Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research最新文献

Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are the main effectors of innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) of the type 2 innate immune response, which can carry out specific signal transmission between multiple cells in the tumor immune microenvironment. IL-4 and IL-13 mediate signal transduction and regulate cellular functions in a variety of solid tumors through their shared receptor chain, the transmembrane heterodimer interleukin-4 receptor alpha/interleukin-13 receptor alpha-1 (type II IL-4 receptor). IL-4, IL-13, and their receptors can induce the formation of a variety of malignant tumors and play an important role in their progression, growth, and tumor immunity. In order to explore possible targets for lung cancer prediction and treatment, this review summarizes the characteristics and signal transduction pathways of IL-4 and IL-13, and their respective receptors, and discusses in depth their possible role in the occurrence and development of lung cancer.

The study of sensitive and specific biomarkers, such as blood inflammatory cytokines, could provide an answer to the challenges faced in the differential diagnosis of patients with systemic inflammation. Limited data exist on the impact of age on serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. We collected serum samples of 42 healthy children and young adults (1 month to 21 years). Serum levels of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CXCL9, and CXCL10 were measured. Data were analyzed for three different age groups (<6, 6-17, and 18-21 years). IL-18, TNF-α, and CXCL9 values varied significantly according to age group. Median values of IL-18 and TNF-α decline with age, whereas CXCL9 and CXCL10 are lowest at 6-17 years. IL-1Ra is stable among age groups. In the majority of cases, IL-1β and IL-6 are not measurable above the lower limit of quantification. A scoping literature review revealed highly variable data on IL-1Ra, IL-18, TNF-α, and CXCL10. For CXCL9, pediatric reference data are scarce. In conclusion, we report an age-dependent signature of multiple inflammatory cytokines measured in the serum of healthy children and young adults, suggesting the need to use age-specific reference values in future pediatric studies.

Metabolic disorders represent significant public health challenges worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that cytokines and microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders by regulating various metabolic processes, including insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between cytokines and miRNAs in the context of metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. We discuss how dysregulation of cytokine-miRNA networks contributes to the development and progression of metabolic disorders and explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these interactions for disease management.

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has caused a global health crisis, necessitating a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology. In this study, we explored the immune and hematological dynamics in COVID-19 patients to gain insights into disease severity and prognosis. Our findings revealed distinct cytokine profiles in moderate and severe cases. IL12A was significantly upregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from moderate cases, suggesting a potential role in initiating an effective immune response. Conversely, severe cases exhibited downregulation of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL23A, TNFalpha, IL1B, and IFNG) alongside an upregulation of the immunosuppressive IL10, indicative of a dysregulated immune environment. Serum analysis showed elevated IL6 and IL10 levels in both moderate and severe cases, emphasizing their potential as markers for disease severity. Notably, no significant differences in serum cytokines were found between recovery and lethal cases. In lethal cases of COVID-19, elevated D-dimer, urea, and creatinine correlated with IL6 and IL10. This study contributes valuable information to the ongoing efforts to understand and manage the dysregulated immune responses underlying COVID-19 pathology.

India saw a spike in COVID-19 cases in early 2023, and this wave of infection was attributed to XBB sublineages of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. The impact of XBB wave was significantly shorter with low burden of severe cases or hospitalization as compared with previous SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Although a combination of old and new mutations in the spike region of XBB.1.16 variant led to a drastic reduction in the ability of antibodies from prior immunity to neutralize this virus, additional nonspike mutations suggested a possible change in its ability to suppress innate immune responses. In this study, we tested the sensitivity of Delta, BA.2.75, and XBB.1.16 variants to interferon-β (IFN-β) treatment and found that XBB.1.16 variant was most sensitive to IFN-β. We next tested the ability of serum antibodies from healthy individuals to neutralize XBB.1.16. We showed that most of the individuals with hybrid immunity maintained a low but significant level of neutralizing antibodies to XBB.1.16 variant. Therefore, our observations indicated that both hybrid immunity because of natural infection and enhanced sensitivity to IFNs may have contributed to the low impact of XBB.1.16 infections in India.