SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine design enabled by prototype pathogen preparedness.

A vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is needed to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. Structural studies have led to the development of mutations that stabilize Betacoronavirus spike proteins in the prefusion state, improving their expression and increasing immunogenicity1. This principle has been applied to design mRNA-1273, an mRNA vaccine that encodes a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that is stabilized in the prefusion conformation. Here we show that mRNA-1273 induces potent neutralizing antibody responses to both wild-type (D614) and D614G mutant2 SARS-CoV-2 as well as CD8+ T cell responses, and protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lungs and noses of mice without evidence of immunopathology. mRNA-1273 is currently in a phase III trial to evaluate its efficacy.

Two C-terminal isoforms of Aplysia tachykinin-related peptide receptors exhibit phosphorylation-dependent and phosphorylation-independent desensitization mechanisms.

Diversity, a hallmark of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, partly stems from alternative splicing of a single gene generating more than one isoform for a receptor. Additionally, receptor responses to ligands can be attenuated by desensitization upon prolonged or repeated ligand exposure. Both phenomena have been demonstrated and exemplified by the deuterostome tachykinin signaling system, although the role of phosphorylation in desensitization remains a subject of debate. Here, we describe the signaling system for tachykinin-related peptides (TKRPs) in a protostome, mollusk Aplysia. We cloned the Aplysia TKRP precursor, which encodes three TKRPs (apTKRP-1, apTKRP-2a, and apTKRP-2b) containing the FXGXR-amide motif. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed predominant expression of TKRP mRNA and peptide in the cerebral ganglia. TKRPs and their posttranslational modifications were observed in extracts of central nervous system ganglia using mass spectrometry. We identified two Aplysia TKRP receptors (apTKRPRs), named apTKRPR-A and apTKRPR-B. These receptors are two isoforms generated through alternative splicing of the same gene and differ only in their intracellular C termini. Structure-activity relationship analysis of apTKRP-2b revealed that both C-terminal amidation and conserved residues of the ligand are critical for receptor activation. C-terminal truncates and mutants of apTKRPRs suggested that there is a C-terminal phosphorylation-independent desensitization for both receptors. Moreover, apTKRPR-B also exhibits phosphorylation-dependent desensitization through the phosphorylation of C-terminal Ser/Thr residues. This comprehensive characterization of the Aplysia TKRP signaling system underscores the evolutionary conservation of the TKRP and TK signaling systems, while highlighting the intricacies of receptor regulation through alternative splicing and differential desensitization mechanisms.

In chronic spontaneous urticaria, increased Galectin-9 expression on basophils and eosinophils is linked to high disease activity, endotype-specific markers, and response to omalizumab treatment.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-9 (Gal-9) has been implicated in allergic and autoimmune diseases, but its role and relevance in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are unclear. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the role and relevance of Gal-9 in the pathogenesis of CSU. METHODS: We assessed 60 CSU patients for their expression of Gal-9 on circulating eosinophils and basophils as well as T cell expression of the Gal-9 receptor TIM-3, compared them with 26 healthy controls (HCs), and explored possible links with disease features including disease activity (urticaria activity score, UAS), total IgE, basophil activation test (BAT), and response to omalizumab treatment. We also investigated potential drivers of Gal-9 expression by eosinophils and basophils. RESULTS: Our CSU patients had markedly increased rates of circulating Gal-9+ eosinophils and basophils and high numbers of lesional Gal-9+ cells. High rates of blood Gal-9+ eosinophils/basophils were linked to high disease activity, IgE levels, and BAT negativity. Serum levels of TNF-α were positively correlated with circulating Gal-9+ eosinophils/basophils, and TNF-α markedly upregulated Gal-9 on eosinophils. CSU patients who responded to omalizumab treatment had more Gal-9+ eosinophils/basophils than non-responders, and omalizumab reduced blood levels of Gal-9+ eosinophils/basophils in responders. Gal-9+ eosinophils/basophils were negatively correlated with TIM-3+TH17 cells. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate a previously unrecognized involvement of the Gal-9/TIM-3 pathway in the pathogenesis CSU and call for studies that explore its relevance.

A novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tool to evaluate plasma soluble CD226 in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

CD226 is an important receptor constitutively expressed on most immune cells, performing vital functions in immune responses. However, the levels of soluble CD226 (sCD226) and its roles in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) remain unclear. In this study, we developed two novel mouse anti-human CD226 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and established a novel sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system, which proved to be highly effective in detecting human sCD226. We then analyzed the expression of sCD226 in the plasma of pSS patients. Our results showed that the levels of sCD226 were significantly lower in patients with pSS compared to healthy controls. The significant decline was also observed in active group and the patients with high levels of IgG or positive anti-SSB. Additionally, reduced sCD226 was found to be negatively correlated with the disease activity of pSS and several clinical manifestations, including arthralgia, fatigue, decayed tooth and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Furthermore, receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed that sCD226 displayed outstanding capacity in discriminating pSS and predicting the disease activity. Altogether, plasma sCD226 emerges as a promising candidate for diagnostic markers in the context of pSS.

Trajectory patterns and predictors of cancer-related fatigue in postoperative lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a chronic symptom that can affect the overall functioning of lung cancer patients throughout the course of the disease. However, there is limited research on the trajectory and predictors of CRF specifically in lung cancer patients. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the predictive role of positive psychological and social factors in relation to CRF. This study aimed to explore the trajectory of CRF and its predictors in postoperative chemotherapy patients with lung cancer. METHODS: A total of 202 lung cancer patients who underwent surgery and received adjuvant chemotherapy were recruited for this study. Baseline questionnaires were completed, covering sociodemographic information, disease details, CRF levels, personality traits, psychological resilience, and social support. CRF was assessed at three time points: first chemotherapy (T1), 3 months after chemotherapy (T2), and 6 months after chemotherapy (T3). Latent class growth modeling (LCGM) was used to identify distinct developmental trajectories of CRF. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine predictors of CRF within different patient groups. RESULTS: The LCGM analysis revealed three distinct CRF trajectories: persistent high fatigue group (30.7%), rising fatigue group (30.7%), and no fatigue group (38.6%). Cancer stage (OR = 7.563, 95% CI = 2.468-23.182, P < 0.001), melancholic personality (OR = 6.901, 95% CI = 1.261-37.764, P = 0.026), and high psychological resilience (OR = 0.171, 95% CI = 0.041-0.706, P = 0.015) were associated with the CRF trajectory. On the other hand, sanguine personality (OR = 0.254, 95% CI = 0.071-0.916, P = 0.036) and high social support (OR = 0.168, 95% CI = 0.045-0.627, P = 0.008) were associated with the increasing fatigue trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that 60% of lung cancer patients experienced persistent fatigue throughout the assessment period. Moreover, it confirmed the heterogeneity of CRF trajectories among lung cancer patients. The severity of CRF was found to be higher in patients with advanced clinical stages, depressive personality traits, and lower psychological resilience.

Latent Profiles of Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Patients of Reproductive Age and Associations With Reproductive Concerns.

AIM: To identify distinct profiles of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among breast cancer patients of reproductive age, investigate the relationship between these profiles and reproductive concerns and explore potential risk factors encompassing sociodemographic, clinical and reproductive characteristics. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to September 2022. METHODS: A convenience sample of 210 reproductive-aged breast cancer patients completed a questionnaire that included a general information section, the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) and the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale (RCAC). Latent profile analysis was conducted using the scores of the 12 items from the FoP-Q-SF as explicit variables, while univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Three latent variables were identified: low FCR-stable group (27.6%), moderate FCR-uneasy group (17.2%) and high FCR-intense group (55.2%). This study found that FCR was predicted by age, education level, cancer stage, chemotherapy and fertility intention. Furthermore, patients with heightened reproductive concerns exhibited a higher likelihood of belonging to the high FCR-intense group. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that FCR varies among breast cancer patients of reproductive age and demonstrates individual differences. IMPLICATION: Early identification of FCR patterns in patients is crucial for medical professionals, with particular attention given to those in the high-intensity FCR group. Tailored prevention and care strategies should be implemented based on the unique characteristics and influencing factors associated with different potential categories of FCR among patients of childbearing age with breast cancer. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

[Notch1/Akt/Foxo1 Pathway Regulated by Kisspeptin Is Involved in Endometrial Decidualization in Patients With Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion]. / kisspeptin调控Notch1/Akt/Foxo1é€šè·¯å‚ä¸Žå¤å‘æ€§æµäº§æ‚£è€ å­å®«å† è†œèœ•è†œåŒ–.

Objective: Kisspeptin, a protein encoded by the KISS1 gene, functions as an essential factor in suppressing tumor growth. The intricate orchestration of cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation is governed by the Notch1/Akt/Foxo1 signaling pathway, which assumes a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. In the specific context of this investigation, the focal point lies in a meticulous exploration of the intricate mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of kisspeptin on the process of endometrial decidualization. This investigation delves into the interplay between kisspeptin and the Notch1/Akt/Foxo1 signaling pathway, aiming to elucidate its significance in the pathophysiology of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Methods: We enrolled a cohort comprising 45 individuals diagnosed with RSA, who were admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Reproductive Center at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between June 2020 and December 2020. On the other hand, an additional group of 50 women undergoing elective abortion at the outpatient clinic of the Family Planning Department during the same timeframe was also included. To comprehensively assess the molecular landscape, Western blot and RT-qPCR were performed to analyze the expression levels of kisspeptin (and its gene KISS1), IGFBP1 (an established marker of decidualization), Notch1, Akt, and Foxo1 within the decidua. Human endometrial stromal cells (hESC) were given targeted interventions, including treatment with siRNA to disrupt KISS1 or exposure to kisspeptin10 (the bioactive fragment of kisspeptin), and were subsequently designated as the siKP group or the KP10 group, respectively. A control group comprised hESC was transfected with blank siRNA, and cell proliferation was meticulously evaluated with CCK8 assay. Following in vitro induction for decidualization across the three experimental groups, immunofluorescence assay was performed to identify differences in Notch1 expression and decidualization morphology between the siKP and the KP10 groups. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to gauge the expression levels of IGFBP1, Notch1, Akt, and Foxo1 across the three cell groups. Subsequently, decidualization was induced in hESC by adding inhibitors targeting Notch1, Akt, and Foxo1. The expression profiles of the aforementioned proteins and genes in the four groups were then examined, with hESC induced for decidualization without adding inhibitors serving as the normal control group. To establish murine models of normal pregnancy (NP) and RSA, CBA/J×BALB/c and CBA/J×DBA/2 mice were used. The mice were respectively labeled as the NP model and RSA model. The experimental groups received intraperitoneal injections of kisspeptin10 and kisspeptin234 (acting as a blocker) and were designated as RSA-KP10 and NP-KP234 groups. On the other hand, the control groups received intraperitoneal injections of normal saline (NS) and were referred to as RSA-NS and NP-NS groups. Each group comprised 6 mice, and uterine tissues from embryos at 9.5 days of gestation were meticulously collected for observation of embryo absorption and examination of the expression of the aforementioned proteins and genes. Results: The analysis revealed that the expression levels of kisspeptin, IGFBP1, Notch1, Akt, and Foxo1 were significantly lower in patients diagnosed with RSA compared to those in women with NP (P<0.01 for kisspeptin and P<0.05 for IGFBP1, Notch1, Akt, and Foxo1). After the introduction of kisspeptin10 to hESC, there was an observed enhancement in decidualization capability. Subsequently, the expression levels of Notch1, Akt, and Foxo1 showed an increase, but they decreased after interference with KISS1. Through immunofluorescence analysis, it was observed that proliferative hESC displayed a slender morphology, but they transitioned to a rounder and larger morphology post-decidualization. Concurrently, the expression of Notch1 increased, suggesting enhanced decidualization upon the administration of kisspeptin10, but the expression decreased after interference with KISS1. Further experimentation involved treating hESC with inhibitors specific to Notch1, Akt, and Foxo1 separately, revealing a regulatory sequence of Notch1/Akt/Foxo1 (P<0.05). In comparison to the NS group, NP mice administered with kisspeptin234 exhibited increased fetal absorption rates (P<0.001) and decreased expression of IGFBP1, Notch1, Akt, and Foxo1 (P<0.05). Conversely, RSA mice administered with kisspeptin10 demonstrated decreased fetal absorption rates (P<0.001) and increased expression levels of the aforementioned molecules (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that kisspeptin might exert its regulatory influence on the process of decidualization through the modulation of the Notch1/Akt/Foxo1 signaling cascade. A down-regulation of the expression levels of kisspeptin could result in suboptimal decidualization, which in turn might contribute to the development or progression of RSA.

B7H3 increases ferroptosis resistance by inhibiting cholesterol metabolism in colorectal cancer.

Ferroptosis, a newly discovered form of regulated cell death, has been reported to be associated with multiple cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we identified B7H3 as a potential regulator of ferroptosis resistance in CRC. B7H3 knockdown decreased but B7H3 overexpression increased the ferroptosis resistance of CRC cells, as evidenced by the expression of ferroptosis-associated genes (PTGS2, FTL, FTH, and GPX4) and the levels of important indicators of ferroptosis (malondialdehyde, iron load). Moreover, B7H3 promoted ferroptosis resistance by regulating sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2)-mediated cholesterol metabolism. Both exogenous cholesterol supplementation and treatment with the SREBP2 inhibitor betulin reversed the effect of B7H3 on ferroptosis in CRC cells. Furthermore, we verified that B7H3 downregulated SREBP2 expression by activating the AKT pathway. Additionally, multiplex immunohistochemistry was carried out to show the expression of B7H3, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, and SREBP2 in CRC tumor tissues, which was associated with the prognosis of patients with CRC. In summary, our findings reveal a role for B7H3 in regulating ferroptosis by controlling cholesterol metabolism in CRC.

Dysregulated PD-L2 is correlated with disease activity and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

The programmed death-1 (PD-1) pathway has been shown to deliver an inhibitory signal, and aberrant expression of the PD-1 molecule and/or its ligand programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been demonstrated in human diseases, while its other ligand, programmed death ligand 2 (PD-L2), has rarely been studied. Here, we investigated the expression of PD-L2 in synovial tissue and blood from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Soluble PD-L2 and inflammatory cytokine levels in serum among healthy controls and patients with RA were compared via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Membrane PD-L2 on monocytes in blood was analyzed through flow cytometry (FCM). The different expression levels of PD-L2 between the RA and non-RA synovium were semi-quantified by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The soluble PD-L2 levels in serum from patients with RA were significantly lower than those in healthy subjects, correlating with active parameters (rheumatoid factor) and inflammatory cytokine secretion. The FCM results showed that patients with RA had significantly increased percentages of PD-L2-expressing CD14+ monocytes and correlated with inflammatory cytokines. PD-L2 expression on macrophages in the synovium from patients with RA was recorded by IHC staining with a higher score, and its correlation with pathological scores and clinical features was determined. Together, our results revealed aberrant expression of PD-L2 in RA, which may be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target associated with the pathogenesis of RA.

Improved delivery of broadly neutralizing antibodies by nanocapsules suppresses SHIV infection in the CNS of infant rhesus macaques.

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) directed to HIV-1 have shown promise at suppressing viremia in animal models. However, the use of bNAbs for the central nervous system (CNS) infection is confounded by poor penetration of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Typically, antibody concentrations in the CNS are extremely low; with levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) only 0.1% of blood concentrations. Using a novel nanotechnology platform, which we term nanocapsules, we show effective transportation of the human bNAb PGT121 across the BBB in infant rhesus macaques upon systemic administration up to 1.6% of plasma concentration. We demonstrate that a single dose of PGT121 encased in nanocapsules when delivered at 48h post-infection delays early acute infection with SHIVSF162P3 in infants, with one of four animals demonstrating viral clearance. Importantly, the nanocapsule delivery of PGT121 improves suppression of SHIV infection in the CNS relative to controls.

Financial toxicity following surgical treatment for colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Financial toxicity has become a global public health issue. The purpose of the study is to investigate and analyze the influencing factors of financial toxicity in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer. METHODS: A convenient sample of 250 patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer was investigated in the study. They completed a set of questionnaires, including the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were performed to investigate the influencing factors of financial toxicity. RESULTS: Over half (52.8%, n = 132) of the colorectal cancer survivors experienced financial toxicity. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the factors associated with financial toxicity were young age, unemployment, low annual household income, chemotherapy, and the lack of sufficient social support (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Financial toxicity is common among non-metastatic colorectal cancer survivors. Young age, lower annual household income, unemployment, chemotherapy, and insufficient social support were associated with financial toxicity.

Fc-mediated effector function contributes to the in vivo antiviral effect of an HIV neutralizing antibody.

Treatment of HIV infection with either antiretroviral (ARV) therapy or neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (NAbs) leads to a reduction in HIV plasma virus. Both ARVs and NAbs prevent new rounds of viral infection, but NAbs may have the additional capacity to accelerate the loss of virus-infected cells through Fc gamma receptor (FcγR)-mediated effector functions, which should affect the kinetics of plasma-virus decline. Here, we formally test the role of effector function in vivo by comparing the rate and timing of plasma-virus clearance in response to a single-dose treatment with either unmodified NAb or those with either reduced or augmented Fc function. When infused into viremic simian HIV (SHIV)-infected rhesus macaques, there was a 21% difference in slope of plasma-virus decline between NAb and NAb with reduced Fc function. NAb engineered to increase FcγRIII binding and improve antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro resulted in arming of effector cells in vivo, yet led to viral-decay kinetics similar to NAbs with reduced Fc function. These studies show that the predominant mechanism of antiviral activity of HIV NAbs is through inhibition of viral entry, but that Fc function can contribute to the overall antiviral activity, making them distinct from standard ARVs.

Effectiveness of Digital Health Literacy Interventions in Older Adults: Single-Arm Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In a world of rapid digital technology development, the lack of digital health literacy (DHL) among older people cannot be ignored. DHL is becoming an essential competency that can facilitate the health status and health management of older adults. DHL interventions that are feasible and appropriate can be implemented on a large scale through the health care system for older people. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of DHL interventions for older adults. METHODS: English publications in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to November 20, 2022. Two reviewers independently completed the data extraction and quality assessment. Review Manager (version 5.4; Cochrane Informatics & Technology Services) software was used for all meta-analyses. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies, including 2 randomized controlled trials and 5 quasi-experimental studies, involving 710 older adults were considered eligible. The main outcome was scores on the eHealth Literacy Scale, and secondary outcomes were knowledge, self-efficacy, and skills. Quasi-experimental studies compared baseline and postintervention outcomes, while randomized controlled trials compared pre- and postintervention outcomes in the intervention group. Of the 7 studies, 3 used face-to-face instruction, while 4 adopted web-based interventions. Among them, 4 of the interventions were conducted using theoretical guidance, while 3 were not. Intervention duration varied from 2 to 8 weeks. In addition, the studies included were all conducted in developed countries, mainly in the United States. Pooled analysis presented that DHL interventions had positive effects on eHealth literacy efficacy (standardized mean difference 1.15, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.84; P=.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that DHL interventions that chose face-to-face teaching (standardized mean difference 1.15, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.84; P=.001), were guided by a conceptual framework (standardized mean difference 1.15, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.84; P=.001), and were sustained over 4 weeks (standardized mean difference 1.1, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.84; P=.001) had a more significant effect. Moreover, the outcomes showed considerable gains in knowledge (standardized mean difference 0.93, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.31; P<.001) and self-efficacy (standardized mean difference 0.96, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.77; P=.02). No statistically significant effect was found for skills (standardized mean difference 0.77, 95% CI -0.30 to 1.85; P=.16). The small number of studies, variable study quality, and heterogeneity are some limitations of this review. CONCLUSIONS: DHL interventions have positive effects on the health status and health management of older adults. Practical and effective DHL interventions are crucial for the use of modern digital information technology in managing the health of older people. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42023410204; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=410204.

Effects of glycosidase on glycoside-bound aroma compounds in grape and cherry juice.

This paper reports the occurrence of six kinds of commercial enzyme hydrolysis effects for use in grape juice and cherry juice, which provide a basis for studying the bound aroma compounds in fruit juice and their application in production. Using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with GC-MS, a reliable procedure for determining the free and glycosidic-bound volatile compounds has been established. Comparison of these free and bound aroma compounds revealed that non-volatile glycosides, known as aroma precursors, occur at high concentrations in grape and cherry juice. Using six different glycosidase enzymes, 67 volatile compounds were identified in these two juices, including terpenes, C13-norisoprenoids, higher alcohols, esters, C6-compounds, C9-compounds, and phenols. The different enzymes had significant effects on varietal aroma. Creative and AR2000 had similar hydrolysis effects, which contribute greatly to the characteristic aroma of grape juice and cherry juice, significantly enhance the floral and fruity features of fruit juice, and improve aroma complexity in the system. The Creative enzyme can be used as a new choice for studying juice-bound aroma and hydrolysis-bound aroma in fruit and wine production. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05662-3.

SARS-CoV-2 S2P spike ages through distinct states with altered immunogenicity.

The SARS-CoV-2 spike is the primary target of virus-neutralizing antibodies and critical to the development of effective vaccines against COVID-19. Here, we demonstrate that the prefusion-stabilized two-proline "S2P" spike-widely employed for laboratory work and clinical studies-unfolds when stored at 4 °C, physiological pH, as observed by electron microscopy (EM) and differential scanning calorimetry, but that its trimeric, native-like conformation can be reacquired by low pH treatment. When stored for approximately 1 week, this unfolding does not significantly alter antigenic characteristics; however, longer storage diminishes antibody binding, and month-old spike elicits virtually no neutralization in mice despite inducing high ELISA-binding titers. Cryo-EM structures reveal the folded fraction of spike to decrease with aging; however, its structure remains largely similar, although with varying mobility of the receptor-binding domain. Thus, the SARS-CoV-2 spike is susceptible to unfolding, which affects immunogenicity, highlighting the need to monitor its integrity.

Increased expression of Myosin X contributes to the metastasis in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignancy in Head and neck cancer for which the mechanism underlying its metastasis is poorly understood. Myosin X, a molecular motor in cells has been demonstrated to play an important role in cell migration. However, whether Myosin X is involved in the metastasis of LSCC remains unclear. To investigate the expression of Myosin X and its implication in the metastasis of LSCC, we recruited 30 patients with LSCC and 6 patients with vocal cord polyp range from October 2016 to October 2018. Tissue samples were obtained during surgery and the expression of Myosin X, Cortactin, MMP2, MMP9, E-cadherin, and ß-catenin in tissue samples were evaluated by RT-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry or ELISA. Patients with LSCC were further followed-up 2 year after surgery for metastasis analysis. We found that the level of Myosin X, Cortactin, MMP2, and MMP9 was much higher in poorly differentiated LSCC compared to that in moderately and highly LSCC, as well as the control tissues. In contrast, the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition related marker, E-cadherin, and ß-catenin, were much lower in poorly differentiated LSCC tissues compared to that in moderately and highly differentiated LSCC tissues, as well as the control tissues. Moreover, the expression of Myosin X was positively correlated with Cortactin, MMP2, and MMP9 levels. Increased expression of Myosin X in LSCC tissues was related to higher risk of metastasis. In conclusion, our findings showed that. Myosin X augments the expression of Cortactin, MMP2 and MMP9, which could upregulate the cell migration and the matrix degradation, and consequently reduce the expression of E-cadherin and ß-catenin, thereby activating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and promoting the metastasis of LSCC. Targeting Myosin X may have potential therapeutic effect in the metastasis of LSCC.

CD40/TRAF1 decreases synovial cell apoptosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis through JNK/NF-κB pathway.

INTRODUCTION: A genome-wide association analysis revealed a rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-risk-associated genetic locus on chromosome 9, which contained the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1). However, the detail mechanism by TRAF1 signaled to fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) apoptosis remains to be fully understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Synovial tissue of 10 RA patients and osteoarthritis patients were obtained during joint replacement surgery. We investigated TRAF1 level and FLSs apoptosis percentage in vivo and elucidated the mechanism involved in the regulation of apoptotic process in vitro. RESULTS: We proved the significant increase of TRAF1 level in FLSs of RA patients and demonstrated that TRAF1 level correlated positively with DAS28 score and negatively with FLSs apoptosis. Treatment with siTRAF1 was able to decrease MMPs levels and the phosphorylated forms of JNK/NF-κB in vitro. Moreover, JNK inhibitor could attenuate expression of MMPs and increase percentage of apoptosis in RA-FLSs, while siTRAF1 could not promote apoptosis when RA-FLSs were pretreated with JNK activator. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of TRAF1 in RA synovium play an important role in the synovial hyperplasia of RA by suppressing apoptosis through activating JNK/NF-kB-dependent signaling pathways in response to the engagement of CD40.

Establishment of a novel double-monoclonal antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): tool for human B7-H4 detection in autoimmune diseases.

B7-H4, one of the immunoregulatory proteins, plays an inhibitory role by inhibiting T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Nevertheless, the significance of soluble B7-H4 (sB7-H4) in autoimmune diseases is unclear. In our study, we developed two novel mouse anti-human B7-H4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (clones 8D4 and 7E1) with utilities for flow cytometry, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. We characterized 7E1 as a functional antibody with antagonistic activity, which could promote T cell proliferation and regulate cytokine production. Furthermore, based on the different epitope specificities, we established a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which could detect sB7-H4 sensitively and specifically. Using this ELISA kit, sB7-H4 was observed in a high proportion of autoimmune diseases patients. We found that the levels of sB7-H4 were significantly higher in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type I diabetes (T1D) and Graves' disease (GD). Together, sB7-H4 in human serum is regarded not only as a regulator of T cell activation but may also be a diagnostic marker of autoimmune diseases.

Inositol Hexakisphosphate and Inositol Enhance the Inhibition of Colorectal Cancer Growth and Liver Metastasis by Capecitabine in a Mouse Model.

To investigate the effects of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) and inositol (INS) with capecitabine treatment on colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and liver metastasis in mice, we established an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. The study designated five experimental groups: a control group, a model group, a capecitabine (60 mg/kg) treatment group, an IP6 + INS (80 mg/kg: 80 mg/kg) treatment group, and a capecitabine + IP6 + INS (60 mg/kg: 80 mg/kg: 80 mg/kg) treatment group. Compared with the model group, the tumor parameters of the other three treatment groups were significantly reduced. The combination of IP6 and INS with capecitabine is more effective in improving survival rate, reducing tumor weight, and inhibiting liver metastasis. Compared with the model group, the expression of E-cadherin in each treatment group was elevated, while the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin was suppressed. This phenomenon was more obvious in the combination group. The combination more significantly reduced the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in the serum of CRC mice compared with other intervention groups. Our data indicate that IP6 and INS enhanced the effect of capecitabine on CRC growth in mice by modulating the expression of inflammatory factors, intercellular adhesion molecules, and vimentin.

The Effects of Cellulose on AOM/DSS-Treated C57BL/6 Colorectal Cancer Mice by Changing Intestinal Flora Composition and Inflammatory Factors.

Chronic intestinal inflammation is a key risk factor of colorectal cancer (CRC). It is known that microbial dysbiosis induces increased inflammatory factors which promote tumorigenesis and cellulose can be beneficial to CRC. In the present study, we investigated the regulatory effects of cellulose on intestinal flora composition and colorectal carcinogenesis in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced CRC mouse model. Supplementation of cellulose significantly attenuated inflammation and tumor formation in AOM/DSS-treated CRC mice. The survival rate and the tumor inhibition rate were higher in the medium-dose cellulose group (MCEG) and high-dose cellulose group (HCEG) than in the model group (MG; P < 0.05). Cellulose supplementation stimulated shifts in the intestinal flora in AOM/DSS-treated CRC mice. Additionally, levels of inflammatory mediators involved in colorectal carcinogenesis, such as IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α, were lower in the serum of the low-dose cellulose group, MCEG, and HCEG when compared with the MG (P < 0.05). Whereas the abundance of differential bacteria was correlated with the concentration of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α. These results showed cellulose changed the composition of intestinal flora and inhibited colon inflammation and neoplasm formation caused by the AOM/DSS treatment.