Evaluation of humoral and cellular immune responses against Vibrio cholerae using oral immunization by multi-epitope-phage-based vaccine

INTRODUCTION

Cholera is a severe gastrointestinal disease that manifests with rapid onset of diarrhea, vomiting, and high mortality rates. Due to its widespread occurrence in impoverished communities with poor water sanitation, there is an urgent demand for a cost-effective and highly efficient vaccine. Multi-epitope vaccines containing dominant immunological epitopes and adjuvant compounds have demonstrated potential in boosting the immune response.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

B and T epitopes of OMPU, OMPW, TCPA, CTXA, and CTXB proteins were predicted using bioinformatics methods. Subsequently, highly antigenic multi-epitopes that are non-allergenic and non-toxic were synthesized. These multi-epitopes were then cloned into the pCOMB phagemid. A plasmid M13KO7ΔpIII containing all helper phage proteins except pIII was created to produce the recombinant phage. Female Balb/c mice were divided into three groups and immunized accordingly. The mice received the helper phage, recombinant phage or PBS via gavage feeding thrice within two weeks. Serum samples were collected before and after immunization for the ELISA test as well as evaluating immune system induction through ELISpot testing of spleen lymphocytes.

RESULTS

The titer of the recombinant phage was determined to be 1011 PFU/ml. The presence of the recombinant phage was confirmed through differences in optical density between sample and control groups in the ELISA phage technique, as well as by observing transduction activity, which demonstrated successful production of a recombinant phage displaying the Vibrio multi-epitope on M13 phage pIII. ELISA results revealed significant differences in phage antibodies before and after inoculation, particularly notable in the negative control mice. Mice treated with multi-epitope phages exhibited antibodies against Vibrio cholerae lysate. Additionally, ELISpot results indicated activation of cellular immunity in mice receiving both Vibrio and helper phage.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the potential of multi-epitope on phage to enhance both cellular and humoral immunity in mice, demonstrating how phages can be used as adjuvants to stimulate mucosal immunity and act as promising candidates for oral vaccination.

Smart co-delivery of plasmid DNA and doxorubicin using MCM-chitosan-PEG polymerization functionalized with MUC-1 aptamer against breast cancer

This study introduces an innovative co-delivery approach using the MCM-co-polymerized nanosystem, integrating chitosan and polyethylene glycol, and targeted by the MUC-1 aptamer (MCM@CS@PEG-APT). This system enables simultaneous delivery of the GFP plasmid and doxorubicin (DOX). The synthesis of the nanosystem was thoroughly characterized at each step, including FTIR, XRD, BET, DLS, FE-SEM, and HRTEM analyses. The impact of individual polymers (chitosan and PEG) on payload retardation was compared to the co-polymerized MCM@CS@PEG conjugation. Furthermore, the DOX release mechanism was investigated using various kinetic models. The nanosystem's potential for delivering GFP plasmid and DOX separately and simultaneously was assessed through fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The co-polymerized nanosystem exhibited superior payload entrapment (1:100 ratio of Plasmid:NPs) compared to separately polymer-coated counterparts (1:640 ratio of Plasmid:NPs). Besides, the presence of pH-sensitive chitosan creates a smart nanosystem for efficient DOX and GFP plasmid delivery into tumor cells, along with a Higuchi model pattern for drug release. Toxicity assessments against breast tumor cells also indicated reduced off-target effects compared to pure DOX, introducing it as a promising candidate for targeted cancer therapy. Cellular uptake findings demonstrated the nanosystem's ability to deliver GFP plasmid and DOX separately into MCF-7 cells, with rates of 32% and 98%, respectively. Flow cytometry results confirmed efficient co-delivery, with 42.7% of cells showing the presence of both GFP-plasmid and DOX, while 52.2% exclusively contained DOX. Overall, our study explores the co-delivery potential of the MCM@CS@PEG-APT nanosystem in breast cancer therapy. This system's ability to co-deliver multiple agents preciselyopens new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Prospective Prediction of Treatment Response in High-Grade Glioma Patients using Pre-Treatment Tumor ADC Value and miR-222 and miR-205 Expression Levels in Plasma

Background

Treatment response in High-grade Glioma (HGG) patients changes based on their genetic and biological characteristics. MiRNAs, as important regulators of drug and radiation resistance, and the Apparent Diffusion Coefficients (ADC) value of tumor can be used as a prognostic predictor for glioma.

Objective

This study aimed to identify some of the pre-treatment individual patient features for predicting the treatment response in HGG patients.

Material and Methods

In this prospective study, 18 HGG patients, who were candidated for chemo-radiation treatment, participated after informed consent of the patients. The investigated features were the expression level of miR-222 and miR-205 in plasma, the ADC value of tumor, Body Mass Index (BMI), and age. Treatment response was assessed, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used to obtain a model to predict the treatment response. Mann-Whitney U test was also applied to select the variables with a significant relationship with patients' treatment response.

Results

The LASSO coefficients for miR-205, miR-222, tumor's mean ADC value, BMI, and age were 3.611, -1.683, 2.468, -0.184, and -0.024, respectively. Mann-Whitney U test results showed miR-205 and tumor's mean ADC significantly related to treatment response (P-value<0.05).

Conclusion

The miR-205 expression level of the patient in plasma and tumor's mean ADC value has the potential for prognostic predictors in HGG.

The nexus of natural killer cells and melanoma tumor microenvironment: crosstalk, chemotherapeutic potential, and innovative NK cell-based therapeutic strategies

The metastasis of melanoma cells to regional lymph nodes and distant sites is an important contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality among patients with melanoma. This intricate process entails dynamic interactions involving tumor cells, cellular constituents, and non-cellular elements within the microenvironment. Moreover, both microenvironmental and systemic factors regulate the metastatic progression. Central to immunosurveillance for tumor cells are natural killer (NK) cells, prominent effectors of the innate immune system with potent antitumor and antimetastatic capabilities. Recognizing their pivotal role, contemporary immunotherapeutic strategies are actively integrating NK cells to combat metastatic tumors. Thus, a meticulous exploration of the interplay between metastatic melanoma and NK cells along the metastatic cascade is important. Given the critical involvement of NK cells within the melanoma tumor microenvironment, this comprehensive review illuminates the intricate relationship between components of the melanoma tumor microenvironment and NK cells, delineating their multifaceted roles. By shedding light on these critical aspects, this review advocates for a deeper understanding of NK cell dynamics within the melanoma context, driving forward transformative strategies to combat this cancer.

Advances in nanobased platforms for cardiovascular diseases: Early diagnosis, imaging, treatment, and tissue engineering

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) present a significant threat to health, with traditional therapeutics based treatment being hindered by inefficiencies, limited biological effects, and resistance to conventional drug. Addressing these challenges requires advanced approaches for early disease diagnosis and therapy. Nanotechnology and nanomedicine have emerged as promising avenues for personalized CVD diagnosis and treatment through theranostic agents. Nanoparticles serve as nanodevices or nanocarriers, efficiently transporting drugs to injury sites. These nanocarriers offer the potential for precise drug and gene delivery, overcoming issues like bioavailability and solubility. By attaching specific target molecules to nanoparticle surfaces, controlled drug release to targeted areas becomes feasible. In the field of cardiology, nanoplatforms have gained popularity due to their attributes, such as passive or active targeting of cardiac tissues, enhanced sensitivity and specificity, and easy penetration into heart and artery tissues due to their small size. However, concerns persist about the immunogenicity and cytotoxicity of nanomaterials, necessitating careful consideration. Nanoparticles also hold promise for CVD diagnosis and imaging, enabling straightforward diagnostic procedures and real-time tracking during therapy. Nanotechnology has revolutionized cardiovascular imaging, yielding multimodal and multifunctional vehicles that outperform traditional methods. The paper provides an overview of nanomaterial delivery routes, targeting techniques, and recent advances in treating, diagnosing, and engineering tissues for CVDs. It also discusses the future potential of nanomaterials in CVDs, including theranostics, aiming to enhance cardiovascular treatment in clinical practice. Ultimately, refining nanocarriers and delivery methods has the potential to enhance treatment effectiveness, minimize side effects, and improve patients' well-being and outcomes.

The molecular perspective on the melanoma and genome engineering of T-cells in targeting therapy

Melanoma, an aggressive malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in humans, is on the rise globally, with limited non-surgical treatment options available. Recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immune escape, tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and cancer metastasis have paved the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. Combination therapy targeting multiple pathways simultaneously has been shown to be promising in treating melanoma, eliciting favorable responses in most melanoma patients. CAR T-cells, engineered to overcome the limitations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-dependent tumor cell detection associated with T-cell receptors, offer an alternative approach. By genetically modifying apheresis-collected allogeneic or autologous T-cells to express chimeric antigen receptors, CAR T-cells can appreciate antigens on cell surfaces independently of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), providing a significant cancer cell detection advantage. However, identifying the most effective target antigen is the initial step, as it helps mitigate the risk of toxicity due to "on-target, off-tumor" and establishes a targeted therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, evaluating signaling pathways and critical molecules involved in melanoma pathogenesis remains insufficient. This study emphasizes the novel approaches of CAR T-cell immunoediting and presents new insights into the molecular signaling pathways associated with melanoma.

Phage based vaccine: A novel strategy in prevention and treatment

The vaccine was first developed in 1796 by a British physician, Edward Jenner, against the smallpox virus. This invention revolutionized medical science and saved lives around the world. The production of effective vaccines requires dominant immune epitopes to elicit a robust immune response. Thus, applying bacteriophages has attracted the attention of many researchers because of their advantages in vaccine design and development. Bacteriophages are not infectious to humans and are unlikely to bind to cellular receptors and activate signaling pathways. Phages could activate both cellular and humoral immunity, which is another goal of an effective vaccine design. Also, phages act as an effective adjuvant, along with the antigens, and induce a robust immune response. Phage-based vaccines can also be administered orally because of their stability in the gastrointestinal tract, in contrast to common vaccination routes, which are intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular. This review presents the current improvements in phage-based vaccines and their applications as preventive or therapeutic vaccines.

A comprehensive review on novel targeted therapy methods and nanotechnology-based gene delivery systems in melanoma

Melanoma, a malignant form of skin cancer, has been swiftly increasing in recent years. Although there have been significant advancements in clinical treatment underlying a well-understanding of melanoma-susceptible genes and the molecular basis of melanoma pathogenesis, the permanency of response to therapy is frequently constrained by the emergence of acquired resistance and systemic toxicity. Conventional therapies, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have already been used to treat melanoma and are dependent on the cancer stage. Nevertheless, ineffective side effects and the heterogeneity of tumors pose major obstacles to the therapeutic treatment of malignant melanoma through such strategies. In light of this, advanced therapies including nucleic acid therapies (ncRNA, aptamers), suicide gene therapies, and gene therapy using tumor suppressor genes, have lately gained immense attention in the field of cancer treatment. Furthermore, nanomedicine and targeted therapy based on gene editing tools have been applied to the treatment of melanoma as potential cancer treatment approaches nowadays. Indeed, nanovectors enable delivery of the therapeutic agents into the tumor sites by passive or active targeting, improving therapeutic efficiency and minimizing adverse effects. Accordingly, in this review, we summarized the recent findings related to novel targeted therapy methods as well as nanotechnology-based gene systems in melanoma. We also discussed current issues along with potential directions for future research, paving the way for the next-generation of melanoma treatments.

Enhanced in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of whole tumor lysate in combination with whole tumor cell-specific polyclonal antibody

Background and purpose

Despite the widespread utilization of cancer vaccines with specified antigens, the use of whole tumor cell lysates in tumor immunotherapy would be a very promising approach that can overcome several significant obstacles in vaccine production. Whole tumor cells provide a broad source of tumor-associated antigens and can activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD4+ T helper cells concurrently. On the other hand, as an effective immunotherapy strategy, recent investigations have shown that the multi-targeting of tumor cells with polyclonal antibodies, which are also more effective than monoclonal antibodies at mediating effector functions for target elimination, might minimize the escape variants.

Experimental approach

We prepared polyclonal antibodies by immunizing rabbits with the highly invasive 4T1 breast cancer cell line.

Findings/Results

In vitro investigation indicated that the immunized rabbit serum inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in target tumor cells. Moreover, in vivo analysis showed enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of whole tumor cell lysate in combination with tumor cell-immunized serum. This combination therapy proved beneficial in significant inhibition of the tumor growth and the established tumor was entirely eradicated in treated mice.

Conclusion and implications

Serial intravenous injections of tumor cell immunized rabbit serum significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo in combination with whole tumor lysate. This platform could be a promising method for developing clinical-grade vaccines and open up the possibility of addressing the effectiveness and safety of cancer vaccines.

miRNA-encapsulated abiotic materials and biovectors for cutaneous and oral wound healing: Biogenesis, mechanisms, and delivery nanocarriers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as therapeutic agents have attracted increasing interest in the past decade owing to their significant effectiveness in treating a wide array of ailments. These polymerases II-derived noncoding RNAs act through post-transcriptional controlling of different proteins and their allied pathways. Like other areas of medicine, researchers have utilized miRNAs for managing acute and chronic wounds. The increase in the number of patients suffering from either under-healing or over-healing wound demonstrates the limited efficacy of the current wound healing strategies and dictates the demands for simpler approaches with greater efficacy. Various miRNA can be designed to induce pathway beneficial for wound healing. However, the proper design of miRNA and its delivery system for wound healing applications are still challenging due to their limited stability and intracellular delivery. Therefore, new miRNAs are required to be identified and their delivery strategy needs to be optimized. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of miRNAs in various stages of wound healing and provide an insight on the most recent findings in the nanotechnology and biomaterials field, which might offer opportunities for the development of new strategies for this chronic condition. We also highlight the advances in biomaterials and delivery systems, emphasizing their challenges and resolutions for miRNA-based wound healing. We further review various biovectors (e.g., adenovirus and lentivirus) and abiotic materials such as organic and inorganic nanomaterials, along with dendrimers and scaffolds, as the delivery systems for miRNA-based wound healing. Finally, challenges and opportunities for translation of miRNA-based strategies into clinical applications are discussed.

Optimization of Culture Media for Ex vivo T-Cell Expansion for Adoptive T-Cell Therapy

BACKGROUND

Adoptive T-cell therapy is a promising treatment strategy for cancer immunotherapy. The ability of immunotherapy based on the adoptive cell transfer of genetically modified T cells to generate powerful clinical responses has been highlighted by recent clinical success. Techniques which are used to expand large numbers of T cells from different sources are critical in adoptive cell therapy. In this study, we evaluated the expansion, proliferation, activation of T lymphocytes, in the presence of various concentrations of interleukin-2, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and insulin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of different supplemented culture media on T cell expansion was evaluated using MTT assay. The expression level of the Ki-67 proliferation marker was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, flow cytometry analysis was performed to access T cell subpopulations.

RESULTS

Our results showed that supplemented culture media with an optimized concentration of PHA and interleukin-2 increased total fold expansion of T cells up to 500-fold with approximately 90% cell viability over 7 days. The quantitative assessment of Ki-67 in expanded T cells showed a significant elevation of this proliferation marker. Flow cytometry was also used to assess the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and the main expanded population was CD3+ CD8+ cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, we introduced a low-cost and rapid method to support the efficient expansion of T cells for adoptive cell therapy and other in vivo experiments.

Genetically Engineered Viral Vectors and Organic-Based Non-Viral Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery Applications

Conventional drug delivery systems are challenged by concerns related to systemic toxicity, repetitive doses, drug concentrations fluctuation, and adverse effects. Various drug delivery systems are developed to overcome these limitations. Nanomaterials are employed in a variety of biomedical applications such as therapeutics delivery, cancer therapy, and tissue engineering. Physiochemical nanoparticle assembly techniques involve the application of solvents and potentially harmful chemicals, commonly at high temperatures. Genetically engineered organisms have the potential to be used as promising candidates for greener, efficient, and more adaptable platforms for the synthesis and assembly of nanomaterials. Genetically engineered carriers are precisely designed and constructed in shape and size, enabling precise control over drug attachment sites. The high accuracy of these novel advanced materials, biocompatibility, and stimuli-responsiveness, elucidate their emerging application in controlled drug delivery. The current article represents the research progress in developing various genetically engineered carriers. Organic-based nanoparticles including cellulose, collagen, silk-like polymers, elastin-like protein, silk-elastin-like protein, and inorganic-based nanoparticles are discussed in detail. Afterward, viral-based carriers are classified, and their potential for targeted therapeutics delivery is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and prospects of these delivery systems are concluded.

Advances in aptamer-based drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy

Overall, aptamers are special classes of nucleic acid-based macromolecules that are beginning to investigate because of their capability of avidity binding to a specific target for clinical use. Taking advantage of target-specific medicine led to more effective therapeutic and limitation of side effects of drugs. Herein, we discuss several aptamers and their binding capability and capacity for selecting tumor biomarkers and usage of them as targeting ligands for the functionalization of nanomaterials. We review recent applications based on aptamers and several nanoparticles to rise efficacy and develop carrier systems such as graphene oxide, folic acid, gold, mesopores silica, and various polymers and copolymer, polyethylene glycol, cyclodextrin, chitosan. The nanocarriers have been characterized by particle size, zeta potential, aptamer conjugation, and drug encapsulation efficiency. Hydrodynamic diameter and Zeta potential can used in order to monitor aptamers' crosslinking, in-vitro drug release, intracellular delivery of nanocarriers, and cellular cytotoxicity assay. Also, they are studied for cellular uptake and internalization to types of cancer cell lines such as colorectal, breast, prostate, leukemia and etc. The results are investigated in in-vivo cytotoxicity assay and cell viability assay. Targeted cancer therapy seems a good and promising strategy to overcome the systemic toxicity of chemotherapy.

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics for dermal wound healing

Non-healing wounds have long been the subject of scientific and clinical investigations. Despite breakthroughs in understanding the biology of delayed wound healing, only limited advances have been made in properly treating wounds. Recently, research into nucleic acids (NAs) such as small-interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), plasmid DNA (pDNA), aptamers, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) has resulted in the development of a latest therapeutic strategy for wound healing. In this regard, dendrimers, scaffolds, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, hydrogels, and metal nanoparticles have all been explored as NA delivery techniques. However, the translational possibility of NA remains a substantial barrier. As a result, different NAs must be identified, and their distribution method must be optimized. This review explores the role of NA-based therapeutics in various stages of wound healing and provides an update on the most recent findings in the development of NA-based nanomedicine and biomaterials, which may offer the potential for the invention of novel therapies for this long-term condition. Further, the challenges and potential for miRNA-based techniques to be translated into clinical applications are also highlighted.

Gene Editing-Based Technologies for Beta-hemoglobinopathies Treatment

Beta (β)-thalassemia is a group of human inherited abnormalities caused by various molecular defects, which involves a decrease or cessation in the balanced synthesis of the β-globin chains in hemoglobin structure. Traditional treatment for β-thalassemia major is allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from a completely matched donor. The limited number of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors, long-term use of immunosuppressive regimen and higher risk of immunological complications have limited the application of this therapeutic approach. Furthermore, despite improvements in transfusion practices and chelation treatment, many lingering challenges have encouraged researchers to develop newer therapeutic strategies such as nanomedicine and gene editing. One of the most powerful arms of genetic manipulation is gene editing tools, including transcription activator-like effector nucleases, zinc-finger nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-Cas-associated nucleases. These tools have concentrated on γ- or β-globin addition, regulating the transcription factors involved in expression of endogenous γ-globin such as KLF1, silencing of γ-globin inhibitors including BCL11A, SOX6, and LRF/ZBTB7A, and gene repair strategies. In this review article, we present a systematic overview of the appliances of gene editing tools for β-thalassemia treatment and paving the way for patients' therapy.

Conceptual Framework for SARS-CoV-2-Related Lymphopenia

The emerging of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates globally. One of the most prominent characteristics of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is lymphopenia, which is in contrast to other viral infections. This controversy might be explained by the evaluation of impaired innate and adaptive immune responses, during the SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the innate immune response, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase hyperactivated due to virus entry and extensive DNA damage sequentially, leading to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+ depletion, adenosine triphosphate depletion, and finally cell death. In contrast to the immune response against viral infections, cytotoxic T lymphocytes decline sharply in SARS-CoV-2 infection which might be due to infiltration and trapping in the lower respiratory tract. In addition, there are more factors proposed to involve in lymphopenia in COVID-19 infection such as the role of CD38, which functions as NADase and intensifies NAD depletion, which in turn affects NAD+–dependent Sirtuin proteins, as the regulators of cell death and viability. Lung tissue sequestration following cytokine storm supposed to be another reason for lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients. Protein 7a, as one of the virus-encoded proteins, induces apoptosis in various organ-derived cell lines. These mechanisms proposed to induce lymphopenia, although there are still more studies needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms for lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients.

Identification of Significant Genes and Pathways Associated with Tenascin-C in Cancer Progression by Bioinformatics Analysis

Background

Tenascin-C (TNC) is a large glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix which associated with poor clinical outcomes in several malignancies. TNC over-expression is repeatedly observed in several cancer tissues and promotes several processes in tumor progression. Until quite recently, more needs to be known about the potential mechanisms of TNC as a key player in cancer progression and metastasis.

Materials and Methods

In the present study, we performed a bioinformatics analysis of breast and colorectal cancer expression microarray data to survey TNC role and function with holistic view. Gene expression profiles were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal samples and cancer biopsy samples. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs with CluePedia plugin of Cytoscape software were constructed. Furthermore, after PPI network construction, gene-regulatory networks analysis was performed to predict long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs associated with TNC and cluster analysis was performed. Using the Clue gene ontology (GO) plugin of Cytoscape software, the GO and pathway enrichment analysis were performed.

Results

PPI and DEGs-miRNA-lncRNA regulatory networks showed TNC is a significant node in a huge network, and one of the main gene with high centrality parameters. Furthermore, from the regulatory level perspective, TNC could be significantly impressed by miR-335-5p. GO analysis results showed that TNC was significantly enriched in cancer-related biological processes.

Conclusions

It is important to identify the TNC underlying molecular mechanisms in cancer progression, which may be clinically useful for tumor-targeting strategies. Bioinformatics analysis provides an insight into the significant roles that TNC plays in cancer progression scenarios.

Cancer Occurrence as the Upcoming Complications of COVID-19

Previous studies suggested that patients with comorbidities including cancer had a higher risk of mortality or developing more severe forms of COVID-19. The interaction of cancer and COVID-19 is unrecognized and potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on cancer outcome remain to be explored. Furthermore, whether COVID‐19 increases the risk of cancer in those without previous history of malignancies, has not yet been studied. Cancer progression, recurrence and metastasis depend on the complex interaction between the tumor and the host inflammatory response. Extreme proinflammatory cytokine release (cytokine storm) and multi‐organ failure are hallmarks of severe COVID‐19. Besides impaired T-Cell response, elevated levels of cytokines, growth factors and also chemokines in the plasma of patients in the acute phase of COVID-19 as well as tissue damage and chronic low‐grade inflammation in “long COVID‐19” syndrome may facilitate cancer progression and recurrence. Following a systemic inflammatory response syndrome, some counterbalancing compensatory anti-inflammatory mechanisms will be activated to restore immune homeostasis. On the other hand, there remains the possibility of the integration of SARS- CoV-2 into the host genome, which potentially may cause cancer. These mechanisms have also been shown to be implicated in both tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this review, we are going to focus on potential mechanisms and the molecular interplay, which connect COVID-19, inflammation, and immune-mediated tumor progression that may propose a framework to understand the possible role of COVID-19 infection in tumorgenesis and cancer progression.

Chimeric antigen receptor-T cells immunotherapy for targeting breast cancer

Redirected chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells can recognize and eradicate cancer cells in a major histocompatibility complex independent manner. Genetic engineering of T cells through CAR expression has yielded great results in the treatment of hematological malignancies compared with solid tumors. There has been a constant effort to enhance the effectiveness of these living drugs, due to their limited success in targeting solid tumors. Poor T cell trafficking, tumor-specific antigen selection, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are considered as the main barriers in targeting solid tumors by CAR T-cells. Here, we reviewed the current state of CAR T-cell therapy in breast cancer, as the second cancer-related death in women worldwide, as well as some strategies adopted to keep the main limitations of CAR T-cells under control. Also, we summarized various approaches that have been developed to enhance the therapeutic outcomes of this treatment in solid tumors targeting.

The Molecular Basis of COVID-19 Pathogenesis, Conventional and Nanomedicine Therapy

In late 2019, a new member of the Coronaviridae family, officially designated as "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" (SARS-CoV-2), emerged and spread rapidly. The Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak was accompanied by a high rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Within the Coronaviridae family, SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be the third most highly pathogenic virus that infects humans, following the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Four major mechanisms are thought to be involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis, including the activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) signaling pathway, oxidative stress and cell death, cytokine storm, and endothelial dysfunction. Following virus entry and RAS activation, acute respiratory distress syndrome develops with an oxidative/nitrosative burst. The DNA damage induced by oxidative stress activates poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1), viral macrodomain of non-structural protein 3, poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), and transient receptor potential melastatin type 2 (TRPM2) channel in a sequential manner which results in cell apoptosis or necrosis. In this review, blockers of angiotensin II receptor and/or PARP, PARG, and TRPM2, including vitamin D3, trehalose, tannins, flufenamic and mefenamic acid, and losartan, have been investigated for inhibiting RAS activation and quenching oxidative burst. Moreover, the application of organic and inorganic nanoparticles, including liposomes, dendrimers, quantum dots, and iron oxides, as therapeutic agents for SARS-CoV-2 were fully reviewed. In the present review, the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are explained by focusing on molecular mechanisms. Potential therapeutic targets, including the RAS signaling pathway, PARP, PARG, and TRPM2, are also discussed in depth.

Generation of HBsAg DNA aptamer using modified cell-based SELEX strategy

Aptamers as potential alternatives for antibodies could be employed against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the great hallmark and first serological marker in HBV, for further theragnostic applications. Therefore, isolation HBsAg specific aptamer was performed in this study with a modified Cell-SELEX method. HEK293T overexpressing HBsAg and HEK293T as target and control cells respectively, were incubated with single-stranded rounds of DNA library during six SELEX and Counter SELEX rounds. Here, we introduced the new modified Cell-SELEX using deoxyribonuclease I digestion to separate single stranded DNA aptamers against the HBsAg. Characterization and evaluation of selected sequences were performed using flow cytometry analysis. The results led to isolation of 15 different ssDNA clones in six rounds of selection which were categorized to four clusters based on common structural motifs. The evaluation of SELEX progress showed growth in aptamer affinity with increasing in the cycle number. Taken together, the application of modified cell-SELEX demonstrated the isolation of HBsAg-specific ssDNA aptamers with proper affinity. Modified cell-SELEX as an efficient method can shorten the selection procedure and increase the success rate while the benefits of cell-based SELEX will be retained. Selected aptamers could be applied in purification columns, diagnostic kits, and drug delivery system against HBV-related liver cancer.

The challenging nature of primary T lymphocytes for transfection: Effect of protamine sulfate on the transfection efficiency of chemical transfection reagents

Background and purpose:

The optimization of an effective non-viral gene delivery method for genetic manipulation of primary human T cells has been a major challenge in immunotherapy researches. Due to the poor transfection efficiency of conventional methods in T cells, there has been an effort to increase the transfection rate in these cells. Protamine is an FDA-approved compound with a documented safety profile that enhances DNA condensation for gene delivery.

Experimental approach:

In this study, the effect of protamine sulfate on the transfection efficiency of standard transfection reagents, was evaluated to transfect primary human T cells. In this regard, pre-condensation of DNA was applied using protamine, and the value of the zeta potential of DNA/protamine/cargo complexes was determined. T cells were transfected with DNA/protamine/cargo complexes. The transfection efficiency rate was evaluated by flow cytometry. Also, the green fluorescent protein expression level and cytotoxicity of each complex were identified using real-time polymerase chain reaction and MTT assay, respectively.

Findings/Results:

Our results demonstrated that protamine efficiently increases the positive charge of DNA/cargo complex without any cytotoxic effect on the primary human T cells. We observed that the transfection efficiency in DNA/protamine/ Lipofectamine^® 2000 and DNA/protamine/TurboFect™ was 87.2% and 78.9%, respectively, while transfection of T cells by Lipofectamine^® 2000 and TurboFect™ would not result in sufficient transfection.

Conclusion and implications:

Protamine sulfate enhanced the transfection rate of T cells; and could be a promising non-viral gene delivery method to achieve a safe, rapid, cost-effective, and efficient system which will be further applied in gene therapy and T cells manipulation methods.

Systems biology approaches toward autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a common of monogenetic disorder caused by the polycystic kidney disease-1 (PKD1) or PKD2 genes deficiency. In this study, we have re-analyzed a microarray dataset to generate a holistic view of this disease.

Methodology

GSE7869, an expression profiling dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After quality control assessment, using GEO2R tool of GEO, genes with adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05 were determined as differentially expressed (DE). The expression profiles from ADPKD samples in different sizes were compared. Using CluePedia plugin of Cytoscape software, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed and analyzed by Cytoscape NetworkAnalyzer tool and MCODE application. Pathway enrichment analysis of clustered genes by MCODE with the high centrality parameters in PPI networks was performed using Cytoscape ClueGO plugin. Moreover, by Enrichr database, microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) targeted DE genes were identified.

Results

In this study to explore the molecular pathogenesis of kidney in ADPKD, mRNA expression profiles of cysts from patients in different sizes were re-analyzed. The comparisons were performed between normal with minimally cystic tissue (MCT) samples, MCTs with small cysts, and small cysts with large cysts. 512, 7024, and 655 DE genes were determined, respectively. The top central genes, e.g. END1, EGFR, and FOXO1 were identified with topology and clustering analysis. DE genes that were significantly enriched in PPI networks are critical genes and their roles in ADPKD remain to be assessed in future experimental studies beside miRNAs and TFs predicted. Furthermore, the functional analysis resulted in which most of them are expected to be associated with ADPKD pathogenesis, such as signal pathways that involved in cell growth, inflammation, and cell polarity.

Conclusion

We have here explored systematic approaches for molecular mechanisms assay of ADPKD as a monogenic disease, which may also be used for other monogenetic diseases beside complex diseases to provide suitable therapeutic targets.

Producing Soluble Human Programmed Cell Death Protein-1: A Natural Supporter for CD4+T Cell Cytotoxicity and Tumor Cells Apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 pathway is one of the immune checkpoint pathways involved in the regulation of the immune responses and the suppression of anti-tumor defense. PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies improve immune responses such as cytotoxic activity of CD8+/CD4+T cells and increase mortality of tumor cells as well; however, their use is accompanied by adverse side effects.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to produce a native blocker of human PD-1/PD-L1, for developing T cells cytotoxicity and tumor cells apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We designed and cloned soluble human PD-1-GFP-pcDNA3.1/hygro construct in Escherichia coli strain TOP10 cells and then transfected this construct into the HEK cells. The concentration of the secreted shPD-1 in the supernatant was measured and the supernatant was used for blocking PD-L1 on the MDA-MB-231 cells. The cytotoxicity of CD8+/CD4+T cells and the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells, under the influence of shPD-1 in the co-culture of T cells with the MDA-MB-231 cells, were evaluated using flow cytometry technique.

RESULTS

The GFP expression in the transfected cells illustrated the successful designing, transfection, and production of shPD-1. Soluble human PD-1 concentration in the supernatant of the transfected HEK cells was significantly higher than the untransfected cells. In addition, shPD-1 significantly blocked PD-L1 on the MDA- MB-231 cells, improved the cytotoxicity of CD4+T cells, and increased the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells.

CONCLUSION

Overall, increased CD4+T cell cytotoxicity and tumor cells apoptosis under the influence of shPD-1, confirmed the effectiveness of shPD-1 as a natural blocker of PD-L1and as an augmenter of the anti-tumorimmune responses.

Development of α4 integrin DNA aptamer as a potential therapeutic tool for multiple sclerosis

One of the most important molecules for multiple sclerosis pathogenesis is α4 integrin, which is responsible for autoreactive leukocytes migration into the brain. The monoclonal antibody, natalizumab, was introduced to market for blocking the extravasation of autoreactive leukocytes via inhibition of α4 integrin. However, the disadvantages of antibodies provided a suitable background for other agents to be replaced with antibodies. Considering the profound advantages of aptamers over antibodies, aptamer isolation against α4 integrin was intended in the current study. The α4 integrin-specific aptamers were selected using cell-systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) method with human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293T overexpressing α4 integrin and HEK-293T as target and control cells, respectively. Evaluation of selected aptamer was performed through flow cytometric analysis. The selected clones were then sequenced and analyzed for any possible secondary structure and affinity. The results of this study led to isolation of 13 different single-stranded DNA clones in 11 rounds of selection which were categorized to three clusters based on common structural motifs and the equilibrium dissociation constant (K _d ) of the most stable structure was calculated. The evaluation of SELEX progress showed growth in aptamer affinity with increasing of the number of cycles. Taken together, the findings of this study demonstrated the isolation of α4-specific single-stranded DNA aptamers with suitable affinity for ligand, which can further be replaced with natalizumab.

Construction and characterization of human embryonic kidney-(HEK)-293T cell overexpressing truncated α4 integrin

Blockade of α4 integrin by antibodies could be an appropriate treatment strategy in multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. Considering disadvantages of antibodies, other elements (e.g. aptamers) have been proposed for antibodies replacement. Isolation of aptamers through cell-SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) method requires positive and negative expressing α4 integrin cell lines. For a better isolation, we intended to construct a negative cell line lacking of specific ligand binding site of α4 integrin. Escherichia coli strain top 10 was used for truncated integrin subunit α4 (TITGA-4) expression vector. Human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293T cell was transfected with linearized TITGA-4 plasmid and subsequently screened for stable truncated TITGA-4 expressing cells. Chromosomal DNA of truncated TITGA-4-transfected cells was extracted and the presence of truncated TITGA-4 gene in HEK-293T genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression level of truncated TITGA-4 on HEK-293T cells was also analysed by real-time PCR and flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and flow cytometric analysis showed significant difference of truncated TITGA-4 expression between untransfected HEK-293T cells compared to transfected cells. The results suggest that we have successfully constructed the truncated integrin α4 expressing HEK-293T cell, which will facilitate further research into the production of antibody, nanobody, and aptamer against α4 integrin.

Expression and purification of biologically active recombinant rabbit monocyte chemoattractant protein1 in Escherichia coli

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) with recruiting monocytes is an important factor at the beginning of inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis which seems its blocking preclude this process and help improvement of related diseases. To perform clinical research in this field, MCP1 protein is required but firstly, animal studies should be done. As the rabbit is a suitable model for many inflammatory disorders, and Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) (BL21) cell is a high-efficiency host for protein expression, we decided to produce recombinant rabbit MCP1 (rRMCP1) in BL21/pET28a system. After codon usage, a construct containing RMCP1 sequence was synthesized, cloned into the pET28a plasmid, and overexpressed in BL21 cells. Followed that, with changing expression condition such as cell concentration before the induction, time period, temperature, shaking rate and inducer concentration (IPTG), rRMCP1 expression was optimized, and purified by Ni-NTA. The biological activity of the expressed protein was verified using monocyte migration assay. Using this expression system, nearly 28 mg/mL rRMCP1 was produced at 26°C/180 rpm for 24 h in LB broth medium with 1 mM IPTG. Therefore, we were succeeded to express the intermediate level of rRMCP1 with this method. This amount of protein is sufficient for biological researches in the laboratory.

Genetic disruption of the KLF1 gene to overexpress the γ-globin gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 system

BACKGROUND

β-thalassemia comprises a major group of human genetic disorders involving a decrease in or an end to the normal synthesis of the β-globin chains of hemoglobin. KLF1 is a key regulatory molecule involved in the γ- to β-globin gene switching process directly inducing the expression of the β-globin gene and indirectly repressing γ-globin. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of an engineered CRISPR/Cas9 system with respect to disrupting the KLF1 gene to inhibit the γ- to β-hemoglobin switching process in K562 cells.

METHODS

We targeted three sites on the KLF1 gene, two of which are upstream of codon 288 in exon 2 and the other site being in exon 3.

RESULTS

The average indel percentage in the cells transfected with CRISPR a, b and c was approximately 24%. Relative quantification was performed for the assessment of γ-globin expression. The levels of γ-globin mRNA on day 5 of differentiation were 8.1-, 7.7- and 1.8-fold in the cells treated with CRISPR/Cas9 a, b and c, respectively,compared to untreated cells. The measurement of HbF expression levels confirmed the same results.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings obtained in the present study support the induction of an indel mutation in the KLF1 gene leading to a null allele. As a result, the effect of KLF1 on the expression of BCL11A is decreased and its inhibitory effect on γ-globin gene expression is removed. Application of CRISPR technology to induce an indel in the KLF1 gene in adult erythroid progenitors may provide a method for activating fetal hemoglobin expression in individuals with β-thalassemia or sickle cell disease.

Display of human and rabbit monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 on human embryonic kidney 293T cell surface

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) is a protein that is secreted immediately upon endothelial injury, and thereby it plays a key role in inflammation via recruitment of leucocytes to the site of inflammation at the beginning and throughout the inflammatory processes. Aim of this study was to develop two separate cell lines displaying either human MCP-1 (HMCP-1) or rabbit MCP-1 (RMCP-1) on their surface. A DNA fragment containing HMCP-1- or RMCP-1-encoding sequence was inserted into a pcDNA plasmid. Escherichia coli cells strain TOP 10F' was separately transformed with the pcDNA/RMCP-1 or /HMCP-1 ligation mixture. Following the cloning and construct verification, human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293T) was transfected with either of the linearized plasmids. Plasmid integration into the genomic DNA of HEK 293T cells was verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HMCP-1 and RMCP-1 expression was evaluated at RNA and protein levels by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. PCR products of the expected sizes were amplified from the chromosomal DNA of transfected HEK 293T cells, i.e. 644 bp for H-MCP1 and 737 bp for RMCP-1 constructs. Real-time PCR revealed that the copy numbers of RMCP1 and HMCP1 mRNA per cell were 294 and 500, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis indicated 85% for RMCP-1 and 87% for HMCP-1 expression levels on the surface of transfected cells, when compared with an isotype control. The experiments thus confirmed that the MCP-1 genes were integrated into the HEK 293T genomic DNA and the encoded proteins were stably expressed on the cell surface.

Interleukin-33 plasma levels in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Cytokines are implicated in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Interleukin (IL)-33, one of the recently discovered members of the IL-1 superfamily, is a dual functional cytokine involved in various autoimmune disorders. In a case-control study, venous blood was collected from healthy subjects categorized as control group (n=44) and MS patients (n=44). All recruited patients were clinically diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), including patients without treatment (new identified cases, n=16) and those treated with interferon beta (IFN-β) (n=28). The plasma levels of IL-33 in subjects were measured with ELISA. Significantly elevated IL-33 plasma levels were observed in RRMS patients (p=0.005). Furthermore, IFN-β-treated MS patients had lower levels of IL-33 compared to the untreated patients (p<0.001). Increased IL-33 plasma levels in the patient group might be associated with development of MS. These results could contribute to our better understanding about the role of IL-33 in the immunopathogenesis of MS.

The silencing effect of miR-30a on ITGA4 gene expression in vitro: an approach for gene therapy

Integrins are adhesion molecules which play crucial roles in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Very late antigen-4 or α4β1 and lymphocyte Peyer’s patch adhesion molecule-1 or α4β7, are key factors in the invasion of tumor cells and metastasis. Based on the previous reports, integrin α4 (ITGA4) is overexpressed in some immune disorders and cancers. Thus, inhibition of ITGA4 could be a therapeutic strategy. In the present study, miR-30a was selected in order to suppress ITGA4 expression. The ITGA4 3' UTR was amplified, cloned in the Z2827-M67-(ITGA4) plasmid and named as Z2827-M67/3'UTR. HeLa cells were divided into five groups; (1) untreated without any transfection, (2) mock with Z2827-M67/3'UTR transfection and X-tremeGENE reagent, (3) negative control with Z2827-M67/3'UTR transfection alone, (4) test with miR-30a mimic and Z2827-M67/3'UTR transfection and (5) scramble with miR-30a scramble and Z2827-M67/3'UTR transfection. The MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell survival and cytotoxicity in each group. Real-time RT-PCR was applied for the ITGA4 expression analysis. The findings of this study showed that miR-30a downregulated ITGA4 expression and had no effect on the cell survival. Due to the silencing effect of miR-30a on the ITGA4 gene expression, this agent could be considered as a potential tool for cancer and immune disorders therapy.

Development of a Stable Cell Line, Overexpressing Human T-cell Immunoglobulin Mucin 1

BACKGROUND

Recent researches have demonstrated that human T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 1 (TIM-1) glycoprotein plays important roles in regulation of autoimmune and allergic diseases, as well as in tumor immunity and response to viral infections. Therefore, targeting TIM-1 could be a potential therapeutic approach against such diseases.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to express TIM-1 protein on Human Embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cell line in order to have an available source of the TIM-1 antigen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cDNA was synthesized after RNA extraction from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and TIM-1 cDNA was amplified by PCR with specific primers. The PCR product was cloned in pcDNA™3.1/Hygro (+) and transformed in Escherichia coli TOP 10 F'. After cloning, authenticity of DNA sequence was checked and expressed in HEK 293T cells. Finally, expression of TIM-1 was analyzed by flow cytometry and real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The result of DNA sequencing demonstrated correctness of TIM-1 DNA sequence. The flow cytometry results indicated that TIM-1 was expressed in about 90% of transfected HEK 293T cells. The real-time PCR analysis showed TIM-1 mRNA expression increased 195-fold in transfected cells compared with un-transfected cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of present study demonstrated the successful cloning and expression of TIM-1 on HEK 293T cells. These cells could be used as an immunogenic source for production of specific monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies and aptamers against human TIM-1.