction, and targeted disruption of CCR10/eNOS interaction improves wound healing.

Differential regulation of CD8+ CD86+ Vγ1.1+ γδT cell responses in skin barrier tissue protection and homeostatic maintenance

Compared to αβT cells, γδT cells are more innate-like and preferentially function as the first line of defense in barrier tissues. Certain populations of γδT cells possess adaptive immune cell properties but their regulation is not well understood. We herein report that while innate-like γδT17 cells dominated in the skin of WT mice, Vγ1.1+ γδT cells with adaptive T cell-like properties predominantly expanded in the skin of TCRβ-/- and B2m-/- mice. Commensal bacteria drove expansion of Vγ1.1+ skin γδT cells, functional properties of which correlated with local immune requirements. That is, Vγ1.1+ skin γδT cells in TCRβ-/- mice were a heterogeneous population; while Vγ1.1+ skin γδT cells in B2m-/- mice were mostly CD8+ CD86+ cells that had a similar function of CD8+ CD86+ skin αβT cells in supporting local Treg cells. We also found that intrinsic TGF-β receptor 2-derived signals in skin CD8+ αβT and γδT cells are required for their expression of CD86, a molecule important in supporting skin Treg cells. Our findings reveal broad functional potentials of γδT cells that are coordinately regulated with αβT cells to help maintain local tissue homeostasis.

Delta-like 4-Derived Notch Signals Differentially Regulate Thymic Generation of Skin-Homing CCR10+NK1.1+ Innate Lymphoid Cells at Neonatal and Adult Stages

The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ for T cell development. Increasing evidence found that the thymus is also an important site for development of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). ILCs generated in thymi acquire unique homing properties that direct their localization into barrier tissues such as the skin and intestine, where they help local homeostasis. Mechanisms underlying the developmental programming of unique tissue-homing properties of ILCs are poorly understood. We report in this article that thymic stroma-derived Notch signaling is differentially involved in thymic generation of a population of NK1.1+ group 1 ILCs (ILC1s) with the CCR10+ skin-homing property in adult and neonatal mice. We found that thymic generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s is increased in T cell-deficient mice at adult, but not neonatal, stages, supporting the notion that a large number of developing T cells interfere with signals required for generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s. In an in vitro differentiation assay, increasing Notch signals promotes generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s from hematopoietic progenitors. Knockout of the Notch ligand Delta-like 4 in thymic stroma impairs generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s in adult thymi, but development of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s in neonatal thymi is less dependent on Delta-like 4-derived Notch signals. Mechanistically, the Notch signaling is required for proper expression of the IL-7R CD127 on thymic NK1.1+ ILC1s, and deficiency of CD127 also impairs thymic generation of CCR10+NK1.1+ ILC1s at adult, but not perinatal, stages. Our findings advanced understanding of regulatory mechanisms of thymic innate lymphocyte development.

Cocktail therapy with prednisolone, vincristine and sirolimus for Kasabach‑Merritt phenomenon in 10 infants

Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is a life-threatening condition caused by rare vascular tumors. To reduce drug resistance observed in monotherapy of KMP with prednisone, vincristine (VCR) or sirolimus, the present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of triad therapy in the treatment of KMP. A total of 10 KMP infants managed with prednisolone, VCR and sirolimus in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (Xi'an, China) between April 2017 and August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The three female and seven male infants with KMP underwent cocktail therapy with prednisone, VCR and sirolimus. At diagnosis, the infants, aged 49.1±41.0 days, showed laboratory test results with platelet counts 22±15.4x10⁹/l, fibrinogen 81.7±26.9 mg/dl and D-dimer 38649±13443.6 ng/ml. The average maximal diameter of the tumors at diagnosis was 84.5±25.1 mm. KMP risk is increased by large tumors with deep lesions infiltrating the muscle. Platelet counts normalized after a median 10 days (range, 5-69 days) of treatment. With combination therapy maintained for 46.8±24.4 days, ultrasound showed that the thickness of the tumors decreased by 51% from 28.9±12.1 to 13.9±6.2 mm. Neutropenia and gastrointestinal disorders were the most common adverse effects. The present study found that the cocktail therapy with prednisolone, VCR and sirolimus has favorable tolerance and efficacy for life-threatening KMP. Once a stable condition has been achieved, cocktail therapy should be replaced by sirolimus monotherapy to reduce potential side effects.

Activation of CD81+ skin ILC2s by cold-sensing TRPM8+ neuron-derived signals maintains cutaneous thermal homeostasis

As the outermost barrier tissue of the body, the skin harbors a large number of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that help maintain local homeostasis in the face of changing environments. How skin-resident ILCs are regulated and function in local homeostatic maintenance is poorly understood. We here report the discovery of a cold-sensing neuron-initiated pathway that activates skin group 2 ILCs (ILC2s) to help maintain thermal homeostasis. In stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) knockout mice whose skin is defective in heat maintenance, chronic cold stress induced excessive activation of CCR10^-CD81⁺ST2⁺ skin ILC2s and associated inflammation. Mechanistically, stimulation of the cold-sensing receptor TRPM8 expressed in sensory neurons of the skin led to increased production of IL-18, which, in turn, activated skin ILC2s to promote thermogenesis. Our findings reveal a neuroimmune link that regulates activation of skin ILC2s to support thermal homeostasis and promotes skin inflammation after hyperactivation.

CCL27 is a crucial regulator of immune homeostasis of the skin and mucosal tissues

Abundant immune cells reside in barrier tissues. Understanding the regulation of these cells can yield insights on their roles in tissue homeostasis and inflammation. Here, we report that the chemokine CCL27 is critical for establishment of resident lymphocytes and immune homeostasis in barrier tissues. CCL27 expression is associated with normal skin and hair follicle development independent of commensal bacterial stimulation, indicative of a homeostatic role for the chemokine. Accordingly, in the skin of CCL27-knockout mice, there is a reduced presence and dysregulated localization of T cells that express CCR10, the cognate receptor to CCL27. Besides, CCL27-knockout mice have overreactive skin inflammatory responses in an imiquimod-induced model of psoriasis. Beyond the skin, CCL27-knockout mice have increased infiltration of CCR10⁺ T cells into lungs and reproductive tracts, the latter of which also exhibit spontaneous inflammation. Our findings demonstrate that CCL27 is critical for immune homeostasis across barrier tissues.

PerAE: An Effective Personalized AutoEncoder for ECG-based Biometric in Augmented Reality System

With the development of the Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technologies, massive biometric data are collected by different organizations. These data have great significance but also worsen the privacy risks. Electro-CardioGram (ECG)-based Identity Recognition (EIR) is a popular Biometric technology. An ECG record is an internal Biology feature of a person and has time continuity. Thus, compared with traditional Biometric methods like face recognition, EIR may be less vulnerable to attack. We propose an Autoencoder-based EIR system, called Personalized AutoEncoder (PerAE). PerAE maintains a small autoencoder model (called Attention-MemAE) for each registered user of a system. The Attention-MemAE enhances the autoencoder by using a memory module and two attention mechanisms. A users Attention-MemAE classifies the hearbeats of other users as anomalies. An Attention-MemAE can be updated when the distribution of the users ECG data is changed. By using personalized autoencoder, PerAE can improve the time efficiency and reduce the memory overhead. It improves the adaptability, scalability, and maintainability of EIR systems. Experiment results show that to train an Attention-MemAE with 90% identification accuracy for a user, we can just take five minutes to collect the users ECG data (around 500 heartbeat samples).

Tobacco smoking confers risk for severe COVID-19 unexplainable by pulmonary imaging

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is a new pneumonia. It has been hypothesized that tobacco smoking history may increase severity of this disease in the patients once infected by the underlying coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 because smoking and COVID-19 both cause lung damage. However, this hypothesis has not been tested.

OBJECTIVE

Current study was designed to focus on smoking history in patients with COVID-19 and test this hypothesis that tobacco smoking history increases risk for severe COVID-19 by damaging the lungs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This was a single-site, retrospective case series study of clinical associations, between epidemiological findings and clinical manifestations, radiographical or laboratory results. In our well-characterized cohort of 954 patients including 56 with tobacco smoking history, smoking history increased the risk for severe COVID-19 with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.5 (95% CI: 3.1-9.9; P = 7.3 × 10^-8 ). Meta-analysis of ten cohorts for 2891 patients together obtained an OR of 2.5 (95% CI: 1.9-3.3; P < 0.00001). Semi-quantitative analysis of lung images for each of five lobes revealed a significant difference in neither lung damage at first examination nor dynamics of the lung damage at different time-points of examinations between the smoking and nonsmoking groups. No significant differences were found either in laboratory results including D-dimer and C-reactive protein levels except different covariances for density of the immune cells lymphocyte (P = 3.8 × 10^-64 ) and neutrophil (P = 3.9 × 10^-46 ).

CONCLUSION

Tobacco smoking history increases the risk for great severity of COVID-19 but this risk is achieved unlikely by affecting the lungs.

Biomimetic cell-adhesive ligand-functionalized peptide composite hydrogels maintain stemness of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells

In vivo, stem cells reside in a three-dimensional (3D) extracellular microenvironment in which complicated biophysical and biochemical factors regulate their behaviors. Biomimicking of the stem cell-matrix interactions is an ideal approach for controlling the stem cell fate. This study investigates the effects of the incorporation of cell-adhesive ligands in 3D self-assembling peptide hydrogels to modulate stem cell survival, proliferation, maintenance of stemness, and osteogenic differentiation. The results show that the composite hydrogels were non-cytotoxic and effective for maintaining human amniotic mesenchymal stem cell (hAMSC) survival, proliferation and phenotypic characterization. The expression levels of pluripotent markers were also upregulated in the composite hydrogels. Under inductive media conditions, mineral deposition and mRNA expression levels of osteogenic genes of hAMSCs were enhanced. The increasing expression of integrin α- and β-subunits for hAMSCs indicates that the ligand-integrin interactions may modulate the cell fate for hAMSCs in composite hydrogels.

Coordinated co-migration of CCR10+ antibody-producing B cells with helper T cells for colonic homeostatic regulation

In the intestine, IgA antibody-secreting B cells (IgA-ASCs) and helper T cells coordinate to maintain local homeostasis while their dysregulation could lead to development of intestinal inflammatory diseases. However, mechanisms underlying the coordinated localization and function of the B and T cells into the intestine, particularly the colon, are poorly understood. We herein report the first evidence that the gut-homing chemokine receptor CCR10⁺ IgA-ASCs form conjugates with helper T cells, preferentially regulatory T cells, at their differentiation sites of gut-associated lymphoid organs for their coordinated co-localization into the colon to promote local homeostasis. In CCR10-knockout mice, defective migration of IgA-ASCs also resulted in defective T-cell migration and homeostasis, and development of inflammatory symptoms in the colon. Antigen-specific interaction of CCR10⁺ IgA-ASCs and T cells is crucial for their homeostatic establishment in the colon. On the other hand, in IgA-knockout mice, preferential expansion of CCR10⁺ IgG1-ASCs with regulatory functions compensated for CCR10⁺ IgA-ASCs to help maintain colonic homeostasis. The preferential expansion of specific subclasses of CCR10⁺ IgG-ASCs with regulatory functions was also found in asymptomatic IgA-deficient patients. These findings suggest coordinated cell migration as a novel mechanism underlying localization and function of B and T cells in colonic homeostatic regulation.

Psoriasis-associated impairment of CCL27/CCR10-derived regulation leads to IL-17A/IL-22-producing skin T-cell overactivation

Psoriasis-associated suppression of the skin-specific chemokine/receptor CCL27/CCR10 axis leads to enhanced pathogenic IL-17A/IL-22-producing skin T cell activation and inflammation.

A Peptide-Based Method for the Fabrication of 1D Rail-Like Nanoparticle Chains and 2D Nanoparticle Membranes: Higher-Order Self-Assembly

Functionalized histidine-rich peptide sequences were designed for the site-directed assembly of nanoparticles. TEM and AFM images shown that the peptides self-assembled into well-ordered nanofibrils at pH 7.2. The nanofibrils could lie parallel to one another and form membranes when the solution was acidic (pH 3.8) resulting from the hierarchical assembly of the nanofibrils in the direction of the peptide backbone. These peptide structures served as a template for nucleation and growth of Au nanocrystals. Further characterization showed that the Au nanocrystals grew on both sides of the nanofibrils, and a 1D system with a rail-like structure and a 2D membrane were synthesized after reduction with hydrazine hydrate at neutral and acidic pH values, respectively. The size and packing density of the Au nanocrystals were positively correlated with the incubation time of the Au ions. This approach can be extended further to the controlled synthesis of 1D and 2D architectures formed from metals, metal sulfides, and metal oxides in a low-cost and simple manner. Finally, the nanostructures could catalyze the reduction of p-nitrophenol with rate constants of 0.83±0.14 and 0.69±0.09 min^-1 for the 1D and 2D structures, respectively.

The Essential Role of Selenoproteins in the Resolution of Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Intestinal Inflammation

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) leads to adverse colonic inflammation associated with poor resolution of inflammation and loss of epithelial integrity. Micronutrient trace element selenium (Se) is incorporated into selenoproteins as the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec). Previous studies have shown that such an incorporation of Sec into the selenoproteome is key for the anti-inflammatory functions of Se in macrophages and other immune cells. An intriguing mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects of Se stems from the ability of selenoproteins to skew arachidonic acid metabolism from pro-inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) toward anti-inflammatory mediators derived from PGD₂, such as 15-deoxy-Δ^{12, 14}- prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂), via eicosanoid class switching of bioactive lipids. The impact of Se and such an eicosanoid-class switching mechanism was tested in an enteric infection model of gut inflammation by C. rodentium, a murine equivalent of EPEC. C57BL/6 mice deficient in Se (Se-D) experienced higher mortality when compared to those on Se adequate (0.08 ppm Se) and Se supplemented (0.4 ppm Se) diets following infection. Decreased survival was associated with decreased group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells in colonic lamina propria of Se-D mice along with deceased expression of epithelial barrier protein Zo-1. Inhibition of metabolic inactivation of PGE₂ by 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase blocked the Se-dependent increase in ILC3 and Th17 cells in addition to reducing epithelial barrier integrity, as seen by increased systemic levels of FITC-dextran following oral administration; while 15d-PGJ₂ administration in Se-D mice alleviated the effects by increasing ILC3 and Th17 cells. Mice lacking selenoproteins in monocyte/macrophages via the conditional deletion of the tRNA^[Sec] showed increased mortality post infection. Our studies indicate a crucial role for dietary Se in the protection against inflammation following enteric infection via immune mechanisms involving epithelial barrier integrity.

The role of CCL27 in the establishment, maintenance, and homeostasis of skin-resident CCR10+ lymphocytes

The skin hosts an array of immune cell populations that are important for maintaining local tissue integrity; dysregulation of these cells can lead to inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Understanding how skin-resident immune cells are regulated is important in the effort to treat skin diseases. The majority of skin-homing and skin-resident lymphocytes express the chemokine receptor CCR10. Our lab has found that CCR10 is important for the homeostatic establishment of skin-resident lymphocytes. The skin-specific ligand of CCR10 is CCL27, a chemokine primarily expressed by keratinocytes. While the regulation and functions of CCL27 are not well understood we have found evidence to suggest that CCL27 has a homeostatic role in the skin. We report that CCL27 expression in keratinocytes and within regions of cycling hair follicles is developmentally regulated, independent of commensal bacterial stimulation. Further, CCL27 expression correlates with the localization of CCR10+ lymphocytes to specific regions within the skin. Newly generated CCL27-knockout mice show that the loss of CCL27 results in the diminished migration and localization of CCR10+ lymphocytes into the skin, particularly within regulatory and CD8+ T cell populations. Preliminary data also indicates CCL27-knockout mice had more severe skin inflammation than wild-type mice in a model of psoriasis. These findings reveal that the regulation of CCL27 expression is important for directing the localization of CCR10+ lymphocytes to specific niches of the skin, helping to maintain local homeostasis under steady-state conditions and hair follicle cycling, and that the loss of CCL27 may contribute to inflammatory diseases.

Preferential Perinatal Development of Skin-Homing NK1.1+ Innate Lymphoid Cells for Regulation of Cutaneous Microbiota Colonization

Proper immune cell development at early ontogenic stages is critical for life-long health. How resident immune cells are established in barrier tissues at neonatal stages to provide early protection is an important but still poorly understood question. We herein report that a developmentally programmed preferential generation of skin-homing group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) at perinatal stages helps regulate early skin microbiota colonization. We found that a population of skin-homing NK1.1+ ILC1s was preferentially generated in the perinatal thymi of mice. Unique thymic environments and progenitor cells are responsible for the preferential generation of skin-homing NK1.1+ ILC1s at perinatal stages. In the skin, NK1.1+ ILC1s regulate proper microbiota colonization and control the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa in neonatal mice. These findings provide insight into the development and function of tissue-specific immune cells at neonatal stages, a critical temporal window for establishment of local tissue immune homeostasis.

Dysregulated Microbial Fermentation of Soluble Fiber Induces Cholestatic Liver Cancer

Dietary soluble fibers are fermented by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are considered broadly health-promoting. Accordingly, consumption of such fibers ameliorates metabolic syndrome. However, incorporating soluble fiber inulin, but not insoluble fiber, into a compositionally defined diet, induced icteric hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Such HCC was microbiota-dependent and observed in multiple strains of dysbiotic mice but not in germ-free nor antibiotics-treated mice. Furthermore, consumption of an inulin-enriched high-fat diet induced both dysbiosis and HCC in wild-type (WT) mice. Inulin-induced HCC progressed via early onset of cholestasis, hepatocyte death, followed by neutrophilic inflammation in liver. Pharmacologic inhibition of fermentation or depletion of fermenting bacteria markedly reduced intestinal SCFA and prevented HCC. Intervening with cholestyramine to prevent reabsorption of bile acids also conferred protection against such HCC. Thus, its benefits notwithstanding, enrichment of foods with fermentable fiber should be approached with great caution as it may increase risk of HCC.

Dietary Selenium in Immune Mechanisms During an Enteric Bacterial Infection (OR12-08-19)

Objectives

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) poses a great threat to developing countries, as EPEC can result in diarrhea and colitis in children. Interestingly, the effect of trace element nutritional deficiencies as well as their supplementation on disease pathogenesis is increasingly being recognized. We have previously reported that supplementation of mice with selenium (Se), a trace element that is incorporated into selenoproteins as the 21st amino acid, resulted in the amelioration of chemically induced colitis through the downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators of the arachidonic acid pathway, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Here we examined the effects of Se supplementation on immune responses during an enteric infection with Citrobacter rodentium, a natural murine enteropathogen.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice placed on Se-deficient (0.01 ppm Se), Se-adequate (0.08 ppm Se), or Se-supplemented (0.4 ppm Se) diets for 8 weeks were infected with Citrobacter rodentium, the murine equivalent of EPEC with a shared core set of virulence factors. Mice were euthanized, and colons were collected for further analysis including western blots and flow cytometry.

Results

Se-deficient mice experienced increased bacterial burden, mortality, and decreased colon length following infection, compared to Se-adequate and Se-supplemented mice. Studies revealed that there was an increase type 3 innate-lymphoid cells (ILC3s) and IL-22 producing T helper 17 (Th17) cells, but a decrease in regulatory T- cells (Tregs) and 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), the enzyme that preferentially oxidizes PGE2, in the colon of Se-deficient mice compared to Se-adequate and Se-supplemented mice. Treatment of Se-adequate mice with CAY10397, an inhibitor of 15-PGDH, increased the bacterial burden following infection. Infection of mice that lack expression of selenoproteins in macrophages (Trspfl/fl LysMCre) showed increased mortality despite being fed diets replete with Se.

Conclusions

Adequate to supplemental levels of dietary Se is required to maximize the expression of selenoproteins to effectively mediate resolution of enteric infections. Selenoproteins act through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of immune responses and inflammation through the oxidative metabolism of PGE2.

Funding Sources

National Institute of Health.

Dual Aptamer-Functionalized in Situ Injectable Fibrin Hydrogel for Promotion of Angiogenesis via Codelivery of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB

In situ injectable hydrogels hold great potential for in vivo applications such as drug delivery and regenerative medicine. However, it is challenging to ensure stable sequestration and sustained release of loaded biomolecules in these hydrogels. As aptamers have high binding affinities and specificities against target biomolecules, we studied the capability of aptamers in functionalizing in situ injectable fibrin (Fn) hydrogels for in vivo delivery of two growth factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). The results show that aptamer-functionalized fibrinogen (Fg) could form in situ injectable Fn hydrogels with porous structures. The aptamer-functionalized Fn hydrogels could sequester more VEGF and PDGF-BB than the native Fn and release these growth factors in a sustained manner with high bioactivity. After the aptamer-functionalized Fn hydrogels were subcutaneously injected into mice, the codelivery of VEGF and PDGF-BB could promote the growth of mature blood vessels. Therefore, this study has successfully demonstrated that aptamer-functionalized in situ injectable hydrogels hold great potential for in vivo codelivery of multiple growth factors and promotion of angiogenesis .

Assembly of Bifunctional Aptamer-Fibrinogen Macromer for VEGF Delivery and Skin Wound Healing

Macromolecular assembly has been studied for various applications. However, while macromolecules can recognize one another for assembly, their assembled structures usually lack the function of specific molecular recognition. We hypothesized that bifunctional aptamer-protein macromers would possess dual functions of molecular assembly and recognition. The data show that hybrid aptamer-fibrinogen macromers can assemble to form hydrogels. Moreover, the assembled hydrogels can recognize vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for sustained release. When the VEGF-loaded hydrogels are implanted in vivo, they can promote angiogenesis and skin wound healing. Thus, this work has successfully demonstrated a promising macromolecular system for broad applications such as drug delivery and regenerative medicine.

Limited Sampling Strategy for Estimating Mycophenolic Acid Exposure on Day 7 Post-Transplant for Two Mycophenolate Mofetil Formulations Derived From 20 Chinese Renal Transplant Recipients

PURPOSE

To assess the pharmacokinetic properties of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dispersible tablets and capsules by the enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) in Chinese kidney transplant recipients in the early post-transplantation phase and to develop the equations to predict mycophenolic acid (MPA) area under the 12-hour concentration-time curve (AUC_0-12h) using a limited sampling strategy (LSS).

METHODS

Forty patients who underwent renal transplantation from brain-dead donors were randomly divided into dispersible tablets (Sai KE Ping; Hangzhou Zhongmei Huadong Pharma) and capsules (Cellcept; Roche Pharma, Why, NSW, Australia) groups, and treated with MMF combined with combination tacrolimus and prednisone as a basic immunosuppressive regimen. Blood samples were collected before treatment (0) and at 0.5,1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours post-treatment and 7 days after renal transplantation. Plasma MPA concentrations were measured using EMIT. LSS equations were identified using multiple stepwise linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The peak concentration (C_max) in the MMF dispersible tablets (MMFdt) group (7.0 ± 2.8) mg/L was reduced compared with that in the MMF capsules (MMFc) group (10.8 ± 6.2 mg/L; P = .012); time to peak concentration in the MMFdt group was 3.2 ± 2.3 hours, which was nonsignificantly elevated compared with that of the MMFc group (2.2 ± 1.7 hours). Three-point estimation formulas were generated by multiple linear regression for both groups: MPA-AUC_MMFdt = 3.542 + 3.332C_0.5h + 1.117C_1.5h + 3.946C_4h (adjusted r² = 0.90, P < .001); MPA-AUC_MMFc = 8.149 + 1.442C_2h + 1.056C_4h + 7.133C_6h (adjusted r² = 0.88, P < .001). Both predicted and measured AUCs showed good consistency.

CONCLUSIONS

After treatment with MMF dispersible tables or MMF capsules, the C_max of MPA for the MMFdt group was significantly lower than that of the MMFc group; there was no significant difference in other pharmacokinetic parameters. Three-time point equations can be used as a predictable measure of the AUC_0-12h of MPA.

Intestine-specific CCR10+ plasma cells regulate migration of intestinal regulatory T cells

In intestines, B cells are activated in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) to differentiate predominantly to IgA antibody-secreting cells (IgA-ASCs), which acquire a CCR10+ specific gut-homing property and migrate into intestinal lamina propria where they secrete IgA antibodies specifically acting on commensal bacteria and food-borne antigens for homeostatic regulation. While IgA antibodies were extensively investigated, differentiation of B cells and their functional mechanisms in establishment of intestinal homeostasis are still incompletely understood. We herein report a novel process in which CCR10+ differentiated B cells regulate intestinal homeostasis. We found that CCR10+ IgA-ASCs preferentially interact with activated regulatory T (Treg) cells in GALT and lamina propria to help their localization in colons. In CCR10-knockout mice, defective intestinal migration of IgA-ASCs resulted in reduced Treg cells and spontaneous development of inflammatory symptoms in colons. In addition, in IgA-deficient mice, there was preferential compensatory generation of CCR10+ IgG-ASCs that substituted CCR10+ IgA-ASCs to promote T cell homeostasis and regulate commensal bacteria in colons. The preferential compensatory generation of CCR10+ IgG-ASCs was also observed in IgA-deficient patients. These findings aid our understanding of B cell differentiation and functional mechanisms in intestinal homeostatic regulation.

GDF15 and BMP4 co-regulate stress erythropoiesis cmaintain erythroid homeostasis and resolve inflammation during infection

Bone marrow steady state erythropoiesis maintains erythrocyte homeostasis. However, during inflammation it is unable to generate sufficient erythrocytes as pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibit medullary output. At these times extra-medullary stress erythropoiesis (SE) predominates. SE utilizes progenitors and signals that are distinct from the steady state. Using a model of sterile inflammation, we have recently shown that the inflammatory signals that suppress steady state erythropoiesis activate SE. While we have demonstrated an important role for SE in maintaining erythroid homeostasis during inflammation, the potential for SE to directly influence inflammation remains largely unexplored. We report the first study to demonstrate the importance of SE in the context of a bona fide infection using the model pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. We observed that infection rapidly induces SE in the spleen, however mice mutant for either of the two key signals (BMP4 and GDF15) that regulate SE exhibited compromised recovery following infection. Inflammation was significantly increased while FoxP3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) were decreased in these mice. In vitro, induction of Tregs was defective when naïve CD4+ T cells from mutant mice were used. The addition of BMP4 or GDF15 into these cultures rescued Treg induction. These data suggest a new model that includes a more extensive interplay between erythroid homeostasis and the immune response. In this model Treg induction, like the activation of SE, depends on the action of both BMP4 and GDF15. Thus, BMP4 and GDF15 may function together during the critical period immediately following inflammation to synchronously maintain both erythroid homeostasis and regulate inflammation in vivo.

A novel function of CCL27 in the localization of skin-homing CCR10+ lymphocytes

The skin contains an abundance of resident lymphocytes that play vital roles in the first line of defense. Dysregulation of the skin immune system could lead to diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis; studying the immune cells that contribute to skin immune homeostasis is crucial to understanding these diseases. Our lab has found that various subsets of skin-homing lymphocytes that express the chemokine receptor CCR10 have homeostatic functions. The skin specific ligand to CCR10 is CCL27. We found that the expression pattern of CCL27 in the skin of mice is similar to humans: low expression at a young age with a gradual upregulation into adulthood. This upregulation of CCL27 does not require the stimulation of skin colonizing bacteria, as germ free mice did not significantly differ from specific pathogen free mice in their expression of CCL27, suggesting an intrinsic regulatory mechanism for CCL27 expression. CCR10-expressing cells were found to concentrate near the hair follicles, suggesting a role for CCL27/CCR10 in the localization of these cells to specific microstructures. Preliminary analysis of skin-draining lymph node sections from CCR10+/EGFP vs CCR10EGFP/EGFP mice show differential localization of lymphocytes around the vessel-rich medulla. Further, lymphatic endothelial cells from the skin draining lymph nodes express CCL27. These findings indicate a novel role of CCL27 in directing the migration and localization of CCR10+ cells within the skin-draining lymph nodes and skin.

Relationship between methylation status of RASSF2A gene promoter and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer

Relationship between the methylation status of the RASSF2A gene promoter and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) was explored. Between January 2013 and January 2016, tissue samples were collected from 30 patients diagnosed with ovarian endometriosis cyst (EC group), 30 patients diagnosed with ovarian endometrial adenocarcinoma (OEA group) and 30 patients diagnosed with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCC group). Additionally, 30 cases of normal endometrium tissues were collected for the control group. The methylation status of the RASSF2A promoter was evaluated by combined bisulfite restriction enzyme analysis (COBRA). RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of RASSF2A mRNA in tissues. Relationship between methylation status and RASSF2A mRNA expression level and the patient age, tumor clinical stage, tumor grading and pathological type were analyzed. Results showed that in the OEA and OCC groups, the methylation degrees of the RASSF2A promoter were obviously higher than that of the other two groups. The expression level of RASSF2A mRNA in the OEA and OCC groups was lower than that of the other two groups. The methylation degree of the RASSF2A promoter was related to clinical staging and grading. No relationship between the methylation degree of the RASSF2A promoter and patient’s age and the pathological type of the tissue was detected. We concluded that the methylation status of the RASSF2A gene promoter could be considered an excellent indicator for early detection of ovarian cancers.

Development of a Dual-Functional Hydrogel Using RGD and Anti-VEGF Aptamer

Synthetic molecular libraries hold great potential to advance the biomaterial development. However, little effort is made to integrate molecules with molecular recognition abilities selected from different libraries into a single biomolecular material. The purpose of this work is to incorporate peptides and nucleic acid aptamers into a porous hydrogel to develop a dual-functional biomaterial. The data show that an anti-integrin peptide can promote the attachment and growth of endothelial cells in a 3D porous poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel and an antivascular endothelial growth factor aptamer can sequester and release VEGF of high bioactivity. Importantly, the dual-functional porous hydrogel enhances the growth and survival of endothelial cells. This work demonstrates that molecules selected from different synthetic libraries can be integrated into one system for the development of novel biomaterials.

The kinetics of CCL27 expression in the skin

The skin is exposed to a wide variety of microorganisms immediately after birth. The newly exposed skin establishes an immune ecosystem within its dermis and epidermis to promote homeostasis between the tissue and the colonizing commensal microflora. Elucidation of the mechanism by which immune cells in the skin are regulated is fundamentally important to understanding how skin homeostasis is established. We have found that the chemokine receptor CCR10 is important for the migration and function of various skin-homing lymphocytes, likely through interaction with its skin-specific ligand CCL27. However the mechanisms that regulate CCL27 expression are poorly understood. Skin sections of newborn, infant and adult mice were stained for CCL27 using a new antibody staining method to determine the kinetics of its expression. We found that CCL27 is markedly upregulated after birth, corresponding to the timeframe of increased effector and regulatory T cell migration to the skin. Further, we compared CCL27 expression in the skin of germ free and specific pathogen free mice to determine the effects of bacterial colonization. These results yield insight into the development of the skin immune system and the mechanisms by which these cells are continuously regulated.

Blocking CCR10 diverts skin-homing T cells to reproductive tract for enhanced establishment of local resident memory T cells

Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells play an important role in protection against re-occurring infection. Compared with circulating memory T cells, tissue-specific TRM cells have great advantages in mounting faster and more effective responses against local infections. Female reproductive tract (FRT), which is a portal of entry for sexually transmitted infections, is an immunologically restrictive tissue that prevents progenitors of TRM cells entering in the absence of inflammation or infection. Therefore, how to increase number of TRM cells in FRT after vaccination to improve memory response against pathogens becomes an important question. In our present study, we found that a significant portion of T cells in FRT expressed the skin-homing chemokine receptor CCR10 in physiological conditions, and those CCR10+ T cells displayed surface markers typical for TRM cells. Particularly, almost all the CCR10+ CD8+ T cells expressed CXCR3, a homing marker which could help T cell migrate into FRT, suggesting the competition of skin and FRT for CD8+ T cells. After epicutaneous immunization, activated antigen-specific CCR10-knockout CD8+ T cells migrated more efficiently into FRT than CCR10-sufficient T cells. Our finding suggests that blocking CCR10 signals could divert skin-homing T cells into FRT for enhanced establishment of local resident memory T cells.

Development and function of skin-homing invariant natural killer T cells

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like T cells that express restricted T cell receptors (TCR) to recognize self and foreign lipid antigens. Distinct iNKT subsets can quickly produce numerous cytokines such as interferon (IFN)-g (iNKT1), interleukin (IL)-4 (iNKT2), and IL-17 (iNKT17) to regulate immune responses in microbial infection, allergic disease, autoimmune disease and cancer. Different iNKT cell subsets have unique transcription factor profiles such as T-bet, PLZF and RORgt that determine their cytokine-producing abilities. However, mechanisms directing the tissue localization preference of different iNKT cell subsets are not well understood. Using a novel strain of CCR10-knockout (KO)/EGFP-knockin (KI) reporter mice, we found that the skin-homing chemokine receptor CCR10 is highly upregulated in iNKT cells during their thymic development stages. Analysis of cytokine production in stimulated thymic iNKT cells demonstrated that CCR10+ iNKT cells are predominantly iNKT2 cells producing IL-4, implying that iNKT2 cells are preferentially programmed in the thymus to migrate into the skin. Confirming this, CCR10-expressing iNKT2 cells are enriched in the skin at the steady state. Taken together, these findings suggest that intrathymic programming orchestrate generation of skin-homing innate-like iNKT cells with specific functional potentials to provide immediate protection of the border tissue.

Ionizing radiation promotes CCL27 secretion from keratinocytes through the cross talk between TNF-α and ROS

The skin-associated chemokine CCL27 and its receptor CCR10 mediate the immune response of skin-homing T cells. The CCL27 secreted from keratinocytes was reportedly involved in inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. However, whether ionizing radiation increases the levels of CCL27 secretion still remains unclear. In HaCaT cells, a human keratinocyte cell line, CCL27 secretion was markedly increased after X-ray irradiation. We further found that irradiation boosted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was concomitant with the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Moreover, alteration of ROS in irradiated HaCaT cells correlated with TNF-α secretion, indicating a positive loop of TNF-α secretion and ROS generation. This positive loop regulated the secretion of CCL27 from irradiated cells. We therefore concluded that the cross talk between TNF-α and ROS after keratinocytes was exposed to radiation, triggered CCL27 secretion for subsequent inflammation response.

Cutting Edge: Skin CCR10+ CD8+ T Cells Support Resident Regulatory T Cells through the B7.2/Receptor Axis To Regulate Local Immune Homeostasis and Response

Resident T cells in barrier tissues are important in protecting against foreign agents but can also contribute to inflammatory diseases if dysregulated. How T cell homeostasis is maintained in barrier tissues is still poorly understood. We report that resident CD8(+) T cells directly support maintenance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the skin to promote immune homeostasis. Impaired establishment of resident CD8(+) T cells caused by knockout of the skin-homing chemokine receptor CCR10 resulted in an altered balance of resident Tregs and CD4(+) effector T cells in the skin and overreactive inflammatory responses to cutaneous stimulations. Furthermore, B7.2 expressed on skin CD8(+) T cells supports the survival of Tregs, likely through interaction with its receptor CTLA-4, which is highly expressed on skin Tregs. Our findings provide novel insights into T cell homeostatic regulation in the skin and may improve our understanding of the pathobiology of tissue inflammatory diseases.

Role of CCR10 and CCL27 in skin resident T cell development and homeostasis

The skin hosts numerous immune cell subsets which generate synergistic responses to a variety of stimuli including foreign antigens, pathogens and commensal bacteria. Each stimulus is unique and calls for a specific and balanced response; any disruption of this homeostasis can lead to complications such as inflammatory diseases. T cells in the skin are a key player in the response to infection, maintenance of commensal bacterial, and tissue homeostasis. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms regulating T cell migration, establishment, and maintenance within the skin is a high priority. CCR10, a receptor expressed on the majority of skin resident T cells, has a complex role in the development of skin-resident T cells through interaction with its skin-specific receptor CCL27. Preliminary data from our analysis of T-cell specific phenotypes in CCL27a knockout mice demonstrates a preferential reduction of Treg cells in the skin, highlighting the importance of CCL27a in the establishment of skin resident Treg cells under homeostatic conditions. Furthermore, we found CCR10+ resident CD8+ T cells contribute to the homeostatic maintenance of Treg and CD4+ effector T cells in the skin. Defective establishment of CCR10-knockout CD8+ T cells in the skin was shown to correlate with a reduction of skin-resident Treg cells. Skin-resident CD8+ T cells express high amounts of B7.2, a ligand for CTLA-4 which is highly expressed on Treg cells in the skin. In vitro co-culture of purified skin CD8+ and Treg cells suggests B7-2/receptor interaction is important for CD8+ cell-mediated survival of Treg cells. These findings will greatly aid in further understanding the development and homeostasis of skin resident T cells.

Selective programming of CCR10(+) innate lymphoid cells in skin-draining lymph nodes for cutaneous homeostatic regulation

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) 'preferentially' localize into barrier tissues, where they function in tissue protection but can also contribute to inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms that regulate the establishment of ILCs in barrier tissues are poorly understood. Here we found that under steady-state conditions, ILCs in skin-draining lymph nodes (sLNs) were continuously activated to acquire regulatory properties and high expression of the chemokine receptor CCR10 for localization into the skin. CCR10(+) ILCs promoted the homeostasis of skin-resident T cells and, reciprocally, their establishment in the skin required T cell-regulated homeostatic environments. CD207(+) dendritic cells expressing the transcription factor Foxn1 were required for the proper generation of CCR10(+) ILCs. These observations reveal mechanisms that underlie the specific programming and priming of skin-homing CCR10(+) ILCs in the sLNs.

Selective programming of regulatory CCR10+ innate lymphoid cells in skin-draining lymph nodes for skin immune homeostatic regulation (MUC2P.918)

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are preferentially localized in barrier tissues where they function in homeostatic regulation but also contribute to inflammatory diseases. Mechanisms regulating establishment of ILCs in barrier tissues with diverse functions in homeostasis and inflammation are poorly understood. We found that microenvironments of lymph nodes (LNs) program ILCs with homing and functional potentials for their tissue-specific functions. In skin- but not mucosal tissue-draining LNs, ILCs were continuously activated to acquire regulatory properties with high expression of CCR10 for their localization into the skin. Upon analyzing Rag1-/-, Foxn1-/-, Foxp3-/- and skin-inflammation-induced mice, we found that the generation of CCR10+ ILCs in skin-draining LNs and their establishment in the skin required T cell-regulated homeostatic environments and were suppressed during inflammation. Reciprocally, CCR10+ ILCs also promote homeostasis of resident T cells. When transferred into IL2Rγ-/-Rag2-/- mice that lack ILCs, CD4+ T cells could not establish homeostasis in the skin, with notably reduced regulatory T cells and increased effector T cells expressing high levels of inflammatory cytokines, demonstrating cross-regulation of CCR10+ ILCs and CD4+ T cells to promote immune homeostasis in the skin. Our studies reveal a process programming tissue-specific ILCs in LNs for their localization and function in local tissues.

Regulation of intestinal IgA responses

The intestine harbors enormous numbers of commensal bacteria and is under frequent attack from food-borne pathogens and toxins. A properly regulated immune response is critical for homeostatic maintenance of commensals and for protection against infection and toxins in the intestine. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) isotype antibodies function specifically in mucosal sites such as the intestines to help maintain intestinal health by binding to and regulating commensal microbiota, pathogens and toxins. IgA antibodies are produced by intestinal IgA antibody-secreting plasma cells generated in gut-associated lymphoid tissues from naïve B cells in response to stimulations of the intestinal bacteria and components. Research on generation, migration, and maintenance of IgA-secreting cells is important in our effort to understand the biology of IgA responses and to help better design vaccines against intestinal infections.

Antitumor immunity. A shed NKG2D ligand that promotes natural killer cell activation and tumor rejection

Immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, recognize transformed cells and eliminate them in a process termed immunosurveillance. It is thought that tumor cells evade immunosurveillance by shedding membrane ligands that bind to the NKG2D-activating receptor on NK cells and/or T cells, and desensitize these cells. In contrast, we show that in mice, a shed form of MULT1, a high-affinity NKG2D ligand, causes NK cell activation and tumor rejection. Recombinant soluble MULT1 stimulated tumor rejection in mice. Soluble MULT1 functions, at least in part, by competitively reversing a global desensitization of NK cells imposed by engagement of membrane NKG2D ligands on tumor-associated cells, such as myeloid cells. The results overturn conventional wisdom that soluble ligands are always inhibitory and suggest a new approach for cancer immunotherapy.

IgE actions on CD4+ T cells, mast cells, and macrophages participate in the pathogenesis of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) activates mast cells (MCs). It remains unknown whether IgE also activates other inflammatory cells, and contributes to the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This study demonstrates that CD4⁺ T cells express IgE receptor FcεR1, at much higher levels than do CD8⁺ T cells. IgE induces CD4⁺ T-cell production of IL6 and IFN-γ, but reduces their production of IL10. FcεR1 deficiency (Fcer1a^−/−) protects apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe^−/−) mice from angiotensin-II infusion-induced AAAs and reduces plasma IL6 levels. Adoptive transfer of CD4⁺ T cells (but not CD8⁺ T cells), MCs, and macrophages from Apoe^−/− mice, but not those from Apoe^−/−Fcer1a^−/− mice, increases AAA size and plasma IL6 in Apoe^−/−Fcer1a^−/− recipient mice. Biweekly intravenous administration of an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody ablated plasma IgE and reduced AAAs in Apoe^−/− mice. Patients with AAAs had significantly higher plasma IgE levels than those without AAAs. This study establishes an important role of IgE in AAA pathogenesis by activating CD4⁺ T cells, MCs, and macrophages and supports consideration of neutralizing plasma IgE in the therapeutics of human AAAs.

[Effect of peer education on postoperative rehabilitation of patients with laryngeal cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of peer education on postoperative rehabilitation of patients with laryngeal cancer.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2012, 240 cases of primary laryngeal cancer were treated with partial or total laryngectomy as well as tracheotomy in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery in Shandong Provincial Hospital. The patients were randomly divided into experimental group or control group by Stochastic tables law, 120 patients in control group accepted only conventional nursing, 120 patients in experimental group accepted both conventional nursing and peer education. The difference in the treatment nursing cooperation attitude, postoperative recovery, postoperative symptoms and the incidence of complications between two groups were evaluated by postoperative quality of life (UW-QOL), Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ) and coping style questionnaire (CSQ) score. The independent sample T-test and χ² test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The patients of experimental group showed more positive attitude to treatment and care compared to the patients of control group (χ² = 10.7, P < 0.01). Experimental group had less time in postoperative wound healing time, gastric tube indwelling time and postoperative hospital stay than control group, with statistically significant differences (t = 6.89, t = 6.36, t = 6.42, respectively, P < 0.01); Incidence of postoperative discomfort symptoms in experimental group was less than that in control group (P < 0.05). Total score for quality of life (UW-QOL) in experimental group was higher than that in control group (t = 2.40, P < 0.05). The P and N scores of EPQ in experimental group were lower than those in control group (t = 2.28, t = 2.60, P < 0.05), while the E score of EPQ in experimental group was significantly higher than that in control group (t = 4.50, P < 0.01), with no significant difference in the L score of EPQ between two groups (P > 0.05). scores of factor to solve problem and help factor of CSQ in experimental group were higher than those in control group (t = 7.05, t = 7.73, P < 0.01), and the era factor score of experimental group was lower than that of control group (t = 2.05, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Peer education can help the patients with laryngectomy to maintain good psychological and mental status, to cooperate actively with treatment, to reduce symptoms and complications, and to shorten the length of hospital stay, improving their postoperative rehabilitation and quality of life.

Differential developmental requirement and peripheral regulation for dermal Vγ4 and Vγ6T17 cells in health and inflammation

Dermal IL-17-producing γδT cells play a critical role in skin inflammation. However, their development and peripheral regulation have not been fully elucidated. Here we demonstrate that dermal γδT cells develop from the embryonic thymus and undergo homeostatic proliferation after birth with diversified TCR repertoire. Vγ6T cells are bona fide resident but precursors of dermal Vγ4T cells may require extrathymic environment for imprinting skin homing properties. Thymic Vγ6T cells are more competitive than Vγ4 for dermal γδT cell reconstitution and TCRδ^−/− mice reconstituted with Vγ6 develop psoriasis-like inflammation after IMQ-application. Although both IL-23 and IL-1β promote Vγ4 and Vγ6 proliferation, Vγ4 are the main source of IL-17 production, which requires IL-1 signaling. Mice with deficiency of IL-1RI signaling have significantly decreased skin inflammation. These studies reveal a differential developmental requirement and peripheral regulation for dermal Vγ6 and Vγ4 γδT cells, implying a new mechanism that may be involved in skin inflammation.

CCR10 regulates maintenance and function of resident regulatory and effector T cells in the skin (MUC7P.772)

Skin, the largest organ of human body, is under frequent assaults by various environmental agents. To maintain its integrity and function, immune cells in the skin are tightly regulated to allow tolerance to harmless antigens but mount effective response to dangerous assaults, and their dysregulation might increase incidence of skin diseases. CCR10, with its ligand CCL27 uniquely expressed by keratinocytes, are the most skin-specific chemokine/receptor pair implicated in the skin T cell migration and inflammatory diseases. However, targeting CCR10 or CCL27 had little effects on these processes in animal models and the regulation and function of CCR10 in vivo remain elusive. Using CCR10 knockout/EGFP knockin mice we found that CCR10-/- mice had imbalanced numbers and dysregulated functions of skin-resident effector and regulatory T (Teff and Treg) cells associated with enhanced innate and memory skin immune responses to antigen stimulations. On the other hand, CCR10 -/- mice cleared the skin Leishmania major (L. major) infection more efficiently than wild type (WT) mice did. Adoptive transfer studies found that CCR10 is required for the migration and maintenance of skin-resident CD8+ and CD4+ cells into homeostatic skin but not during the inflammation. These findings reveal that the CCR10/CCL27 axis plays important roles in the migration, maintenance and function of skin-resident regulatory and effector T cells for the local homeostatic regulation.

CCR10 regulates intestinal immune homeostasis through regulating both Treg and Teff cells in the intestine (MUC2P.832)

Intestinal immune homeostasis is an active process of balanced tolerant responses towards the gut-resident commensals and other food-born stimulations. Failure of the balanced response could lead to inflammatory diseases and cancers. Understanding molecular mechanisms that differentially regulate the homeostatic vs. inflammatory activation of T cells are fundamentally important in the intestinal immunity. CCR10, through interaction with its mucosa-specific ligand CCL28, was previously found important in regulation of IgA antibody-producing B cells in intestines. On the other hand, CCR10 was suggested to be a skin- but not gut- homing molecule for T cells. Using a novel strain of CCR10-knockout/EGFP-knockin mouse, we found that CCR10 is specifically induced on activating T cells in healthy intestines in situ and is critically important in balanced maintenance and functions of Treg and Teff cells to promote the intestinal homeostasis. On the other hand, during intestinal immune activations associated with infection or other inflammatory stimulations, the induction of CCR10 on activated intestinal T cells were suppressed that allows the T cell activation along different lineages. Our findings represent the first demonstration that a chemokine receptor is specifically associated with the homeostatic status of the intestine and reveal that there exists an auto-promoting feedback circuit of intestinal homeostasis in which the CCR10/ligand axis are a critical molecular link.