Upregulation of the canonical signaling pathway of interferon-gamma is associated with glioblastoma progression.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma is a brain malignant tumor grade IV, highly invasive. Alterations in several signaling pathways are involved in glioblastoma development. In this work, we evaluated the IFN-γ canonical signaling pathway in glioblastoma cells and its effect on cell viability and migration. METHODS: The levels of STAT1/pSTAT1, IRF1, and PD-L1 in LN-18 glioblastoma cells were analyzed using western blotting. Cell viability was evaluated by calcein-AM/propidium iodide assays, and a wound healing assay was used to study the migration of glioblastoma cells treated with IFN-γ. Our aim was to determine the expression of IFN-γ signaling elements in cell lines and tissue from glioblastoma samples and examine the relationship between these elements and the survival of glioblastoma patients. The following platforms were utilized for analysis: the CCLE (Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia), UALCAN (University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis Portal), GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis), and GENT2 (Gene Expression patterns across Normal and Tumor tissues). RESULTS: Our results evidenced that IFN-γ signaling increases non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated STAT1 levels and promotes the upregulation of IRF1 and PD-L1 in glioblastoma cells. The activation of IFN-γ signaling increased cell migration without affecting the viability of glioblastoma cells. Furthermore, in silico analysis showed that the elements of IFN-γ signaling pathways (IFNGR1/IFNGR2/STAT1/IRF1) are upregulated in human glioblastoma samples. The upregulation of IFN-γ signaling was associated with shorter survival in glioblastoma patients. CONCLUSION: IFN-γ signaling pathway is upregulated in glioblastoma, displaying pro-tumor activity. Thus, IFN-γ signaling elements may be potential biomarkers and targets for treating glioblastoma.

Fatal COVID-19 Infection in Two Children with STAT1 Gain-of-Function.

While SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a mild disease in most children, SARS-CoV-2 infection may be lethal in a few of them. In the defense against SARS-CoV-2, type I interferons are key players, and several studies have identified a defective or neutralized interferon response as the cause of overwhelming viral infection. However, inappropriate, untimely, or excessive interferon production may also be detrimental to the host. Here, we describe two patients with STAT1 gain-of-function (GOF), a known type I interferonopathy, who died of COVID-19. Whole-exome sequencing and interferon-gamma-activated sequence (GAS) and interferon-sensitive responsive element (ISRE) reporter assay were performed to identify and characterize STAT1 variants. Patient 1 developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in the context of COVID-19 infection and died in less than a week at the age of 4 years. Patient 2 developed a high fever, cough, and hypoxemia and succumbed to COVID-19 pneumonia at the age of 5 years. Two heterozygous missense variants, p.E563Q and p.K344E, in STAT1 were identified. Functional validation by reporter assay and immunoblot confirmed that both variants are gain-of-function (GOF). GOF variants transiently expressing cells exhibited enhanced upregulation of downstream genes, including ISG15, MX1, and OAS1, in response to IFN-α stimulation. A catastrophic course with HLH or acute respiratory failure is thought to be associated with inappropriate immunoregulatory mechanisms to handle SARS-CoV-2 in STAT1 GOF. While most patients with inborn errors of immunity who developed COVID-19 seem to handle it well, these cases suggest that patients with STAT1-GOF might be at risk of developing fatal complications due to SARS-CoV-2.

Butyrate facilitates immune clearance of colorectal cancer cells by suppressing STAT1-mediated PD-L1 expression.

OBJECTIVE: Immunotherapy has been proven to improve the prognosis of patients with advanced malignancy but has shown limited efficacy in patients with Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Increasing evidence suggests that butyrate, a bacterial metabolite, enhances the efficacy of cancer therapies by modulating immune responses. Here, the effect and the mechanism of butyrate on anti-PD-L1 therapy were investigated in CRC. METHODS: The expression of PD-L1 and STAT1, and the lysine acetylation of STAT1 in CRC cells were observed after treatment with butyrate (2, 5, and 10 mM) for 24h or butyrate (5 mM) for 8, 16, and 24h. Site-directed mutations of STAT1 (K410R or K413R) were introduced to determine the role of STAT1 acetylation in modulating PD-L1 expression. The effect of butyrate on the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T-cells against CRC cells with or without PD-L1 overexpression was explored in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Butyrate could suppress IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 up-regulation in CRC cells in a dose- and time-dependent way. Butyrate promoted the lysine acetylation of STAT1 to reduce STAT1 expression. Non-acetylated mutant STAT1 not only ameliorated butyrate-induced suppression of lysine acetylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 but also blocked the effect of butyrate on PD-L1. Butyrate attenuated the IFN-γ-induced impairment of CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity against CRC cells. Meanwhile, butyrate suppressed CRC tumor growth by enhancing CD8+ T-cell infiltration. However, directly overexpressing PD-L1 in CRC cells could abolish the effect of butyrate. CONCLUSION: Butyrate strengthens the immune response to CRC cells by suppressing PD-L1 expression via acetylation of STAT1.

A co-formulation of interferons alpha2b and gamma distinctively targets cell cycle in the glioblastoma-derived cell line U-87MG.

BACKGROUND: HeberFERON is a co-formulation of α2b and γ interferons, based on their synergism, which has shown its clinical superiority over individual interferons in basal cell carcinomas. In glioblastoma (GBM), HeberFERON has displayed promising preclinical and clinical results. This led us to design a microarray experiment aimed at identifying the molecular mechanisms involved in the distinctive effect of HeberFERON compared to the individual interferons in U-87MG model. METHODS: Transcriptional expression profiling including a control (untreated) and three groups receiving α2b-interferon, γ-interferon and HeberFERON was performed using an Illumina HT-12 microarray platform. Unsupervised methods for gene and sample grouping, identification of differentially expressed genes, functional enrichment and network analysis computational biology methods were applied to identify distinctive transcription patterns of HeberFERON. Validation of most representative genes was performed by qPCR. For the cell cycle analysis of cells treated with HeberFERON for 24 h, 48 and 72 h we used flow cytometry. RESULTS: The three treatments show different behavior based on the gene expression profiles. The enrichment analysis identified several mitotic cell cycle related events, in particular from prometaphase to anaphase, which are exclusively targeted by HeberFERON. The FOXM1 transcription factor network that is involved in several cell cycle phases and is highly expressed in GBMs, is significantly down regulated. Flow cytometry experiments corroborated the action of HeberFERON on the cell cycle in a dose and time dependent manner with a clear cellular arrest as of 24 h post-treatment. Despite the fact that p53 was not down-regulated, several genes involved in its regulatory activity were functionally enriched. Network analysis also revealed a strong relationship of p53 with genes targeted by HeberFERON. We propose a mechanistic model to explain this distinctive action, based on the simultaneous activation of PKR and ATF3, p53 phosphorylation changes, as well as its reduced MDM2 mediated ubiquitination and export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. PLK1, AURKB, BIRC5 and CCNB1 genes, all regulated by FOXM1, also play central roles in this model. These and other interactions could explain a G2/M arrest and the effect of HeberFERON on the proliferation of U-87MG. CONCLUSIONS: We proposed molecular mechanisms underlying the distinctive behavior of HeberFERON compared to the treatments with the individual interferons in U-87MG model, where cell cycle related events were highly relevant.

Butyrate facilitates immune clearance of colorectal cancer cells by suppressing STAT1-mediated PD-L1 expression

Abstract Objective Immunotherapy has been proven to improve the prognosis of patients with advanced malignancy but has shown limited efficacy in patients with Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Increasing evidence suggests that butyrate, a bacterial metabolite, enhances the efficacy of cancer therapies by modulating immune responses. Here, the effect and the mechanism of butyrate on anti-PD-L1 therapy were investigated in CRC. Methods The expression of PD-L1 and STAT1, and the lysine acetylation of STAT1 in CRC cells were observed after treatment with butyrate (2, 5, and 10 mM) for 24h or butyrate (5 mM) for 8, 16, and 24h. Site-directed mutations of STAT1 (K410R or K413R) were introduced to determine the role of STAT1 acetylation in modulating PD-L1 expression. The effect of butyrate on the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T-cells against CRC cells with or without PD-L1 overexpression was explored in vitro and in vivo. Results Butyrate could suppress IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 up-regulation in CRC cells in a dose- and time-dependent way. Butyrate promoted the lysine acetylation of STAT1 to reduce STAT1 expression. Non-acetylated mutant STAT1 not only ameliorated butyrate-induced suppression of lysine acetylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 but also blocked the effect of butyrate on PD-L1. Butyrate attenuated the IFN-γ-induced impairment of CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity against CRC cells. Meanwhile, butyrate suppressed CRC tumor growth by enhancing CD8+ T-cell infiltration. However, directly overexpressing PD-L1 in CRC cells could abolish the effect of butyrate. Conclusion Butyrate strengthens the immune response to CRC cells by suppressing PD-L1 expression via acetylation of STAT1.

Prolactin promotes proliferation of germinal center B cells, formation of plasma cells, and elevated levels of IgG3 anti-dsDNA autoantibodies.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mainly affects females at reproductive age, which has been associated with hormones, such as prolactin (PRL). Different studies suggest that PRL exacerbates the clinical manifestations of SLE both in patients and in mouse models (e.g., the MRL/lpr strain), increasing the production of autoantibodies, which can be deposited as immune complexes and trigger inflammation and damage to different tissues. The objective of this work was to explore the potential mechanisms by which PRL increases the concentration of self-reactive antibodies in the MRL/lpr SLE model. To this end, we determined the role of PRL on the activation and proliferation of germinal center B cells (B-GCs) and their differentiation into antibody-secreting cells (ASCs). We show that the absolute number and percentage of B-GCs were significantly increased by PRL in vivo or upon in vitro treatment with anti-IgM and anti-CD40 antibodies and PRL. The augmented B-GC numbers correlated with enhanced proliferation, but we did not observe enhanced expression of CD80 and CD86 activation markers or the BCL6 transcription factor, arguing against a more effective differentiation. Nevertheless, we observed enhanced phosphorylation of STAT1, secretion of IL-6, expression of IRF4, numbers of ASCs, and levels of IgG3 antibodies directed against dsDNA. Altogether, these results support the hypothesis that a PRL-mediated expansion of B-GCs yields more self-reactive ASCs, potentially explaining the pathogenic immune complexes that steadily lead to tissue damage during SLE.

Modulation of STAT-1, STAT-3, and STAT-6 activities in THP-1 derived macrophages infected with two Trypanosoma cruzi strains.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative protozoan of Chagas' Disease, a neglected tropical disease that affects 6-7 million people worldwide. Interaction of the parasite with the host immune system is a key factor in disease progression and chronic symptoms. Although the human immune system is capable of controlling the disease, the parasite has numerous evasion mechanisms that aim to maintain intracellular persistence and survival. Due to the pronounced genetic variability of T. cruzi, co-infections or mixed infections with more than one parasite strain have been reported in the literature. The intermodulation in such cases is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the co-infection of T. cruzi strains G and CL compared to their individual infections in human macrophages derived from THP-1 cells activated by classical or alternative pathways. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that trypomastigotes were more infective than extracellular amastigotes (EAs) and that strain G could infect more macrophages than strain CL. Classically activated macrophages showed lower number of infected cells and IL-4-stimulated cells displayed increased CL-infected macrophages. However, co-infection was a rare event. CL EAs decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas G trypomastigotes displayed increased ROS detection in classically activated cells. Co-infection did not affect ROS production. Monoinfection by strain G or CL mainly induced an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile by decreasing inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1ß) and/or increasing IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-ß. Co-infection led to a predominant inflammatory milieu, with reduced IL-10 and TGF-ß, and/or promotion of IFN-γ and IL-1ß release. Infection by strain G reduced activation of intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors. In EAs, monoinfections impaired STAT-1 activity and promoted phosphorylation of STAT-3, both changes may prolong cell survival. Coinfected macrophages displayed pronounced activation of all STATs examined. These activations likely promoted parasite persistence and survival of infected cells. The collective results demonstrate that although macrophages respond to both strains, T. cruzi can modulate the intracellular environment, inducing different responses depending on the strain, parasite infective form, and co-infection or monoinfection. The modulation influences parasite persistence and survival of infected cells.

Dermatofitosis por Microsporum gypseum en un niño con inmunodeficiencia primaria / Microsporum gypseum dermatophytosis in a child with primary immunodeficiency

El Microsporum gypseum es un hongo geofílico que puede producir lesiones cutáneas inflamatorias en personas sanas. Se han descripto lesiones más extensas en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con dermatofitosis, con exámenes micológicos positivos para Candida sp, Epidermophytom floccosum y Trichophyton tonsurans, al que, ante la mala respuesta al tratamiento con griseofulvina e itraconazol a dosis habituales, se le realizó biopsia cutánea para cultivo que evidenció la presencia de M. gypseum. Debido a la extensión y a la mala respuesta al tratamiento, se realizó evaluación inmunológica y se diagnosticó un defecto en STAT1 con ganancia de función (STAT1-GOF). Los pacientes que tienen esta inmunodeficiencia primaria son susceptibles a las infecciones micóticas, especialmente por Candida, pero también, aunque en menor medida, a virus y bacterias. El paciente aquí presentado recibió tratamiento prolongado con antimicóticos imidazólicos sistémicos, con resolución de las lesiones.

Microsporum gypseum is a geophilic fungus that can cause inflammatory skin lesions in heathy people. More extensive lesions have been described in immunocompromised patients. We present a patient with extensive dermatophytosis, which mycological examination led the identification of Candida sp, Epidermophyton Floccosum and Trichophyton tonsurans and showed poor response to treatment with griseofulvina and itraconazol at usual doses. When skin biopsy was performed, it had positive culture for M. gypseum. Due to the extension and poor response to treatment, immunological assessment was performed and it showed a defect of STAT1 with gain of function (STAT 1-GOF). Patients with primary immunodeficiency are susceptible to fungal infections, especially Candida but also virus and bacteria, although to a lesser extent. The patient received long-term treatment with systemic imidazole antifungal recovering for the lesions.

[Microsporum gypseum dermatophytosis in a child with primary immunodeficiency]. / Dermatofitosis por Microsporum gypseum en un niño con inmunodeficiencia primaria.

Microsporum gypseum is a geophilic fungus that can cause inflammatory skin lesions in heathy people. More extensive lesions have been described in immunocompromised patients. We present a patient with extensive dermatophytosis, which mycological examination led the identification of Candida sp, Epidermophyton Floccosum and Trichophyton tonsurans and showed poor response to treatment with griseofulvina and itraconazol at usual doses. When skin biopsy was performed, it had positive culture for M. gypseum. Due to the extension and poor response to treatment, immunological assessment was performed and it showed a defect of STAT1 with gain of function (STAT 1-GOF). Patients with primary immunodeficiency are susceptible to fungal infections, especially Candida but also virus and bacteria, although to a lesser extent. The patient received long-term treatment with systemic imidazole antifungal recovering for the lesions.

El Microsporum gypseum es un hongo geofílico que puede producir lesiones cutáneas inflamatorias en personas sanas. Se han descripto lesiones más extensas en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con dermatofitosis, con exámenes micológicos positivos para Candida sp, Epidermophytom floccosum y Trichophyton tonsurans, al que, ante la mala respuesta al tratamiento con griseofulvina e itraconazol a dosis habituales, se le realizó biopsia cutánea para cultivo que evidenció la presencia de M. gypseum. Debido a la extensión y a la mala respuesta al tratamiento, se realizó evaluación inmunológica y se diagnosticó un defecto en STAT1 con ganancia de función (STAT1-GOF). Los pacientes que tienen esta inmunodeficiencia primaria son susceptibles a las infecciones micóticas, especialmente por Candida, pero también, aunque en menor medida, a virus y bacterias. El paciente aquí presentado recibió tratamiento prolongado con antimicóticos imidazólicos sistémicos, con resolución de las lesiones.

Case Report: Invasive Cryptococcosis in French Guiana: Immune and Genetic Investigation in Six Non-HIV Patients.

Objectives: We describe the clinical, mycological, immunological, and genetic characteristics of six HIV-negative patients presenting with invasive cryptococcosis. Methods: Patients with cryptococcosis without any of the classical risk factors, such as HIV infection, followed at Cayenne Hospital, were prospectively included. An immunologic and genetic assessment was performed. Results: Five male patients and one female patient, 5 adults and one child, were investigated. All presented a neuromeningeal localization. Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii and C. neoformans var. grubii were isolated in two and three patients, respectively, whereas one patient could not be investigated. Overall, we did not observe any global leukocyte defect. Two patients were found with high levels of circulating autoantibodies against Granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and none had detectable levels of autoantibodies against Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) Sequencing of STAT1 exons and flanking regions performed for four patients was wild type. Conclusion: To better understand cryptococcosis in patients with cryptococcosis but otherwise healthy, further explorations are needed with repeated immune checkups and strain virulence studies.

Gain-of-function STAT1 mutation and visceral leishmaniasis

ABSTRACT Gain-of-function mutations in the STAT1 gene have been initially associated with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. However, further research has shown that STAT1 GOF variants may increase susceptibility to infection by other intracellular pathogens. This report describes the first case of disseminated leishmaniasis associated with a STAT1 GOF mutation in a pediatric patient who did not have chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. The patient was a four-year-old boy presenting with fever, severe asthenia, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, and liver failure. Bone marrow aspirate revealed hemophagocytosis and Leishmania parasites. Treatment consisted primarily of liposomal amphotericin B, as per the Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis 2004 protocol. After eight weeks of treatment, the patient did not improve and was submitted to diagnostic splenectomy. Activated macrophages and nodular spleen necrosis secondary to the visceral leishmaniasis were detected. Unfortunately, the patient died in the second week after splenectomy due to overwhelming systemic infection. DNA sequencing revealed a pathogenic (p. R274Q) GOF mutation in STAT1.

STAT1-Dependent Recruitment of Ly6ChiCCR2+ Inflammatory Monocytes and M2 Macrophages in a Helminth Infection.

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) 1 signaling is critical for IFN-γ-mediated immune responses and resistance to protozoan and viral infections. However, its role in immunoregulation during helminth parasitic infections is not fully understood. Here, we used STAT1-/- mice to investigate the role of this transcription factor during a helminth infection caused by the cestode Taenia crassiceps and show that STAT1 is a central molecule favoring susceptibility to this infection. STAT1-/- mice displayed lower parasite burdens at 8 weeks post-infection compared to STAT1+/+ mice. STAT1 mediated the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes and the development of alternatively activated macrophages (M2) at the site of infection. The absence of STAT1 prevented the recruitment of CD11b+Ly6ChiLy6G- monocytic cells and therefore their suppressive activity. This failure was associated with the defective expression of CCR2 on CD11b+Ly6ChiLy6G- cells. Importantly, CD11b+Ly6ChiLy6G- cells highly expressed PDL-1 and suppressed T-cell proliferation elicited by anti-CD3 stimulation. PDL-1+ cells were mostly absent in STAT1-/- mice. Furthermore, only STAT1+/+ mice developed M2 macrophages at 8 weeks post-infection, although macrophages from both T. crassiceps-infected STAT1+/+ and STAT1-/- mice responded to IL-4 in vitro, and both groups of mice were able to produce the Th2 cytokine IL-13. This suggests that CD11b+CCR2+Ly6ChiLy6G- cells give rise to M2 macrophages in this infection. In summary, a lack of STAT1 resulted in impaired recruitment of CD11b+CCR2+Ly6ChiLy6G- cells, failure to develop M2 macrophages, and increased resistance against T. crassiceps infection.

STAT1 Is Required for Decreasing Accumulation of Granulocytic Cells via IL-17 during Initial Steps of Colitis-Associated Cancer.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) acts as a tumor suppressor molecule in colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), particularly during the very early stages, modulating immune responses and controlling mechanisms such as apoptosis and cell proliferation. Previously, using an experimental model of CAC, we reported increased intestinal cell proliferation and faster tumor development, which were consistent with more signs of disease and damage, and reduced survival in STAT1-/- mice, compared with WT counterparts. However, the mechanisms through which STAT1 might prevent colorectal cancer progression preceded by chronic inflammation are still unclear. Here, we demonstrate that increased tumorigenicity related to STAT1 deficiency could be suppressed by IL-17 neutralization. The blockade of IL-17 in STAT1-/- mice reduced the accumulation of CD11b+Ly6ClowLy6G+ cells resembling granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in both spleen and circulation. Additionally, IL-17 blockade reduced the recruitment of neutrophils into intestinal tissue, the expression and production of inflammatory cytokines, and the expression of intestinal STAT3. In addition, the anti-IL-17 treatment also reduced the expression of Arginase-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the colon, both associated with the main suppressive activity of MDSCs. Thus, a lack of STAT1 signaling induces a significant change in the colonic microenvironment that supports inflammation and tumor formation. Anti-IL-17 treatment throughout the initial stages of CAC related to STAT1 deficiency abrogates the tumor formation possibly caused by myeloid cells.

MicroRNA-146a inhibition promotes total neurite outgrowth and suppresses cell apoptosis, inflammation, and STAT1/MYC pathway in PC12 and cortical neuron cellular Alzheimer's disease models

This study aimed to explore the effect of microRNA (miR)-146a inhibition on regulating cell apoptosis, total neurite outgrowth, inflammation, and STAT1/MYC pathway in Alzheimer's disease (AD). PC12 and cortical neuron cellular AD models were constructed by Aβ1-42 insult. For the former model, nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation was previously conducted. miR-146a inhibitor and negative-control (NC) inhibitor were transfected into the two cellular AD models, and then cells were named miR-inhibitor group and NC-inhibitor group, respectively. After transfection, cell apoptosis, total neurite outgrowth, supernatant inflammation cytokines, and STAT1/MYC pathway were detected. miR-146a expression was similar between PC12 cellular AD model and control cells (NGF-stimulated PC12 cells), while miR-146a expression was increased in cortical neuron cellular AD model compared with control cells (rat embryo primary cortical neurons). In both PC12 and cortical neuron cellular AD models, miR-146a expression was reduced in miR-inhibitor group compared with NC-inhibitor group after transfection. Furthermore, cell apoptosis was attenuated, while total neurite outgrowth was elevated in miR-inhibitor group compared with NC-inhibitor group. As for supernatant inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 levels were lower in miR-inhibitor group than in NC-inhibitor group. Additionally, STAT1 and c-Myc mRNA and protein expressions were attenuated in miR-inhibitor group compared with NC-inhibitor group. In conclusion, miR-146a potentially represented a viable therapeutic target for AD.

The potential role of sesquiterpene lactones isolated from medicinal plants in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome - A review.

Metabolic syndrome comprises a cluster of metabolic disorders related to the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In latter years, plant secondary metabolites have become of special interest because of their potential role in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. Sesquiterpene lactones constitute a large and diverse group of biologically active compounds widely distributed in several medicinal plants used for the treatment of metabolic disorders. The structural diversity and the broad spectrum of biological activities of these compounds drew significant interests in the pharmacological applications. This review describes selected sesquiterpene lactones that have been experimentally validated for their biological activities related to risk factors of metabolic syndrome, together with their mechanisms of action. The potential beneficial effects of sesquiterpene lactones discussed in this review demonstrate that these substances represent remarkable compounds with a diversity of molecular structure and high biological activity, providing new insights into the possible role in metabolic syndrome management.

Nova mutação no gene STAT1 associada com candidíase mucocutânea crônica / New STAT1 gene mutation associated with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

Mutações no gene STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) têm sido identificadas como responsáveis pela maioria dos casos sindrômicos da candidíase mucocutânea crônica com herança autossômica dominante (AD). Nesse artigo, descrevemos uma menina de 7 anos que apresentou candidíase da mucosa oral e unhas, além de infecção disseminada da pele e couro cabeludo por Microspora gipseum. Recentemente, a paciente foi diagnosticada e tratada de meningite por Cryptococcus neoformans. Na família não existem outros casos de candidíase. A avaliação imunológica incluiu a detecção de subpopulações de linfócitos (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20 e células NK), assim como a dosagem de IgG, IgA, IgM e IgE, subclasses de IgG e autoanticorpos. Excluindo-se discreta diminuição de CD3, CD4, CD8, NK e leve aumento de IgG1, os demais exames estiveram dentro da normalidade. O sequenciamento do exoma detectou uma rara mutação em heterozigose no exon 14 do domínio de ligação do DNA (DNA-binding domain) do gene STAT1, ocasionando um provável ganho de função (GOF) responsável pela doença (Gly384Asp). Essa variação foi também identificada pelo sequenciamento de Sanger, não estando reportada nos bancos de dados públicos e apresentando elevado potencial de dano (índice CADD=32). Será interessante contarmos com informações clínicas e estudos com outros pacientes para conhecermos mais essa mutação patológica. Além da apresentação do caso, discutiremos as formas de tratamento existentes.

STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) gene mutations have been identified as responsible for most syndromic cases of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis with autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance. In this article, we described a 7-year-old girl who presented with candidiasis of the oral mucosa and nails, as well as disseminated infection of the skin and scalp caused by Microsporum gypseum. Recently, the patient was diagnosed and treated for Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis. There are no other cases of candidiasis in the family. The immunological evaluation consisted of detection of subpopulations of lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, and NK cells), as well as measurement of IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE, IgG subclasses, and autoantibodies. Excluding a slight decrease in CD3, CD4, CD8, NK and a minimal increase in IgG1, the others were within normal limits. Exome sequencing detected a rare heterozygous variation in exon 14 of the DNA-binding domain of the STAT1 gene, causing a probable gain of function (GOF) responsible for the disease (Gly384Asp). This variation was also identified by Sanger sequencing, but it was not reported in public databases and had a high potential for damage (Combined Annotation-Dependent Depletion [CADD] score = 32). Having clinical information and conducting studies of other patients will be helpful to learn more about this pathological mutation. In addition to the presentation of the case, we will discuss the existing forms of treatment.

Interferon-gamma signaling is downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asthma patients / A sinalização de interferon-gama é diminuída em células mononucleares do sangue periférico de pacientes asmáticos

Introduction: Interferon-gamma (IFN-g) signaling is mediated by crosstalk of receptors, such as IFN-g receptor 1 (IFN-g R1), transcription factors, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and suppressors of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1). Here, we evaluated the role of IFN-g signaling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from asthma patients and control individuals. Methods: PBMCs from adult healthy nonasthmatic controls (n = 12; male and female, 18-60 years old) and patients diagnosed with asthma (n = 18; male and female, 18-60 years old) were stimulated with IFN-g (0.25, 0.5 and/or 1.0 ng/mL) and, after 24h, the production of CXC motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) was evaluated (by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) as well as the expression of IFN-g R1, STAT1 (both by flow cytometry assay) and SOCS1 (by real-time qPCR assay). Results: CXCL10 production was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in PBMCs from asthma patients stimulated with IFN-g when compared to control individuals. While IFN-g induced an increase in IFN-g R1 expression and phosphorylated STAT1 (pSTAT1) activation in PBMCs from the control group, a reduction in both IFN-g R1 and pSTAT1 was observed in PBMCs from asthma patients. IFN-g increased SOCS1 mRNA expression in PBMCs from asthma patients when compared to IFN-g-stimulated cells from control individuals. Conclusion: Taken together, our results demonstrated that IFN-g signaling is downregulated in asthma patients.

Introdução: A sinalização de interferon-gama (IFN-g) é mediada por receptores, como o receptor 1 de IFN-gama (IFN-gR1), fatores de transcrição, como o transdutor de sinal e o ativador de transcrição 1 (STAT1) e supressores de sinalização de citocina 1 (SOCS1). Neste trabalho, avaliamos o papel da sinalização de IFN-g em células mononucleares do sangue periférico (PBMCs) de indivíduos com asma e controle. Métodos: Células mononucleares do sangue periférico (PBMCs) de adultos saudáveis e não asmáticos (n = 12, homens e mulheres, 18-60 anos) e pacientes diagnosticados com asma (n = 18, homens e mulheres, 18-60 anos) foram estimuladas com IFN-g (0,25, 0,5 e/ou 1,0 ng/mL) e após 24 horas a produção de CXCL10 foi avaliada por ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática (ELISA), bem como o receptor 1 de IFN-g (IFN-g R1). Também foram avaliadas as expressões do transdutor de sinal e ativador da transcrição 1 (STAT1) (por citometria de fluxo) e supressor de expressão de sinalização de citocinas 1 (SOCS1) (por ensaio qPCR em tempo real). Resultados: A produção de CXCL10, uma quimiocina induzida por IFNg, foi reduzida de maneira dependente da dose em PBMCs de pacientes com asma estimulados com IFN-g (0,25-1,0 ng/mL) quando comparado ao grupo controle. Enquanto IFN-g induziu um aumento da expressão de IFN-g R1 e ativação da fosforilação de STAT1 (pSTAT1) em PBMCs do grupo controle, uma redução de ambas (IFN-g R1 e pSTAT1) foi observada em PBMCs de pacientes com asma. O IFN-g aumentou as PBMCs de expressão do mRNA de SOCS1 de pacientes com asma quando comparado às células estimuladas por IFN-g do controle. Conclusão: Em conjunto, nossos resultados demonstraram que a sinalização de IFN-g é sub-regulada em pacientes com asma.

Cytokines use different intracellular mechanisms to upregulate the membrane expression of CX3CR1 in human monocytes.

Membrane expression of fractalkine (CX3CL1)-receptor (CX3CR1) is relevant in monocytes (Mo) because CX3CR1-CX3CL1 interactions might participate on both, homeostatic and pathologic conditions. We have previously demonstrated that CX3CR1 levels are decreased during culture and when Mo are differentiated into dendritic cells, but enhanced when differentiated into macrophages. Regarding soluble factors, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) accelerated the loss of CX3CR1, while interleukin (IL)-10 and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) prevented it. However, the comprehensive knowledge about the intracellular pathways that underlay the level of CX3CR1 expression in Mo is still incomplete. In the current work, we studied the effect of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-10), alone or together with IFN- γ on CX3CR1 expression. We found that only IL-10 and IFN-γ separately were able to prevent CX3CR1 down-modulation during culture of human Mo. Besides, Mo incubated with IL-10 plus IFN-γ showed the highest CX3CR1 expression by cell, suggesting cooperation between two different mechanism used by both cytokines. By studying intracellular mechanisms triggered by IL-10 and IFN-γ, we demonstrated that they specifically induced PI3K-dependent serine-phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 or STAT1, respectively. Moreover, chemical inhibitors of STAT1 or STAT3 abrogated IFN-γ or IL-10 effects on CX3CR1 expression. Strikingly, only IL-10 increased CX3CR1 mRNA level, as consequence of augmenting mRNA stability. CX3CR1 mRNA increase was PI3K-dependent, supporting the causal link between the action of IL-10 at the CX3CR1 transcript and CX3CR1 protein level on Mo. Thus, both cytokines up-regulate CX3CR1 expression on human Mo by different intracellular mechanisms.

Candidiasis mucocutánea crónica: una mirada al entendimiento genético / Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis: a look at genetic understanding

RESUMEN La candidiasis mucocutánea crónica se caracteriza por infecciones recurrentes o persistentes en la piel, las uñas y las mucosas, producida por especies de Candida sp. Esta va a ser secundaria a cualquier alteración en la inmunidad antimicótica, en la cual no solo la producción de IL-17, sino cualquier defecto en la diferenciación de los linfocitos T hacia su perfil TH17, juegan un papel fundamental y van a desencadenar una susceptibilidad a esta infección, que dependiendo de la etiología genética, puede ser una manifestación sindrómica con otras características clínicas y endocrinológicas asociadas. Aquí revisamos de manera práctica, clara y concisa los defectos genéticos hasta ahora encontrados, implicados en la aparición de la candidiasis mucocutánea crónica.

SUMMARY Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is an infectious phenotype characterized by recurrent or persistent infections in the skin, nails and mucous membranes produced by Candida sp. This is secondary to any alteration in the antifungal immunity, in which not only the production of IL-17, but any defect in the differentiation of the T lymphocytes towards their TH17 profile, play a fundamental role and will unchain a susceptibility to this infection; that depending on the genetic etiology, can be a syndromic manifestation with other associated infectious and endocrinological clinical characteristics. Here, we review in a practical, clear and concise manner, the genetic defects so far found to be involved in the appearance of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.