Osteoclasts and Probiotics Mediate Significant Expansion, Functional Activation and Supercharging in NK, γδ T, and CD3+ T Cells: Use in Cancer Immunotherapy

Our previous studies have introduced osteoclasts (OCs) as major activators of NK cells. It was found that OCs exhibit the capabilities of inducing cell expansion as well as increasing the cytotoxic activity of NK cells by granule release and increasing the secretion of TNF-α and TRAIL, leading to increased lysis of tumors in short-term as well as long-term periods, respectively. OC- induced expanded NK cells were named supercharged NK cells (sNK) due to their significantly high functional activity as well as their significantly higher cell expansion rate. It is, however, unclear whether the OC-mediated effect in NK cells is specific or whether other cytotoxic immune cells can also be expanded and activated by OCs. We chose to focus on γδ T cells and pan T cells, which also include CD8+ T cells. In this paper, we report that OCs are capable of expanding and functionally activating both γδ T cells and pan T cells. Expanded γδ T and pan T cells were capable of secreting high levels of INF-γ, albeit with different dynamics to those of NK cells, and, moreover, they are unable to kill NK-specific targets. Since we used humanized-BLT (hu-BLT) mice as a model of human disease, we next determined whether NK and T cell activation through OCs is also evident in cells obtained from hu-BLT mice. Similar to humans, OCs were capable of increasing the cell expansion and secretion of IFN-γ in the culture of either NK or T cells from hu-BLT mice, providing yet further evidence that these mice are appropriate models to study human disease. Therefore, these studies indicated that CD3+ T or γδ T cells can proliferate and be supercharged by OCs similar to the NK cells; thus, they can be used individually or in combination in the cell therapy of cancers.

Histomorphological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study on ontogeny of ileocaecal lymphoglandular complexes in prenatal and postnatal Indian buffalo: An innate mucosal immune barrier

The present study was conducted on prenatal and postnatal development of lymphoglandular complexes (LGCs) in ileocaecal region of buffalo fetuses (n = 15) ranging from 11.5 cm curved crown rump length (CVRL) (80 days) to 100 cm CVRL (299 days) and neonatal buffalo calves (n = 10). The fetuses were categorized into three groups based on their CVRL. LGC formation was not evident in ileocaecal junction up to 32 cm CVRL (145 days). At 35 cm CVRL (152 days), diffuse lymphocytes were scattered around the base of glands that encircled them. At 54 cm CVRL (195 days), lymphoid aggregates were present in submucosa around deep submucosal glands and formed primordia of LGCs in ileocaeccal orifice region. At 100 cm CVRL (299 days), these complexes were completely visible grossly. The distinguished lymphoid nodules in submucosa were invaded by submucosal extensions of overlying mucosal glands to form a large clear complex of glands and lymphoid nodules called as "Lymphoglandular complex" at this stage. It is the first report of prenatal development of LGCs in large intestine of buffaloes. Abundant CD3⁺ T cells were observed towards periphery of LGC. In neonates, these complexes were uniform, few with demarcation into dark and light zones that is, germinal center formation. Lymphocytes interspersed in lamina propria were mainly CD3⁺ T lymphocytes. In conclusion, the development of LGCs in ileocaecal region started prenatally in terms of all its cellular components into completely developed and immunocompetent to generate mucosal immunity.

Sleep Disturbance Affects Immune Factors in Clinical Liver Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Sleep-wake disturbance is prevalent in patients with liver cancer, but there is no direct evidence of its association and related biological mechanisms. Our study was to assess quality of sleep and to describe prevalence of sleep disturbances in patients with different etiologies of liver cancer, especially to explore whether sleep quality influences immune factors.

METHODS

A total of 210 patients with liver cancer from August 2015 to December 2015 were randomly divided into two groups including HBV cirrhosis and non-HBV cirrhosis. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate their sleep quality, and then 202 patients enrolled in this study were divided into two groups according to their PSQI scores: PSQI ≤ 5 and PSQI > 5. The association between sleep disturbances and immune factors was analyzed by logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 56.9% of liver cancer patients experienced poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). The prevalence of sleep disturbances was significantly higher in patients with liver cancer of non-hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis than with that evolving from HBV cirrhosis (66.7% vs. 50%, p = 0.018). In non-HBV cirrhosis liver cancer patients, the PSQI > 5 group had a higher percentage of CD3⁺ T cells (71.06 ± 11.07 vs. 63.96 ± 14.18, p = 0.014) and lower natural killer (NK) cells (14.67 ± 9.65 vs. 20.5 ± 10.77, p = 0.014) compared with patients with PSQI ≤ 5. Logistic regression further confirmed that liver cancer patients without HBV cirrhosis are more prone to experience poor sleep with increased CD3⁺ T cells (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01-1.13, p = 0.030) and decreased NK cells (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85-0.98, p = 0.014). Our results indicate that increased CD3⁺ T cells and decreased NK cells are both associated with sleep disturbances in patients with liver cancer of non-HBV cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Most liver cancer patients suffer from sleep disturbances, especially evolving from non-HBV cirrhosis. A rise in CD3⁺ T cells and a reduction in NK cells are associated with sleep disturbances in patients with liver cancer of non-HBV cirrhosis.

Normal mesenchymal stem cells can improve the abnormal function of T cells in psoriasis via upregulating transforming growth factor-β receptor

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is a refractory disorder. Previous studies have shown that the imbalance of the T-helper (Th)17/regulatory T cells (Treg) results in the immune imbalance of T cells in psoriatic patients, and that mesenchymal stem cells display an immunosuppressive role by promoting the differentiation of T cells into Treg, leading to a reduction in the proportion of Th17/Treg. Utility of mesenchymal stem cells is becoming a new approach for the treatment of immune disorders. Following co-culture of dermal mesenchymal stromal cells (DMSC) and CD3⁺ T cells with or without transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptor inhibitor, the biological function and relative signal pathway of CD3⁺ T cells were assessed by flow cytometry, transwell, real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Normal DMSC were more potent than psoriatic DMSC in inhibition of CD3⁺ T-cell proliferation, and stimulation of CD3⁺ T-cell apoptosis than psoriasis DMSC. Moreover, normal DMSC decreased the ratio of Th17/Treg, while enhancing the immunosuppressive effect of Tregs on effector T cells. However, TGF-β receptor (TGF-βR) inhibitor attenuated the effect of normal DMSC on CD3⁺ T cells and Th17/Treg ratio. Additionally, the normal DMSC were more potent than the psoriatic DMSC in increasing TGF-β receptors and activation of TGF-β/SMAD pathway in psoriatic CD3⁺ T cells. In conclusion, normal DMSC can partially improve the biological function and immunosuppressive ability of psoriatic CD3⁺ T cells, possibly via upregulating the TGF-β receptors.

Antigen-Presenting Cell-Like Neutrophils Foster T Cell Response in Hyperlipidemic Patients and Atherosclerotic Mice

Neutrophils constitute abundant cellular components in atherosclerotic plaques. Most of the current studies are focused on the roles of granular proteins released by neutrophils in atherosclerosis. Here, we revealed a unique subset of neutrophils which exhibit the characteristics of antigen-presenting cell (APC) (which were called APC-like neutrophils afterwards) in atherosclerosis. The roles of APC-like neutrophils and relevant mechanisms were investigated in hyperlipidemic patients and atherosclerotic mice. Higher percentages of neutrophils and APC-like neutrophils were found in peripheral blood of hyperlipidemic patients than that of healthy donors. Meanwhile, we also identified higher infiltration of neutrophils and APC-like neutrophils in atherosclerotic mice. Ox-LDL induced Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-activated neutrophils to acquire the APC-like phenotype. Importantly, upon over-expression of APC-like markers, neutrophils acquired APC functions to promote the proliferation and interferon-γ production of CD3⁺ T cells via HLA-DR/CD80/CD86. In accordance with what found in vitro, positive correlation between neutrophils and CD3⁺ T cells was observed in hyperlipidemic patients. In conclusion, our work identifies a proinflammatory neutrophil subset in both hyperlipidemic patients and atherosclerotic mice. This unique phenotype of neutrophils could activate the adaptive immune response to promote atherosclerosis progression. Thus, this neutrophil subset may be a new target for immunotherapy of atherosclerosis.

Sleep Deprivation Disturbs Immune Surveillance and Promotes the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Sleep disturbance is common in patients with cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. However, the effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on immune surveillance during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) and the underlying mechanisms are not known. This was investigated in the present study using mouse models of SD and tumorigenesis. We determined that acute and chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) altered the relative proportions of various immune cell types in blood and peripheral organs. CSD increased tumor volume and weight, an effect that was enhanced with increasing CSD time. Expression of the cell proliferation marker Ki-67 was elevated in tumor tissues, and tumor cell infiltration into adjacent muscles was enhanced by CSD. Multicolor flow cytometry analysis revealed that CSD significantly reduced the numbers of antitumor CD3+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and increased that of immunosuppressive CD11b+ cells infiltrating into the tumor microenvironment from the spleen via the peripheral blood. These results indicate that CSD impairs immune surveillance mechanisms and promotes immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment to accelerate tumor growth, underscoring the importance of alleviating sleep disturbance in HC patients in order to prevent HC progression.

The Mechanism of PEDV-Carrying CD3+ T Cells Migrate into the Intestinal Mucosa of Neonatal Piglets

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can cause intestinal infection in neonatal piglets through the nasal cavity. A process in which CD3⁺ T cells carry PEDV plays a key role. However, the modes through which PEDV bridles CD3⁺ T cells as a vehicle for migration to the intestinal epithelium have not been clarified. In this study, we first demonstrated that PEDV could survive in blood-derived CD3⁺ T cells for several hours, depending on the multiplicity of infection. In addition, PEDV preferentially survived in CD4⁺ T cells over CD8⁺ T cells. Moreover, viral transmission was mediated by cell-to-cell contact between mesenteric lymph-node-derived CD3⁺ T cells, but did not occur in blood-derived CD3⁺ T cells. Following an increase in gut-homing integrin α4β7, blood-derived CD3⁺ T cells carrying PEDV migrated to the intestines via blood circulation and transferred the virus to intestinal epithelial cells through cell-to-cell contact in neonatal piglets. Our findings have significant implications for understanding PEDV pathogenesis in neonatal piglets, which is essential for developing innovative therapies to prevent PEDV infection.

PEDV infection in neonatal piglets through the nasal cavity is mediated by subepithelial CD3+ T cells

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) primarily infects neonatal piglets causing catastrophic effects on the global pig farming industry. PEDV infects piglets through the nasal cavity, a process in which dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role. However, neonatal piglets have fewer nasal DCs. This study found that subepithelial CD3⁺ T cells mediated PEDV invasion through the nasal cavity in neonatal piglets. PEDV could replicate in the nasal epithelial cells (NECs) isolated from the nasal cavity of neonatal piglets. Infection of NECs with PEDV could induce antiviral and inflammatory cytokines at the late stage. The infected NECs mediated transfer of virus to CD3⁺ T cells distributed in the subepithelial of the nasal cavity via cell-to-cell contact. The infected CD3⁺ T cells could migrate to the intestine via blood circulation, causing intestinal infection in neonatal piglets. Thus, the findings of this study indicate the importance of CD3⁺T cells in the dissemination of PEDV from the nasal cavity to the intestinal mucosa in neonatal piglets.

Prognostic value of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background

To date, few studies have evaluated the role of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Here we measured the levels of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and evaluated its prognostic value in ccRCC.

Methods

Data from 122 patients with RCC from January 2018 to January 2020 were collected. Preoperative peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and medical records were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier cures and log rank test were used for analyzing overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were underwent by performing the Cox proportional hazards models. Correlations were tested by Pearson's correlation analysis.

Results

Of 122 patients, a total of 80 ccRCC patients was enrolled. Patients with low CD3⁺ T cells and low CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio displayed a worse OS than patients with high CD3⁺ T cells and high CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (P=0.029 and 0.002, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed CD3⁺ T cells and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio were independent predictive factors for the OS (HR: 0.295, 95% CI, 0.091-0.956; P=0.042 and HR: 0.244, 95% CI, 0.065-0.920; P=0.037, respectively). Moreover, NLR negatively correlated with both levels of CD3⁺ T cells and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (P<0.001, r=-0.398 and P=0.012, r=-0.280, respectively).

Conclusions

The findings of our study suggest that preoperative CD3⁺ T cells and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio in peripheral blood are independent predictors for patients with ccRCC.

Increased circulating CD3+ T cells are associated with early relapse following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-malignant host immune cells are the main substrate in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) microenvironment. Reconstitution of lymphocyte populations following the high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) can support tumor growth in HL patients. We investigated recovery dynamics of circulating CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD16⁺/CD56⁺, CD19⁺, CD4⁺FOXP3⁺ lymphocytes following auto-HSCT in 79 HL patients and assessed relationship between these populations and the development of early relapse. Studied populations were not statistically significant between patients with high or standard/intermediate risk of relapse. CD3⁺ T cells at the time of engraftment were increased in patients with the early relapse of HL compared to non-relapsed patients (P_U = 0.0028). Area under the curve was 0.76 (р = .0037). In logistic regression models, CD3⁺ T cell count was associated with early relapse/progression as a trend. These findings elucidate several interactions between early systemic T cell recovery and tumor progression following HDC with auto-HSCT.

Hyperbaric oxygen inhibits production of CD3+ T cells in the thymus and facilitates malignant glioma cell growth

Objective

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is an emerging complementary alternative medical approach in glioma treatment. However, its mode of action is unknown, so this was investigated in the present study.

Methods

We constructed an intracranial glioma model of congenic C57BL/6J mice. Glioma growth under HBO stimulation was assessed by bioluminescent imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. Flow cytometry assessed direct effects of HBO on reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling of transplanted glioma cells and organs, and quantified mature T cells and subgroups in tumors, the brain, and blood.

Results

HBO promoted the growth of transplanted GL261-Luc glioma in the intracranial glioma mouse model. ROS signaling of glioma cells and brain cells was significantly downregulated under HBO stimulation, but thymus ROS levels were significantly upregulated. CD3+ T cells were significantly downregulated, while both Ti/Th cells (CD3+CD4+) and Ts/Tc cells (CD3+CD8+) were inhibited in tumors of the HBO group. The percentage of regulatory T cells in Ti/Th (CD3+CD4+) cells was elevated in the tumors and thymuses of the HBO group.

Conclusion

HBO induced ROS signaling in the thymus, inhibited CD3+ T cell generation, and facilitated malignant glioma cell growth in vivo in the intracranial glioma mouse model.

Down-regulation of TET2 in CD3⁺ and CD34⁺ cells of myelodysplastic syndromes and enhances CD34⁺ cells proliferation

AIMS AND BACKGROUND

To investigate the expressions of TET2 mRNA in bone marrow CD3(+) and CD34(+) cells of the patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and to study the effect of silencing TET2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the biological characteristics of CD34(+) cells.

METHODS

CD3(+) and CD34(+) cells were sorted by magnetic activated cell-sorting system from bone marrow of MDS patients and controls. The mRNA expressions of TET2 in bone marrow CD3(+) and CD34(+) cells of 28 MDS patients and 20 controls were detected by qPCR. The silencing effect of RNA interference (RNAi) on TET2 expression in CD34(+) bone marrow cells of normal control was identified by qPCR and Western blot analysis. The cell cycle kinetics and cell apoptosis were then detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The expression of TET2 mRNA in CD3(+) and CD34(+) cells was down-regulated in MDS compared with that in controls [(0.16 ± 0.11) vs. (1.05 ± 0.32) (P<0.001); (0.58 ± 0.26) vs. (1.25 ± 0.94) (P<0.005)]. The siRNA targeting TET2 suppressed the expression of TET2 in normal CD34(+) cells. Meanwhile, the proliferation activity was significantly enhanced [G0/G1: (87.82 ± 8.25)% vs. (92.65 ±7.06)% and (93.60 ± 5.54)%, P<0.05; S: (11.50 ± 8.31)% vs. (6.92 ± 7.04)% and (5.95 ± 5.53)%, P<0.05] and the apoptosis rate was declined [(21.28 ± 9.73)% vs. (26.17 ± 9.88)% and (26.20 ± 9.78)%] in the cells which transfected with TET2 siRNA as compared to those in the cells transfected with scrambled siRNA and control cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The TET2 expression of in CD3(+) and CD34(+) cells of MDS patients was decreased. Suppression of TET2 expression renders the CD34(+) cells harboring more aggressive phenotype. This preliminary finding suggests that CD34(+) cells lowering expression of TET2 may play an oncogenic role on myeloid tumor and CD3(+) T cells of MDS patients may be derived from the malignant clone.

Imbalance between circulating CD4+ regulatory T and conventional T lymphocytes in patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The important pathophysiological role of immune dysfunction, especially innate immune dysfunction in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), has been investigated in recent years, but dysregulation of adaptive immunity remains poorly elucidated. The aim of this study was to (i) determine the CD3(+) T-lymphocyte count and the balance between CD4(+) regulatory T (Tregs) and conventional T cells (Tconv) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related ACLF patients; (ii) analyse the frequencies of Tregs subpopulations; and (iii) assess the suppressive potency of CD4(+) Tregs and each fraction.

METHODS

We enrolled 20 HBV-ACLF patients, 10 septic shock subjects, 20 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 20 healthy volunteers (HC). Based on flow cytometry, we performed the absolute counting of circulating T lymphocytes and phenotyping of CD4(+) Tregs and quantified the effects of Tregs and each subpopulation on Tconv proliferation by CFSE staining.

RESULTS

Compared with CHB patients and HC, we observed an equal reduction in peripheral T subsets in HBV-ACLF and septic shock subjects; the number of CD4(+) Tregs remained unchanged and the Tconv count declined, promoting elevation of the Treg-to-Tconv ratio. The frequencies of Treg-II and -III were elevated in HBV-ACLF. Functional studies showed that the suppressive capacity of Tregs was preserved in the HBV-ACLF group and Treg-II came first.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to septic shock subjects, in HBV-ACLF patients there exists a reduction in CD4(+) T lymphocytes, predominantly CD4(+) Tconv, and the development of suppressive CD4(+) Tregs greatly prevails over Tconv, constituting important characteristics of adaptive immune dysfunction of HBV-ACLF.