MicroRNA-mediated metabolic regulation of immune cells in cancer: an updated review.

The study of immunometabolism, which examines how immune cells regulate their metabolism to maintain optimal performance, has become an important area of focus in cancer immunology. Recent advancements in this field have highlighted the intricate connection between metabolism and immune cell function, emphasizing the need for further research. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have gained attention for their ability to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and impact various biological processes, including immune function and cancer progression. While the role of miRNAs in immunometabolism is still being explored, recent studies have demonstrated their significant influence on the metabolic activity of immune cells, such as macrophages, T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells, particularly in cancer contexts. Disrupted immune cell metabolism is a hallmark of cancer progression, and miRNAs have been linked to this process. Understanding the precise impact of miRNAs on immune cell metabolism in cancer is essential for the development of immunotherapeutic approaches. Targeting miRNAs may hold potential for creating groundbreaking cancer immunotherapies to reshape the tumor environment and improve treatment outcomes. In summary, the recognition of miRNAs as key regulators of immune cell metabolism across various cancers offers promising potential for refining cancer immunotherapies. Further investigation into how miRNAs affect immune cell metabolism could identify novel therapeutic targets and lead to the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies.

Therapeutic potential of hair follicle-derived stem cell intranasal transplantation in a rat model of ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Stem cell-based therapy has received considerable attention as a potential candidate in the treatment of ischemic stroke; however, employing an appropriate type of stem cells and an effective delivery route are still challenging. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of safe, noninvasive, and brain-targeted intranasal administration of hair follicle-derived stem cells (HFSCs) in a rat model of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Stem cells were obtained from the adult rat hair follicles. In experiment 1, stroke was induced by 30 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and stem cells were intranasally transplanted immediately after ischemia. In experiment 2, stroke was induced by 120 min MCAO and stem cells were administered 24 h after cerebral ischemia. In all experimental groups, neurological performance, short-term spatial working memory and infarct volume were assessed. Moreover, relative expression of major trophic factors in the striatum and cortex was evaluated by the quantitative PCR technique. The end point of experiment 1 was day 3 and the end point of experiment 2 was day 15. RESULTS: In both experiments, intranasal administration of HFSCs improved functional performance and decreased infarct volume compared to the MCAO rats. Furthermore, NeuN and VEGF expression were higher in the transplanted group and stem cell therapy partially prevented BDNF and neurotrophin-3 over-expression induced by cerebral ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the curative potential of HFSCs following intranasal transplantation in a rat model of ischemic stroke.