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1.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1357378, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720885

Exosomes carry proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids and lipids from their parent cell of origin. They are derived from cells through exocytosis, are ingested by target cells, and can transfer biological signals between local or distant cells. Therefore, exosomes are often modified in reaction to pathological processes, including infection, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and in response to metabolic perturbations such as obesity and diabetes, all of which involve a significant inflammatory aspect. Here, we discuss how immune cell-derived exosomes origin from neutrophils, T lymphocytes, macrophages impact on the immune reprogramming of diabetes and the associated complications. Besides, exosomes derived from stem cells and their immunomodulatory properties and anti-inflammation effect in diabetes are also reviewed. Moreover, As an important addition to previous reviews, we describes promising directions involving engineered exosomes as well as current challenges of clinical applications in diabetic therapy. Further research on exosomes will explore their potential in translational medicine and provide new avenues for the development of effective clinical diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for immunoregulation of diabetes.


Diabetes Mellitus , Exosomes , Immunomodulation , Exosomes/immunology , Exosomes/metabolism , Humans , Diabetes Mellitus/immunology , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Animals , Macrophages/immunology , Macrophages/metabolism
2.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1373497, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720889

Introduction: Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) delivers a single accelerated radiation dose to the breast tumor bed during breast-conserving surgery (BCS). The synergistic biologic effects of simultaneous surgery and radiation remain unclear. This study explores the cellular and molecular changes induced by IORT in the tumor microenvironment and its impact on the immune response modulation. Methods: Patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or early-stage invasive breast carcinoma undergoing BCS with margin re-excision were included. Histopathological evaluation and RNA-sequencing in the re-excision tissue were compared between patients with IORT (n=11) vs. non-IORT (n=11). Results: Squamous metaplasia with atypia was exclusively identified in IORT specimens (63.6%, p=0.004), mimicking DCIS. We then identified 1,662 differentially expressed genes (875 upregulated and 787 downregulated) between IORT and non-IORT samples. Gene ontology analyses showed that IORT was associated with the enrichment of several immune response pathways, such as inflammatory response, granulocyte activation, and T-cell activation (p<0.001). When only considering normal tissue from both cohorts, IORT was associated with intrinsic apoptotic signaling, response to gamma radiation, and positive regulation of programmed cell death (p<0.001). Using the xCell algorithm, we inferred a higher abundance of γδ T-cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes in the IORT samples. Conclusion: IORT induces histological changes, including squamous metaplasia with atypia, and elicits molecular alterations associated with immune response and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. The increased abundance of immune-related components in breast tissue exposed to IORT suggests a potential shift towards active immunogenicity, particularly immune-desert tumors like HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer.


Breast Neoplasms , Immunomodulation , Intraoperative Care , Mastectomy, Segmental , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Breast Neoplasms/immunology , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Middle Aged , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Tumor Microenvironment/radiation effects , Immunomodulation/radiation effects , Aged , Adult , Combined Modality Therapy
3.
Cancer Med ; 13(10): e7287, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38770637

Although the development of immunotherapies has been revolutionary in the treatment of several cancers, many cancer types remain unresponsive to immune-based treatment and are largely managed by chemotherapy drugs. However, chemotherapeutics are not infallible and are frequently rendered ineffective as resistance develops from prolonged exposure. Recent investigations have indicated that some chemotherapy drugs have additional functions beyond their normative cytotoxic capacity and are in fact immune-modifying agents. Of the pharmaceuticals with identified immune-editing properties, gemcitabine is well-studied and of interest to clinicians and scientists alike. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug approved for the treatment of multiple cancers, including breast, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian. Because of its broad applications, relatively low toxicity profile, and history as a favorable combinatory partner, there is promise in the recharacterization of gemcitabine in the context of the immune system. Such efforts may allow the identification of suitable immunotherapeutic combinations, wherein gemcitabine can be used as a priming agent to improve immunotherapy efficacy in traditionally insensitive cancers. This review looks to highlight documented immunomodulatory abilities of one of the most well-known chemotherapy agents, gemcitabine, relating to its influence on cells and proteins of the immune system.


Deoxycytidine , Gemcitabine , Neoplasms , Humans , Deoxycytidine/analogs & derivatives , Deoxycytidine/therapeutic use , Deoxycytidine/pharmacology , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Immunotherapy/methods , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Animals , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/pharmacology , Immunomodulating Agents/therapeutic use , Immunomodulating Agents/pharmacology
4.
FASEB J ; 38(10): e23644, 2024 May 31.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38738472

Tumors typically lack canonical danger signals required to activate adaptive immunity and also frequently employ substantial immunomodulatory mechanisms that downregulate adaptive responses and contribute to escape from immune surveillance. Given the variety of mechanisms involved in shielding tumors from immune recognition, it is not surprising that single-agent immunomodulatory approaches have been largely unsuccessful in generating durable antitumor responses. Here we report a unique combination of immunomodulatory and cytostatic agents that recondition the tumor microenvironment and eliminate complex and/or poor-prognosis tumor types including the non-immunogenic 4T-1 model of TNBC, the aggressive MOC-2 model of HNSCC, and the high-risk MYCN-amplified model of neuroblastoma. A course of therapy optimized for TNBC cured a majority of tumors in both ectopic and orthotopic settings and eliminated metastatic spread in all animals tested at the highest doses. Immune responses were transferable between therapeutic donor and naïve recipient through adoptive transfer, and a sizeable abscopal effect on distant, untreated lesions could be demonstrated experimentally. Similar results were observed in HNSCC and neuroblastoma models, with characteristic remodeling of the tumor microenvironment documented in all model systems. scRNA-seq analysis implicated upregulation of innate immune responses and antigen presentation in tumor cells and the myeloid cell compartment as critical early events. This analysis also highlighted the potential importance of the autonomic nervous system in the governance of inflammatory processes. The data indicate that the targeting of multiple pathways and mechanisms of action can result in substantial synergistic antitumor effects and suggest follow-up in the neoadjuvant setting may be warranted.


Tumor Microenvironment , Animals , Mice , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Cell Line, Tumor , Neuroblastoma/immunology , Neuroblastoma/therapy , Neuroblastoma/pathology , Female , Humans , Immunomodulation , Mice, Inbred C57BL
5.
J Transl Med ; 22(1): 480, 2024 May 21.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38773651

Inflammation plays a critical role in conditions such as acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and ischemia-reperfusion-induced liver injury. Various pathogenic pathways contribute to liver inflammation, involving inflammatory polarization of macrophages and Küpffer cells, neutrophil infiltration, dysregulation of T cell subsets, oxidative stress, and activation of hepatic stellate cells. While mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have demonstrated beneficial properties, their clinical translation is limited by their cellular nature. However, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have emerged as a promising cell-free therapeutic approach for immunomodulation. MSC-EVs naturally mirror their parental cell properties, overcoming the limitations associated with the use of MSCs. In vitro and in vivo preclinical studies have demonstrated that MSC-EVs replicate the beneficial effects of MSCs in liver injury. This includes the reduction of cell death and oxidative stress, improvement of hepatocyte function, induction of immunomodulatory effects, and mitigation of cytokine storm. Nevertheless, MSC-EVs face challenges regarding the necessity of defining consistent isolation methods, optimizing MSCs culture conditions, and establishing quality control measures for EV characterization and functional assessment. By establishing standardized protocols, guidelines, and affordable cost mass production, clinicians and researchers will have a solid foundation to conduct further studies, validate the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-EVs, and ultimately pave the way for their clinical implementation in acute liver injury.


Extracellular Vesicles , Immunomodulation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Translational Research, Biomedical , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Humans , Animals , Acute Disease , Inflammation/pathology , Hepatitis/immunology , Hepatitis/therapy
6.
Cell Biochem Funct ; 42(4): e4029, 2024 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38773914

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) are emerging as remarkable agents in the field of immunomodulation with vast potential for diagnosing and treating various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. These tiny vesicles are laden with a diverse cargo encompassing proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and bioactive molecules, offering a wealth of biomarkers and therapeutic options. MSC-Exos exhibit their immunomodulatory prowess by skillfully regulating pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). They conduct a symphony of immunological responses, modulating B-cell activities, polarizing macrophages toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes, and fine-tuning T-cell activity. These interactions have profound implications for precision medicine, cancer immunotherapy, autoimmune disease management, biomarker discovery, and regulatory approvals. MSC-Exos promises to usher in a new era of tailored therapies, personalized diagnostics, and more effective treatments for various medical conditions. As research advances, their transformative potential in healthcare becomes increasingly evident.


Exosomes , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Receptors, Pattern Recognition , Humans , Exosomes/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/immunology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Receptors, Pattern Recognition/metabolism , Animals , Immunomodulation
7.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1394501, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38774883

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-surrounded vesicles that carry bioactive molecules. Among EVs, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), specifically produced by Gram-negative bacteria, have been extensively characterized and their potential as vaccines, adjuvants or immunotherapeutic agents, broadly explored in mammals. Nonetheless, Gram-positive bacteria can also produce bilayered spherical structures from 20 to 400 nm involved in pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, nutrient uptake and nucleic acid transfer. However, information regarding their immunomodulatory potential is very scarce, both in mammals and fish. In the current study, we have produced EVs from the Gram-positive probiotic Bacillus subtilis and evaluated their immunomodulatory capacities using a rainbow trout intestinal epithelial cell line (RTgutGC) and splenic leukocytes. B. subtilis EVs significantly up-regulated the transcription of several pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial genes in both RTgutGC cells and splenocytes, while also up-regulating many genes associated with B cell differentiation in the later. In concordance, B. subtilis EVs increased the number of IgM-secreting cells in splenocyte cultures, while at the same time increased the MHC II surface levels and antigen-processing capacities of splenic IgM+ B cells. Interestingly, some of these experiments were repeated comparing the effects of B. subtilis EVs to EVs obtained from another Bacillus species, Bacillus megaterium, identifying important differences. The data presented provides evidence of the immunomodulatory capacities of Gram-positive EVs, pointing to the potential of B. subtilis EVs as adjuvants or immunostimulants for aquaculture.


Bacillus subtilis , Extracellular Vesicles , Leukocytes , Oncorhynchus mykiss , Spleen , Animals , Bacillus subtilis/immunology , Extracellular Vesicles/immunology , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Oncorhynchus mykiss/immunology , Oncorhynchus mykiss/microbiology , Spleen/immunology , Spleen/cytology , Leukocytes/immunology , Leukocytes/metabolism , Probiotics/pharmacology , Cell Line , Intestinal Mucosa/immunology , Intestinal Mucosa/microbiology , Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism , Immunomodulation , Intestines/immunology
8.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1319863, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38756772

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Complicated mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of IS. Immunomodulatory mechanisms are crucial to IS. Acupuncture is a traditional non-drug treatment that has been extensively used to treat IS. The exploration of neuroimmune modulation will broaden the understanding of the mechanisms underlying acupuncture treatment. This review summarizes the immune response of immune cells, immune cytokines, and immune organs after an IS. The immunomodulatory mechanisms of acupuncture treatment on the central nervous system and peripheral immunity, as well as the factors that influence the effects of acupuncture treatment, were summarized. We suggest prospects and future directions for research on immunomodulatory mechanisms of acupuncture treatment for IS based on current progress, and we hope that these will provide inspiration for researchers. Additionally, acupuncture has shown favorable outcomes in the treatment of immune-based nervous system diseases, generating new directions for research on possible targets and treatments for immune-based nervous system diseases.


Acupuncture Therapy , Immunomodulation , Ischemic Stroke , Humans , Ischemic Stroke/therapy , Ischemic Stroke/immunology , Animals , Neuroimmunomodulation , Cytokines/metabolism
10.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1367040, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38745661

Background: In recent years, immunotherapy has been emerging as a promising alternative therapeutic method for cancer patients, offering potential benefits. The expression of PD-L1 by tumors can inhibit the T-cell response to the tumor and allow the tumor to evade immune surveillance. To address this issue, cancer immunotherapy has shown promise in disrupting the interaction between PD-L1 and its ligand PD-1. Methods: We used mirror-image phage display technology in our experiment to screen and determine PD-L1 specific affinity peptides (PPL-C). Using CT26 cells, we established a transplanted mouse tumor model to evaluate the inhibitory effects of PPL-C on tumor growth in vivo. We also demonstrated that PPL-C inhibited the differentiation of T regulatory cells (Tregs) and regulated the production of cytokines. Results: In vitro, PPL-C has a strong affinity for PD-L1, with a binding rate of 0.75 µM. An activation assay using T cells and mixed lymphocytes demonstrated that PPL-C inhibits the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1. PPL-C or an anti-PD-L1 antibody significantly reduced the rate of tumor mass development in mice compared to those given a control peptide (78% versus 77%, respectively). The results of this study demonstrate that PPL-C prevents or retards tumor growth. Further, immunotherapy with PPL-C enhances lymphocyte cytotoxicity and promotes proliferation in CT26-bearing mice. Conclusion: PPL-C exhibited antitumor and immunoregulatory properties in the colon cancer. Therefore, PPL-C peptides of low molecular weight could serve as effective cancer immunotherapy.


B7-H1 Antigen , Immunotherapy , Peptides , Animals , B7-H1 Antigen/immunology , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , Mice , Peptides/immunology , Cell Line, Tumor , Immunotherapy/methods , Humans , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology , Female , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology , Cytokines/metabolism , Lymphocyte Activation/immunology , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Colonic Neoplasms/therapy , Colonic Neoplasms/immunology
11.
Lett Appl Microbiol ; 77(4)2024 Apr 08.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38565315

Lactic acid bacteria, found in heterogenous niches, are known for their health-endorsing properties and are in demand as prospective probiotics. Hence, the scientific community around the globe is in continuous search for novel and new potential strains with extensive applicability and minimum risk. In this context, the present study evaluated the efficiency of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (P2F2) of human origin, a highly autoaggregating and coaggregating (with pathogens) strain, for its colonization, growth promotion, and immunomodulation. Results indicated moderate hydrophobicity on adhesion to xylene and n-hexadecane and weak electron-donating properties with chloroform. The biofilm of P2F2 formed on polystyrene was strong and highly correlated to exopolysaccharide production. The autoaggregation was moderately correlated with hydrophobicity and biofilm production. It was noted that the P2F2 strain modulated the gut microbiota and increased intestinal villi length in Wistar rats. The lipid and glucose profiles remained intact. P2F2 treatment increased the activity of reactive oxygen species-generating cells in the peritoneal cavity, besides augmenting the mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation and maintained the immunoglobulins at the normal level. Results from this study conclusively suggest that the strain P2F2 adheres to the intestine and modulates the gut ecosystem besides enhancing cell-mediated immunity without altering the serological parameters tested.


Lactobacillus plantarum , Probiotics , Animals , Humans , Infant , Rats , Bacterial Adhesion , Feces/microbiology , Immunomodulation , Probiotics/pharmacology , Prospective Studies , Rats, Wistar
12.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1385691, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38605955

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are being increasingly used in cell-based therapies due to their broad anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Intravascularly-administered MSCs do not efficiently migrate to sites of inflammation/immunopathology, but this shortfall has been overcome by cell surface enzymatic fucosylation to engender expression of the potent E-selectin ligand HCELL. In applications of cell-based therapies, cryopreservation enables stability in both storage and transport of the produced cells from the manufacturing facility to the point of care. However, it has been reported that cryopreservation and thawing dampens their immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory activity even after a reactivation/reconditioning step. To address this issue, we employed a variety of methods to cryopreserve and thaw fucosylated human MSCs derived from either bone marrow or adipose tissue sources. We then evaluated their immunosuppressive properties, cell viability, morphology, proliferation kinetics, immunophenotype, senescence, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Our studies provide new insights into the immunobiology of cryopreserved and thawed MSCs and offer a readily applicable approach to optimize the use of fucosylated human allogeneic MSCs as immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory therapeutics.


Immunomodulation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Humans , Glycosylation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Cryopreservation/methods , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/metabolism
13.
Cancer Immunol Immunother ; 73(5): 94, 2024 Apr 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38564002

The advent of tumor immunotherapy in patients has revolutionized the treatment of tumors and significantly improved survival rates for a wide range of tumors. However, the full therapeutic potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has yet to be realized, as not all patients have a lasting survival benefit from them, and a significant proportion of patients show primary or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. Bifidobacterium is one of the most common probiotics, and its antitumor and immunomodulatory effects have been demonstrated in recent years, but its immunomodulatory effects in tumors, especially on ICIs and in combination, have not been extensively studied in clinical practice, and its effects on the immune system and the mechanisms that modulate immunotherapy are largely unknown. Therefore, this review will focus on the immunomodulatory effects of Bifidobacteria in malignancies and the possible mechanisms of action of Bifidobacteria on immunotherapy in the hope of providing a basis for further research and better application of Bifidobacteria in clinical practice.


Immunomodulation , Immunotherapy , Humans , Bifidobacterium , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
14.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1372862, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38650942

Balancing the immune response after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) remains an ongoing clinical challenge. While immunosuppressants can effectively reduce acute rejection rates following transplant surgery, some patients still experience recurrent acute rejection episodes, which in turn may progress to chronic rejection. Furthermore, these immunosuppressive regimens are associated with an increased risk of malignancies and metabolic disorders. Despite significant advancements in the field, these IS related side effects persist as clinical hurdles, emphasizing the need for innovative therapeutic strategies to improve transplant survival and longevity. Cellular therapy, a novel therapeutic approach, has emerged as a potential pathway to promote immune tolerance while minimizing systemic side-effects of standard IS regiments. Various cell types, including chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), regulatory myeloid cells (RMCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), offer unique immunomodulatory properties that may help achieve improved outcomes in transplant patients. This review aims to elucidate the role of cellular therapies, particularly MSCs, T cells, Tregs, RMCs, macrophages, and dendritic cells in SOT and VCA. We explore the immunological features of each cell type, their capacity for immune regulation, and the prospective advantages and obstacles linked to their application in transplant patients. An in-depth outline of the current state of the technology may help SOT and VCA providers refine their perioperative treatment strategies while laying the foundation for further trials that investigate cellular therapeutics in transplantation surgery.


Organ Transplantation , Humans , Organ Transplantation/adverse effects , Animals , Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods , Graft Rejection/immunology , Graft Rejection/prevention & control , Immunomodulation
15.
Gene ; 916: 148446, 2024 Jul 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38583816

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have high priority in clinical applications for treatment of immune disorders because of their immunomodulatory function. A lot of researches have currently been undertaken to enhance the stemness capacities of the cells and pick an excellent type of MSCs for clinical approaches. This study aims to assess the immunomodulatory related MicroRNAs (miRNAs) expression as well as their target genes in both adipose derived stem cells (Ad-SCs) and dental pulp derived stem cell (DP-SCs) in the presence or lack of Crocin (saffron plant's bioactive compound). For this purpose, first MSCs were extracted from adipose and dental pulp tissues, and then their mesenchymal nature was confirmed using flow cytometry and differentiation tests. Following the cell treatment with an optimal-non-toxic dose of Crocin (Obtained by MTT test), the expression of 4 selected immunomodulatory-related micro-RNAs (Mir-126, -21, -23, and-155) and their target genes (PI3K/ Akt 1 and 2/ NFKB and RELA) were assessed by RT-PCR. Our findings revealed that miRNA-23 and miRNA-126 were up-regulated in both types of cells treated with Crocin, while in the other side, miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 were down-regulated in DP-SCs and were up-regulated in Ad-SCs under treatment. Moreover, the real-time PCR results indicated that Crocin could significantly down regulate the expression of PI3K/ Akt1/ Akt2/ NFKB/ RELA genes in DP-SCs and PI3K/Akt2 genes in Ad-SCs and up regulate the expression of Akt1/ NFKB/ RELA genes in recent cells. Based on the analysis of the obtained data, the immunoregulatory effects of Crocin were higher in DP-SCs than in Ad-SCs. In conclusion, Crocin could control essential signaling pathways related to the inflammation by regulating the expression of related- miRNAs genes that play a key function in the immune regulation pathways in MSCs. Our findings can give an understanding of the mechanisms by which Crocin enhances the immunomodulatory feature of MSCs. According to the research findings, DP-SCs are probably a better immunomodulator in Crocin treatment than Ad-SCs and it may be helpful for MSCs selection in clinical applications for modulation or treatment of autoimmune disorders.


Carotenoids , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , MicroRNAs , MicroRNAs/genetics , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/immunology , Carotenoids/pharmacology , Humans , Cells, Cultured , Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Immunomodulation/genetics , Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism , Transcription Factor RelA/genetics , Adipose Tissue/cytology , Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
16.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(8)2024 Apr 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38673781

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) represents a long-term adjunctive treatment option in patients with difficult-to-treat depression (DTD). Anti-inflammatory effects have been discussed as a key mechanism of action of VNS. However, long-term investigations in real-world patients are sparse. In this naturalistic observational study, we collected data on cytokines in peripheral blood in n = 6 patients (mean age 47.8) with DTD and VNS treatment at baseline and at 6 months follow-up. We have identified clusters of peripheral cytokines with a similar dynamic over the course of these 6 months using hierarchical clustering. We have investigated cytokine changes from baseline to 6 months as well as the relationship between the cytokine profile at 6 months and long-term response at 12 months. After 6 months of VNS, we observed significant correlations between cytokines (p < 0.05) within the identified three cytokine-pairs which were not present at baseline: IL(interleukin)-6 and IL-8; IL-1ß and TNF-α; IFN-α2 and IL-33. At 6 months, the levels of all the cytokines of interest had decreased (increased in non-responders) and were lower (5-534 fold) in responders to VNS than in non-responders: however, these results were not statistically significant. VNS-associated immunomodulation might play a role in long-term clinical response to VNS.


Cytokines , Vagus Nerve Stimulation , Humans , Cytokines/blood , Cytokines/metabolism , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Vagus Nerve Stimulation/methods , Adult , Depression/therapy , Depression/immunology , Treatment Outcome , Immunomodulation
17.
Viruses ; 16(4)2024 04 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38675906

The disruption of antiviral sensors and the evasion of immune defences by various tactics are hallmarks of EBV infection. One of the EBV latent gene products, LMP1, was shown to induce the activation of signalling pathways, such as NF-κB, MAPK (JNK, ERK1/2, p38), JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt, via three subdomains of its C-terminal domain, regulating the expression of several cytokines responsible for modulation of the immune response and therefore promoting viral persistence. The aim of this review is to summarise the current knowledge on the EBV-mediated induction of immunomodulatory molecules by the activation of signal transduction pathways with a particular focus on LMP1-mediated mechanisms. A more detailed understanding of the cytokine biology molecular landscape in EBV infections could contribute to the more complete understanding of diseases associated with this virus.


Epstein-Barr Virus Infections , Herpesvirus 4, Human , Signal Transduction , Viral Matrix Proteins , Humans , Viral Matrix Proteins/metabolism , Viral Matrix Proteins/immunology , Viral Matrix Proteins/genetics , Herpesvirus 4, Human/immunology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/immunology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/virology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Cytokines/immunology , Animals , Immunomodulation , Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Virus Latency/immunology
18.
Expert Opin Drug Deliv ; 21(4): 663-677, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38680108

BACKGROUND: Chemo-immunotherapy modifies the tumor microenvironment to enhance the immune response and improve chemotherapy. This study introduces a dual-armed chemo-immunotherapy strategy combating breast tumor progression while re-polarizing Tumor-Associated Macrophage (TAM) using prodigiosin-loaded mannan-coated magnetic nanoparticles (PG@M-MNPs). METHODS: The physicochemical properties of one-step synthetized M-MNPs were analyzed, including X-ray diffraction, FTIR, DLS, VSM, TEM, zeta potential analysis, and drug loading content were carried out. Biocompatibility, cancer specificity, cellular uptake, and distribution of PG@M-MNPs were investigated using fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-6 and ARG-1 after treatment with PG and PG@M-MNPs on M1 and M2 macrophage subsets were studied. RESULTS: The M-MNPs were successfully synthesized and characterized, demonstrating a size below 100 nm. The release kinetics of PG from M-MNPs showed sustained and controlled patterns, with enzyme-triggered release. Cytotoxicity assessments revealed an enhanced selectivity of PG@M-MNPs against cancer cells and minimal effects on normal cells. Additionally, immuno-modulatory activity demonstrates the potential of PG@M-MNPs to change the polarization dynamics of macrophages. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential of a targeted approach to breast cancer treatment, offering new avenues for improved therapeutic outcomes and patient survival.


Breast Neoplasms , Liver Neoplasms , Magnetite Nanoparticles , Mannose , Tumor Microenvironment , Tumor-Associated Macrophages , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/immunology , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , Female , Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry , Tumor-Associated Macrophages/immunology , Tumor-Associated Macrophages/drug effects , Mannose/chemistry , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Liver Neoplasms/immunology , Cell Line, Tumor , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Animals , Particle Size , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Immunotherapy/methods , Mannans/chemistry , Mannans/administration & dosage , Mice , Drug Delivery Systems
19.
Int J Biol Macromol ; 268(Pt 1): 131643, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38643918

The rational design of hydrogel materials to modulate the immune microenvironment has emerged as a pivotal approach in expediting tissue repair and regeneration. Within the immune microenvironment, an array of immune cells exists, with macrophages gaining prominence in the field of tissue repair and regeneration due to their roles in cytokine regulation to promote regeneration, maintain tissue homeostasis, and facilitate repair. Macrophages can be categorized into two types: classically activated M1 (pro-inflammatory) and alternatively activated M2 (anti-inflammatory and pro-repair). By regulating the physical and chemical properties of hydrogels, the phenotypic transformation and cell behavior of macrophages can be effectively controlled, thereby promoting tissue regeneration and repair. A full understanding of the interaction between hydrogels and macrophages can provide new ideas and methods for future tissue engineering and clinical treatment. Therefore, this paper reviews the effects of hydrogel components, hardness, pore size, and surface morphology on cell behaviors such as macrophage proliferation, migration, and phenotypic polarization, and explores the application of hydrogels based on macrophage immune regulation in skin, bone, cartilage, and nerve tissue repair. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of macrophage-based immunomodulatory hydrogels are discussed.


Hydrogels , Macrophages , Regeneration , Wound Healing , Hydrogels/chemistry , Macrophages/immunology , Macrophages/drug effects , Humans , Animals , Regeneration/immunology , Wound Healing/drug effects , Wound Healing/immunology , Tissue Engineering , Immunomodulation/drug effects
20.
Mol Cancer ; 23(1): 72, 2024 Apr 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38581001

For decades, great strides have been made in the field of immunometabolism. A plethora of evidence ranging from basic mechanisms to clinical transformation has gradually embarked on immunometabolism to the center stage of innate and adaptive immunomodulation. Given this, we focus on changes in immunometabolism, a converging series of biochemical events that alters immune cell function, propose the immune roles played by diversified metabolic derivatives and enzymes, emphasize the key metabolism-related checkpoints in distinct immune cell types, and discuss the ongoing and upcoming realities of clinical treatment. It is expected that future research will reduce the current limitations of immunotherapy and provide a positive hand in immune responses to exert a broader therapeutic role.


Immunity , Neoplasms , Humans , Immunotherapy , Immunomodulation , Neoplasms/therapy
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