Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews最新文献

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is involved in virtually all cases of cervical cancer. However, HPV alone is not sufficient to cause malignant development. The effects of chronic inflammation and the interaction of immune components with the microenvironment infected with the high-risk HPV type (HR) may contribute to cancer development. Transforming growth factor β (TGFB) appears to play an important role in cervical carcinogenesis. Protein and mRNA levels of this cytokine gradually increase as normal tissue develops into malignant tissue and are closely related to the severity of HPV infection. At the onset of infection, TGFB can inhibit the proliferation of infected cells and viral amplification by inhibiting cell growth and downregulating the transcriptional activity of the long control region (LCR) of HPV, thereby reducing the expression of early genes. When infected cells progress to a malignant phenotype, the response to the cell growth inhibitory effect of TGFB1 is lost and the suppression of E6 and E7 expression decreases. Subsequently, TGFB1 expression is upregulated by high levels of E6 and E7 oncoproteins, leading to an increase in TGFB1 in the tumor microenvironment, where this molecule promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell motility, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. This interaction between HPV oncoproteins and TGFB1 is an important mechanism promoting the development and progression of cervical cancer.

Chronic stress is a significant risk factor that contributes to the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and has garnered considerable attention in recent research. It influences the distribution and function of immune cells within the intestinal mucosa through the "brain-gut" axis, altering cytokine and chemokine secretion and creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The intestine, often called the "second brain," is particularly susceptible to the effects of chronic stress. Cytokines and chemokines in intestinal mucosal immunity（IMI） are closely linked to CRC cells' proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance under chronic stress. Recently, antidepressants have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for CRC, possibly by modulating IMI to restore homeostasis and exert anti-tumor effects. This article reviews the role of chronic stress in promoting CRC progression via its impact on intestinal mucosal immunity, explores potential targets within the intestinal mucosa under chronic stress, and proposes new approaches for CRC treatment.

Cardiac inflammation and fibrosis are central pathogenic mechanisms leading to heart failure. Transplantation is still the treatment of choice for many patients undergoing end-stage heart failure who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy. In spite of considerable progress, the molecular mechanisms linking inflammation, fibrosis and heart failure remain poorly understood. Galectin-3 (GAL3), a chimera-type member of the galectin family, has emerged as a critical mediator implicated in cardiac inflammatory, vascular and fibrotic processes through modulation of different cellular compartments including monocytes and macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells via glycan-dependent or independent mechanisms. GAL3-driven circuits may hierarchically amplify cytokine production and function, immune cell activation and fibrosis cascades, influencing a wide range of cardiovascular disorders. Thus, GAL3 emerges as a potential therapeutic target to counteract aberrant inflammation and fibrosis during heart failure and a potential biomarker of heart failure and clinical outcome of heart transplantation.

The development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, involves various factors and is characterized by persistent inflammation of the mucosal lining. However, the role of neutrophils in this process remains controversial. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which consist of chromatin, antimicrobial proteins, and oxidative enzymes, are released by neutrophils to trap pathogens. They are also involved in various immune-mediated and vascular diseases. NETs act as a vital defense mechanisms at the gut-mucosal interface and are frequently exposed to bacterial, viral, and fungal threats. However, they can also contribute to inflammation and worsen imbalances in the gut bacteria. Recent studies have suggested that NETs have a significant impact on IBD development. Previous studies have shown increased levels of NETs in tissue and blood samples from patients with IBD, as well as in experimental colitis mouse models. Therefore, this review discusses how NETs are formed and their role in the pathophysiology of IBD. It discusses how NETs may lead to tissue damage and contribute to IBD-associated complications. Moreover, non-invasive biomarkers are needed to replace invasive procedures such as endoscopy to better evaluate the disease status. Given the crucial role of NETs in IBD progression, this review focuses on potential NET biomarkers that can help predict the evolution of IBD. Furthermore, this review identifies potential therapeutic targets for regulating NET production, which could expand the range of available treatment options for IBD.

The role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a multifunctional cytokine in immunomodulation and inflammatory response is increasingly appreciated. Ischemic heart disease (IHD), the leading cause of global mortality, remains a focal point of research owing to its intricate pathophysiology. MIF has been identified as a critical player in IHD, where it exerts distinct roles. On one hand, MIF plays a protective role by enhancing energy metabolism through activation of AMPK, resisting oxidative stress, inhibiting activation of the JNK pathway, and maintaining intracellular calcium ion homeostasis. Additionally, MIF exerts protective effects through mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes. On the other hand, MIF can assume a pro-inflammatory role, which contributes to the exacerbation of IHD's development and progression. Furthermore, MIF levels significantly increase in IHD patients, and its genetic polymorphisms are positively correlated with prevalence and severity. These findings position MIF as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in the management of IHD. This review summarizes the structure, source, signaling pathways and biological functions of MIF and focuses on its roles and clinical characteristics in IHD. The genetic variants of MIF associated with IHD is also discussed, providing more understandings of its complex interplay in the disease's pathology.

Neuroinflammation is a critical component in neurodegenerative disorders. The inflammasome, facilitates the cleavage of caspase-1, leading to the maturation and subsequent secretion of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Consequently, pyroptosis mediated by gasdermin D, exacerbates neuroinflammation. Among the inflammasomes, NLRP1/3 are predominant in the central nervous system (CNS), Although NLRP1 was the earliest discovered inflammasome, the specific involvement of NLRP1 in neurodegenerative diseases remains to be fully elucidated. Recently, the discovery of an endogenous inhibitor of NLRP1, dipeptidyl peptidase 9, suggests the feasibility of producing of small-molecule drugs targeting NLRP1. This review describes the latest findings on the role of the NLRP1 inflammasome in the pathology of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, and summarises the regulatory mechanisms of NLRP1 inflammasome activation in the CNS. Furthermore, we highlight the recent progress in developing small-molecule and biological inhibitors that modulate the NLRP1 infammasome for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, some of which are advancing to preclinical testing. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The objective of this review is to synthesise the research on the structure, activation, and regulatory mechanisms of the NLRP1 inflammasome, along with its potential impact on both acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions. The discovery of endogenous inhibitors, such as dipeptidyl peptidase 9 and thioredoxin, and their interaction with NLRP1 suggest the possibility of developing NLRP1-targeted small-molecule drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This review also discusses the use of both direct and indirect NLRP1 inhibitors as prospective therapeutic strategies for these conditions.

Various pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including toll-like receptors (TLRs), play a crucial role in recognizing invading pathogens as well as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released in response to infection. The resulting signaling cascades initiate appropriate immune responses to eliminate these pathogens. Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2-driven activation of TLR4, whether through direct recognition of the spike glycoprotein (alone or in combination with endotoxin) or by sensing various TLR4-activating DAMPs or alarmins released during viral infection, acts as a critical mediator of antiviral immunity. However, TLR4 exerts a dual role in COVID-19, demonstrating both beneficial and deleterious effects. Dysregulated TLR4 signaling is implicated in the proinflammatory consequences linked to the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19. Additionally, TLR4 polymorphisms contribute to severity of the disease. Given its significant immunoregulatory impact on COVID-19 immunopathology and host immunity, TLR4 has emerged as a key target for developing inhibitors and immunotherapeutic strategies to mitigate the adverse effects associated with SARS-CoV-2 and related infections. Furthermore, TLR4 agonists are also being explored as adjuvants to enhance immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in the development and regulation of nonspecific defense and specific immunity. However, its regulatory influence extends beyond inflammation and impacts a range of immune and non-immune processes. The involvement of IL-1 in numerous biological processes, including modulation of inflammation, necessitates strict regulation at multiple levels. This review focuses on these regulatory processes and discusses their underlying mechanisms. IL-1 activity is controlled at various levels, including receptor binding, gene transcription, expression as inactive proforms, and regulated post-translational processing and secretion. Regulation at the level of the receptor expression - alternative splicing, tissue-specific isoforms, and gene polymorphism - is also crucial to IL-1 functional activity. Understanding these regulatory features of IL-1 will not only continue to shape future research directions but will also highlight promising therapeutic strategies to modulate the biological effects of IL-1.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a fundamental component in the gene therapy landscape, widely acknowledged for its effectiveness in therapeutic gene delivery. The success of AAV-based therapies, such as Luxturna and Zolgensma, underscores their potential as a leading vector in gene therapy. This article provides an in-depth review of the development and mechanisms of AAV vector-based therapies, offering a comprehensive analysis of the latest clinical trial outcomes in central nervous system (CNS) diseases, ocular conditions, and hemophilia, where AAV therapies have shown promising results. Additionally, we discusse the selection of administration methods and serotypes tailored to specific diseases. Our objective is to showcase the innovative applications and future potential of AAV-based gene therapy, laying the groundwork for continued clinical advancements.

The occurrence of most cancers is due to the clonal proliferation of tumor cells, immune evasion, and the ability to spread to other body parts. Rho GTPases, a family of small GTPases, are key regulators of cytoskeleton reorganization and cell polarity. Additionally, Rho GTPases are key proteins that induce the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. This review focuses on the complex regulatory mechanisms of Rho GTPases, exploring their critical role in promoting tumor cell proliferation and dissemination. Regarding tumor cell proliferation, attention is given to the role of Rho GTPases in regulating the cell cycle and mitosis. In terms of tumor cell dissemination, the focus is on the role of Rho GTPases in regulating cell migration and invasion. Overall, this review elucidates the mechanisms of Rho GTPases members in the development of tumor cells, aiming to provide theoretical references for the treatment of mammalian tumor diseases and related applications.