Alpha-synuclein dynamics bridge Type-I Interferon response and SARS-CoV-2 replication in peripheral cells

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests a double-faceted role of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) following infection by a variety of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Although α-syn accumulation is known to contribute to cell toxicity and the development and/or exacerbation of neuropathological manifestations, it is also a key to sustaining anti-viral innate immunity. Consistently with α-syn aggregation as a hallmark of Parkinson's disease, most studies investigating the biological function of α-syn focused on neural cells, while reports on the role of α-syn in periphery are limited, especially in SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: Results herein obtained by real time qPCR, immunofluorescence and western blot indicate that α-syn upregulation in peripheral cells occurs as a Type-I Interferon (IFN)-related response against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Noteworthy, this effect mostly involves α-syn multimers, and the dynamic α-syn multimer:monomer ratio. Administration of excess α-syn monomers promoted SARS-CoV-2 replication along with downregulation of IFN-Stimulated Genes (ISGs) in epithelial lung cells, which was associated with reduced α-syn multimers and α-syn multimer:monomer ratio. These effects were prevented by combined administration of IFN-ß, which hindered virus replication and upregulated ISGs, meanwhile increasing both α-syn multimers and α-syn multimer:monomer ratio in the absence of cell toxicity. Finally, in endothelial cells displaying abortive SARS-CoV-2 replication, α-syn multimers, and multimer:monomer ratio were not reduced following exposure to the virus and exogenous α-syn, suggesting that only productive viral infection impairs α-syn multimerization and multimer:monomer equilibrium. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides novel insights into the biology of α-syn, showing that its dynamic conformations are implicated in the innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection in peripheral cells. In particular, our results suggest that promotion of non-toxic α-syn multimers likely occurs as a Type-I IFN-related biological response which partakes in the suppression of viral replication. Further studies are needed to replicate our findings in neuronal cells as well as animal models, and to ascertain the nature of such α-syn conformations.

Preliminary identification of the cloning， expression， and function of Marmota himalayana type I interferon receptor β subunit / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo clone the gene of Marmota himalayana type ‍Ⅰ interferon receptor β subunit （mhIFNAR2）， and to perform antibody preparation and functional identification. MethodsRT-PCR was used for amplification in the spleen tissue of Marmota himalayana to obtain the sequence， which was cloned to the prokaryotic expression vector pRSET-B to express the recombinant protein. Electrophoresis and Western blot were used for identification. BALB/c mice were immunized with the recombinant protein to prepare the polyclonal antibody of its extracellular domain； immunohistochemistry， immunofluorescence assay， and Western Blot were used for identification， and the method of siRNA blockade was used to investigate its function. An analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison between two groups. ResultsA fragment of mhIFNAR2 （149‍ ‍—‍ ‍1 ‍300 bp） was obtained from spleen tissue， which showed the highest homology of 98.05% in marmot. A prokaryotic expression plasmid was successfully constructed for expression of the extracellular domain of the mhIFNAR2（50-181aa） and was named pRSET-B.mhIFNAR2， and the recombinant protein expressed by this plasmid had a molecular weight of 27 kD， a purity of about 95% after purification， and a concentration of 160 μg/mL. After BALB/c mice were immunized with the purified recombinant protein， 1∶1 000 specific polyclonal antibodies were obtained， and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assay showed the expression in cell membrane and cytoplasm. Among the three siRNAs synthesized， the siRNA starting from the 277 locus （siRNA277） could silence the expression of target genes and weaken the interferon signaling pathway compared with the blank control group and the negative control group （both P<0.05）. ConclusionThe fragment of mhIFNAR2 is obtained， and the polyclonal antibody for the extracellular domain of mhIFNAR2 is successfully prepared， with relatively high titer and specificity， and can be used for immunohistochemistry， immunofluorescence assay， and Western blot.

Dynamic change and significance of Mindin protein in chronic hepatitis B treated with PEG-IFNα-2b / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the change and potential role of Mindin protein in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B （CHB） with PEG-IFNα-2b. MethodsA total of 29 CHB patients who received the treatment with PEG-IFNα-2b in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled， and according to their clinical outcome， they were divided into cured group with 17 patients and uncured group with 12 patients. Peripheral blood samples were collected from both groups at baseline， 12 weeks， and 24 weeks to measure blood routine indices， liver function parameters， hepatitis B markers， and Mindin protein. HBsAg， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and Mindin protein at different time points were compared between the two groups. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； a Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate correlation； a multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of HBsAg and ALT on the content of Mindin protein. ResultsThe analysis of baseline data showed that there were significant differences in the levels of HBsAg， HBeAb， albumin， and albumin/globulin ratio between the cured group and the uncured group （all P<0.05）. The cured group tended to have a gradual increase in the level of Mindin， and the level of Mindin at 24 weeks was significantly higher than that at baseline （P<0.05）. The cured group had a significantly higher level of Mindin protein than the uncured group at 24 weeks （P=0.019）. The cured group had a significantly lower level of HBsAg than the uncured group （P<0.05）， with a significant change from baseline to each time point within the cured group （P<0.05）. In addition， the levels of ALT and AST in the cured group tended to first increase and then decrease， and the expression levels at 12 weeks were significantly higher than those at baseline （P<0.05）. At 12 weeks， there was a strong linear correlation between Mindin protein levels and ALT in the untreated group （r=0.760 8， P<0.05）， and further multiple linear regression analysis also demonstrated a linear relationship between the two （b=1.571， P=0.019）. ConclusionThere is a significant difference in the level of Mindin protein between the cured group and the non-cured group after 24 weeks of PEG-IFNα-2b antiviral treatment， and therefore， detecting the dynamic changes of Mindin protein can better predict the treatment outcome of CHB， which provides a reference for clinical practice.

Effect and Mechanism of Menispermi Rhizoma Total Alkaloids on Antiviral Infection / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the antiviral effect of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids and its relationship with the type Ⅰ interferon （IFN-Ⅰ） signaling pathway. MethodThe effects of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids on the intracellular replication of influenza A virus （H1N1）， vesicular stomatitis virus （VSV）， and cerebral myocarditis virus （EMCV） were detected by fluorescent inverted microscope， flow cytometry， Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot. A mouse model infected with H1N1 was constructed， and the mice were divided into a control group， H1N1 model group， Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids groups （10， 20， 30 mg·kg-1）， and oseltamivir group （40 mg·kg-1）， so as to study the effects on the weight and survival rate of infected mice. Real-time PCR was used to detect the activation effect of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids on the IFN-Ⅰ pathway in cells， and the relationship between the antiviral effect of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids in IFNAR1 knockout A549 cells （IFNAR1-/--A549） and IFN-Ⅰ pathway was detected. ResultCompared with the control group， the virus proliferated significantly in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids could significantly inhibit the replication of H1N1， VSV， and EMCV in vitro （P<0.01）， inhibit the weight loss of the mice infected with the H1N1 in vivo， and improve the survival rate of mice （P<0.05）. In addition， Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids activated the IFN-I pathway and relied on this pathway to exert the function of antiviral infection. ConclusionMenispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids exert antiviral effects in vivo and in vitro by activating the IFN-Ⅰ pathway.

Mechanism of cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway in Regulating Lung Cancer and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

According to the latest global cancer statistics， the incidence and mortality of lung cancer rank first in China. Classical therapies remain the most common cancer treatment options， such as surgical resection， radiotherapy， and chemotherapy， but not all cancer patients respond to classical therapies， which require new lung cancer treatment strategies. After decades of research and development， cancer immunotherapy has achieved certain curative effect， which provides new possibilities for cancer treatment. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase （cGAS） is a cytosolic DNA sensor. It can induce protective immune defense responses against various DNA-containing pathogens and provide anti-tumor immunity by activating the interferon （IFN） gene stimulator （STING） protein. At present， relevant researchers in China and abroad have done a lot of research on the occurrence and development of lung cancer and the pathophysiological mechanism of drug intervention in the treatment of lung cancer. The results show that cGAS/STING signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of the disease， and traditional Chinese medicine monomers or compounds can intervene in lung cancer cells by regulating the cGAS/STING signaling pathway， induce their autophagy and death， regulate their cycle operation， promote senescence， inhibit their proliferation and tumor angiogenesis， promote their invasion and metastasis， and promote the immune activation of anti-lung cancer cells， so as to inhibit or delay the occurrence and development of lung cancer. In recent years， the related research results have been updated rapidly， and the previous literature has not included the latest research results in time， which causes a lot of inconvenience for many scholars to search the literature. Based on this， this paper mainly summarized the mechanism of cGAS/STING signaling pathway intervention in lung cancer in China and abroad in recent years， as well as the research progress of related traditional Chinese medicine intervention， so as to provide new ideas for the development of lung cancer in molecular biology， drug treatment research， and clinical new drug research and provide a reference for further mechanism research.

Anemoside B4 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro and in vivo / 中草药·英文版

OBJECTIVE@#Anemoside B4 (AB4), the most abundant triterpenoidal saponin isolated from Pulsatilla chinensis, inhibited influenza virus FM1 or Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pneumonia. However, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect of AB4 has not been unraveled. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antiviral activity and potential mechanism of AB4 in inhibiting human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in vivo and in vitro.@*METHODS@#The cytotoxicity of AB4 was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. SARS-CoV-2 infected HEK293T, HPAEpiC, and Vero E6 cells were used for in vitro assays. The antiviral effect of AB4 in vivo was evaluated by SARS-CoV-2-infected hACE2-IRES-luc transgenic mouse model. Furthermore, label-free quantitative proteomics and bioinformatic analysis were performed to explore the potential antiviral mechanism of action of AB4. Type I IFN signaling-associated proteins were assessed using Western blotting or immumohistochemical staining.@*RESULTS@#The data showed that AB4 reduced the propagation of SARS-CoV-2 along with the decreased Nucleocapsid protein (N), Spike protein (S), and 3C-like protease (3CLpro) in HEK293T cells. In vivo antiviral activity data revealed that AB4 inhibited viral replication and relieved pneumonia in a SARS-CoV-2 infected mouse model. We further disclosed that the antiviral activity of AB4 was associated with the enhanced interferon (IFN)-β response via the activation of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-1) like receptor (RLP) pathways. Additionally, label-free quantitative proteomic analyses discovered that 17 proteins were significantly altered by AB4 in the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections cells. These proteins mainly clustered in RNA metabolism.@*CONCLUSION@#Our results indicated that AB4 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication through the RLR pathways and moderated the RNA metabolism, suggesting that it would be a potential lead compound for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.

Role of micronucleus-activated cGAS-STING signaling in antitumor immunity / 浙江大学学报·医学版

cGAS-STING signaling is a significant component of the innate immune system and functions as a vital sentinel mechanism to monitor cellular and tissue aberrations in microbial invasion and organ injury. cGAS, a cytosolic DNA sensor, is specialized in recognizing abnormally localized cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and catalytically synthesizes the second messenger cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which initiates a cascade of type I interferon and inflammatory responses mediated by STING. Micronucleus, a byproduct of chromosomal missegregation during anaphase, are also significant contributors to cytoplasmic dsDNA. These unstable subcellular structures are susceptible to irreversible nuclear envelope rupture, exposing genomic dsDNA to the cytoplasm, which potently recruits cGAS and activates STING-mediated innate immune signaling and its downstream activities, including type I interferon and classical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways lead to senescence, apoptosis, autophagy activating anti-cancer immunity or directly killing tumor cells. However, sustained STING activation-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, activated chronic type I interferon and nonclassical NF-κB signaling pathways remodel immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, leading to immune evasion and facilitating tumor metastasis. Therefore, activated cGAS-STING signaling plays a dual role of suppressing or facilitating tumor growth in tumorigenesis and therapy. This review elaborates on research advances in mechanisms of micronucleus inducing activation of cGAS-STING signaling and its implications in tumorigenesis and therapeutic strategies of malignant tumors.

Cell-to-Cell Communications of cGAS-STING Pathway in Tumor Immune Microenvironment / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Targeting cGAS-STING pathway is a promising strategy in tumor treatment. The pattern recognition receptor cGAS identifies dsDNA and catalyzes the formation of the second messenger 2'3'-cGAMP, activating the downstream interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines through the adaptor protein STING. Notably, in tumor immune microenvironment, key components of cGAS-STING pathway are transferred among neighboring cells. The intercellular transmission under these contexts serves to sustain and amplify innate immune responses while facilitating the emergence of adaptive immunity. The membrane-based system, including extracellular vesicles transport, phagocytosis and membrane fusion transmit dsDNA, cGAMP and activated STING, enhancing the immune surveillance and inflammatory. The membrane proteins, including specific protein channel and intercellular gap junctions, transfer cGAMP and dsDNA, which are crucial to regulate immune responses. And the ligand-receptor interactions for interferons transmission amplifies the anti-tumor response. This review elaborates on the regulatory mechanisms of cell-to-cell communications of cGAS-STING pathway in tumor immune microenvironment. We further explore how these mechanisms modulate immunological processes and discuss potential interventions and immunotherapeutic strategies targeting these signaling cascades.

Hepatitis B and Celiac Disease: A Cause for Concern?

Some theories suggest that the development of the immune response to clear hepatitis B triggers the intestinal tissue damage seen in celiac disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Although the role of hepatitis B virus infection in the development of autoimmune diseases has been widely discussed in the literature, it remains a controversial topic. Our objective is to review whether there is an association between hepatitis B and celiac disease and the particularities of vaccination against hepatitis B in celiac patients.

Algunas teorías sugieren que el desarrollo de la respuesta inmunitaria para la eliminación de la hepatitis B desencadena el daño del tejido intestinal observado en la enfermedad celíaca en individuos genéticamente predispuestos. Aunque el papel de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B en el desarrollo de enfermedades autoinmunes se ha discutido ampliamente en la literatura, sigue siendo un tema controvertido. Nuestro objetivo es revisar si existe una asociación entre la hepatitis B y la enfermedad celíaca y las particularidades de la vacunación contra la hepatitis B en pacientes celíacos.

Performance of the tetra-primer PCR technique compared to PCR-RFLP in the search for rs12979860 (C/T) and rs8099917 (T/G) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IFNL4 gene / Desempenho da técnica tetra-primer PCR em relação a PCR-RFLP na pesquisa de polimorfismos de nucleotídeos únicos (SNPs) rs12979860 (C/T) e rs8099917 (T/G) no gene IFNL4

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, rs12979860 e rs8099917) in the Interferon Lambda 4 gene (IFNL4, formerly IFNL3and/or IL28B) has been associated with failure in the innate immune response, sustained virological response in hepatitis C, and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM) development. To search for these polymorphisms several methodologies can be employed, such as sequencing, real-time or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in PCR products (PCR-RFLP), and tetra-primer PCR. The present study compared the performance of the tetra-primer PCR in relation to the PCR-RFLP, both optimized in the Research HTLV Laboratory of the Center of Immunology of Instituto Adolfo Lutz in São Paulo. One hundred DNA samples obtained from patients of STD/Aids Reference Centre in São Paulo, previously analyzed for IL28B SNPs by PCR-RFLP were selected for analysis, after confirming that they represent all IL28B SNPs patterns described in the literature. The results obtained showed concordance between the PCR-RFLP and the tetra-primer PCR SNPs results, and because of the low cost, easy to perform, and minor employment of biological specimen and reagents, the tetra-primer PCR is of choice to be used in routine. (AU)

Polimorfismos de nucleotídeos únicos (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs rs12979860 e rs8099917) no gene que codifica o Interferon Lambda 4 (IFNL4, antigamente IFNL3 e/ou IL28B) têm sido associados às falhas na resposta imune inata e resposta virológica sustentada na hepatite C, e a mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 (HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, HAM). A pesquisa destes polimorfismos pode empregar diversas metodologias: sequenciamento, reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real ou quantitativa (quantitative polymerase chain reaction, qPCR), análise de fragmentos de restrição enzimática em produtos de PCR (restriction fragment length polymorphism in PCR products, PCR-RFLP) e a tetra-primer PCR. Este estudo comparou o desempenho da tetra-primer PCR em relação a PCR-RFLP, ambas otimizadas no Laboratório de Pesquisa em HTLV do Centro de Imunologia do Instituto Adolfo Lutz de São Paulo. Foram selecionadas 100 amostras de DNA obtidas de pacientes do Centro de Referência e Treinamento em DST/Aids de São Paulo cujos SNPs na IL28B foram anteriormente determinados por PCR-RFLP e representaram todos os perfis descritos em literatura. Os resultados obtidos mostraram concordância entre elas, e pelo fato da tetra-primer PCR ter menor custo, ser de fácil execução, empregar menos tempo, insumos e material biológico, é a técnica de escolha para uso em rotina. (AU)

Masquerade syndrome in ocular surface squamous neoplasia / Síndrome mascarada em neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to alert the ophthalmic community to an atypical manifestation of ocular surface squamous neoplasia, which may delay diagnosis and treatment and result in a guarded visual prognosis and significant sequelae. A 61-year-old immunocompetent man presented with an initial diagnosis of necrotizing scleritis in the right eye for 3 months. He was treated with systemic prednisone but experienced persistent pain and low visual acuity. Conjunctival biopsy of the affected region confirmed the diagnosis of invasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia, which progressed with intraocular and orbital invasion; thus, exenteration was performed. Masquerade syndrome should be suspected in patients with nodulo-ulcerative lesions of the conjunctiva and sclera. This clinical can be more aggressive, with a greater likelihood of intraocular and orbital involvement. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the patient prognosis.

RESUMO O objetivo é alertar a comunidade oftalmológica sobre uma manifestação atípica de neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular (OSSN) que pode levar a um atraso no diagnóstico e tratamento, evoluindo com prognóstico reservado e significativas sequelas. Homem, imunocompetente, 61 anos com diagnóstico inicial de esclerite necrosante em olho direito há 3 meses, em tratamento com prednisona sistêmica porém com persistência da dor e baixa acuidade visual. Realizado biópsia conjuntival em região acometida e diagnosticado como neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular invasiva. Evolui com invasão intraocular e orbital sendo submetido a exenteração. Assim sendo, deve-se suspeitar de síndrome mascarada frente a um paciente com lesões nódulo-ulcerativas da conjuntiva e esclera. Essa forma clínica pode ser mais agressiva, com maior chance de comprometimento intraocular e orbital. Quanto mais precoces o diagnóstico e o tratamento, melhor o prognóstico para o paciente.

Toll-like receptor 2-mediated downstream cytokine levels as determinant of malaria pathogenesis

Background & objectives: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane proteins that recognize specific molecular patterns and activate downstream cytokine production usually for the eradication of invading pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic polymorphism of TLR2 Arg753Gln (rs 5743708) and soluble cytokines and TLR2 expression levels in malaria disease cases. Methods: The study included prospectively collected 2 ml blood samples from 153 individuals clinically suspected for malaria and confirmed by microscopy and RDT from Assam. Stratification of the study groups was done as healthy control (HC, n=150), uncomplicated malaria (UC-M, n=128) and severe malaria (SM, n=25). The PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method was applied for the analysis of TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphism and following the ELISA for soluble serum TLR2 (sTLR2) and its associated downstream cytokines, viz. tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-? and interferon (IFN)-? levels. Results: Variation in TLR2 Arg753Gln gene showed no association with the susceptibility and the severity of malarial infection. Soluble TLR2 expression was significantly higher in uncomplicated malaria (UC-M) cases compared to healthy controls (P=0.045) and in terms of SM cases, the expression was also found to be higher in UC-M cases (P=0.078). The TNF-? expression was significantly higher in SM cases compared to both UC-M and control (P=0.003 and P=0.004). Similarly, significantly elevated expression of IFN-? was noted in SM cases compared to both UC-M (P=0.001) and healthy controls (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions: The present study suggests the association of deregulated TLR2 pathway that leads to the deleterious downstream immune response in the development of malarial pathogenicity.

Management of Hepatitis C in Children – A New Paradigm

Introduction: With the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the past decade has seen a paradigm shift in the management of hepatitis C (HCV) infection in children. In this review, we summarize the various treatment options for pediatric HCV infection, highlighting the recent changes in the management. Methods: A literature search was performed using the PubMed database with the relevant keywords. Filters included were human, ages 0-18 years, and the English language. Results: Initial phase of HCV treatment using conventional or pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination regimens yielded poor outcomes in children, especially in genotypes 1 and 4, with an overall sustained virologic response of 58%. Also, treatment with interferon and ribavirin combination was associated with significant side effects in up to 52% of those treated. Presently, various combinations of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved in children above three years of age with documented evidence of high efficacy (SVR12 of 92% to 100%) and excellent safety, and the current standard of care. Conclusion: With various DAA regimens now being approved for children above three years of age, the treatment of active HCV infection (HCV-RNA positive) in children has become simple. Besides the effectiveness of DAA therapy, public awareness about HCV transmission, better screening, and making the DAAs available at a subsidized price in the public sectors are necessary to eliminate HCV infection in India.

Effect of acute or subchronic stress on T cell response in peripheral blood: Regulatory role of vitamin D

The immune response, orchestrated by helper (Th1, Th2, and Th17) and regulatory (Treg) T cells, is modulated by stress and Vitamin D (Vit-D). Although the immunomodulatory functions of both are known, their specific roles on Th cells have not been fully clarified, yet. On this background, we aimed to investigate the effect of acute or subchronic stress on the distribution of peripheral T lymphocytes, as well as the immunomodulatory role of Vit-D. Young adult male, Swiss-albino mice (30–40g) were allocated to the control, acute stress (AS), subchronic stress (ChS), control+Vit-D, AS+Vit-D, and ChS+Vit-D groups (n=11/group). The combined cold (2-h at 4°C)-immobilization (2-h in a restrainer) stress protocol was employed as one day in AS groups and five consecutive days in ChS groups. Vit-D (2?g/kg ip) was applied every other day, until the end of the protocol. Serum cortisol, Vit-D and cytokine levels (IL-4, IFN-?, and IL-17A) were measured, and lymphocytes from blood samples were subtyped by flow-cytometry. Stress exposure caused differential Th and Treg responses, acute stress shifting the response to Th1, and subchronic stress shifting the response to Th2. Th17 and Treg cells were lower in subchronic stress exposed mice. These changes became comparable to control values in Vit-D treated groups. The T cell response, crucial for immune system function, differs on the basis of stress exposure as such the Vit-D treatment. The tolerogenic profile created by Vit-D should be considered for management of stress-related diseases. Our results may help to provide a better understanding of disease pathogenesis.

Research Progress on the Influence of Bile Acids on the Immune Response of Hepatitis B Vaccine / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

Hepatitis B vaccine （HepB） vaccination is the safest and most effective means of preventing hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection. HepB non-response is influenced by multiple factors， and solving the problem of poor immune response after HepB vaccination is of great significance for controlling HBV infection. Bile acids play an important role in human immune regulation， and whether bile acids have an effect on the HepB immune response has not been definitively studied. This article reviews the correlation between bile acids and HepB immune response， and provides a reference for further clarifying the pathogenesis and immunoprevention of bile acids in vaccine immunity.

Innate immune response mediated by interferon during influenza B virus infection / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#ObjectiveTo explore the innate immune response mediated by interferon(IFN) induced by influenza B virus(IBV)infection.MethodsThe activation of IFN signaling pathway and the expression of IFN-stimulated genes were detected by qPCR using Madin Darby canine kidney(MDCK)cells infected with IBV as model. The supernatants of MDCK cells infected with IBV for 36 h and 48 h were collected and mixed with fresh medium to culture MDCK cells infected with IBV. The antiviral effect of endogenous IFN was detected by qPCR. After adding JAK-STAT pathway inhibitor CP,the supernatant of IBV infected MDCK cells was collected and the cells were cultured. The effect of JAK-STAT pathway inhibition on the antiviral effect of endogenous IFN was detected by qPCR.ResultsIBV effectively activated IFN signal pathway and induced the production of cytokines dominated by typeⅠIFN(IFNα,IFNβ)and typeⅢIFN(IFNλ1,IFNλ3).Meanwhile,MDCK cells infected with IBV induced a series of IFN-stimulated genes(ISGs)with broad-spectrum antiviral effect,such as ISG15,CCL5,CXCL10,MX1 and RIG-I. After CP was used to inhibit JAK-STAT pathway,the ability of ISGs production induced by IBV infection in MDCK cells and the corresponding antiviral effect were significantly inhibited.ConclusionMDCK cells infected with IBV effectively activated type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ IFN mediated JAK-STAT signaling pathways,which provided a reference for the further understanding the interaction between IBV and host.

Effects of scutellarin on neuroinflammation in rats with traumatic brain injury by regulating cGAS/STING signaling pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of scutellarin （Scu） on neuroinflammation in rats with traumatic brain injury （TBI）. METHODS The modified Feeney method was applied to construct TBI rat model. The rats were randomly grouped into TBI group，Scu low-dose group （40 mg/kg），Scu high-dose group （80 mg/kg），cyclic guanylate- adenylate synthase （cGAS） inhibitor group （cGAS inhibitor RU.521，450 μg/kg），with 24 rats in each group. Other 24 rats were included in the sham operation group. The modified neurological deficit score （mNSS） method was applied to assess the neurological function of rats； the brain water content of rats was measured by dry/wet specific gravity method； hematoxylin-eosin and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining were applied to observe the pathological changes and apoptosis of brain tissue in rats； the levels of interferon-β （IFN-β），CXC chemokine ligand-10 （CXCL10），tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in rat brain tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay； Western blot method was applied to detect the expression of cGAS/interferon gene stimulating protein （STING） signal pathway-related proteins in brain tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group，the mNSS，brain water content，apoptosis rate，the contents of IFN-β，CXCL10，TNF-α and IL-6，and the relative expressions of cGAS and STING proteins in TBI group increased significantly （P＜0.05）； there were edema，bleeding and pathological damage to neurons in the brain tissue. Compared with TBI group，the above indicators and pathological changes of rats in administration groups were improved significantly （P＜0.05），and the effect of Scu was in a dose- dependent manner （P＜0.05）； however，there was no statistically obvious difference in the above indicators between the Scu high- dose group and the cGAS inhibitor group （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Scu may alleviate neuroinflammation，reduce brain tissue damage and apoptosis，and promote the recovery of neural function in TBI rats by inhibiting the activation of cGAS/STING signaling pathway.

Interferon-α mediating the functional damage of CD56dimCD57+natural killer cells in peripheral blood of systemic lupus erythematosuss / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the regulatory effect of interferon-α (IFN-α) on the apoptosis and killing function of CD56dimCD57+ natural killer (NK) cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and to explore the specific mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of sixty-four newly treated SLE patients and sixteen healthy controls (HC) enrolled in the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University were selected as the research subjects. And the gene expression levels of molecules related to NK cell-killing function were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CD56dimCD57+ NK cells were co-cultured with the K562 cells, and the apoptotic K562 cells were labeled with Annexin-Ⅴ and 7-amino-actinomycin D. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with 20, 40, and 80 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and treated without H2O2 as control, the expression level of perforin (PRF) was detected by flow cytometry. The concentration of IFN-α in serum was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of IFN-α receptors (IFNAR) on the surface of CD56dimCD57+ NK cells were detected by flow cytometry, and were represented by mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). CD56dimCD57+ NK cells were treated with 1 000 U/mL IFN-α for 24, 48 and 72 h, and no IFN-α treatment was used as the control, the apoptosis and the expression levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) were measured by flow cytometry and represented by MFI.@*RESULTS@#Compared with HC(n=3), the expression levels of PRF1 gene in peripheral blood NK cells of the SLE patients (n=3) were decreased (1.24±0.41 vs. 0.57±0.12, P=0.05). Compared with HC(n=5), the ability of peripheral blood CD56dimCD57+ NK cells in the SLE patients (n=5) to kill K562 cells was significantly decreased (58.61%±10.60% vs. 36.74%±6.27%, P < 0.01). Compared with the control (n=5, 97.51%±1.67%), different concentrations of H2O2 treatment significantly down-regulated the PRF expression levels of CD56dimCD57+ NK cells in a dose-dependent manner, the 20 μmol/L H2O2 PRF was 83.23%±8.48% (n=5, P < 0.05), the 40 μmol/L H2O2 PRF was 79.53%±8.56% (n=5, P < 0.01), the 80 μmol/L H2O2 PRF was 76.67%±7.16% (n=5, P < 0.01). Compared to HC (n=16), the serum IFN-α levels were significantly increased in the SLE patients (n=45) with moderate to high systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI≥10) [(55.07±50.36) ng/L vs. (328.2±276.3) ng/L, P < 0.001]. Meanwhile, compared with HC (n=6), IFNAR1 expression in peripheral blood CD56dimCD57+ NK cells of the SLE patients (n=6) were increased (MFI: 292.7±91.9 vs. 483.2±160.3, P < 0.05), and compared with HC (n=6), IFNAR2 expression in peripheral blood CD56dimCD57+ NK cells of the SLE patients (n=7) were increased (MFI: 643.5±113.7 vs. 919.0±246.9, P < 0.05). Compared with control (n=6), the stimulation of IFN-α (n=6) significantly promoted the apoptosis of CD56dimCD57+ NK cells (20.48%±7.01% vs. 37.82%±5.84%, P < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control (n=4, MFI: 1 049±174.5), stimulation of CD56dimCD57+ NK cells with IFN-α at different times significantly promoted the production of mtROS in a time-dependent manner, 48 h MFI was 3 437±1 472 (n=4, P < 0.05), 72 h MFI was 6 495±1 089 (n=4, P < 0.000 1), but there was no significant difference at 24 h of stimulation.@*CONCLUSION@#High serum IFN-α level in SLE patients may induce apoptosis by promoting mtROS production and inhibit perforin expression, which can down-regulate CD56dimCD57+ NK killing function.

Efficacy of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Combined with Decitabine, Homoharringtonine, Interferon in the Maintenance Therapy of Blast Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) combined with decitabine, homoharringtonine, and interferon regimen as maintenance therapy for blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-BP).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of CML-BP patients who received the first major hematological response after induction therapy at The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2015 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The event-free survival, duration of remission, and overall survival of patients in TKI combined with decitabine, homoharringtonine, interferon group(n=18) and TKI combined with conventional chemotherapy group(n=10) were compared by log-rank test.@*RESULTS@#A total of 28 patients were included, with a median age of 46 (24-58) years old. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients in TKI combined with decitabine, homoharringtonine, interferon group had longer event-free survival (7.4 vs 4.3 months, P=0.043, HR＝0.44, 95% CI: 0.17-1.14), duration of overall remission (16.1 vs 6.6 months, P=0.005, HR＝0.32, 95% CI: 0.11-0.89), overall survival (34.3 vs 13.5 months, P=0.006, HR＝0.29, 95% CI: 0.10-0.82) compared with patients in TKI combined with conventional chemotherapy group.@*CONCLUSION@#The TKI combined with decitabine, homoharringtonine and interferon regimen can significantly prolong the survival of CML-BP patients who obtained the major hematological response compared with TKI combined with conventional chemotherapy regimen.

Avances en tuberculosis en el 54° Congreso Chileno de enfermedades respiratorias. 3a parte: Prevención de la tuberculosis activa mediante el tratamiento de la tuberculosis latente / Advances in tuberculosis at the 54th Chilean Congress of Respiratory Diseases. Part 3: prevention of active tuberculosis by treating latent tuberculosis

La infección tuberculosa latente (ITL) es un estado asintomático de la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis incapaz de transmitir la infección a otros, pero con el potencial de originar una tuberculosis (TBC) activa en el infectado, especialmente ante la presencia de factores de riesgo inmunológico. Es importante en personas de riesgo de desarrollar TBC reconocer la ITL utilizando test como la reacción a la tuberculina (PPD o TST) y los ensayos de liberación de Interferón-γ (IGRAs). Sin embargo, estos tests tienen limitaciones en su capacidad de predicción de riesgo de evolución de infección a enfermedad lo que conlleva a tener que tratar muchas personas para evitar algún caso de enfermedad. Nuevos tests se encuentran en desarrollo para mejorar la sensibilidad de reconocimiento de la ITL, distinguir infecciones recientes (que tienen el mayor riesgo de progresión a enfermedad) e incluso con la capacidad de detectar enfermedad subclínica o inicial. Para reducir la probabilidad de enfermar por TBC se utilizan tratamientos preventivos con fármacos, pero la cobertura mundial de esta terapia es reducida y la adherencia a terapias auto-administradas, como en el caso del uso de isoniazida diaria oral, es también baja. Otro problema de esta terapia son los riesgos de reacciones adversas (hepatitis, erupciones cutáneas) aunque no frecuentes. La recomendación de terapia actual de la ITL incluye el uso de rifamicinas y sus derivados. La asociación de isoniazida con rifapentina en una dosis semanal durante tres meses, administrada bajo supervisión, es la terapia de primera línea para mayores de 2 años, mostrando menos riesgo de hepatotoxicidad y mayor adherencia.

Latent Tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is the asymptomatic state of infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although untransmissible, LTBI can progress to active tuberculosis (TB), especially in people with immune risk factors. It is important to recognize LTBI in people at risk of developing TB; tuberculin skin test (PPD or TST) or interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) are current diagnostic tests. However, these tests have limitations in their ability to predict subjects who will evolve from infection to disease; consequently, a large number of people with LTBI need treatment to avoid a reduced number of future TB disease cases. Newer tests are under development to improve the sensitivity in recognizing LTBI, distinguish recent infections with highest risk of progression to disease, and even be able to detect initial subclinical disease. Antimicrobial preventive treatment effectively reduces the probability of getting sick with TB, but worldwide availability of TB preventive therapy is limited, and adherence to self-administered therapies, as in the case of the use of daily oral isoniazid, is low. Adverse reactions risk (hepatitis, skin rash) although infrequent, is another problem with these therapies. Currently, LTBI management guidelines include regimens with use of rifamycins and their derivatives. The combination of isoniazid and rifapentine in a weekly dose for three months administered under supervision is the first line choice for LTBI therapy in those over 2 years of age, showing less hepatoxicity risk and greater adherence.