Deciphering molecular consequences of the proprotein convertase 1/3 inhibition in macrophages for application in anti-tumour immunotherapy.

During tumour development, macrophages are recruited to the tumour site and orientated towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Due to their immunosuppressive function, tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) are recognized as major components in tumour progression. Changing these macrophages to a pro-inflammatory phenotype is thus extensively studied as a potential means for developing novel anti-tumour therapy. In this context, we found that the Proprotein convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) is a relevant target. Proteomic analysis reveals that PC1/3 knockdown (KD) macrophages present all the characteristic of activated pro-inflammatory macrophages. Moreover, in PC1/3 KD macrophages, TLR4 and TLR9 signaling pathways can be enhanced leading to the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors and anti-tumour factors. To develop an efficient anti-tumour immunotherapy, we may (i) target TAMs directly inside the tumour site for PC1/3 inhibition and TLR activation and used them as "Trojan macrophages" or (ii) directly take advantage of PC1/3 inhibited macrophages and use them as "drone macrophages" by activating them "at distance" with a TLR ligand. Therefore, PC1/3 inhibited macrophages constitute an innovative cell therapy to treat tumours efficiently.

Strenuous exercise induces a hyperreactive rebalanced haemostatic state that is more pronounced in men.

Physical exercise is recommended for a healthy lifestyle. Strenuous exercise, however, may trigger the haemostatic system, increasing the risk of vascular thrombotic events and the incidence of primary cardiac arrest. Our goal was to study the effects of strenuous exercise on risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Blood was collected from 92 healthy volunteers who participated in the amateur version of the pro-tour Amstel Gold cycling race, before and directly after the race. Thrombin generation showed a shortening of the lag time and time to peak and an increase of the velocity index. Interestingly, the endogenous thrombin potential measured in plasma decreased due to reduced prothrombin conversion. Platelet reactivity increased and this effect was stronger in men than in women. Lower fibrinogen and higher D-dimer levels after exercise indicated higher fibrin formation. On the other hand, fibrinolysis was also elevated as indicated by a shortening of the clot lysis time. Exercise activated the endothelium (von Willebrand factor (VWF) and active VWF levels were elevated) and the immune system (concentrations IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, RANTES and PDGF increased). Additionally, an increased cardiac troponin T level was measured post-exercise. Strenuous exercise induces a temporary hyperreactive state in the body with enhanced pro- and anticoagulant responses. As strenuous exercise has a more pronounced effect on platelet function in male subjects, this gives a possible explanation for the higher incidence of sudden cardiac death during exercise compared to women. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02048462.