Acid-switchable nanoparticles induce self-adaptive aggregation for enhancing antitumor immunity of natural killer cells

Deficiency of natural killer (NK) cells shows a significant impact on tumor progression and failure of immunotherapy. It is highly desirable to boost NK cell immunity by upregulating active receptors and relieving the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Unfortunately, mobilization of NK cells is hampered by poor accumulation and short retention of drugs in tumors, thus declining antitumor efficiency. Herein, we develop an acid-switchable nanoparticle with self-adaptive aggregation property for co-delivering galunisertib and interleukin 15 (IL-15). The nanoparticles induce morphology switch by a decomposition-metal coordination cascade reaction, which provides a new methodology to trigger aggregation. It shows self-adaptive size-enlargement upon acidity, thus improving drug retention in tumor to over 120 h. The diameter of agglomerates is increased and drug release is effectively promoted following reduced pH values. The nanoparticles activate both NK cell and CD8+ T cell immunity in vivo. It significantly suppresses CT26 tumor in immune-deficient BALB/c mice, and the efficiency is further improved in immunocompetent mice, indicating that the nanoparticles can not only boost innate NK cell immunity but also adaptive T cell immunity. The approach reported here provides an innovative strategy to improve drug retention in tumors, which will enhance cancer immunotherapy by boosting NK cells.

Twelve-week treadmill endurance training in mice is associated with upregulation of interleukin-15 and natural killer cell activation and increases apoptosis rate in Hepa1-6 cell-derived mouse hepatomas

Regular exercise reduces the risk of malignancy and decreases the recurrence of cancer. However, the mechanisms behind this protection remain to be elucidated. Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system, which play essential roles in immune defense and effectively prevent cancer metastasis. Physical exercise can increase the activity of NK cells. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is the best-studied cytokine activator of NK cells, and it was shown to have many positive functional effects on NK cells to improve antitumor responses. The aim of this study was to clarify the possible important mechanisms behind endurance exercise-induced changes in NK cell function, which may be highly correlated with IL-15. An animal model was used to study IL-15 expression level, tumor volume, cancer cell apoptosis, and NK cell infiltration after treadmill exercise. Although IL-15 was highly expressed in skeletal muscle, treadmill exercise further elevated IL-15 levels in plasma and muscle (P<0.05). In addition, tumor weight and volume of tumor-bearing mice were decreased (P<0.05), and liver tumor cell apoptosis was increased after 12 weeks of treadmill exercise (P<0.05). NK cell infiltration was upregulated in tumors from treadmill exercise mice, and the level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-15 were higher than in sedentary mice (P<0.05). The study indicated that regular endurance training can reduce cancer risk, which was related to increased IL-15 expression, activation of the immune killing effect of NK cells, and promotion of tumor cell apoptosis, which can ultimately control tumor growth.

Interleukin-15 is a significant predictor of sarcopenia in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients on antiretroviral therapy: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To identify the relationship between interleukin (IL)-15 levels and sarcopenia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- infected patients who have received antiretroviral therapy. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional design with 70 participants conducted from January to March 2021. All the participants were assessed for sarcopenia and the IL-15 levels. Sarcopenia was established based on the the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria. Plasma IL-15 was determined. This analysis was carried out by means of 2×2 tabulation and the statistical test used is Chi-square. Results: Seventy patients received antiretroviral therapy >6 months and showed a good clinical response. Among them, 36 (51.4%) took zidovudine-based antiretroviral therapy with a median duration of illness of 5 years. The proportion of sarcopenia in patients with HIV infection was 32.9%. The median CD4 cell count was 395.5 cells/L (range: 203-937 cells/L). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age>50 years (aOR 8.3, 95% CI 1.6-44.5), underweight (aOR 7.7, 95% CI 1.5-40.5), IL-15≥150.5 ng/L (aOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.3-19.0) and female (aOR 4.8, 95% CI 1.2-18.3 were significant and independent adverse predictors of sarcopenia in subjects with HIV infection. Conclusions: There is an association between high levels of IL-15 and sarcopenia in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy for more than 6 months with good clinical response.

Si Junzitang Regulates NKG2A Expression to Improve Anti-colon Cancer Function of NK Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Si Junzitang in regulating the expression of NKG2A to affect the anti-colon cancer function of natural killer （NK） cells. MethodNK cells isolated from healthy honors were cultured and used to construct the three incubation models of NK cells， human colon cancer HCT116 cells， and NK cells + HCT116 cells （co-incubation）. real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of natural killer group 2 member A （NKG2A） and interleukin （IL）-15 in NK cells， as well as the mRNA level of histocompatibility leucocyte antigen E （HLA-E） in HCT116 cells. The secretion of IL-15 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay was employed to determine the applicable concentration of IL-15 and test the effects of Si Junzitang and IL-15 on the activities of NK cells and the HCT116 cells in the co-incubation model. The effects of Si Junzitang and IL-15 on the mRNA levels of NKG2A in NK cells and HLA-E in HCT116 cells were detected by Real-time PCR. Monalizumab （M， anti-NKG2A mab） was used to block the NKG2A-HLA-E pathway in co-incubation model， and then the proliferation of HCT116 cells was detected by MTT assay. ResultThe interaction of NK cells and HCT116 cells up-regulated the mRNA levels of NKG2A in NK cells and HLA-E in HCT116 cells （P<0.05）， as well as the expression level and secretion of IL-15 （P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， Si Junzitang and Si Junzitang + IL-15 promoted the proliferation and improved the anti-colon cancer function of NK cells （P<0.01）. Furthermore， they down-regulated the mRNA levels of NKG2A in NK cells and HLA-E in the HCT116 cells co-incubated with NK cells （P<0.01）. M and IL-15 + M inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 cells compared with the groups without M （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe interaction of NK cells and HCT116 cells can induce activation of NKG2A-HLA-E pathway to impair NK cell function. Si Junzitang can inhibit the activation of NKG2A-HLA-E pathway to restore the anti-colon cancer function of NK cells.

PD-15 fusion protein specifically targeting PD-1 molecule combined with G15Ra-K562 feeder cells to rapidly expand NK/T cells / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the ability of the anti-PD-1(scFv)/hIL-15 fusion protein(PD-15) to specifically bind to PD-1 in vitro and the effect of the combination of PD-15 with GF-hIL-15Ra-K562(G15Ra-K562) feeder cells to expand NK/T cells. Methods:Overlap PCR was used to construct G15Ra expression vector. pMXs-G15Ra-IP was transfected into K562 by electroporation. G15Ra-K562 feeder cell lines were obtained by limiting dilution method. pUC57-PD-15 was constructed by digestion and ligation. Lipofectamine? 2000 was used to transiently transfect pUC57-PD-15 into HEK293T cells and the conditioned medium containing PD-15 fusion protein was obtained. Density gradient centrifugation was used to obtain human peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes(PBMC), and CFSE staining was used to mark active proliferating cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the ability of PD-15 to specifically bind to PD-1 and its effect on the proliferation of human PBMC and the proportion of different subpopulations of lymphocytes.Results:The feeder cells G15Ra-K562 with high expression of fusion protein G15Ra was successfully constructed. The addition of hIL-15 can increase the ability of G15Ra-K562 to expand human PBMC by more than 5 times( P<0.05). PD-15 fusion protein has PD-1 specific binding ability( P<0.001), combined with G15Ra-K562 can efficiently expand human peripheral blood-derived NK/T cells in vitro( P<0.05). The cells expanded by PD-15 and G15Ra-K562 are mainly natural killing cell, CD8 + T and CD4 + T cells. Conclusions:The PD-15 fusion protein can specifically target the PD-1 molecule and has a strong human peripheral blood-derived NK/T cell expansion ability when combined with G15Ra-K562 feeder cells. These results shed light on selective expansion of PD-1 + lymphocytes in vitro.

Expression of IL-2/IL-15Rβ on memory CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells in chronic hepatitis B patients undergoing antiviral treatment and its significance / 中华临床感染病杂志

Objective:To investigate the expression of IL-2/IL-15 receptor β subunit (IL-2/IL-15Rβ) on memory CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving antiviral treatment and its significance. Methods:Sixty-eight patients with chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB) and 47 asymptomatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers attending in the Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from March 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled in the study; and 30 health subjects were also enrolled as healthy control group. Among 60 CAHB patients there were 30 cases with positive HBeAg and 30 cases with negative HBeAg. All CAHB patients received nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy, the HBV-related markers, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the expression of IL-2/IL-15Rβ on CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells were determined and compared between HBeAg-positive and negative patients, before and after treatment. Normal distribution measurement data among 3 groups were compared with One-way ANOVA; normal distribution measurement data between 2 groups were compared with paired samples t test; non-normal distribution measurement data between the two groups were compared with Mann-Whitney U test; Pearson’s correlation coefficient was performed for correlation analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:The proportion of CD8 + CD45RO + T cells on PBMC CD3 + T cells in CAHB group [(8.6±3.7)%] was higher than that of asymptomatic HBV carriers group [(5.7±2.5)%] and healthy control group [(5.5±1.5)%] (all P<0.05). The expression percentage of IL-2/IL-15Rβ on PBMC CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells in CAHB group [(6.8±4.7)%] was higher than that of asymptomatic HBV carriers group [(4.7±2.8)%] and healthy control group [(4.3±2.2)%] (all P<0.05). The MFI of IL-2/IL-15Rβ on PBMC CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells in CAHB group (243±168) was higher than those of asymptomatic HBV carriers group (160±91) and healthy control group [160±63] (all P<0.05). The expression percentage and MFI of IL-2/IL-15Rβ on PBMC CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells were positively correlated with the percentage of CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells in CAHB patients ( r=0.33 and 0.28, all P<0.05). The proliferation percentage of PBMC CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells in CAHB group[ (43.7±16.0)%] was higher than that of asymptomatic HBV carriers group [(29.1±9.4)%] and healthy control group [(26.8±9.6)%] after stimulation with Anti-CD3+ super-2 (all P<0.05). After the expression of IL-2/IL-15Rβ was blocked, the proliferation percentage of CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells was decreased [(11.2±6.3)%] compared with the untreated CAHB group ( P<0.05). The percentages of PBMC CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells secreting IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α in CAHB group were (13.8±5.4)%, (14.0±4.3)% and (12.3±4.6)% respectively, which were higher than those of asymptomatic HBV carriers [(8.4±2.6)%, (9.4±3.2)% and (6.8±3.3)%] and healthy control group [(6.9±2.7)%, (9.9±3.0)% and (7.7±3.8)%] after stimulation with Anti-CD3+ super-2 (all P<0.05). After the expression of IL-2/IL-15Rβ was blocked, the percentages of PBMC CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells secreting IFN-γ [(2.4±1.6)%], IL-2 [(4.1±1.9)%] and TNF-α [(4.1±1.8)%] were decreased compared with the untreated CAHB group (all P<0.05). HBeAg, ALT, the expression percentage and MFI of IL-2/IL-15Rβ on CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells were 521.4 (68.9, 1 339.0) COI, 292 (160, 528) U/L, (6.4±3.2)% and (239±136) in 30 HBeAg-positive CAHB patients before treatment, which were higher than those after treatment [3.5(1.5, 17.5)COI、20(14, 31) U/L, (4.1±2.4)% and (134±58)] ( Z=5.337 and 6.403, t=3.229 and 3.892, all P<0.05). HBsAg, ALT, the expression percentage and MFI of IL-2/IL-15Rβ on CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells were (5 310±2 851) COI, (328±207) U/L, (7.1±5.8)% and (252±110) in 30 HBeAg-negative CAHB patients before treatment, which were higher than those after 48 weeks of treatment [(3 811±2 495) COI, (33±14) U/L, (4.6±2.9)% and (154±73)] ( t=2.167, 5.595, 2.116 and 2.383, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The study suggests that up-regulated expression of IL-2/IL-15Rβ is associated with elevated frequency, proliferation and secretion function of memory CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + T cells in CAHB patients.

Effect of IL-15 addition on asbestos-induced suppression of human cytotoxic T lymphocyte induction

BACKGROUND@#Asbestos fibers possess tumorigenicity and are thought to cause mesothelioma. We have previously reported that exposure to asbestos fibers causes a reduction in antitumor immunity. Asbestos exposure in the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) showed suppressed induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), accompanied by a decrease in proliferation of CD8@*METHODS@#For MLR, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured with irradiated allogenic PBMCs upon exposure to chrysotile B asbestos at 5 μg/ml for 7 days. After 2 days of culture, IL-15 was added at 1 ng/ml. After 7 days of MLR, PBMCs were collected and analyzed for phenotypic and functional markers of CD8@*RESULTS@#IL-15 addition partially reversed the decrease in CD3@*CONCLUSION@#These findings indicate that CTLs induced upon exposure to asbestos possess dysfunctional machinery that can be partly compensated by IL-15 supplementation, and that IL-15 is more effective in the recovery of proliferation and granzyme B levels from asbestos-induced suppression of CTL induction compared with IL-2.

Application of human IL-15 transgenic NCG mouse in preclinical evaluation of CAR-NK cell therapy for tumor treatment / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective: To explore the application value of human IL-15 transgenic NCG mice (NCG-hIL-15 mice) in preclinical evaluation of chimeric antigen receptor modified NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy for tumor treatment. Methods: qPCR and WB were performed to detect the expression of human IL-15 in the bone marrow and main organs (spleen, liver, lung, kidney and pancreas) of transgenic mice. After being transfused with human PBMC-derived NK (PB-NK) cells, the NCG-hIL-15 mice and control NCG mice were continuously monitored for the in vivo amplification of NK cells and the changes in body weight and survival time. Flow cytometry was used to detect the differential expressions of activated receptors and inhibitory receptors in amplified NK cells. WB was used to detect the expressions of perforin and granzyme-B. NCG-hIL-15 mice or NCG mice bearing MIAPaca-2 cell transplanted tumor were treated with anti-MUC1-CAR-NK cell reinfusion; then, the CAR-NK cell survival in different groups of mice was detected by Flow cytometry, and the survival time of tumor bearing mice was recorded and tumor growth was detected by in vivo imaging. Results: The results indicated that PB-NK cells could proliferate stably within 10 weeks in NCG-hIL-15 mice without obvious graft versus host diseases (GVHD) during the observation period. The in vivo-expanded human NK cells maintained the original expression patterns of various surface molecules, including KARs and KIRs. Compared with the NK cells in NCG mice, the NK cells in NCG-hIL-15 mice contained significantly higher amounts of granzyme-B and perforin (all P<0.05). CAR-NK cells showed significantly increased survival rate and stronger tumor-inhibitory effect in NCG-hIL-15 mice as compared with those in control NCG mice, resulting in significantly prolonged survival in NCG-hIL-15 mice (all P<0.01). Conclusion: NCG-hIL-15 mouse model has potential application value in preclinical trial and biological evaluation of NK cell-based immunotherapy.

IL-27 in combination with IL-15 regulates anti-tumor effect of NK92 cells by phosphorylating the STATs pathway / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the effect of IL-27 in combination with IL-15 on the anti-tumor effects of NK92 cells and the possible molecular and signaling mechanisms. Methods: NK92 cells with high IL-15 expression (IL-15-NK92 cells) were cultured in different mass concentrations of IL-27 (0, 10, 20, 30 and 60 ng/ml) for 24 h. The effects of IL-27 on IL-15 secretion, migration and proliferation of IL-15-NK92 cells were detected by ELISA, Transwell and CCK-8 assay, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression levels of IL-15-NK92 cell surface receptors NKG2D, NKp30 and NKp46, as well as the secretion levels of perforin and granzyme B. LDH method was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of IL-15-NK92 cells on hematologic tumor cells and solid tumor cells, and WB was used to detect the expressions and phosphorylation level of STATs pathway-related proteins. Results: IL-27 at the concentration of 30 ng/ml promoted IL-15-NK92 cells secreting IL-15 (P<0.01), significantly enhanced the cell migration (P<0.05) but inhibited the proliferation of IL-15-NK92 cells (P<0.05). 30 ng/ml IL-27 could significantly promote the expressions of NKG2D, NKp30 and NKp46 on surface of IL-15-NK 92 cells, as well as elevate the secretion of perforin (all P<0.05), but didn’t affect the secretion of granzyme B (P>0.05); moreover, it also significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of IL-15-NK92 cells against hematologic malignancies and solid tumor cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and up-regulated the phosphorylation levels of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 (all P<0.01). Conclusion: IL-27 can enhance the cytotoxicity of IL-15-NK92 cells against hematologic tumor cells and solid tumor cells, which might be related with its upregulation of phosphorylation level of STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 in JAK-STAT pathway and multiple activating receptors in IL-15-NK92 cells.

Analysis of WCID-cIEF Spectrogram of Recombinant Interleukin-15 Fusion Protein / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the glycosylated chains of recombinant interleukin-15 fusion protein using capillary isoelectric focusing-whole column imaging detection (WCID-cIEF) spectrograms. METHODS: Using established corresponding mathematical models and the least square method, the WCID-cIEF spectrograms of whole protein, de-salicylic-acid protein and de-N-glycosylation-chain protein were analyzed. Among the mathematical models, the interval-1-peak model was selected. And according to the model, the relationship between isoform peak-areas and isoelectric points was listed. RESULTS: The rationality of the interval-1-peak model was confirmed and a series of basic data was obtained according to the model as follows:the apparent m value of the protein was 25.53 reference(R), the apparent n value of the protein was 28.83R, the apparent m value of sialic acid was 0.86 (0.855) R, the apparent n value was 0.12 (0.119) R, the apparent n value of N-acetylglucosamine (undifferentiated from N-acetylgalactosamine) was 0.06(0.061) R, and the apparent m value of formed carboxyl after N-chain removal was 0.19 (0.186) R. Some information of protein sugar composition was also obtained: the sialylation degree was about 1.83 mol•mol-1, the percentage of prototype protein was about 8.3%, the percentage of single N-glycosated modification protein was about 19.8%, the percentage of double N-glycosated modification protein was about 28.4%, the percentage of triple N-glycosated modification protein was about 23.7%, and the percentage of O-glycosated modification (with sialic acid) protein was about 19.8%. The main sugar types should be G0 (F), G1 (F), G2 (F), G1A1 (F), and G2A1 (F). CONCLUSION: The structure of sugar chain is complex, but it also has some repeatability and regularity. We hope that through this study, the glycoprotein sugar chain can be quickly outlined, the understanding of glycoprotein and the study of protein interaction can be improved.

PD-S15 fusion protein specifically target PD-1 and rapidly expands NK/T cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To investigate the function of anti-PD-1 (scFv)/IL-15/IL-15Rα-sushi fusion protein (PD-S15) to specifically bind to PD-1 in vitro and to explore its effect on NK/T cell proliferation. Methods: The human anti-PD-1 (scFv) gene sequence and human IL-15/IL-15Rα-sushi fusion gene sequence were synthesized chemically. The recombinant expression plasmid pUC57-PD-S15 was constructed by enzyme digestion and ligation of the two target genes, and then transiently transfected into HEK293T cells by lipofectamineTM 2000. The supernatants of cell culture medium were acquired, and the expression of PD-S15 fusion protein in cell culture supernatants was detected by Wb assay. PBMCs and TILs were cultured in mediums with different proportion of PD-S15/X-VIVOTM15, respectively. Then, the capacity of PD-S15 fusion protein to bind to PD-1 in vitro and its effect on the proliferation of PBMCs and the proportion of CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3-CD56+ subsets were detected by flow cytometry. The effect of PD-S15 fusion protein on the proliferation of TILs was detected by cytometry. Results: The successful construction of pUC57-PD-S15 eukaryotic expression plasmid was confirmed by double enzyme digestion and sequencing, and then successfully transfected into HEK293T cells. The relative molecular weight of the target protein was approximately 55 000, and was in line with expectations. PD-S15 fusion protein could specifically combine with PD-1 in vitro (P<0.05) and stimulate NK/T cell proliferation (P<0.05). Compared with classical TILs culture method, the efficiency of activation and amplification of T cells in vitro by PD-S15 culturemethodwasbetter (P<0.01). Conclusion: PD-S15 fusion protein can specifically target PD-1 and rapidly expand NK/T cells in vitro, which lays a foundation for the selective expansion of CD8+PD-1+ antigen-specific T lymphocytes from tumor tissues and even peripheral blood.

Study on the effect of IL-12 and IL-15 on the proliferation of CIK cells from of peripheral blood and the activity of killing SMMC-7721 hepatoma cell line in vitro / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To observe the influence of IL-12,IL-15 on CIK cell in the normal culture;to observe the anti-tumor effect in the circumstance of different combination of cytokines,and to provide a new insight for preparing high effective and qualified CIK cell in vitro.Methods The optimal concentrations of IL-2,IL-12 and IL-15 were determined,respectively.After the peripheral blood from healthy blood donors was collected,monocytes were selected and co-cultured with different cytokines into different groups,as group A(IL-2 normal culture group),group B(IL-2 and IL-12 group),group C(IL-2 and IL-15 group),group D(IL-2,IL-12 and IL-15 group),and group E(cytokine control group).The monocytes in different groups were calculated by globulimeter,the activity of cells was detected by Trypan blue staining,positive ratio of CD3,CD8,CD56 on the celluar membrane was detected by flow cytometry,and the anti-tumor effect of CIK to SMMC-7721 was detected by MTSmethod,inthedayof0,5,10,15,20 after the culture.Results Statistical analysis indicated that,the proliferation multiplication of CIK cells was significantly higher in group B,group C and group D after 10,15 and 20 days of culture than those in group A(P＜0.05);and group D had higher proliferation multi-plication than that of group C(P＜0.05).The percentage of CD3 + CD8 +,CD3 + CD56+ in CIK cell membrane in group B,C,D was significantly higher than that in group A after 15 and 20 days of culture (P＜0.05).The percentage of CD3+ CD8+,CD3+ CD56+ in CIK cell membrane in group D was significantly higher than that in group B after 15 and 20 days of culture (P＜0.05).The killing rate of CIK cells for liver cancer in each group at 10,15,20 days of culture was significantly higher than that of group A when the target target ratio was 5 ∶ 1 (P＜0.05).The killing rate of CIK cells for liver cancer in group D,C at 10,15,20 days of culture was significantly higher than that of group B(P＜0.05).Conclusion IL-12and IL-15 could improve the proliferation of CIK cells,and IL-15 also has the effect of enhancing CIK cells the tumor-killing to SMMC-7721 activity.

IL-2 and IL-15 dependent thymic development of Foxp3-expressing regulatory T lymphocytes

Immunosuppressive regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 play a vital role in the maintenance of tolerance of the immune-system to self and innocuous non-self. Most Treg that are critical for the maintenance of tolerance to self, develop as an independent T-cell lineage from common T cell precursors in the thymus. In this organ, their differentiation requires signals from the T cell receptor for antigen, from co-stimulatory molecules, as well as from cytokine-receptors. Here we focus on the cytokines implicated in thymic development of Treg, with a particular emphasis on the roles of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-15. The more recently appreciated involvement of TGF-β in thymic Treg development is also briefly discussed. Finally, we discuss how cytokine-dependence of Treg development allows for temporal, quantitative, and potentially qualitative modulation of this process.

Influence of γ-chain (γc) family cytokines on phenotypes of T cells in ex vivo culture / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective： ： To explore the impact of γ-chain (γc) family cytokines (IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21) on T cell phenotypes in ex vivo culture to provide experimental evidence for ex vivo cell preparation in adoptive immunotherapy. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers; nylon column sorting, CD3+ magnetic beads sorting, CD3- magnetic beads sorting and natural sedimentation were used to sort T cells from PBMCs. The purity, recovery rate and viability of T cells sorted by the above methods were compared. The CD3/CD28 magnetic beads-activated CD3+T cells were cultured inAIMV medium with IL-2 or mixed cytokines (IL-7, IL-15, IL-21). The expansion fold and phenotypes of T cells in ex vivo culture were detected by flow cytometry. Results： ： The purity of T cells sorted by CD3- magnetic beads sorting was significantly higher than that sorted by nylon column, CD3+ magnetic beads sorting and natural sedimentation ([94.06±1.07]% vs [86.74±1.06]%, [89.61±1.40]%, [88.48 ± 1.86]%, P<0.05); The recovery rate of T cells sorted by natural sedimentation was significantly higher than that by other three methods ([60.29±1.53]% vs [45.03±2.79]%, [20.15±3.41]%, [42.98±2.82]%, P<0.05). Comprehensively, the natural sedimentation method is the best option. The ex vivo expansion fold of T cells in IL-2 group was significantly higher than that in mixed group ([262.6±143.2] times vs [73.0±25.8] times, P<0.05). The proportions of early memory T cells, Tscm+Tscm-like and Tcmin the mixed group were significantly higher than those in the IL-2 group ([55.6±1.82]% vs [39.6±1.52]%, [16.6±1.82]% vs [9.8±1.30]%, [39.0±1.58]% vs [29.2±1.79]%; all P < 0.05). Conclusion： ： Natural sedimentation sorting has advantages of low cost, high recovery and purity. Mixed cytokines of IL-7, IL-15 and IL-21 are beneficial for production of early memory T cells. This study provides an experimental data of ex vivo T cell preparation for cancer adoptive immunotherapy.

Optimization of in vitroamplification of peripheral blood γδ T cells with cytokines / 基础医学与临床

Objective To optimize in vitro amplification of human γδ T cells with cytokines for tumor adoptive immunotherapy.Methods On the basis of the immobilized anti-TCR γδ antibody plus IL-2 system, other γ chain receptor family cytokines, including IL-7, IL-15 and IL-21, were tested to amplify human peripheral blood γδ T cells either alone or in diversity combination.The percentage of γδ T cells was measured by flow cytometry, and the proliferation efficiency of γδ T cells was calculated.The expression of proliferation-or cytotoxicity-related molecules on γδ T cells was examined by flow cytometry in order to explore the relevant mechanisms.The cytotoxicity of γδ T cells to Daudi cells was detected by lactate dehydrogenase.Results IL-15 alone but not IL-7 or IL-21 increases the γδ T cell purity, amplification efficiency and cytotoxicity to reach comparable levels to those of IL-2.IL-2 plus IL-15 up-regulates the expression of CD69 on γδ T cells and significantly increases their amplificationefficiency (P<0.05).IL-2 plus IL-21 enhanced the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells against Daudi cells by increasing the expression of granzyme A (P<0.001).The combination of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 significantly improves cytotoxicity of γδ T cells but reduces their amplification efficiency.In addition, when IL-21 was applied for a short time, it also enhanced the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells (P<0.05).Conclusions The combination of IL-2 and IL-15 as well as a short time addition of IL-21 is the best cytokine recipe to amplify human peripheral blood γδ T cells in vitro with immobilized anti-TCR γδ antibody, which can increase both the proliferation efficiency and the cytotoxicity to tumor cells of γδ T cells.

Shengjiang Xiexin Decoction treats irinotecan-induced delayed diarrhea in colorectal carcinoma mice / 中成药

AIM To observe the therapeutic effects of Shengjiang Xiexin Decoction (Zingiberis recens Rhizoma,Zingiberis Rhizoma,Coptidis Rhizoma,etc.) on irinotecan (CPT-11)-induced delayed diarrhea in colorectal carcinoma mice and to discuss its possible action mechanism.METHODS The AOM/DSS-induced female colorectal carcinoma mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group and Shengjiang Xiexin Decoction group.The Shengjiang Xiexin Decoction group was intragastrically administered with Shengjiang Xiexin Decoction,the normal group and the model group were intragastrically administered with normal saline.The diarrhea index and rectum pathologic morphology were measured,and the β-glucuronide activity,IL-15 content and UGT1A1 expression were detected.RESULTS The diarrhea index of Shengjiang Xiexin Decoction group was significantly lower than that of the model group,which might be related to the significant inhibition of β-glucuronide activity,and sig-nificant improvement of IL-15 content and UGT1A1 expression.CONCLUSION Shengjiang Xiexin Decoction shows therapeutic effects on irinotecan-induced delayed diarrhea in AOM/DSS-induced colorectal carcinoma mice.

The influence of pVR-IL15 gene adjuvant on immunization with recombinant viruses expressing HBsAg / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

Objective@#To explore the influence of pVR-IL15 gene adjuvant on the immune responses of different immunization strategies.@*Methods@#The sequential immunization strategies were used in BALB/c mice with a DNA vaccine, recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara and recombinant adenovirus expressing HBsAg respectively and combined with a gene adjuvant pVR-IL15. Cellular and humoral immune responses were evaluated by IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.@*Results@#The levels of humoral and cellular immune responses in the immune groups combined with pVR-IL15 were significantly higher than those of the non-combined with pVR-IL15.@*Conclusions@#The pVR-IL15 gene adjuvant can enhance the immune responses induced by the recombinant viruses expressing HBsAg.

Interleukin-15 enhanced the cytotoxicity of Vδ2 γδ T cells against K562 cells / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of interleukin -15 ( IL-15 ) on the cytotoxicity of Vδ2 γδ(Vδ2) T cells against K562 cells.Methods PBMCs were separated and cultured with zoledronate and interleukin-2 ( IL-2) to induce the proliferation of Vδ2 T cells.The obtained Vδ2 T cells were in vitro stimulated with IL-15.Flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate the changes of phenotypes of Vδ2 T cells and their cytotoxicity against K562 cells.Results Zoledronate effectively induced the massive prolifer -ation of V2δT cells.The Vδ2 T cells were highly activated and the expression of CD 107a and IFN-γby Vδ2 T cells were upregulated upon IL-15 stimulation.The cytotoxicity of Vδ2 T cells against K562 cells was greatly enhanced by the treatment with IL-15.Conclusion IL-15 could activate the Vδ2 T cells and en-hance their cytotoxicity against K562 cells.

Assessment of immunological changes in Epstein-Barr virus co-infection in Egyptian chronic HCV patients

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a major role in liver pathology. Similar to other members of the herpesvirus family, EBV establishes a persistent infection in more than 90% of adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of EBV and chronic hepatitis C co-infection (HCV) on biochemical and immunological responses in patients. The study was conducted in 62 patients and 33 apparently healthy controls. Patients were divided into three groups: group I, consisting of 31 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC), group II, consisting of eight patients with EBV infection and without HCV infection and group III, consisting of 23 patients with EBV and chronic HCV. The percentage of CD3+ cells, helper CD4+ cells and CD19+ B-cells was measured by flow cytometry. Human interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-15 levels were measured by an ELISA. The levels of liver alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes were higher in EBV/HCV patients compared to that in EBV and HCV mono-infected patients. EBV/HCV patients had significantly reduced percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ cells compared to EBV patients. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced in EBV/HCV patients (3.86 pg/mL) compared to CHC patients (6.76 pg/mL) and normal controls (4.69 pg/mL). A significant increase in serum IL-15 levels was observed in EBV/HCV patients (67.7 pg/mL) compared to EBV patients (29.3 pg/mL). Taken together, these observations suggest that HCV and EBV co-infection can potentiate immune response dampening in patients.

Effect and Interaction of Total Flavonoids and Saponins from Huang-Qi Ge-Gen Decoction on IL-12 and IL-15 of Liver among Diabetes Rats / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to explore the effect of total flavonoids and saponins from Huang-Qi Ge-Gen (HQGG) decoction on blood glucose (BG), serum lipid, interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-15 (IL-15) of liver in diabetes mellitus (DM) rats, in order to investigate their interactions in regulating DM processes. A total of 66 SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, which were the normal group, model group (A1B1), control group, total flavonoids group (A2B1), total saponins group (A1B2), and total flavonoids and saponins group (A2B2), with 11 rats in each group. Except the normal group, other groups were intraperitoneal injected with streptozotocin (STZ). And the experiment was according to 2×2 factorial design experiment scheme. The BG was determined before STZ injection and 7 days after the STZ injection. After 30 days, BG, serum lipid, IL-12 and IL-15 of liver were tested. Related indexes were calculated to the weighted composite score. Main and interactive effect of total flavonoids and saponins were studied according to the factorial design experiment scheme. The results showed that compared with the normal group, all indexes of model group showed statistical differences (P<0.05). Total flavonoids and saponins from HQGG decoction can effectively reduce BG, without any interactions between them. Both the total flavonoids and total saponins can reduce serum cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), liver IL-12 and IL-15. And there were interactive effects. The single use of herb achieved better effects than the combination. It was concluded that total flavonoids and saponins from HQGG decoction can reduce BG, CHO, TG, and liver IL-12 and IL-15 levels in rats. However, the regulation of total flavonoids and saponins on indexes mentioned above showed no additive effect.