IL-7R Expression Correlates with Prognosis in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

The tumor microenvironment (TME) exerts a significant influence on the development, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of breast cancer. Therefore, this study sought to investigate potential prognostic factors and markers indicative of TME remodeling in breast cancer, utilizing data from the TCGA database.

METHODS

In this study, transcriptome RNA-seq data from 1222 breast cancer samples were processed using CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms. We conducted a differential gene expression analysis utilizing COX regression analysis and constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks for enhanced visualization. Through univariate COX analysis and cross-analysis within PPI networks, the Interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) emerged as a potential predictor. Subsequently, we performed a comprehensive investigation encompassing single-gene survival analysis, clinical correlation assessment, and GSEA enrichment analysis targeting IL-7R as a core gene associated with prognosis. We examined the expression of IL-7R in human breast cancer and normal breast tissue through clinical studies and cytology experiments, followed by an indepth analysis of the relationship between IL-7R and breast cancer.

RESULTS

The survival analysis revealed that breast cancer patients with elevated IL-7R expression experienced prolonged survival compared to those with lower IL-7R levels. Results obtained from the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, along with clinical and cellular experiments, indicated higher IL-7R expression in tumor samples compared to normal samples. Correlation tests conducted between IL-7R expression and clinicopathological stage characteristics highlighted statistically significant associations between IL-7R expression and the T and M stages. Additionally, cell classification analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIC) proportion showed that activated CD4+ T cells and CD8 T cells of memory B cells were positively correlated with IL-7R expression. These findings further underscored the impact of IL-7R levels on the tumor microenvironment (TME).

CONCLUSION

IL-7R emerges as a potential prognostic indicator for breast cancer patients, particularly in sustaining the immunoactive status of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and contributing to immune reconstitution. These findings offer novel insights into breast cancer treatment strategies.

A new hope for early T cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy based on STAT5+ leukemic stem cell targeting

Leukemia stem cells are known to drive tumor progression, drug resistance, microenvironmental shift, and relapse, which would make them a perfect therapeutic target. However, their phenotypic and functional similarity to their normal counterparts leaves limited road maps for their selective elimination. Tremblay et al. recently unraveled the fundamental role of overactivated pSTAT5 as a functional marker of early T cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia stem cells driving leukemic progression and highlighted its potential use as a therapeutic target to prevent fatal outcomes.

HIVEP3 inhibits fate decision of CD8+ invariant NKT cells after positive selection

CD8+ invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are functionally different from other iNKT cells and are enriched in human but not in mouse. To date, their developmental pathway and molecular basis for fate decision remain unclear. Here, we report enrichment of CD8+ iNKT cells in neonatal mice due to their more rapid maturation kinetics than CD8- iNKT cells. Along developmental trajectories, CD8+ and CD8- iNKT cells separate at stage 0, following stage 0 double-positive iNKT cells, and differ in HIVEP3 expression. HIVEP3 is lowly expressed in stage 0 CD8+ iNKT cells and negatively controls their development, whereas it is highly expressed in stage 0 CD8- iNKT cells and positively controls their development. Despite no effect on IFN-γ, HIVEP3 inhibits granzyme B but promotes interleukin-4 production in CD8+ iNKT cells. Together, we reveal that, as a negative regulator for CD8+ iNKT fate decision, low expression of HIVEP3 in stage 0 CD8+ iNKT cells favors their development and T helper 1-biased cytokine responses as well as high cytotoxicity.

High glucose-induced IL-7/IL-7R upregulation of dermal fibroblasts inhibits angiogenesis in a paracrine way in delayed diabetic wound healing

It is widely acknowledged that diabetes leads to slow wound healing and ulceration, and severe serious diabetic foot ulceration may result in amputation. In recent years, much emphasis has been placed on exploring diabetic wound healing to protect patients from adverse events. We recently found interleukin-7 (IL-7), a growth factor for B-cells and T-cells, and its receptor was significantly upregulated in high glucose-induced fibroblasts and skin of diabetic mice. Moreover, IL-7 stimulated fibroblasts secreted ANGPTL4, which inhibited angiogenesis of endothelial cells resulting in delayed wound healing. In our previous study, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and keratinocytes were exposed to normal glucose (5.5 mM) or high glucose (30 mM) medium for 24 h, and RNA sequencing showed that IL-7 and IL-7R were significantly upregulated in fibroblasts. To remove the effect of high glucose and explore the influence of IL-7, exogenous rMuIL-7 used to treat normal mice led to delayed wound healing by inhibiting angiogenesis. Vitro experiments revealed that IL-7-induced fibroblasts inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Further experiments showed that fibroblast angiopoietin-like-4 (ANGPTL4) secretion exhibited the inhibitory effect which was blocked by culture with the corresponding neutralizing antibody. Overall, our study revealed signaling pathways associated with diabetic wound healing and provided the foothold for further studies on delayed wound healing in this patient population. Mechanism that high glucose activates IL-7-IL-7R-ANGPTL4 signal pathway in delayed wound healing. High glucose upregulates IL-7 and IL-7R in dermal fibroblasts. IL-7 stimulates dermal fibroblasts secreting Angptl4 which inhibits proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of endothelial cells in a paracrine way.

Roles of IL-7R Induced by Interactions between Cancer Cells and Macrophages in the Progression of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

High infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which contribute to the progression of several cancer types, is correlated with poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In addition to the previously reported increase in migration and invasion, ESCC cells co-cultured directly with macrophages exhibited enhanced survival and growth. Furthermore, interleukin-related molecules are associated with ESCC; however, the precise mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Therefore, we explored the role of interleukin-related molecules in ESCC progression. A cDNA microarray analysis of monocultured and co-cultured ESCC cells revealed that the interleukin 7 receptor (IL-7R) was upregulated in ESCC cells co-cultured with macrophages. Overexpression of IL-7R promoted the survival and growth of ESCC cells by activating the Akt and Erk1/2 signaling pathways. The IL-7/IL-7R axis also contributed to the promotion of ESCC cell migration via the Akt and Erk1/2 signaling pathways. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed that ESCC patients with high IL-7R expression in cancer nests exhibited a trend toward poor prognosis in terms of disease-free survival, and showed significant correlation with increased numbers of infiltrating macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Therefore, IL-7R, which is upregulated when directly co-cultured with macrophages, may contribute to ESCC progression by promoting the development of various malignant phenotypes in cancer cells.

IL-7 is expressed in malignant mesothelioma and has a prognostic value

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer mainly related to asbestos exposure. Despite recent therapeutic advances, notably immunotherapies, the benefit remains limited and restricted to a small percentage of patients. Thus, a better understanding of the disease is needed to identify new therapeutic strategies. Recently, interleukin 7 receptor (IL‐7R) has been described as being expressed by MPM cells and associated with poorer patient survival. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the IL‐7R/IL‐7 pathway in MPM using patient samples. We found that, although more than 40% of MPM cells expressed IL‐7R, IL‐7 had no effect on their intracellular signaling. Accordingly, the addition of IL‐7 to the culture medium did not affect MPM cell growth. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we showed that high IL7 gene expression in MPM tumors was associated with a higher overall patient survival and an induction of genes involved in the immune response. In pleural effusions (PEs), we found that IL‐7 concentration was not a good diagnostic biomarker. However, we observed that high IL‐7 levels in PEs were associated with shorter survival of MPM patients, but not of lung cancer patients. The prognostic value of IL‐7 was also conserved when only patients with epithelioid mesothelioma, the most common histological type of MPM, were analyzed. Taken together, our study suggests that, although the IL‐7R/IL‐7 signaling pathway is not functional in MPM cells, IL‐7 expression in PEs may have prognostic value in MPM patients.

Significance of IL-7 and IL-7R in RA and autoimmunity

While physiological levels of IL-7 are essential for T cell proliferation, survival and co-stimulation, its escalated concentration has been associated with autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Expression of IL-7 and IL-7R in RA monocytes is linked to disease activity score and TNF transcription. TNF stimulation can modulate IL-7 secretion and IL-7R frequency in myeloid cells, however, only IL-7R transcription levels are downregulated in anti-TNF responsive patients. Elevated levels of IL-7 in RA synovial tissue and fluid are involved in attracting RA monocytes into the inflammatory joints and remodeling them into proinflammatory macrophages and mature osteoclasts. Further, IL-7 amplification of RA Th1 cell differentiation and IFNγ secretion, can directly prime myeloid IL-7R expression and thereby exacerbate IL-7-mediated joint inflammatory and erosive imprints. In parallel, IL-7 accentuates joint angiogenesis by expanding the production of proangiogenic factors from RA macrophages and endothelial cells. In preclinical models, blockade of IL-7 or IL-7R can effectively impair joint inflammation, osteoclast formation, and neovascularization primarily by impeding monocyte and endothelial cell infiltration as well as inhibition of pro-inflammatory macrophage and Th1/Th17 cell differentiation. In conclusion, disruption of IL-7/IL-7R signaling can uniquely intercept the crosstalk between RA myeloid and lymphoid cells in their ability to trigger neovascularization.

Altered Cellular Immunity and Differentially Expressed Immune-Related Genes in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the most common connective tissue disease causing pulmonary hypertension (PAH). However, the cause and potential immune molecular events associated with PAH are still unclear. Therefore, it is particularly essential to analyze the changes in SSc-PAH–related immune cells and their immune-related genes. Three microarray datasets (GSE22356, GSE33463, and GSE19617) were obtained by the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Compared with SSc, we found neutrophils have a statistically higher abundance, while T-cell CD4 naive and T-cell CD4 memory resting have a statistically lower abundance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, the results of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed there is a differential enrichment of multiple pathways between SSc and SSc-PAH. By combining differentiated expressed genes (DEGs) and immune-related genes (IRGs), fifteen IRGs were selected. In addition, we also analyzed the first five rich Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and the most abundant Gene Ontology (GO)-molecular functional terms. Furthermore, interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R), tyrosine–protein kinase (LCK), histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes were identified as hub genes via protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The Comparative Toxic Genomics Database (CTD) analysis result showed that LCK, HDAC1, and EGFR have a higher score with SSc. Coexpression network analysis confirmed that IL-7R, LCK, and HDAC1 are key genes related to immune regulation in SSc without PAH and are involved in T-cell immune regulation. Subsequently, using GSE22356 and GSE33463 as the test sets and GSE19617 as the verification set, it was verified that the mRNA expression levels of the three central genes of SSc-PAH were significantly lower than those of the SSc without PAH samples. Consistent with previous predictions, the expressions of IL-7R, LCK, and HDAC1 are positively correlated with the numbers of T-cell CD4 naive and T-cell CD4 memory, while the expressions of IL-7R and LCK are negatively correlated with the numbers of neutrophils in the peripheral blood. Therefore, this evidence may suggest that these three immune-related genes: IL-7R, LCK, and HDAC1, may be highly related to the immunological changes in SSc-PAH. These three molecules can reduce T cells in SSc-PAH PBMCs through the regulation of T-cell activation, which suggests that these three molecules may be involved in the development of SSc-PAH. Meanwhile, the low expression of IL-7R, LCK, and HDAC1 detected in the peripheral blood of SSc may indicate the possibility of PAH and hopefully become a biomarker for the early detection of SSc-PAH. Finally, 49 target miRNAs of 3 specifically expressed hub genes were obtained, and 49 mRNA–miRNA pairs were identified, which provided directions for our further research.

IL-7 in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and as a Potential Vaccine Adjuvant

IL-7/IL-7R signaling is critical for development, maturation, maintenance and survival of many lymphocytes in the thymus and periphery. IL-7 has been used as immunotherapy in pre-clinical and clinical studies to treat cancer, HIV infection and sepsis. Here, we discuss the critical function of IL-7 in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients. We also summarize a promising role of IL-7 as a vaccine adjuvant. It could potentially enhance the immune responses to vaccines especially against SARS-CoV-2 or other new vaccines.

Signaling networks in B cell development and related therapeutic strategies

B cells are essential for Ab production during humoral immune responses. From decades of B cell research, there is now a detailed understanding of B cell subsets, development, functions, and most importantly, signaling pathways. The complicated pathways in B cells and their interactions with each other are stage-dependent, varying with surface marker expression during B cell development. With the increasing understanding of B cell development and signaling pathways, the mechanisms underlying B cell related diseases are being unraveled as well, making it possible to provide more precise and effective treatments. In this review, we describe several essential and recently discovered signaling pathways in B cell development and take a look at newly developed therapeutic strategies targeted at B cell signaling.

The unbalanced p53/SIRT1 axis may impact lymphocyte homeostasis in COVID-19 patients

Background/objectives

A dysregulated inflammatory profile plays an important role in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis. Moreover, the depletion of lymphocytes is typically associated with an unfavourable disease course. We studied the role and impact of p53 and deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) on lymph-monocyte homeostasis and their possible effect on T and B cell signalling.

Methods

Gene expression analysis and flow cytometry were performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 35 COVID-19 patients and 10 healthy donors (HD). Inflammatory cytokines, the frequency of Annexin+ cells among CD3+ T cells and CD19+ B cell subsets were quantified.

Results

PBMC from COVID-19 patients had a higher p53 expression, and higher concentrations of plasma proinflammatory cytokines (IL1β, TNF-α, IL8, and IL6) than HD. Deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression was significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients and was negatively correlated with p53 (p = 0.003 and r = −0.48). A lower expression of IL-7R and B Cell linker (BLNK), key genes for lymphocyte homeostasis and function, was observed in COVID-19 than in HD. The reduction of IgK and IgL chains was seen in lymphopenic COVID-19 patients. A significant increase in both apoptotic B and T cells were observed. Inflammatory cytokines correlated positively with p53 (IL-1β: r = 0.5 and p = 0.05; IL-8: r = 0.5 and p = 0.05) and negatively with SIRT1 (IL1-β: r = −0.5 and p = 0.04; TNF-α: r = −0.4 and p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Collectively, our data indicate that the inflammatory environment, the dysregulated p53/SIRT1 axis and low expression of IL7R and BLNK may impact cell survival, B cell signalling and antibody production in COVID-19 patients. Further studies are required to define the functional impact of low BLNK/IL7R expression during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection.

A case of aberrant CD8 T cell-restricted IL-7 signaling with a Janus kinase 3 defect-associated atypical severe combined immunodeficiency

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) disorders compromise lymphocyte numbers and/or function. One subset of SCID typically affects T cell and Natural Killer (NK) cell development in tandem (T^-B⁺NK^-) due to mutations arising in the genes encoding the common γ chain or Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3). In rare circumstances, mutations in the JAK3 gene have been reported to cause atypical SCID that selectively affects T cells (T^-B⁺NK⁺). Here we describe a case involving a female infant who was referred to our institution on day nine of life following an abnormal newborn screen result for T^-SCID. Immunological assessments revealed a T^-B⁺NK⁺ phenotype and molecular analyses, including whole exome sequencing, identified compound heterozygous JAK3 variants (R117C and E658K). Pre-transplant phosflow analyses revealed a persistent IL-7 signaling defect, based on phospho-STAT5 measurements, only in CD8 but not CD4 T cells. Intriguingly, phospho-STAT5 signals in response to IL-2 stimulation were not affected in either CD4 or CD8 T cells. The pre-transplant clinical course was unremarkable, and the patient received a cord-blood stem cell transplant on day 716 of life. Post-transplant monitoring revealed that despite normalization of lymphocyte counts, the CD8 T cell-restricted IL-7 signaling defect was still evident at day 627 post-transplant (phospho-STAT5 signal in CD8 T cells was > 60% reduced compared with CD4 T cells). The post-transplant clinical course has also been complicated by identification of autoimmune responses and likely GVHD-induced ichthyosis. To the best of our knowledge, this report represents the third case of JAK3-associated atypical SCID reported in the literature.

Control of immunity by glucocorticoids in health and disease

Animals receive environmental stimuli from neural signals in order to produce hormones that control immune responses. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex and well-known mediators for the nervous and immune systems. GC secretion is induced by circadian rhythm and stress, and plasma GC levels are high at the active phase of animals and under stress condition. Clinically, GCs are used for allergies, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation, because they have strong anti-inflammatory effects and induce the apoptosis of lymphocytes. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) acts as a transcription factor and represses the expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins by binding to its motif, glucocorticoid-response element, or to other transcription factors. In mice, GR suppresses the antigen-stimulated inflammation mediated by macrophages, dendritic cells, and epithelial cells, and impairs cytotoxic immune responses by downregulating interferon-γ production and inhibiting the development of type-1 helper T cells, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer cells. These immune inhibitory effects prevent lethality by excessive inflammation, but at the same time increase the susceptibility to infection and cancer. GCs can also activate the immune system. The circadian cycle of GC secretion controls the diurnal oscillations of the distribution and response of T cells, thus supporting T cell maintenance and effective immune protection against infection. Moreover, several reports have shown that GR has the potential to enhance the activities of Th2, Th17, and immunoglobulin-producing B cells. Stress has two different effects on immune responses: immune suppression to cause mortality by infection and cancer, and excessive immune activation to induce chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease. Consistently, stress-induced GCs strongly suppress cell-mediated immunity and cause viral infection and tumor development. They may also enhance the development of pathogenic helper T cells and cause tissue damage through neural and intestinal inflammation. Past studies have reported the positive and negative effects of GCs on the immune system. These opposing properties of GCs may regulate the immune balance between the responsiveness to antigens and excessive inflammation in steady-state and stress conditions.

Immune-enhancing effects of glucocorticoids in response to day-night cycles and stress

Environmental cues such as the day-night cycle or stressors trigger the production of glucocorticoids (GCs) by the adrenal cortex. GCs are well known for their anti-inflammatory effects that suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines and induce the apoptosis of lymphocytes. Recent studies in mice, however, have revealed pro-inflammatory effects. The diurnal oscillation of GCs induces the expression of IL-7 receptor α (IL-7Rα) and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) at the active phase, which drives the diurnal homing of T cells into lymphoid organs. This accumulation of T cells at the active phase enhances T-cell priming against bacterial infection and antigen immunization, leading to an increase of effector CD8 T cells and antibody production. GCs induced by moderate stress trigger the homing of memory CD8 T cells into the bone marrow and support the maintenance and response of these cells. Thus, endogenous GCs have a self-defense function to enhance adaptive immune responses. By contrast, strong stress induces even higher GC levels and causes chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. Because GCs can enhance the differentiation and function of T-helper 2 (Th2) and Th17 cells, high stress-induced GC levels might enhance inflammation via Th17 cell differentiation. Overall, the positive and negative effects of GCs may regulate the balance between normal immune responses and susceptibility to infections and inflammatory diseases.

Pazopanib and Trametinib as a Synergistic Strategy against Osteosarcoma: Preclinical Activity and Molecular Insights

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) inhibitors’ activity in advanced osteosarcoma is significant but short-lived. To prevent or at least delay drug resistance, we explored a vertical inhibition by combining drugs acting at different levels of the RTK pathways (pazopanib + trametinib). We studied pazopanib + trametinib antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo (MNNG-HOS and KHOS xenografts in NOD/SCID mice) investigating the molecular mechanisms and potential escapes. The involvement of MAPK-PI3K pathways was validated by Nanostring technology, western blot and by silencing/overexpression experiments. Pazopanib targets were expressed on seven osteosarcoma cell lines and their pathways were activated. Pazopanib + trametinib exhibited synergistic antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting ERK1/2 and Akt. In vivo antitumor activity was shown in osteosarcoma-bearing mice. The drug combination significantly down-modulated RTK Ephrin Type-A Receptor 2 (EphA2) and Interleukin-7 Receptor (IL-7R), whereas induced mitogen-activated protein-kinase kinase (MAPKK) MEK6. EphA2 silencing significantly reduced osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration, while impeding MEK6 up-regulation in the treated cells significantly increased the antitumor effect of the studied drugs. Moreover, the up-regulation of MEK6 reduced combination activity. Pazopanib + trametinib demonstrated synergistic antitumor effects in osteosarcoma models through ERK and Akt inhibition and EphA2 and IL-7R down-modulation. MEK6 up-regulation might evoke escaping mechanism.

Large-Scale HLA Tetramer Tracking of T Cells during Dengue Infection Reveals Broad Acute Activation and Differentiation into Two Memory Cell Fates

T cells play important multifaceted roles during dengue infection, and understanding their responses is important for defining correlates of protective immunity and identifying effective vaccine antigens. Using mass cytometry and a highly multiplexed peptide-HLA (human leukocyte antigen) tetramer staining strategy, we probed T cells from dengue patients-a total of 430 dengue and control candidate epitopes-together with key markers of activation, trafficking, and differentiation. During acute disease, dengue-specific CD8⁺ T cells expressed a distinct profile of activation and trafficking receptors that distinguished them from non-dengue-specific T cells. During convalescence, dengue-specific T cells differentiated into two major cell fates, CD57⁺ CD127^--resembling terminally differentiated senescent memory cells and CD127⁺ CD57^--resembling proliferation-capable memory cells. Validation in an independent cohort showed that these subsets remained at elevated frequencies up to one year after infection. These analyses aid our understanding of the generation of T cell memory in dengue infection or vaccination.

B7-H3 specific T cells with chimeric antigen receptor and decoy PD-1 receptors eradicate established solid human tumors in mouse models

The application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in patients with advanced solid tumors remains a significant challenge. Simultaneously targeting antigen and the solid tumor microenvironment are two major factors that greatly impact CAR-T cell therapy outcomes. In this study, we engineered CAR-T cells to specifically target B7-H3, a protein commonly found in solid human tumors, using a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) derived from an anti-B7-H3 monoclonal antibody. We tested the antitumor activity of B7-H3 CAR-T cells in mouse models with solid human tumors and determined that B7-H3 CAR-T cells exhibited potent antitumor activity against B7-H3⁺ tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, PD-1 decoy receptors were engineered to include extracellular PD-1 fused to the intracellular stimulatory domain of either CD28 or IL-7 receptor, respectively, which were then introduced into B7-H3 CAR-T cells. As a result, these newly modified, superior CAR-T cells exhibited more persistent antitumor activity in B7-H3⁺/B7-H1⁺ tumors in vivo. Our findings indicate that B7-H3 specific CAR-T cells have the potential to treat multiple types of advanced solid tumors.

IL-7-Mediated IL-7R-JAK3/STAT5 signalling pathway contributes to chemotherapeutic sensitivity in non-small-cell lung cancer

Objectives

The chemotherapy drug resistance is a major challenge for non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has shown promise for cancer. The goal of this study was to evaluate the anti‐tumour efficacy of interleukin‐7 (IL‐7) combining cisplatin against NSCLC.

Materials and Methods

Cell proliferation was analysed using CCK‐8 assay, EdU proliferation assay and colony‐forming assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using HOECHST 33342 assay and flow cytometry. The protein expression levels were analysed by Western blot. The blocking antibody against the IL‐7 receptor and the inhibitors of STAT5 and JAK3 were used to investigate the pathway involved. A xenograft model was established to assess the anti‐tumour efficacy of IL‐7 combining cisplatin in vivo.

Results

Here we found IL‐7R was increased in A549/DDP cells compared with A549 cells. The block of IL‐7R reversed the inhibitory effects of IL‐7 combined with cisplatin and decreased the numbers of apoptosis cells induced by treatment of IL‐7 combined with cisplatin. The JAK3 inhibitor and STAT5 inhibitor were used to identify the pathway involved. The results showed that JAK3/STAT5 pathway was involved in enhancing role of cisplatin sensitivity of NSCLC cells by IL‐7. In vivo, cisplatin significantly inhibited tumour growth and IL‐7 combined with cisplatin achieved the best therapeutic effect.

Conclusion

Together, IL‐7 promoted the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin via IL‐7R‐JAK3/STAT5 signalling pathway.

Genetic polymorphisms in IL-7 and IL-7R are correlated with lung cancer risk in the Chinese Han population

Purpose

IL-7/IL-7R axis participates in the initiation and progression of lung cancer (LC). This study aimed to explore the potential influence of IL-7/IL-7R polymorphisms on LC risk.

Patients and methods

In total, 1,010 participants (507 LC patients and 503 healthy controls) were enrolled. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-7R and one SNP in IL-7 were genotyped in included samples with Agena MassARRAY system. OR and 95% CIs were computed by logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age and gender. Stratified analyses with demographic and clinical characteristics were also performed. Finally, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis was conducted with the PLINK version 1.07 software .

Results

IL-7R rs10053847 variant was related to a decreased LC risk under the allele gene (OR =0.78, P=0.043) and additive model (OR =0.77, P=0.042). The results of stratified analysis indicated that this SNP was associated with a lower LC risk among nonsmokers (AA/GG: OR =0.09, P=0.033; AA/AG+GG: OR =0.10 P=0.037) or nondrinkers (AA/GG: OR =0.07, P=0.047; AA/AG+GG: OR =0.18 P=0.049). Moreover, carriers of IL-7R rs10213865-C allele had an increased lung adenocarcinoma risk (CA/AA: OR =1.60, P=0.011; CC+CA/AA: OR =1.62, P=0.007; CA/CA/AA: OR =1.50, P=0.007). Additionally, AGAA haplotype (rs10213865, rs969129, rs118137916 and rs10053847) increased LC risk (OR =1.30, P=0.041).

Conclusion

IL-7R rs10053847 was correlated with a decreased LC risk, while IL-7R rs10213865 was correlated with an elevated lung adenocarcinoma risk, implying these two SNPs might play essential roles in LC risk evaluation.

Antibody therapeutics and immunoregulation in cancer and autoimmune disease

Cancer and autoimmune disease are closely related, and many therapeutic antibodies are widely used in clinics for the treatment of both diseases. Among them, the anti-CD20 antibody has proven to be effective against both lymphoid malignancy and autoimmune disease. Moreover, immune checkpoint blockade using the anti-PD1/PD-L1/CTLA4 antibody has improved the prognosis of patients with refractory solid tumors. At the same time, however, over-enhancement of immunoreaction can induce autoimmune reaction. Although anti-TNF antibody therapies represent a breakthrough in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, optimal management is required to control the serious associated issues, including development and progression of cancer, and it is becoming more and more important to control the immunoreaction. In addition, next-generation antibody therapeutics such as antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies, are anticipated to treat uncontrolled cancer and autoimmune disease. IL-7R signaling plays an important role in the development and progression of both lymphoid malignancy and autoimmune disease. In addition, abnormal homing activity and steroid resistance caused by IL-7R signaling may worsen prognosis. Therefore, anti-IL-7R targeting antibody therapies that enable suppression of such pathophysiological status have the potential to be beneficial for the treatment of both diseases. In this review, we discuss current antibody therapeutics in cancer and autoimmune disease, and describe a new therapeutic strategy for immunoregulation including IL-7R targeting antibodies.

IL-7R blockade reduces post-myocardial infarction-induced atherosclerotic plaque inflammation in ApoE-/- mice

Modulating inflammation by targeting IL-1β reduces recurrent athero-thrombotic cardiovascular events without lipid lowering. This presents an opportunity to explore other pathways associated with the IL-1β signaling cascade to modulate the inflammatory response post-myocardial infarction (MI). IL-7 is a mediator of the inflammatory pathway involved in monocyte trafficking into atherosclerotic plaques and levels of IL-7 have been shown to be elevated in patients with acute MI. Recurrent athero-thrombotic events are believed to be mediated in part by index MI-induced exacerbation of inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques. The objective of the study was to assess the feasibility of IL-7R blockade to modulate atherosclerotic plaque inflammation following acute MI in ApoE^−/- mice. Mice were fed Western diet for 12 weeks and then subjected to coronary occlusion to induce an acute MI. IL-7 expression was determined using qRT-PCR and immuno-staining, and IL-7R was assessed using flow cytometry. Plaque inflammation was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. IL-7R blockade was accomplished with monoclonal antibody to IL-7R. IL-7 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the cardiac tissue of mice subjected to MI but not in controls. IL-7 staining was observed in the coronary artery. Plaque macrophage and lipid content were significantly increased after MI. IL-7R antibody treatment but not control IgG significantly reduced macrophage and lipid content in atherosclerotic plaques. The results show that IL-7R antibody treatment reduces monocyte/macrophage and lipid content in the atherosclerotic plaque following MI suggesting a potential new target to mitigate increased plaque inflammation post-MI.

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Myocardial infarction increases inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques.

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IL-7 is a mediator of inflammatory cell recruitment and is expressed in the ischemic myocardium.

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Monoclonal antibody blockade of IL-7Rα reduced plaque lipid and macrophage content.

IL-7R-mediated signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An update

Interleukin 7 (IL-7) and its receptor (IL-7R, a heterodimer of IL-7Rα and γc) are essential for normal lymphoid development. In their absence, severe combined immunodeficiency occurs. By contrast, excessive IL-7/IL-7R-mediated signaling can drive lymphoid leukemia development, disease acceleration and resistance to chemotherapy. IL-7 and IL-7R activate three main pathways: STAT5, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/Erk, ultimately leading to the promotion of leukemia cell viability, cell cycle progression and growth. However, the contribution of each of these pathways towards particular functional outcomes is still not completely known and appears to differ between normal and malignant states. For example, IL-7 upregulates Bcl-2 in a PI3K/Akt/mTOR-dependent and STAT5-independent manner in T-ALL cells. This is a ‘symmetric image’ of what apparently happens in normal lymphoid cells, where PI3K/Akt/mTOR does not impact on Bcl-2 and regulates proliferation rather than survival. In this review, we provide an updated summary of the knowledge on IL-7/IL-7R-mediated signaling in the context of cancer, focusing mainly on T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, where this axis has been more extensively studied.

Improving Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified T Cell Function by Reversing the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer

The adoptive transfer of T cells redirected to tumor-associated antigens via transgenic expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has produced tumor responses, even in patients with refractory diseases. To target pancreatic cancer, we generated CAR T cells directed against prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) and demonstrated specific tumor lysis. However, pancreatic tumors employ immune evasion strategies such as the production of inhibitory cytokines, which limit CAR T cell persistence and function. Thus, to protect our cells from the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-4, we generated an inverted cytokine receptor in which the IL-4 receptor exodomain was fused to the IL-7 receptor endodomain (4/7 ICR). Transgenic expression of this molecule in CAR-PSCA T cells should invert the inhibitory effects of tumor-derived IL-4 and instead promote T cell proliferation. We now demonstrate the suppressed activity of CAR T cells in tumor-milieu conditions and the ability of CAR/ICR T cells to thrive in an IL-4-rich microenvironment, resulting in enhanced antitumor activity. Importantly, CAR/ICR T cells remained both antigen and cytokine dependent. These findings support the benefit of combining the 4/7 ICR with CAR-PSCA to treat pancreatic cancer, a PSCA-expressing tumor characterized by a dense immunosuppressive environment rich in IL-4.

A Case of IL-7R Deficiency Caused by a Novel Synonymous Mutation and Implications for Mutation Screening in SCID Diagnosis

Reported synonymous substitutions are generally non-pathogenic, and rare pathogenic synonymous variants may be disregarded unless there is a high index of suspicion. In a case of IL7 receptor deficiency severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), the relevance of a non-reported synonymous variant was only suspected through the use of additional in silico computational tools, which focused on the impact of mutations on gene splicing. The pathogenic nature of the variant was confirmed using experimental validation of the effect on mRNA splicing and IL7 pathway function. This case reinforces the need to use additional experimental methods to establish the functional impact of specific mutations, in particular for cases such as SCID where prompt diagnosis can greatly impact on diagnosis, treatment, and survival.

IL-7/IL-7R signaling pathway might play a role in recurrent pregnancy losses by increasing inflammatory Th17 cells and decreasing Treg cells

PROBLEM

We aim to investigate a possible role of IL-7/IL-7R signaling pathway in recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using the abortion-prone (AP) and non-abortion-prone (NP) mice model, fetal resorption rates (FRR), Th17 and Treg cells-related factors, and the effect of IL-7 and IL-7R antagonist were investigated by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. IL-7 and IL-7R expressions in human decidua were investigated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

In the AP mice, IL-7R antagonist treatment significantly decreased FRR by downregulating Th17 and upregulating Treg-related factors. When the NP mice were treated with IL-7, FRR was significantly increased by upregulating Th17 and downregulating Treg-related factors. In decidual stromal cells of women with RPL, increased IL-7 and decreased IL-7R expressions were present when compared to normal controls.

CONCLUSION

IL-7/IL-7R signaling pathway plays a possible role in RPL by upregulating Th17 immunity, meanwhile downregulating Treg immunity. Regulation of IL-7/IL-7R may be a new therapeutic strategy for RPL.

IL-7R signaling in regulatory T cells maintains peripheral and allograft tolerance in mice

Foxp3(+)CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) have a crucial role in controlling CD4(+) T-cell activation, proliferation, and effector function. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating Treg function remain poorly understood. Here we assessed the role of IL-7, a key cytokine regulating T-cell homeostasis, in suppressor capacity of Treg. Using a skin allograft model in which transplant acceptance is controlled by the number of transferred Treg, we find that Treg impair the proliferation of allogeneic CD4(+) T cells, decrease production of IFNγ by effector T cells, and prevent early and increase late IL-7 induction by lymph node stromal cells. Increased IL-7 availability enhanced Treg survival, stabilized Treg molecular signature, enhanced surface IL-2Rα expression, and improved IL-2 binding of Treg, which diminished proliferation of alloreactive CD4(+) T cells. Sequestration of IL-7 or impairment of IL-7R signaling after allograft transplantation abolished Treg-mediated tolerance by limiting their suppressive capacity. Aged Il7rα-ΔTreg mice displayed mild symptoms of autoimmunity correlating with impaired expansion of effector Treg in response to IL-2. Thus, IL-7R signaling on Treg supports the functional activity of effector Treg by increasing their IL-2 sensitivity in the lymph node during peripheral and allograft tolerance.

Increased frequency of late-senescent T cells lacking CD127 in chronic hepatitis C disease

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes persistent disease in ~85% of infected individuals, where the viral replication appears to be tightly controlled by HCV-specific CD8+ T cells. Accumulation of senescent T cells during infection results in considerable loss of functional HCV-specific immune responses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We characterized the distinct T-cell phenotypes based on the expression of costimulatory molecules CD28 and CD27, senescence markers PD-1 and CD57, chronic immune activation markers CD38 and HLA-DR, and survival marker CD127 (IL-7R) by flow cytometry following activation of T cells using HCV peptides and phytohemagglutinin.

RESULTS

HCV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from chronic HCV (CHC) patients showed increased expression of PD-1. Furthermore, virus-specific CD4+ T cells of CHC-infected subjects displayed relatively increased expression of HLA-DR and CD38 relative to HCV-specific CD8+ T cells. The CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from HCV-infected individuals showed significant increase of late-differentiated T cells suggestive of immunosenescence. In addition, we found that the plasma viral loads positively correlated with the levels of CD57 and PD-1 expressed on T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic HCV infection results in increased turnover of late-senescent T cells that lack survival potentials, possibly contributing to viral persistence. Our findings challenge the prominence of senescent T-cell phenotypes in clinical hepatitis C infection.

Mathematical Model of Naive T Cell Division and Survival IL-7 Thresholds

We develop a mathematical model of the peripheral naive T cell population to study the change in human naive T cell numbers from birth to adulthood, incorporating thymic output and the availability of interleukin-7 (IL-7). The model is formulated as three ordinary differential equations: two describe T cell numbers, in a resting state and progressing through the cell cycle. The third is introduced to describe changes in IL-7 availability. Thymic output is a decreasing function of time, representative of the thymic atrophy observed in aging humans. Each T cell is assumed to possess two interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) signaling thresholds: a survival threshold and a second, higher, proliferation threshold. If the IL-7R signaling strength is below its survival threshold, a cell may undergo apoptosis. When the signaling strength is above the survival threshold, but below the proliferation threshold, the cell survives but does not divide. Signaling strength above the proliferation threshold enables entry into cell cycle. Assuming that individual cell thresholds are log-normally distributed, we derive population-average rates for apoptosis and entry into cell cycle. We have analyzed the adiabatic change in homeostasis as thymic output decreases. With a parameter set representative of a healthy individual, the model predicts a unique equilibrium number of T cells. In a parameter range representative of persistent viral or bacterial infection, where naive T cell cycle progression is impaired, a decrease in thymic output may result in the collapse of the naive T cell repertoire.