Immunological Investigations最新文献

Macrophages are pivotal immune cells involved in maintaining immune homeostasis and defending against pathogens. They exhibit significant plasticity and heterogeneity, enabling polarization into pro-inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes in response to distinct microenvironmental cues. The process of macrophage polarization is tightly regulated by complex signaling pathways and transcriptional networks. This review explores the factors influencing macrophage polarization, the associated signaling pathways, and their roles in the pathogenesis of lung diseases, including fibrosis, cancer, and chronic inflammatory conditions. By summarizing recent advances, we aim to provide insights into the immunoregulatory functions of macrophages and their therapeutic potential. Based on our review, it is believed that targeting macrophage polarization emerges as a promising approach for developing effective treatments for lung diseases, balancing inflammation and repair while mitigating disease progression.

Objective: To investigate how a high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet influences postoperative pain and inflammation, and to explore the role of NF-κB signaling and macrophage polarization.

Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: normal diet (ND), HFHS, ND + surgery (ND + S), HFHS + surgery (HFHS + S), and HFHS + surgery + NF-κB inhibitor (HFHS + S + B). After eight weeks of diet, laparotomy was performed. Pain behavior was assessed using the Rat Grimace Scale. DRG and blood samples were collected for Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence.

Results: HFHS combined with surgery significantly activated NF-κB signaling, shown by increased p65/IκBα phosphorylation and COX-2 upregulation. NF-κB inhibition reversed these effects and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1) and pain scores. HFHS and surgery also increased M1 and decreased M2 macrophages; these changes were reversed by NF-κB blockade. Western blotting confirmed upregulation of iNOS and IL-6 and downregulation of Arg-1 and IL-10 under HFHS conditions.

Conclusion: An HFHS diet exacerbates postoperative pain and inflammation via NF-κB activation and M1 macrophage polarization. Inhibiting NF-κB may mitigate diet-induced sensitization.

Background: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has improved our ability to characterize rare cell populations. In practice, cells from different tissues or donors are simultaneously loaded onto the instrument (multiplexed) at the recommended (standard loading) or higher (superloading) numbers to save time and money. Although cost-effective, superloading can stymie computational analyses owing to high multiplet rates and sample complexity.

Methods: We compared the effects of superloading on multiplexed single-cell gene expression and T cell receptor (TCR) data generated from human thymus and blood samples from different donors.

Results: Minimal transcriptomic differences were observed between the data generated by either standard or superloading. Irrespective of the loading cell number, we found that over 50% of the T cells expressing multiple TCR chains were doublets.

Conclusion: Multiple samples can be run simultaneously without compromising data quality and subsequent analyses. However, an additional doublet removal step based on TCR configuration may improve the accuracy of T cell analysis.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that double-negative (DN) αβ T cells play an important role in immune responses during ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI). Here, we investigate the role of γ-chain cytokines in driving DN T cell proliferation in steady state and AKI, focusing on IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15.

Methods: We assessed DN T cell proliferation in vitro in response to IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15, with co-culture experiments using renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and IL-7 blockade. In vivo, wild-type and IL-7r knockout mice were studied to evaluate the impact of IL-7 on DN T cell expansion and kidney function during AKI. Human RTECs confirmed the relevance of these findings.

Results: All three cytokines promoted DN T cell proliferation in vitro, with IL-7 inducing the most robust expansion. Co-culture experiments showed RTECs as a key IL-7 source, and blockade reduced DN T cell expansion. In vivo, IL-7 complexes administered to wild-type mice increased DN T cells and selectively expanded the PD-1+ subset. IL-7 deficiency worsened renal outcomes during AKI. Human RTECs activated peripheral human DN T cells in vitro.

Conclusion: These results establish IL-7 as pivotal for DN T cell expansion and highlight RTECs' role in DN T cell homeostasis.

Background: IL-7 is a cytokine that plays a critical role in the development and proliferation of many different immune cells. IL-7 is notably important for the proper development and activity of T cells and B cells. Additionally, the cytokine plays a role in the function of natural killer cells and dendritic cells. Because of this innate biological activity, IL-7 has gained traction as a potential immunotherapy for multiple applications.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review to explore the physiological role of IL-7 and current applications harnessing the biology of IL-7 as a therapeutic. We also investigated the ways in which IL-7 is being engineered to enhance its therapeutic potential.

Results: Notably, IL-7 has demonstrated efficacy in adoptive cell therapy models and as a vaccine adjuvant. The cytokine has also been used as a treatment for sepsis and other chronic infections. To further enhance its therapeutic efficacy, IL-7 has been engineered by fusing the cytokine to antibody fragments or other bioactive or targeting molecules. These engineered IL-7 therapeutics seek to improve the cytokine's pharmacokinetic and immunological properties and reduce off-target effects.

Conclusion: IL-7 immunotherapies largely remain at the preclinical stage, but there is growing interest in IL-7's many therapeutic applications and increasing opportunities to further engineer the molecule for future clinical translation.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. A key element in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmunity is the role of regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Among these, HLA-DR⁺ Treg cells represent a distinct subset, and their altered expression and functionality in SLE are closely associated with the progression of the disease. This review explores the biological characteristics of HLA-DR⁺ Treg cells, their mechanisms of action in SLE, as well as their potential and the challenges they pose as therapeutic targets.

Methods and results: This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms by which HLA-DR⁺ Treg cells regulate immune responses. It highlights their direct interactions with autoreactive T cells and antigen-presenting cells, which contribute to the suppression of autoimmunity. Additionally, the review explores the critical role of these cells in maintaining immune tolerance and their promising potential in the context of antigen-specific immunotherapy.

Discussion: The potential of HLA-DR⁺ Treg cells in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considerable, particularly due to their capacity to generate antigen-specific Tregs. The development of Treg-based therapies, including the expansion of both polyclonal and antigen-specific Tregs, is an area of active investigation. Nonetheless, several challenges persist, such as the need to optimize protocols for Treg generation and expansion, ensure the stability of the Treg phenotype, and address potential safety concerns associated with cellular therapies.Continued research is essential to fully harness the potential of HLA-DR⁺ Treg cells in the treatment of SLE and other autoimmune diseases.

Background: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a condition that causes ulceration and inflammation of the intestinal epithelium. UC treatment depends on macrophages' phenotypic switch from pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing (M2). It has been reported that the epigenetic alteration of histone lactylation affects macrophage activity and phenotype. TAK-242, a TLR4 inhibitor, stimulates histone lactylation to generate reparative M2 UC macrophages.

Methods: This review highlighted the significance in terms of introduction, an overview of histone lactylation, the mechanism of action of TAK-242 in regulating inflammatory responses, the relationship between TAK-242 to histone lactylation, the potential role of TAK-242-dependent histone lactylation in macrophage polarization, the role of repair macrophages in ulcerative colitis and regulation of repair macrophages by histone lactylation.

Results: Novel treatments for ulcerative colitis involve the use of TAK-242 to enhance histone lactylation, which in turn boosts macrophage function and promotes mucosal healing.

Conclusion: TAK-242 exhibits therapeutic potential in the treatment of UC, and this research suggests further investigation and clinical trials to enhance patient outcomes.

Background: Carotid arteriosclerosis is common, with interventional therapy being the primary treatment. However, postoperative restenosis and poor stent patency, related to vascular inflammation involving MAPK and PP2A, limit success. Formononetin (FOR) may offer a novel approach by activating PP2A and inhibiting MAPK, reducing inflammation and improving outcomes.

Methods: Rats were divided into sham and carotid artery balloon injury (CABI) groups, with the latter receiving various concentrations of FOR. Vascular damage and inflammation were assessed using HE staining, ELISA, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. HUVECs were treated with Ox-LDL to induce injury, followed by FOR (10-40 μM) and the MAPK inhibitor U0126. PP2A and MAPK expression were analyzed via Western blot and immunofluorescence.   .

Results: HE staining showed carotid lumen narrowing and tissue damage in the model group, which improved with FOR treatment. ELISA revealed reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels post-CABI with FOR. FOR also reversed the decrease of PP2A and increased MAPK expression, along with reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Conclusion FOR reduces vascular damage and inflammation after CABI via the PP2A/MAPK axis, enhancing vascular remodeling and restoring protein expression. FOR shows promise as a therapeutic agent for vascular injuries.

Conclusion: FOR can effectively reduce vascular damage and inflammation after coronary artery bypass grafting through the PP2A/MAPK axis, enhance vascular remodeling, and restore protein expression profiles. These findings suggest FOR as a promising therapeutic agent for vascular injuries.

Objective: To review the current and the potential research and clinical use of VLRBs.

Methods: A literature search was conducted for English studies published in the past 20 years using the terms "Variable Lymphocyte Receptor," "VLR," "VLRB" or "Repebody." Only primary reports were included.

Results: VLRB-based technologies are currently being investigated for diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of diverse conditions including solid organ and hematological malignancies, infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and degenerative and metabolic disorders. VLRB mAbs can be used to directly recognize disease biomarkers, such as B cells from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or to deliver drugs to the brain or cancer cells. The VLRB C-terminal multimerization domain has been utilized to create vaccines while VLR-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell constructs are being investigated for cancer therapies.

Conclusions: The extensive knowledge gained with VLRB mAbs in diverse in vitro and in vivo models emphasizes their promise for translation into clinical applications and readiness for prime time.

Background: The discovery of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and its receptor (IL-2R) almost 50 years ago revolutionized immunology, marking a pivotal moment in understanding T cell biology and immune regulation. Initially identified as a T cell growth factor, IL-2 unveiled critical insights into cytokine-mediated immune cell proliferation and differentiation.

Methods: This review highlighted the characterization of IL-2R as a multi-chain receptor complex set a precedent for decoding cytokine receptor signaling. The unique interplay between IL-2 and its high-affinity receptor component, IL-2Rα, epitomizes the principle of specificity and efficiency in cytokine signaling, enabling precise immune modulation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) exploit IL-2Rα high affinity to outcompete effector T cells for IL-2, ensuring immune tolerance and preventing autoimmunity.

Results: Despite its foundational role in immune homeostasis, leveraging IL-2 for therapeutic purposes has proven challenging.

Conclusion: IL-2-based therapies hold transformative potential in autoimmunity, cancer immunology, and transplantation, yet they remain elusive due to the complex balance between immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects. This review explores the milestones in IL-2 biology, its dualistic functions, and the ongoing quest to harness its therapeutic promise.