PM2.5 Exposure Inhibits Transepithelial Anion Short-circuit Current by Downregulating P2Y2 Receptor/CFTR Pathway.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can damage airway epithelial barriers. The anion transport system plays a crucial role in airway epithelial barriers. However, the detrimental effect and mechanism of PM2.5 on the anion transport system are still unclear. In this study, airway epithelial cells and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice were used. In transwell model, the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced transepithelial anion short-circuit current (Isc) and airway surface liquid (ASL) significantly decreased after PM2.5 exposure. In addition, PM2.5 exposure decreased the expression levels of P2Y2R, CFTR and cytoplasmic free-calcium, but ATP can increase the expressions of these proteins. PM2.5 exposure increased the levels of Th2-related cytokines of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung inflammation, collagen deposition and hyperplasisa of goblet cells. Interestingly, the administration of ATP showed an inhibitory effect on lung inflammation induced by PM2.5. Together, our study reveals that PM2.5 impairs the ATP-induced transepithelial anion Isc through downregulating P2Y2R/CFTR pathway, and this process may participate in aggravating airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation. These findings may provide important insights on PM2.5-mediated airway epithelial injury.

Ionic Liquid-Based Immunization Patch for the Transdermal Delivery of Antigens.

Herein, we report a transdermal patch prepared using an ionic liquid-based solid in oil (IL-S/O) nanodispersion and a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) to deliver the macromolecular antigenic protein, ovalbumin (OVA). The IL-S/O nanodispersion and a PSA were first mixed at an equal weight ratio, then coated onto a release liner, and covered with a support film. To evaluate the effect of the PSA, three types of PSAs, DURO-TAK 87-4098, DURO-TAK 87-4287, and DURO-TAK 87-235A, were used to obtain the corresponding IL-S/O patches SP-4098, SP-4287, and SP-235A, respectively. The prepared IL-S/O patches were characterized for surface morphology, viscoelasticity, and moisture content. In vitro skin penetration and in vivo immunization studies of the IL-S/O patches were performed using Yucatan micropig skin and the C57BL/6NJc1 mice model, respectively. The SP-4098 and SP-4287 delivered 5.49-fold and 5.47-fold higher amounts of drug compared with the aqueous formulation. Although both patches delivered a similar amount of drug, SP-4287 was not detached fully from the release liner after 30 days, indicating low stability. Mice immunized with the OVA-containing SP-4098 produced a 10-fold increase in anti-OVA IgG compared with those treated with an aqueous formulation. These findings suggested that the IL-S/O patch may be a good platform for the transdermal delivery of antigen molecules.

Immunostimulatory effects of Toll-like receptor ligands as adjuvants in establishing a novel mouse model for pemphigus vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: The meticulous selection of appropriate vaccine adjuvants is crucial for optimizing immune responses. Traditionally, pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune disorder, has been modelled using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). In this study, we aimed to discern potential variations in immune responses elicited by Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands as compared to CFA. METHODS: A comprehensive investigation was conducted, comparing the effects of these adjuvants in conjunction with ovalbumin or desmoglein-3. Flow cytometry was employed to analyse distinct cell subsets, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantified antigen-specific antibodies and cytokine levels. Histological examination of harvested skin tissues and transcriptome analysis of skin lesions were performed to identify differentially expressed genes. RESULTS: TLR ligands demonstrated efficacy in inducing PV-like symptoms in wild-type mice, in contrast to CFA. This underscored the substantial impact of the adjuvant on self-antigen tolerance. Furthermore, we proposed an enhanced method for establishing a PV model through adoptive transfer, substituting CFA with TLR ligands. Our results revealed that in contrast to the perception that CFA being the most potent immunopotentiator reported, CFA promoted regulatory T cells (Treg), follicular regulatory T cells and IL-10-producing neutrophils, whereas TLR ligands downregulated CCL17 and IL-10. This suggested potential implications for the recruitment and activation of Treg subsets. While B cell and CD8+ T cell responses exhibited similarity, CFA induced less activation in dendritic cell subsets. A novel mouse model of PV and systemic comparison of immunostimulatory effects of adjuvants were provided by this study. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic comparison of CFA and TLR ligands shed light on the distinctive properties of these adjuvants, presenting innovative mouse models for the investigation of pemphigus. This study significantly contributes to adjuvant research and advances our understanding of PV pathogenesis. KEY POINTS/HIGHLIGHTS: Immunization with desmoglein 3 and Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands effectively induces pemphigus symptoms in wild-type mice, whereas complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) fails. TLR ligands heightened the autoreactivity of donor cells in the adoptive transfer pemphigus model. CFA promoted regulatory T cells and IL-10-producing neutrophils, whereas TLR ligands downregulated CCL17 and IL-10, leading to more effective immune responses.

Age-Dependent Effects of Yolkin on Contact Sensitivity and Immune Phenotypes in Juvenile Mice.

Yolkin, an egg yolk immunoregulatory protein, stimulates the humoral but inhibits the cellular immune response in adult mice. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of yolkin administration on the immune response using a model of juvenile, i.e., 28-day- and 37-day-old, mice. We examined the yolkin influence on the magnitude of the cellular immune response, which was determined as contact sensitivity (CS) to oxazolone (OXA), and the humoral immune response, which was determined as the antibody response to ovalbumin (OVA). Yolkin was administered in drinking water, followed by immunization with OXA or OVA. In parallel, the phenotypic changes in the lymphoid organs were determined following yolkin treatment and prior immunization. The results showed that yolkin had a stimulatory effect on CS in the mice treated with yolkin from the 37th day of life but not from the 28th day of life. In contrast, no regulatory effect of yolkin on antibody production was found in 28-day- and 37-day-old mice. Phenotypic studies revealed significant changes in the content of B cells and T cell subpopulations, including CD4+CD25+Foxp3 regulatory T cells. The association between the effects of yolkin on the magnitude of CS and phenotypic changes in main T- and B-cell compartments, as well the importance of changes in T-regulatory and CD8+ cells in the age categories, are discussed. We conclude that the immunoregulatory effects of yolkin on the generation of CS in mice are age dependent and change from stimulation in juvenile to suppression in adult mice.

Sugar and arginine facilitate oral tolerance by ensuring the functionality of tolerogenic immune cell subsets in the intestine.

Although oral tolerance is a critical system in regulating allergic disorders, the mechanisms by which dietary factors regulate the induction and maintenance of oral tolerance remain unclear. To address this, we explored the differentiation and function of various immune cells in the intestinal immune system under fasting and ad libitum-fed conditions before oral ovalbumin (OVA) administration. Fasting mitigated OVA-specific Treg expansion, which is essential for oral tolerance induction. This abnormality mainly resulted from functional defects in the CX3CR1+ cells responsible for the uptake of luminal OVA and reduction of tolerogenic CD103+ dendritic cells. Eventually, fasting impaired the preventive effect of oral OVA administration on asthma and allergic rhinitis development. Specific food ingredients, namely carbohydrates and arginine, were indispensable for oral tolerance induction by activating glycolysis and mTOR signaling. Overall, prior food intake and nutritional signals are critical for maintaining immune homeostasis by inducing tolerance to ingested food antigens.

Trim31 deficiency exacerbates airway inflammation in asthma by enhancing the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Tripartite motif (Trim) 31 is important for numerous inflammatory diseases. However, whether Trim31 regulates airway inflammation in asthma remains undetermined. The present work explored the role of Trim31 in airway inflammation in asthmatic mice established by ovalbumin (OVA) stimulation. Trim31 expression was markedly downregulated in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, Trim31-/- mice showed more severe pathological changes accompanied by increased inflammatory cell infiltration after OVA induction. House dust mite (HDM) stimulation evoked airway epithelial cell injury and inflammation, which were exacerbated by Trim31 silencing or attenuated by Trim31 overexpression. Further examination revealed that Trim31 deficiency exacerbated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in OVA-induced asthmatic mice and HDM-stimulated airway epithelial cells. The inhibition of NLRP3 markedly diminished the Trim31 silencing-mediated enhancement of HDM-induced injury and inflammation in airway epithelial cells. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that Trim31 acts as a crucial mediator of airway inflammation in asthma. Trim31 deficiency may contribute to the progression of asthma by increasing NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting that Trim31 is a potential therapeutic target for asthma.

Jolkinolide B attenuates allergic airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthmatic mice.

Asthma is a widely prevalent chronic disease that brings great suffering to patients and may result in death if it turns severe. Jolkinolide B (JB) is one diterpenoid component separated from the dried roots of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud (Euphorbiaceae), and has anti--inflammatory, antioxidative, and antitumor properties. However, the detailed regulatory role and associated regulatory mechanism in the progression of asthma remain elusive. In this work, it was demonstrated that the extensive infiltration of bronchial inflammatory cells and the thickening of airway wall were observed in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice, but these impacts were reversed by JB (10 mg/kg) treatment, indicating that JB relieved the provocative symptoms in OVA-induced asthma mice. In addition, JB can control OVA-triggered lung function and pulmonary resistance. Moreover, JB attenuated OVA-evoked inflammation by lowering the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Besides, the activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and transforming growth factor-beta-mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (TGFß/smad3) pathways in OVA-induced mice are rescued by JB treatment. In conclusion, it was disclosed that JB reduced allergic airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthmatic mice by modulating the NF-κB and TGFß/smad3 pathways. This work could offer new opinions on JB for lessening progression of asthma.

Surface-Engineered Polygonatum Sibiricum Polysaccharide CaCO3 Microparticles as Novel Vaccine Adjuvants to Enhance Immune Response.

Micro- and nanoparticles delivery systems have been widely studied as vaccine adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity and sustain long-term immune responses. Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) has been widely studied as an immunoregulator in improving immune responses. In this study, we synthesized and characterized cationic modified calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microparticles loaded with PSP (PEI-PSP-CaCO3, CTAB-PSP-CaCO3), studied the immune responses elicited by PEI-PSP-CaCO3 and CTAB-PSP-CaCO3 carrying ovalbumin (OVA). Our results demonstrated that PEI-PSP-CaCO3 significantly enhanced the secretion of IgG and cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) in vaccinated mice. Additionally, PEI-PSP-CaCO3 induced the activation of dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and germinal center (GC) B cells in draining lymph nodes (dLNs). It also enhanced lymphocyte proliferation, increased the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells, and elevated the frequency of CD3+ CD69+ T cells in spleen lymphocytes. Therefore, PEI-PSP-CaCO3 microparticles induced a stronger cellular and humoral immune response and could be potentially useful as a vaccine delivery and adjuvant system.

Clarithromycin attenuates airway epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice through modulation of Kv1.3 channels and PI3K/Akt signaling.

Airway epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the important pathological feature of airway remodeling in asthma. While macrolides are not commonly used to treat asthma, they have been shown to have protective effects on the airways, in which mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study aims to investigate the impact of clarithromycin on airway EMT in asthma and its potential mechanism. The results revealed an increase in Kv1.3 expression in the airways of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice, with symptoms and pathological changes being alleviated after treatment with the Kv1.3 inhibitor 5-(4-phenoxybutoxy)psoralen (PAP-1). Clarithromycin was found to attenuate airway epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the inhibition of Kv1.3 and PI3K/Akt signaling. Further experiments in vitro confirmed that PAP-1 could mitigate EMT by modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling in airway epithelial cells undergoing transformation into mesenchymal cells. These findings confirmed that clarithromycin might have a certain protective effect on asthma-related airway remodeling and represent a promising treatment strategy.

Progesterone modulates the immune microenvironment to suppress ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation by inhibiting NETosis.

Studies have demonstrated that prior to puberty, girls have a lower incidence and severity of asthma symptoms compared to boys. This study aimed to explore the role of progesterone (P4), a sex hormone, in reducing inflammation and altering the immune microenvironment in a mouse model of allergic asthma induced by OVA. Female BALB/c mice with or without ovariectomy to remove the influence of sex hormones were used for the investigations. Serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissue samples were collected for analysis. The results indicated that P4 treatment was effective in decreasing inflammation and mucus secretion in the lungs of OVA-induced allergic asthma mice. P4 treatment also reduced the influx of inflammatory cells into the BALF and increased the levels of Th1 and Th17 cytokines while decreasing the levels of Th2 and Treg cytokines in both BALF and lung microenvironment CD45+ T cells. Furthermore, P4 inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lungs, suppressed NETosis, and reduced the number of pulmonary CD4+ T cells while increasing the number of regulatory T cells. The neutrophil elastase inhibitor GW311616A also suppressed airway inflammation and mucus production and modified the secretion of immune Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cytokines in lung CD45+ immune cells. These changes led to an alteration of the immunological milieu with increased Th1 and Th17 cells, accompanied by decreased Th2, Treg, and CD44+ T cells, similar to the effects of P4 treatment. Treatment with P4 inhibited NETosis by suppressing the p38 pathway activation, leading to reduced reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, P4 treatment hindered the release of double-stranded DNA during NETosis, thereby influencing the immune microenvironment in the lungs. These findings suggest that P4 treatment may be beneficial in reducing inflammation associated with allergic asthma by modulating the immune microenvironment. In conclusion, this research indicates the potential of P4 as a therapeutic agent for ameliorating inflammation in OVA-induced allergic asthma mice.

Orally administered yeast-derived ß-glucan alleviates mast cell-dependent airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a murine model of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Particulate ß-glucans (WGP) are natural compounds with regulatory roles in various biological processes, including tumorigenesis and inflammatory diseases such as allergic asthma. However, their impact on mast cells (MCs), contributors to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation in asthma mice, remains unknown. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice underwent repeated OVA sensitization without alum, followed by Ovalbumin (OVA) challenge. Mice received daily oral administration of WGP (OAW) at doses of 50 or 150 mg/kg before sensitization and challenge. We assessed airway function, lung histopathology, and pulmonary inflammatory cell composition in the airways, as well as proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RESULTS: The 150 mg/kg OAW treatment mitigated OVA-induced AHR and airway inflammation, evidenced by reduced airway reactivity to aerosolized methacholine (Mch), diminished inflammatory cell infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia in lung tissues. Additionally, OAW hindered the recruitment of inflammatory cells, including MCs and eosinophils, in lung tissues and BALF. OAW treatment attenuated proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 levels in BALF. Notably, OAW significantly downregulated the expression of chemokines CCL3, CCL5, CCL20, CCL22, CXCL9, and CXCL10 in BALF. CONCLUSION: These results highlight OAW's robust anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential benefits in treating MC-dependent AHR and allergic inflammation by influencing inflammatory cell infiltration and regulating proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the airways.

Fabrication of chitosan-based emulsion as an adjuvant to enhance nasal mucosal immune responses.

Nasal vaccine is a non-invasive vaccine that activates systemic and mucosal immunity in the presence of an adjuvant, thereby enhancing immune function. In this work, chitosan/oligochitosan/tween 80 (CS-COS-T80) co-stabilized emulsion was designed and further used as the nasal adjuvant. CS-COS-T80 emulsion exhibited outstanding stability under pH 6-8 with uniformly dispersed droplets and nano-scale particle size (<0.25 µm), and maintained stable at 4 °C for 150-day storage. Addition of model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) had no effect on the stability of CS-COS-T80 emulsion. In vivo nasal immunity indicated that CS-COS-T80 emulsion prolonged the retention time of OVA in the nasal cavity (from 4 to 8 h to >12 h), as compared to T80-emulsion. CS-COS-T80 emulsion produced a stronger mucosal immune response to OVA, with secretory IgA levels 5-fold and 2-fold higher than those of bare OVA and commercial adjuvant MF59, respectively. Compared to MF59, CS-COS-T80 induced a stronger humoral immune response and a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response of OVA after immunization. Furthermore, in the presence of CS-COS-T80 emulsion, the secretion of IL-4 and IFN-γ and the activation of splenocyte memory T-cell differentiation increased from 173.98 to 210.21 pg/mL and from 75.46 to 104.01 pg/mL, respectively. Therefore, CS-COS-T80 emulsion may serve as a promising adjuvant platform.

Succinate coenzyme A ligase ß-like protein from Trichinella spiralis is a potential therapeutic molecule for allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: For decades, studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potential of proteins secreted by helminths in allergies and asthma. Previous studies have demonstrated the immunomodulatory capabilities of Succinate Coenzyme A ligase beta-like protein (SUCLA-ß) derived from Trichinella spiralis, a crucial excretory product of this parasite. OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic potential of SUCLA-ß in alleviating and controlling ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma, as well as its influence on host immune modulation. METHODS: In this research, we utilized the rTs-SUCLA-ß protein derived from T. spiralis to investigate its potential in mitigating airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma induced by OVA sensitization/stimulation, both pre- and post-challenge. The treatment's efficacy was assessed by quantifying the extent of inflammation in the lungs. RESULTS: Treatment with rTs-SUCLA-ß demonstrated efficacy in ameliorating OVA-induced airway inflammation, as evidenced by a reduction in eosinophil infiltration, levels of OVA-specific Immunoglobulin E, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-9, and IL-17A, along with an elevation in IL-10. The equilibrium between Th17 and Treg cells plays a pivotal role in modulating the abundance of inflammatory cells within the organism, thereby ameliorating inflammation and alleviating symptoms associated with allergic asthma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our data revealed that T. spiralis-derived Ts-SUCLA-ß protein may inhibit the allergic airway inflammation by regulating host immune responses.

Changing Characteristics of Treg/Th17 Cells in the Nasal Mucosa of a Mouse Model of Allergic Rhinitis and the Effect of Intervention with Anti-IL-17 Antibody.

BACKGROUND: The incidence rate of allergic rhinitis (AR) is on the rise, which seriously affects the quality of life, work efficiency, mental state of patients, and sleeping in AR sleep. This experiment aimed to investigate the changes in Treg/Th17 cells in the nasal mucosa of an AR mouse model and the intervention effect of an Anti-IL-17 antibody. METHODS: A mouse model of AR was induced by intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) injection for sensitization and stimulation with nasal drops. The times of rubbing, sneezing, and symptomatology scores were counted and analyzed. Pathological damage to the nasal mucosa was observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining. Peripheral blood CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cell levels and the content of Th17 cells were measured by flow cytometry (FCM). ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of relevant cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-ß1) secreted by Treg cells. The intervention effect of Anti-IL-17 antibody was observed by giving Anti-IL-17 antibody treatment. RESULTS: The times of rubbing, sneezing, and symptomatology scores were significantly higher in mice in the OVA group than in the Control group (p < 0.001). The percentage of CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cells in CD4+CD25+ T cells (p < 0.05) and the levels of IL-10 (p < 0.001) and TGF-ß1 (p < 0.001) were significantly decreased. After OVA induction, the continuity of the nasal mucosa of mice was interrupted, the percentage of Th17 cells, IL-17, and IL-4 levels were increased, and IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.001). And protein expression of RORγt was significantly upregulated (p < 0.001). In addition, all of these results were reversed by Anti-IL-17 antibody treatment, significantly improving AR-related symptoms (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anti-IL-17 antibodies may regulate the body's immune response by promoting CD4+CD25+CD127- Treg cell differentiation, thereby ameliorating the symptoms associated with AR.

Blockade of CD80/CD86-CD28 co-stimulation augments the inhibitory function of peptide antigen-specific regulatory T cells.

Mixed lymphocyte culture under the blockade of CD80/CD86-CD28 co-stimulation induces anergic (completely hyporesponsive) T cells with immune suppressive function (inducible suppressing T cells: iTS cells). Previously, iTS cell therapy has demonstrated outstanding benefits in clinical trials for organ transplantation. Here, we examined whether peptide antigen-specific iTS cells are inducible. DO 11.10 iTS cells were obtained from splenocytes of BALB/c DO 11.10 mice by stimulation with OVA peptide and antagonistic anti-CD80/CD86 mAbs. When DO 11.10 iTS or Foxp3- DO 11.10 iTS cells were stimulated with OVA, these cells produced IL-13, but not IL-4. DO 11.10 iTS cells decreased IL-4 and increased IL-13 production from OVA-stimulated naïve DO 11.10 splenocytes. When Foxp3+ DO 11.10 iTS cells were prepared, these cells significantly inhibited the production of IL-4 and IL-13 compared with freshly isolated Foxp3+ DO 11.10 T cells. Moreover, an increase in the population expressing OX40, ICOS, and 4-1BB suggested activation of Foxp3+ DO 11.10 iTS cells. Thus, blockade of CD80/CD86-CD28 co-stimulation during peptide antigen stimulation augments the inhibitory function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, and does not induce anergic Foxp3- conventional T cells. Peptide-specific Foxp3+ regulatory iTS cells could be useful for the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases without adverse effects.

PLGA micro/nanoparticle vaccination elicits non-tumor antigen specific resident memory CD8+ T cell protection from hepatocellular carcinoma.

Together, tumor and virus-specific tissue-resident CD8+ memory T cells (TRMs) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can provide rapid frontline immune surveillance. The quantity and activity of CD8+ TRMs were correlated with the relapse-free survival of patients with improved health. However, HBV-specific CD8+ TRMs have a more exhausted phenotype and respond more actively under anti-PDL1 or PD1 treatment of HBV+HCC patients. Vaccination strategies that induce a strong and sustained CD8+ TRMs response are quite promising. Herein, a biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microsphere and nanosphere particle (PLGA N.M.P) delivery system co-assembled by anti-PD1 antibodies (aPD1) and loaded with ovalbumin (OVA-aPD1 N.M.P) was fabricated and characterized for size (200 nm and 1 µm diameter), charge (-15 mV), and loading efficiencies of OVA (238 µg mg-1 particles) and aPD1 (40 µg mg-1 particles). OVA-aPD1 N.M.P could stimulate the maturation of BMDCs and enhance the antigen uptake and presentation by 2-fold compared to free OVA. The nanoparticles also induced the activation of macrophages (RAW 264.7) to produce a high level of cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10. In vivo stimulation of mice using OVA-aPD1 N.M.P robustly enhanced IFN-γ-producing-CD8+ T cell infiltration in tumor tissues and the secretion of IgG and IgG2a/IgG1 antibodies. OVA-aPD1 N.M.P delivered OVA to increase the activation and proliferation of OVA-specific CD8+ TRMs, and its combination with anti-PD1 antibodies promoted complete tumor rejection by the reversal of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell exhaustion. Thus, PLGA N.M.P could induce a strong CD8+ TRMs response, further highlighting its therapeutic potential in enhancing an antitumor immune response.

AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor agonist, modulates AMPK signaling pathway and alleviates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma.

Asthma is a long-term disease that causes airways swelling and inflammation and in turn airway narrowing. AdipoRonis an orally active synthetic small molecule that acts as a selective agonist at theadiponectin receptor 1 and 2. The aim of the current study is to delineate the protective effect and the potential underlying mechanism ofadipoRon inairway inflammationinduced byovalbumin (OVA) in comparison withdexamethasone. Adult maleSwiss Albino micewere sensitized to OVA on days 0 and 7, then challenged with OVA on days 14, 15 and 16. AdipoRon was administered orally for 6 days starting from the 11th day till the 16th and 1 h prior to OVA in the challenge days. Obtained results from asthmatic control group showed a significant decrease in serum adiponectin concentration, an increase in inflammatory cell counts inthe bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), CD68 protein expression, inflammatory cytokine concentration and oxidative stress as well. Administration of adipoRon enhanced antioxidant mechanisms limiting oxidative stress by significantly increasing reduced glutathione (GSH) pulmonary content, decreasing serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) together with malondialdehyde (MDA) significant reduction in lung tissue. In addition, it modulated the levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the anti-inflammatory one IL-10 improving lung inflammation as revealed by histopathological evaluation. Furthermore, lung tissue expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were significantly increased adipoRon. Notably, results of adipoRon received group were comparable to those of dexamethasone group. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that adipoRon can positively modulate adiponectin expression with activation of AMPK pathway and subsequent improvement in inflammatory and oxidative signaling.

Structural characterization and adjuvant activity of a water soluble polysaccharide from Poria cocos.

Adjuvants, as the essential component of vaccines, are crucial in enhancing the magnitude, breadth and durability of immune responses. Unfortunately, commonly used Alum adjuvants predominantly provoke humoral immune response, but fail to evoke cellular immune response, which is crucial for the prevention of various chronic infectious diseases and cancers. Thus, it is necessary to develop effective adjuvants to simultaneously induce humoral and cellular immune response. In this work, we obtained a water soluble polysaccharide isolated and purified from Poria cocos, named as PCP, and explored the possibility of PCP as a vaccine adjuvant. The PCP, with Mw of 20.112 kDa, primarily consisted of →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, with a small amount of →3)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ and →4)-ß-D-Glcp-(1→. Our results demonstrated that the PCP promoted the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages in vitro. As the adjuvant to ovalbumin, the PCP facilitated the activation of DCs in lymph nodes, and evoked strong antibody response with a combination of Th1 and Th2 immune responses. Moreover, compared to Alum adjuvant, the PCP markedly induced a potent cellular response, especially the cytotoxic T lymphocytes response. Therefore, we confirmed that the PCP has great potential to be an available adjuvant for simultaneously inducing humoral and cellular immune responses.

Near-infrared-II responsive ovalbumin functionalized gold-genipin nanosystem cascading photo-immunotherapy of cancer.

Synergistic cancer therapies have attracted wide attention owing to their multi-mode tumor inhibition properties. Especially, photo-responsive photoimmunotherapy demonstrates an emerging cancer treatment paradigm that significantly improved treatment efficiency. Herein, near-infrared-II responsive ovalbumin functionalized Gold-Genipin nanosystem (Au-G-OVA NRs) was designed for immunotherapy and deep photothermal therapy of breast cancer. A facile synthesis method was employed to prepare the homogeneous Au nanorods (Au NRs) with good dispersion. The nanovaccine was developed further by the chemical cross-linking of Au-NRs, genipin and ovalbumin. The Au-G-OVA NRs outstanding aqueous solubility, and biocompatibility against normal and cancer cells. The designed NRs possessed enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, which extended the NIR absorption in the second window, enabling promising photothermal properties. Moreover, genipin coating provided complimentary red fluorescent and prepared Au-G-OVA NRs showed significant intracellular encapsulation for efficient photoimmunotherapy outcomes. The designed nanosystem possessed deep photothermal therapy of breast cancer and 90% 4T1 cells were ablated by Au-G-OVA NRs (80µg ml-1concentration) after 1064 nm laser irradiation. In addition, Au-G-OVA NRs demonstrated outstanding vaccination phenomena by facilitating OVA delivery, antigen uptake, maturation of bone marrow dendritic cells, and cytokine IFN-γsecretion for tumor immunosurveillance. The aforementioned advantages permit the utilization of fluorescence imaging-guided photo-immunotherapy for cancers, demonstrating a straightforward approach for developing nanovaccines tailored to precise tumor treatment.

Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 exacerbates NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in allergic rhinitis through regulating the PTBP1/FOXP1 cascade.

BACKGROUND: Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic non-infectious inflammation affecting the nasal mucosa. NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis of epithelial cells plays a pivotal role in AR pathogenesis. Herein, we evaluated the impact of the long non-coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1) on NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis in AR. METHODS: Nasal inflammation levels in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mice were assessed using HE staining, and NLRP3 expression was evaluated through immunohistochemistry. ELISA was utilized to detect OVA-specific IgE, IL-6, IL-5, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-18). Human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) stimulated with IL4/IL13 were used to analyze the mRNA and protein levels of associated genes utilizing RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. Cell viability and pyroptosis were assessed by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between NEAT1, PTBP1 and FOXP1 were analyzed by RIP and RNA pull down assays. FISH and IF analysis were performed to assess the co-localization of NEAT1 and PTBP1. RESULTS: In both the AR mouse and cellular models, increased levels of NEAT1, PTBP1 and FOXP1 were observed. AR mice exhibited elevated inflammatory infiltration and pyroptosis, evidenced by enhanced expressions of OVA-specific IgE, IL-6, and IL-5, NLRP3, Cleaved-caspase 1, GSDMD-N, IL-1ß and IL-18. Functional assays revealed that knockdown of PTBP1 or NEAT1 inhibited pyroptosis while promoting the proliferation of IL4/IL13-treated HNEpCs. Mechanistically, NEAT1 directly interacted with PTBP1, thereby maintaining FOXP1 mRNA stability. Rescue assays demonstrated that FOXP1 upregulation reversed the inhibitory effects of silencing NEAT1 or PTBP1 on IL4/IL13-stimulated pyroptosis activation in HNEpCs. CONCLUSION: NEAT1 acts as a RNA scaffold for PTBP1, activating the PTBP1/FOXP1 signaling cascade, subsequently triggering NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in HNEpCs, and ultimately promoting AR progression. These findings highlight some new insights into the pathogenesis of AR.