Immortalized hepatocyte-like cells: A competent hepatocyte model for studying clinical HCV isolate infection.

More than 58 million individuals worldwide are inflicted with chronic HCV. The disease carries a high risk of end stage liver disease, i.e., cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have revolutionized therapy, the emergence of drug-resistant strains has become a growing concern. Conventional cellular models, Huh7 and its derivatives were very permissive to only HCVcc (JFH-1), but not HCV clinical isolates. The lack of suitable host cells had hindered comprehensive research on patient-derived HCV. Here, we established a novel hepatocyte model for HCV culture to host clinically pan-genotype HCV strains. The immortalized hepatocyte-like cell line (imHC) derived from human mesenchymal stem cell carries HCV receptors and essential host factors. The imHC outperformed Huh7 as a host for HCV (JFH-1) and sustained the entire HCV life cycle of pan-genotypic clinical isolates. We analyzed the alteration of host markers (i.e., hepatic markers, cellular innate immune response, and cell apoptosis) in response to HCV infection. The imHC model uncovered the underlying mechanisms governing the action of IFN-α and the activation of sofosbuvir. The insights from HCV-cell culture model hold promise for understanding disease pathogenesis and novel anti-HCV development.

IFN-α/ß/IFN-γ/IL-15 pathways identify GBP1-expressing tumors with an immune-responsive phenotype.

Immunotherapy is widely used in cancer treatment; however, only a subset of patients responds well to it. Significant efforts have been made to identify patients who will benefit from immunotherapy. Successful anti-tumor immunity depends on an intact cancer-immunity cycle, especially long-lasting CD8+ T-cell responses. Interferon (IFN)-α/ß/IFN-γ/interleukin (IL)-15 pathways have been reported to be involved in the development of CD8+ T cells. And these pathways may predict responses to immunotherapy. Herein, we aimed to analyze multiple public databases to investigate whether IFN-α/ß/IFN-γ/IL-15 pathways could be used to predict the response to immunotherapy. Results showed that IFN-α/ß/IFN-γ/IL-15 pathways could efficiently predict immunotherapy response, and guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) could represent the IFN-α/ß/IFN-γ/IL-15 pathways. In public and private cohorts, we further demonstrated that GBP1 could efficiently predict the response to immunotherapy. Functionally, GBP1 was mainly expressed in macrophages and strongly correlated with chemokines involved in T-cell migration. Therefore, our study comprehensively investigated the potential role of GBP1 in immunotherapy, which could serve as a novel biomarker for immunotherapy and a target for drug development.

Predictive Value of Serum Albumin, Iron, Ferritin, and Hepcidin for Antiviral Efficacy of IFNα Treatment in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B.

OBJECTIVE: Interferon-α (IFNα) therapy has been an integral part of the current treatment for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the exact effect of IFNα antiviral therapy on liver function and iron metabolism in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the characteristics of changes in liver function and iron metabolism indexes in patients with chronic hepatitis B before and after IFNα treatment. Additionally, we determined their predictive value for the therapeutic response of IFNα treatment. METHODS: In this study, 34 patients with CHB before and after IFNα treatment were enrolled. Serum levels of virological indicators, liver function, and iron metabolism markers were detected and analyzed in each patient. ROC curve analysis was performed to compare the predictive value of serum liver function and iron metabolism markers for the therapeutic response of IFN α treatment. RESULTS: A significant decrease in serum HBV DNA (P<0.001) and HBsAg (P<0.001) was observed before and after IFNα treatment. Compared to the patients before IFNα treatment, patients after IFNα treatment showed a significant increase in serum albumin (ALB) (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P=0.003 and P=0.034). These findings suggested that the synthetic function of the liver was improved, and liver inflammation was alleviated. Serum HEPC and serum ferritin (SF) levels in patients after IFNα treatment were significantly higher (P<0.001, P<0.001); however, serum iron (SI) levels were significantly lower (P=0.005) than those in patients before IFNα treatment. These findings indicate that IFNα treatment regulated iron metabolism homeostasis in CHB patients. Combined liver function and iron metabolism markers, including ALB, SI, SF, and HEPC, had the highest predictive value for the therapeutic response of IFNα treatment for CHB. CONCLUSION: IFNα treatment improved liver function and iron metabolism homeostasis in patients with CHB. Regular monitoring of serum ALB, SI, SF, and HEPC can help predict the therapeutic response of IFNα treatment for CHB.

Predictive role of early treatment dynamics of HBV RNA and HBcrAg for HBeAg seroconversion in children with chronic hepatitis B.

This study aimed to assess the predictive capacity of emerging serological markers, serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg, for HBeAg seroconversion in children with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive CHB children who admitted to the Liver Disease Center of Hunan Children's Hospital between April 2021 and September 2022 and received treatment with the combined entecavir and interferon-alpha treatment were recruited. Serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg were measured at baseline and Weeks 12, 24, and 48 of treatment. Our study showed that serum HBV RNA (HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.91, p = 0.006), HBcrAg (HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.84, p = 0.003), and HBsAg (HR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.36-0.69, p < 0.001) at Week 12 were independent predictors of HBeAg seroconversion. ROC curve analysis presented that serum HBV RNA decline value (ΔHBV RNA) at Week 36 and HBcrAg decline value (ΔHBcrAg) at Week 12 (AUC = 0.871, p = 0.003 and AUC = 0.810, p = 0.003, respectively) could effectively predict HBeAg seroconversion. Furthermore, the optimal critical values were determined and the children with ΔHBV RNA > 3.759 log10 copies/mL at Week 36 or ΔHBcrAg >0.350 log10 U/mL at Week 12 more likely to achieve HBeAg seroconversion. The serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg provide new insights into the treatment of CHB in children. Early assessment of serum HBV RNA and HBcrAg during treatment can assist clinical decision-making and optimize individualized therapeutic approaches.

Long-term antiviral therapy is associated with changes in the profile of transcriptionally active HBV integration in the livers of patients with CHB.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration exists throughout the clinical course of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study investigated the effects of long-term antiviral therapy on the level and profiles of transcriptionally active HBV integration. Serial liver biopsies and paired blood samples were obtained from 16, 16, and 22 patients with CHB at baseline, 78, and 260 weeks of entecavir monotherapy or combined with pegylated interferon alfa, respectively. Serum HBV biomarkers were longitudinally assessed. RNA-seq and HIVID2 program was used to identify HBV-host chimeric RNAs transcribed from integrated DNA. The counts of HBV integration reads were positively related to both serum HBV DNA levels (r = 0.695, p = 0.004) and HBeAg titers (r = 0.724, p = 0.021) at baseline, but the positive correlation exited only to the serum HBsAg levels after 260 weeks of antiviral therapy (r = 0.662, p = 0.001). After 78 weeks of antiviral therapy, the levels of HBV integration expression decreased by 12.25 folds from baseline. The viral junction points were enriched at the S and HBx genes after the long-term antiviral therapy. HBs-FN1 became one of the main transcripts, with the mean proportion of HBs-FN1 in all integrated expression increased from 2.79% at baseline to 10.54% at Week 260 of antiviral treatment. Antiviral therapy may reduce but not eliminate the HBV integration events and integration expression. Certain integration events, such as HBs-FN1 can persist in long-term antiviral treatment.

[Research progress on novel antiviral therapeutic drugs for chronic hepatitis B].

The ideal goal of hepatitis B treatment is to achieve a functional cure, and the persistent cccDNA in the liver is a barrier to functional cure. Currently, antiviral drugs represented by pegylated interferon-α and nucleos (t) ide analogues cannot eliminate cccDNA, which is difficult to achieve functional cure. With the deepening of the exploration of various mechanisms and drug targets, significant progress has been made in the research and development of several novel drugs targeting the hepatitis B virus's life cycle and immune system, offering hope for a functional cure. This article presents an overview of the new progress in clinical research on antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B based on the literature published in recent years and international conference materials.

Effectiveness and safety of interferon α-2a combined with phototherapy for patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides - a single-arm prospective study in 13 patients.

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate efficacy and safety of interferon (IFN) α-2a combined with phototherapy for early-stage MF.Methods: Thirteen patients with early-stage MF received subcutaneous injections of IFN α-2a at 3 million IU combined with phototherapy three times per week for 6 months. Treatment efficacy was measured by changes in body surface area (BSA) score and modified severity-weighted assessment tool (mSWAT) score at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Histopathologic examinations of skin lesions were performed before and after treatment.Results: After 3 months of treatment, all 13 patients achieved a partial response, and BSA and mSWAT scores were significantly lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001). After 6 months, BSA and mSWAT scores were significantly lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001) and after 3 months (p < 0.05). Eleven patients achieved complete remission and two patients achieved a partial response (overall response rate, 100%). Histopathologic examination showed a significant decrease in the number of atypical lymphocytes in both epidermis and dermis. No severe adverse effects occurred.Conclusion: IFN α-2a in combination with phototherapy may be an effective and safe alternative modality for early-stage MF.

A comparative study of different antiviral treatment protocols in HCV related cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.

The treatment of HCV and its sequelae are used to be predominantly based on Interferon (IFN). However, this was associated with significant adverse events as a result of its immunostimulant capabilities. Since their introduction, the directly acting antiviral drugs (DAAs), have become the standard of care to treat of HCV and its complications including mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (MCV). In spite of achieving sustained viral response (SVR), there appeared many reports describing unwelcome complications such as hepatocellular and hematological malignancies as well as relapses. Prolonged inflammation induced by a multitude of factors, can lead to DNA damage and affects BAFF and APRIL, which serve as markers of B-cell proliferation. We compared, head-to-head, three antiviral protocols for HCV-MCV treatment As regards the treatment response and relapse, levels of BAFF and APRIL among pegylated interferon α-based and free regimens (Sofosbuvir + Ribavirin; SOF-RIBA, Sofosbuvir + Daclatasvir; SOF-DACLA). Regarding clinical response HCV-MCV and SVR; no significant differences could be identified among the 3 different treatment protocols, and this was also independent form using IFN. We found no significant differences between IFN-based and free regimens DNA damage, markers of DNA repair, or levels of BAFF and APRIL. However, individualized drug-to-drug comparisons showed many differences. Those who were treated with IFN-based protocol showed decreased levels of DNA damage, while the other two IFN-free groups showed increased DNA damage, being the worst in SOF-DACLA group. There were increased levels of BAFF through follow-up periods in the 3 protocols being the best in SOF-DACLA group (decreased at 24 weeks). In SOF-RIBA, CGs relapsed significantly during the follow-up period. None of our patients who were treated with IFN-based protocol had significant clinico-laboratory relapse. Those who received IFN-free DAAs showed a statistically significant relapse of constitutional manifestations. Our findings suggest that IFN-based protocols are effective in treating HCV-MCV similar to IFN-free protocols. They showed lower levels of DNA damage and repair. We believe that our findings may offer an explanation for the process of lymphoproliferation, occurrence of malignancies, and relapses by shedding light on such possible mechanisms.

An isotonic protein solution favorably modulated the porcine intestinal immune response and cellular adhesion markers and reduced PEDV shedding in vivo.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes immensely large economic losses worldwide in the swine industry. PEDV attacks the intestine, disrupts intestinal epithelium morphology and barrier integrity, and results in profound diarrhea and high mortality. A commercially available isotonic protein solution (IPS) (Tonisity Px) has anecdotally been reported to be effective in supportive treatment of piglets with active PEDV infections. This study evaluated the effects of supplementing (or not) the drinking water of 14 day old PEDV-infected piglets with the IPS on the content of E-cadherin, fibronectin, interferon-alpha (IFN-α), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in duodenal tissue. The content of PEDV DNA in feces was also measured. Though both groups had similar PEDV shedding at day 1, IPS piglets had significantly lower PEDV shedding at day 5, 14 and 21. The IPS group also had a shorter duration of PEDV virus shedding. Levels of E-cadherin and fibronectin, both of which are structural proteins in the intestine, remained unchanged from baseline in the IPS group, whereas the same molecules decreased significantly in the control group. IFN-α, an antiviral cytokine, and MMP-9, an enzyme that aids in tissue remodeling, were increased at days 5 and 14 post infection, and then decreased at day 21 post-infection in the IPS group compared to control. Overall, the IPS used in this study enhanced epithelial intercellular adhesion (E-cadherin) and extracellular matrix structure (fibronectin), resulted in significantand favorable changes in MMP-9 activity, and favorably modulated IFN-α production. This is the first report of this panel of biomarkers, especially MMP-9 and IFN-α, in the face of in vivo PEDV infection. This is also the first report to investigate a commercially available swine product that does not need to be administered in solid feed, and that is already registered for use throughout Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. Overall, the results of this study serve to clarify the behavior of 4 key biomarkers in the presence of in vivo PEDV infection. The results also indicate that IPS (Tonisity Px) supplementation is a viable intervention to modulate the porcine intestinal immune response with favorable effects on the intestine.

Activation of RIG-I signaling in the early stage of Paragonimus proliferus infection causes lung injury via type I immune response in rat.

Paragonimiasis is a common zoonotic parasitic disease. The retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) signaling is very important for the host to recognize invading pathogens (especially viruses and bacteria). However, the role of RIG-I signaling in the early stages of P. proliferus infection remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat models with lung damage caused by P. proliferus were established. Experimental methods including Enzyme-linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA), real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were used to explore the mechanisms of lung injury caused by P. proliferus. As a result, the expression of the mRNA and proteins of RIG-I signal-related key target molecules, including RIG-I, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), interferon regulatory Factor 7 (IRF7), IPS-1, and downstream C-X-C chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), were significantly up-regulated immediately after infection, peaked at 3 or 7 days, and showed a downward trend on after 14 days. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), interferon (IFN)-α, -ß, and -γ, which represent type 1 immune response, gradually increased and reached a peak by 14 days, which was consistent with the changes in the degree of inflammatory damage observed under HE staining of lung tissues. In conclusion, RIG-I signaling is activated in the early stage (before 14 days) of P. proliferus infection, it is inferred that the lung injury of the host may be related to the activation of RIG-I like signaling to induce type I immune response.

Enhanced GATA4 expression in senescent systemic lupus erythematosus monocytes promotes high levels of IFNα production.

Enhanced interferon α (IFNα) production has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We previously reported IFNα production by monocytes upon activation of the stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway was enhanced in patients with SLE. We investigated the mechanism of enhanced IFNα production in SLE monocytes. Monocytes enriched from the peripheral blood of SLE patients and healthy controls (HC) were stimulated with 2'3'-cyclic GAMP (2'3'-cGAMP), a ligand of STING. IFNα positive/negative cells were FACS-sorted for RNA-sequencing analysis. Gene expression in untreated and 2'3'-cGAMP-stimulated SLE and HC monocytes was quantified by real-time PCR. The effect of GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) on IFNα production was investigated by overexpressing GATA4 in monocytic U937 cells by vector transfection. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed to identify GATA4 binding target genes in U937 cells stimulated with 2'3'-cGAMP. Differentially expressed gene analysis of cGAS-STING stimulated SLE and HC monocytes revealed the enrichment of gene sets related to cellular senescence in SLE. CDKN2A, a marker gene of cellular senescence, was upregulated in SLE monocytes at steady state, and its expression was further enhanced upon STING stimulation. GATA4 expression was upregulated in IFNα-positive SLE monocytes. Overexpression of GATA4 enhanced IFNα production in U937 cells. GATA4 bound to the enhancer region of IFIT family genes and promoted the expressions of IFIT1, IFIT2, and IFIT3, which promote type I IFN induction. SLE monocytes with accelerated cellular senescence produced high levels of IFNα related to GATA4 expression upon activation of the cGAS-STING pathway.

Surface charge-dependent cytokine production using near-infrared emitting silicon quantum dots.

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9) is a protein that helps our immune system identify specific DNA types. Upon detection, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides signal the immune system to generate cytokines, essential proteins that contribute to the body's defence against infectious diseases. Native phosphodiester type B CpG ODNs induce only Interleukin-6 with no effect on interferon-α. We prepared silicon quantum dots containing different surface charges, such as positive, negative, and neutral, using amine, acrylate-modified Plouronic F-127, and Plouronic F-127. Then, class B CpG ODNs are loaded on the surface of the prepared SiQDs. The uptake of ODNs varies based on the surface charge; positively charged SiQDs demonstrate higher adsorption compared to SiQDs with negative and neutral surface charges. The level of cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was found to be associated with the surface charge of SiQDs prior to the binding of the CpG ODNs. Significantly higher levels of IL-6 and IFN-α induction were observed compared to neutral and negatively charged SiQDs loaded with CpG ODNs. This observation strongly supports the notion that the surface charge of SiQDs effectively regulates cytokine induction.

Interferon-α stimulates DExH-box helicase 58 to prevent hepatocyte ferroptosis.

BACKGROUND: Liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is usually caused by hepatic inflow occlusion during liver surgery, and is frequently observed during war wounds and trauma. Hepatocyte ferroptosis plays a critical role in liver I/R injury, however, it remains unclear whether this process is controlled or regulated by members of the DEAD/DExH-box helicase (DDX/DHX) family. METHODS: The expression of DDX/DHX family members during liver I/R injury was screened using transcriptome analysis. Hepatocyte-specific Dhx58 knockout mice were constructed, and a partial liver I/R operation was performed. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in the liver post I/R suggested enhanced ferroptosis by Dhx58hep-/-. The mRNAs and proteins associated with DExH-box helicase 58 (DHX58) were screened using RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (RIP-seq) and IP-mass spectrometry (IP-MS). RESULTS: Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased the expression of the IFN-stimulated gene Dhx58 in hepatocytes and promoted hepatic ferroptosis, while treatment using IFN-α increased DHX58 expression and prevented ferroptosis during liver I/R injury. Mechanistically, DHX58 with RNA-binding activity constitutively associates with the mRNA of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a central ferroptosis suppressor, and recruits the m6A reader YT521-B homology domain containing 2 (YTHDC2) to promote the translation of Gpx4 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner, thus enhancing GPX4 protein levels and preventing hepatic ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides mechanistic evidence that IFN-α stimulates DHX58 to promote the translation of m6A-modified Gpx4 mRNA, suggesting the potential clinical application of IFN-α in the prevention of hepatic ferroptosis during liver I/R injury.

Interferon-γ+ Th1 activates intrahepatic resident memory T cells to promote HBsAg loss by inducing M1 macrophage polarization.

The immune mechanism underlying hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, particularly type I inflammatory response, during pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFN) therapy remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate such immune mechanisms. Overall, 82 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), including 41 with HBsAg loss (cured group) and 41 uncured patients, received nucleos(t)ide analogue and PEG-IFN treatments. Blood samples from all patients, liver tissues from 14 patients with CHB, and hepatic perfusate from 8 liver donors were collected for immune analysis. Jurkat, THP-1 and HepG2.2.15 cell lines were used in cell experiments. The proportion of IFN-γ+ Th1 cells was higher in the cured group than in the uncured group, which was linearly correlated with HBsAg decline and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels during treatment. However, CD8+ T cells were weakly associated with HBsAg loss. Serum and intrahepatic levels of Th1 cell-associated chemokines (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand [CXCL] 9, CXCL10, CXCL11, IFN-γ) were significantly lower in the cured patients than in patients with a higher HBsAg quantification during therapy. Serum from cured patients induced more M1 (CD68+CD86+ macrophage) cells than that from uncured patients. Patients with chronic HBV infection had significantly lower proportions of CD86+ M1 and CD206+ M2 macrophages in their livers than healthy controls. M1 polarization of intrahepatic Kupffer cells promoted HBsAg loss by upregulating the effector function of tissue-resident memory T cells with increased ALT levels. IFN-γ+ Th1 activates intrahepatic resident memory T cells to promote HBsAg loss by inducing M1 macrophage polarization.

Interferon alpha promotes caspase-8 dependent ultraviolet light-mediated keratinocyte apoptosis via interferon regulatory factor 1.

Introduction: Ultraviolet (UV) light is a known trigger of both cutaneous and systemic disease manifestations in lupus patients. Lupus skin has elevated expression of type I interferons (IFNs) that promote increased keratinocyte (KC) death after UV exposure. The mechanisms by which KC cell death is increased by type I IFNs are unknown. Methods: Here, we examine the specific cell death pathways that are activated in KCs by type I IFN priming and UVB exposure using a variety of pharmacological and genetic approaches. Mice that overexpress Ifnk in the epidermis were exposed to UVB light and cell death was measured. RNA-sequencing from IFN-treated KCs was analyzed to identify candidate genes for further analysis that could drive enhanced cell death responses after UVB exposure. Results: We identify enhanced activation of caspase-8 dependent apoptosis, but not other cell death pathways, in type I IFN and UVB-exposed KCs. In vivo, overexpression of epidermal Ifnk resulted in increased apoptosis in murine skin after UVB treatment. This increase in KC apoptosis was not dependent on known death ligands but rather dependent on type I IFN-upregulation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1). Discussion: These data suggest that enhanced sensitivity to UV light exhibited by lupus patients results from type I IFN priming of KCs that drives IRF1 expression resulting in caspase-8 activation and increased apoptosis after minimal exposures to UVB.

Complement C3 and marginal zone B cells promote IgG-mediated enhancement of RBC alloimmunization in mice.

Administration of anti-RhD immunoglobulin (Ig) to decrease maternal alloimmunization (antibody-mediated immune suppression [AMIS]) was a landmark clinical development. However, IgG has potent immune-stimulatory effects in other settings (antibody-mediated immune enhancement [AMIE]). The dominant thinking has been that IgG causes AMIS for antigens on RBCs but AMIE for soluble antigens. However, we have recently reported that IgG against RBC antigens can cause either AMIS or AMIE as a function of an IgG subclass. Recent advances in mechanistic understanding have demonstrated that RBC alloimmunization requires the IFN-α/-ß receptor (IFNAR) and is inhibited by the complement C3 protein. Here, we demonstrate the opposite for AMIE of an RBC alloantigen (IFNAR is not required and C3 enhances). RBC clearance, C3 deposition, and antigen modulation all preceded AMIE, and both CD4+ T cells and marginal zone B cells were required. We detected no significant increase in antigen-specific germinal center B cells, consistent with other studies of RBC alloimmunization that show extrafollicular-like responses. To the best of our knowledge, these findings provide the first evidence of an RBC alloimmunization pathway which is IFNAR independent and C3 dependent, thus further advancing our understanding of RBCs as an immunogen and AMIE as a phenomenon.

Efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil versus interferon α-2b as adjuvant therapy after surgery in ocular surface squamous neoplasia in a southern European tertiary hospital.

PURPOSE: To analyze the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of adjuvant therapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) compared to interferon α-2b (IFNα-2b) after surgery in ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODS: Retrospective study that included patients diagnosed with OSSN, who underwent surgical excision followed by adjuvant therapy with IFN α-2b (Group A) or 5-FU (Group B), in a tertial referral hospital. Clinical data collected included: demographics, risk factors, appearance, size and location of the lesions, slit-lamp examination, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, iconography and histological classification of subtypes of OSSN. Costs derived from surgery and adjuvant therapy were noted. Resolution of the lesion, recurrences and adverse events were studied. Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed with the incremental cost-effectiveness index (CEI). RESULTS: 54 cases of 54 patients were included, with a mean age of 74.4 years (range 28-109). 30 were male (55.6%), and predominantly Caucasian (79.6%). The main risk factor was prolonged sun exposure (79.6%). Leukoplakic appearance (48.1%), location in bulbar conjunctiva (48.2%) and T3 (46.3%) stage were the most common clinical features. Histologically, the percentage of CIN I, CIN II, CIN III and SCC were 25.9%, 29.6%, 40.7% and 3.7%, respectively. Complete resolution was obtained in 74.1% and tolerance was overall positive. The cost was significantly higher for IFNα (1025€ ± 130.68€) compared to 5-FU (165.57€ ± 45.85 €) (p 0.001). The CEI was - 247.14€. CONCLUSIONS: Both 5-FU and IFN α-2b are effective and present a good security profile as adjuvant therapies after surgery in OSSN. Although presenting slightly more ocular complications, 5-FU can be considered more cost-effective than IFN α-2b.

IFNα-induced BST2+ tumor-associated macrophages facilitate immunosuppression and tumor growth in pancreatic cancer by ERK-CXCL7 signaling.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that resists immunotherapy. Tumor-associated macrophages, abundant in the TME, modulate T cell responses. Bone marrow stromal antigen 2-positive (BST2+) macrophages increase in KrasG12D/+; Trp53R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre mouse models during PDAC progression. However, their role in PDAC remains elusive. Our findings reveal a negative correlation between BST2+ macrophage levels and PDAC patient prognosis. Moreover, an increased ratio of exhausted CD8+ T cells is observed in tumors with up-regulated BST2+ macrophages. Mechanistically, BST2+ macrophages secrete CXCL7 through the ERK pathway and bind with CXCR2 to activate the AKT/mTOR pathway, promoting CD8+ T cell exhaustion. The combined blockade of CXCL7 and programmed death-ligand 1 successfully decelerates tumor growth. Additionally, cGAS-STING pathway activation in macrophages induces interferon (IFN)α synthesis leading to BST2 overexpression in the PDAC TME. This study provides insights into IFNα-induced BST2+ macrophages driving an immune-suppressive TME through ERK-CXCL7 signaling to regulate CD8+ T cell exhaustion in PDAC.

Interim analysis of the PARADISE study: Benefits of add-on peginterferon-α in NA-treated patients with CHB.

This study aimed to investigate whether peginterferon-α (IFN) add-on nucleos(t)ide analogs(NAs) can further reduce hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) risk compared with NAs monotherapy in NA-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). In this multi-center randomized controlled trial "PARADISE study" (NCT05671315), CHB patients with intermediate to high risk of HCC after more than 24-week NAs pretreatment were recruited, randomized to two groups at a ratio of 1:2 and followed up for 240 weeks. NAs group maintained NAs monotherapy, while IFN + NAs group received IFN add-on NAs therapy for 48 weeks, then switched to NAs monotherapy. Totally, 196 patients were included in interim analysis (NAs group 68, IFN + NAs group 128). The 96-week cumulative HCC incidence was lower in IFN + NAs group than NAs group (0% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.05). Compared with NAs group, IFN + NAs group had significantly higher rates of HBsAg loss at week 48 and 96 (22.7% vs. 0%; 16.7% vs. 0%, both p < 0.05). A new scoring system was established to predict HBsAg decline >2log10 IU/ml, HBsAg <10 IU/ml or HBsAg loss at the end of 48-week IFN treatment. The area under ROC curve was 0.914, 0.922 or 0.905 in the original cohort (n = 128) and 0.896, 0.896 or 0.864 in the external validation cohort (n = 162) for the aforementioned three outcomes, respectively. IFN add-on NAs therapy may suggest the dual benefits of reducing HCC development and facilitating HBsAg loss among NA-treated CHB patients with intermediate to high risk of HCC. The new scoring system helps to make the most of IFN treatment for a higher cost-effectiveness in healthcare.

Recombinant protein synthesis and isolation of human interferon alpha-2 in cyanobacteria.

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis) is a unicellular photosynthetic microorganism that has been used as a model for photo-biochemical research. It comprises a potential cell factory for the generation of valuable bioactive compounds, therapeutic proteins, and possibly biofuels. Fusion constructs of recombinant proteins with the CpcA α-subunit or CpcB ß-subunit of phycocyanin in Synechocystis have enabled true over-expression of several isoprenoid pathway enzymes and biopharmaceutical proteins to levels of 10-20 % of the total cellular protein. The present work employed the human interferon α-2 protein, as a study case of over-expression and downstream processing. It advanced the state of the art in the fusion constructs for protein overexpression technology by developing the bioresource for target protein separation from the fusion construct and isolation in substantially enriched or pure form. The work brings the cyanobacterial cell factory concept closer to meaningful commercial application for the photosynthetic production of useful recombinant proteins.