Correlation analysis between peripheral blood dendritic cell subsets and PD-1 in patients with peritoneal adenocarcinoma

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the association between differential percentages of dendritic cell (DC) subsets in peripheral blood and malignancy (grade and lymph node metastasis) of peritoneal adenocarcinoma patients and the frequencies of dendritic cell subsets in the normal controls. The peripheral blood of 30 patients with peritoneal adenocarcinoma and 12 healthy controls were collected for multicolor flow cytometry analysis. Peritoneal adenocarcinoma patients were grouped according to the malignant degree (grade and lymph node metastasis). Percentages of myeloid DCs (mDCs) and its subsets MDC1 and MDC2 in DCs were lower in peripheral blood of patients with peritoneal adenocarcinoma than in normal controls. The percentages of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and CD16+mDCs in DCs were higher than in normal controls. Compared with poor differentiation grade, patients with well/moderate differentiation grade had an increased percentage of CD16+mDCs. Contrary to CD16+mDCs, the percentage of MDC1 was lower in the well/moderate differentiation grade group. In patients with no lymph node metastasis, pDCs and CD16+mDCs levels were higher compared with patients with lymph node metastasis. mDCs and MDC1 levels had opposite results. pDCs were positively correlated with CD16+mDCs in peripheral blood of peritoneal patients, as was mDCs and MDC1. CD16+mDCs were negatively correlated with MDC1. The percentages of pDCs and CD16+mDCs in DCs were positively correlated with CD3+CD8+T cells, and pDCs also positively correlated with CD8+PD-1+T cells. Our results revealed that DCs subsets correlated with peritoneal adenocarcinoma malignancy. Dendritic cells play an independent role in the immune function of peritoneal adenocarcinoma.

Effects of HMGB1 on phenotypes, phagocytosis and ERK/JNK/P38 MAPK signaling pathway in dendritic cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the impacts of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) on the phenotypes, endocy-tosis and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/ Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK)/P38 mitogen-ac-tivated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in indoxyl sulfate (IS) -induced dendritic cells (DCs). Methods After treatment with 30, 300 and 600 (xmol · L

Diacerein mitigates renal ischemia/reperfusion injury via inhibition of renal inflammation, dendritic cells maturation and apoptosis: the role of TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3/IL-1beta signaling pathway / La diacereína mitiga la lesión por isquemia/reperfusión renal a través de la inhibición de la inflamación renal, la maduración de las células dendríticas y la apoptosis: el papel de la vía de señalización TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3/IL-1beta

SUMMARY: One of the reasons for acute kidney damage is renal ischemia. Nevertheless, there are limited protective and therapeutic approaches for this problem. Diacerein is an anti-inflammatory drug characterized by numerous biological activities. We aimed to determine the ameliorative impact of diacerein on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) condition, exploring the underlying mechanisms. Twenty-four male rats were allotted into four groups (n= 6): sham group; Diacerein (DIA) group; I/R group, in which a non-crushing clamp occluded the left renal pedicle for 45 min, and the right kidney was nephrectomized for 5 min before the reperfusion process; I/R + diacerein group, injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg diacerein/kg i.m 30 minutes prior to I/R operation. Ischemia/ reperfusion was found to affect renal function and induce histopathological alterations. The flow cytometry analysis demonstrated an elevated expression of innate and mature dendritic cells in I/R renal tissues. Moreover, upregulation in the expression of the inflammatory genes (TLR4, Myd88, and NLRP3), and overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β), apoptotic (caspase-3) and pyroptotic (caspase-1) markers were observed in I/R-experienced animals. The aforementioned deteriorations were mitigated by pre-I/R diacerein treatment. Diacerein alleviated I/R-induced inflammation and apoptosis. Thus, it could be a promising protective agent against I/R.

La isquemia renal es una de los motivos del daño renal agudo. Sin embargo, los enfoques protectores y terapéuticos para este problema son limitados. La diacereína es un fármaco antiinflamatorio caracterizado por numerosas actividades biológicas. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el impacto de mejora de la diacereína en la condición de lesión por isquemia/ reperfusión renal (I/R), explorando los mecanismos subyacentes. Veinticuatro ratas macho se distribuyeron en cuatro grupos (n= 6): grupo simulado; grupo de diacereína (DIA); grupo I/R, en el que una pinza no aplastante ocluyó el pedículo renal izquierdo durante 45 min, y el riñón derecho fue nefrectomizado durante 5 min antes del proceso de reperfusión; Grupo I/R + diacereína, inyectado por vía intraperitoneal con 50 mg de diacereína/kg i.m. 30 min antes de la operación I/R. Se encontró que la isquemia/ reperfusión afecta la función renal e induce alteraciones histopatológicas. El análisis de citometría de flujo demostró una expresión elevada de células dendríticas innatas y maduras en tejidos renales I/R. Además, se observó una regulación positiva en la expresión de los genes inflamatorios (TLR4, Myd88 y NLRP3) y una sobreexpresión de las citoquinas proinflamatorias (IL-1β), marcadores apoptóticos (caspasa-3) y piroptóticos (caspasa-1) en animales con experiencia en I/R. Los deterioros antes mencionados fueron mitigados por el tratamiento previo a la diacereína I/R. La diacereína alivió la inflamación y la apoptosis inducidas por I/R. Por lo tanto, podría ser un agente protector prometedor contra I/R.

Effect of propolis on Th2 and Th17 cells: interplay with EtxB- and LPS-treated dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that drive the differentiation of T CD4+ cells into different profiles according to the nature of the antigen or immunomodulator. Propolis is a resinous product made by bees that has numerous pharmacological properties, including an immunomodulatory action. To assess whether propolis can modulate the activation of CD4+ T cells by stimulating DCs with heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (EtxB) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms affected by propolis in the differential activation of T lymphocytes. Cell viability, lymphocyte proliferation, gene expression (GATA-3 and RORc), and cytokine production (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17A) were analyzed. Propolis, EtxB, and LPS induced a higher lymphoproliferation compared with the control. Propolis induced GATA-3 expression and, in combination with EtxB, maintained the baseline levels. Propolis alone or in combination with LPS inhibited RORc expression. EtxB alone and in combination with propolis increased IL-4 production. Propolis in combination with LPS prevented LPS-induced IL-17A production. These results opened perspectives for the study of biological events that may be favored by propolis by promoting Th2 activation or helping in the treatment of inflammatory conditions mediated by Th17 cells.

Progress in Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Dendritic Cells / 医用生物力学

Dendritic cells (DCs) are now known as the most powerful antigen-presenting cells in vivo, with efficient antigen uptaking, and processing capabilities. They can present antigens to naïve T cells in secondary lymphoid tissues, thereby induce immune response or tolerance, and play a key role in initiating and amplifying innate and adaptive immunity. DCs experience complex chemical and mechanical microenvironment changes and show different mechanophenotypes and immunophenotypes in the process of exerting their physiological functions. Deeply understanding the chemical and mechanical factors that regulate the mechanophenotypes and immunophenotypes of DCs is a prerequisite for using DCs to treat immune related diseases. In this review, the progress in the biomechanics and mechanobiology research of DCs was mainly introduced, and their potential applications and future development directions in the treatment of immune related diseases were explored.

An mRNA vaccine elicits STING-dependent antitumor immune responses

Lipid-formulated RNA vaccines have been widely used for disease prevention and treatment, yet their mechanism of action and individual components contributing to such actions remain to be delineated. Here, we show that a therapeutic cancer vaccine composed of a protamine/mRNA core and a lipid shell is highly potent in promoting cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses and mediating anti-tumor immunity. Mechanistically, both the mRNA core and lipid shell are needed to fully stimulate the expression of type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines in dendritic cells. Stimulation of interferon-β expression is exclusively dependent on STING, and antitumor activity from the mRNA vaccine is significantly compromised in mice with a defective Sting gene. Thus, the mRNA vaccine elicits STING-dependent antitumor immunity.

Effects of 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops(Ⅱ)on corneal nerves of patients with moderate to severe dry eye / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the efficacy of domestic cyclosporine A(CsA)in dry eye and its effect on sub-basal nerves(SBN)by observing quantitative and morphological changes in corneal SBN of patients with moderate to severe dry eye before and after the treatment with 0.05% CsA eye drops(Ⅱ).METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 20 patients(20 eyes)with moderate to severe dry eye who admitted to the ophthalmology department of the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from December 2020 to January 2022 were selected. They were treated with domestic CsA and followed up for 3mo. Clinical evaluation was carried out at baseline and at 3mo after treatment. The changes in clinical symptoms, signs and morphology and quantity of SBN were observed.RESULTS: The ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, the tear break-up time(TBUT), Schirmer Ⅰ, corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score were significantly improved at 3mo after treatment. Confocal microscopy data analysis showed that SBN density increased from 13.49±5.43 mm/mm2 to 14.93±5.34 mm/mm2(P<0.001), nerve curvature scores decreased from 2.86±0.92 to 2.31±0.75(P<0.001), number of beaded structure decreased from 1.45±0.67/100μm to 1.07±0.45/100μm(P<0.001), and the number of dendritic cell(DC)decreased from 5.83±3.28 per frame to 3.67±2.24 per frame at 3mo after treatment(P<0.001). The number of DC was positively correlated with the number of branch nerves, the grade of nerve curvature and the number of nerve bead.(rs=0.27, P=0.045; rs=0.407, P<0.01; rs=0.486, P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS: Nerve injury was positively correlated with corneal inflammation caused by dry eye, and 0.05%CsA eye drops(II)could effectively inhibit inflammation and improve the morphology and quantity of corneal SBN. Observation of corneal SBN via in vivo confocal microscopy can be used as an effective method to evaluate the therapeutic effect of dry eye patients.

Bone-derived MSCs encapsulated in alginate hydrogel prevent collagen-induced arthritis in mice through the activation of adenosine A2A/2B receptors in tolerogenic dendritic cells

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs) facilitate the suppression of autoimmune responses by differentiating regulatory T cells (Treg). The dysfunction of immunotolerance results in the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As multipotent progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can regulate dendritic cells (DCs) to restore their immunosuppressive function and prevent disease development. However, the underlying mechanisms of MSCs in regulating DCs still need to be better defined. Simultaneously, the delivery system for MSCs also influences their function. Herein, MSCs are encapsulated in alginate hydrogel to improve cell survival and retention in situ, maximizing efficacy in vivo. The three-dimensional co-culture of encapsulated MSCs with DCs demonstrates that MSCs can inhibit the maturation of DCs and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice model, alginate hydrogel encapsulated MSCs induce a significantly higher expression of CD39+CD73+ on MSCs. These enzymes hydrolyze ATP to adenosine and activate A2A/2B receptors on immature DCs, further promoting the phenotypic transformation of DCs to tolDCs and regulating naïve T cells to Tregs. Therefore, encapsulated MSCs obviously alleviate the inflammatory response and prevent CIA progression. This finding clarifies the mechanism of MSCs-DCs crosstalk in eliciting the immunosuppression effect and provides insights into hydrogel-promoted stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases.

Research progress in plasmacytoid dendritic cells in systemic sclerosis / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a unique subset of dendritic cells that can rapidly produce large amounts of type Ⅰ interferon after activation. They are critical in antiviral immunity and involved in the initiation and development of many autoimmune diseases. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune dysregulation, vasculopathy and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Recent studies have found that pDCs are involved in the pathogenesis of SSc. Inhibiting the function of pDCs can effectively prevent inflammation and fibrosis in SSc, highlighting the role of pDCs in the pathogenesis of SSc. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of pDCs and their role in the pathogenesis of SSc is important for the development of pDCs and their mediators as therapeutic targets for SSc.

Role of tripartite motif-containing 23 in the differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of tripartite motif-containing 23 (Trim23) on the differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells and the possible mechanism.Methods:Mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were prepared from bone marrow cells of C57BL/6 mice with the presence of Flt3L. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of Trim23 in BMDCs after LPS stimulation. An overexpression vector for full-length Trim23 (Trim23 OE) was constructed and transfected into BMDCs, and the pcDNA3.1 empty vector was used as control. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD80, CD86, CD40 and MHCⅡ on the surface of vector-transfected BMDCs after LPS stimulation and ELISA was used to detect the secretion of IL-12p40, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 by these cells. CD8 + and CD4 + T cells were isolated from spleen and lymph nodes of OT-Ⅰ and OT-Ⅱ mice by magnetic beads and co-cultured with LPS-treated BMDCs in the presence of ovalbumin (OVA). Flow cytometry was used to detect the proliferation and differentiation of CD8 + and CD4 + T cells. Western blot was performed to analyze the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2 and AKT in BMDCs. Two overexpression vectors for Trim23 mutants lacking RING or ARF domain (Trim23 ΔRING and Trim23 ΔARF) were constructed and transfected into BMDCs. Then flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect the expression of surface molecules and cytokines. Results:The expression of Trim23 in BMDCs was significantly down-regulated after LPS stimulation. The expression of MHCⅡ, CD86 and CD80 and the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased significantly in BMDCs overexpressing Trim23. Furthermore, overexpression of Trim23 inhibited the ability of BMDCs to induce the proliferation and differentiation of CD4 + T cells and the proliferation of CD8 + T cells. Western blot showed that the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 decreased significantly in Trim23-overexpressing BMDCs. Compared with wildtype Trim23, overexpression of Trim23 ΔRING had no significant influence on the expression of surface molecules (MHCⅡ and CD86) and the secretion of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in BMDCs stimulated by LPS. Conclusions:Trim23 overexpression inhibited the maturation and immune activation of BMDCs via MAPK signal pathway and its RING domain. This study provided reference for targeting Trim23 to improve the immune response of dendritic cell-based tumor vaccines.

Tolerogenic dendritic cells involve in reconstructing T cell balance in neuroimmune conditions / 中华神经科杂志

Dendritic cells are the most powerful antigen-presenting cells in the human body, which are involved in the occurrence and development of multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, myasthenia gravis and other neuroimmune conditions. Recently, tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs) are gradually becoming the research focus and therapeutic target of neuroimmune conditions. They can reconstruct the balance of T cells by inducing effector T cell anergy/deletion, and producing antigen-specific regulatory T cells, ultimately achieving the goal of maintaining immune tolerance. In this review, the mechanisms that tolDCs reconstruct T cell balance in neuroimmune conditions are analyzed and the research progress related to tolDC therapy is summarized.

Immune enhancement of 30% ethanol elution fraction of Artemisia absinthium ethanol extract with macroporous resin / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of 30% ethanol elution fraction of Artemisia absinthium extract with macroporous resin (AAEM-30%) on the dendritic cell (DC) and immunity of mice. Methods:AAEM-30% was obtained from the alcoholic extracts of A. absinthium by AB-8 macroporous resin, and its polysaccharide, flavonoid, and terpenoid contents were determined. The expressions of AAEM-30% on DC surface molecular cluster of differentiation (CD) 40, CD80 and CD86 were detected in vitro by flow cytometry, and the expressions of DC cytokines IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of AAEM-30% on the immune function of ICR mice was measured in vivo with different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) and different administration methods (subcutaneous injection, intraperitoneal injection, and gavage). Results:The contents of polysaccharides, flavonoids, and terpenoids in AAEM-30% were 24.30%, 22.50% and 28.19%, respectively. AAEM-30% significantly enhanced the expression of CD40, and CD86 and the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α (all P<0.001). Compared with the control group, no statistically significant differences were found in the body mass of mice compared with the three administration methods (all P>0.05). The thymus index in the 50 and 100 mg/kg AAEM-30% intraperitoneal injection groups and the spleen index in the 50 mg/kg AAEM-30% gavage group were increased (all P<0.05). CD19 + cells increased in the 100 mg/kg AAEM-30% intraperitoneal injection group ( P<0.01) and in the 50 mg/kg AAEM-30% gavage group ( P<0.05). The CD11b + and CD11c + counts increased in the 100 mg/kg AAEM-30% gavage group ( P<0.05). The number of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes was increased by both gavage and intraperitoneal administration (all P<0.05). Conclusions:AAEM-30% can promote the maturation of DC and enhanced the immunity of mice without obvious side effects.

Effects of co-culture of dendritic cells loaded with MAGE-A3 antigen and cytokine-induced killer cells on tumor stem cells and malignant progression of endometrial cancer / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To explore the effects of dendritic cells (DC) and cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK) carrying melanoma-associated antigen gene A3 (MAGE-A3) on endometrial cancer tumor stem cells and malignant progression. METHODS: Human peripheral blood was collected to separate mono-nuclear cells, and DC and CIK cells were induced by cytokines, respectively. DCs were incubated with MAGE-A3 and then co-cultured with CIK, and the phenotypes of DC-CIK and MAGE-A3-DC-CIK were detected by flow cytometry; The CD133

Effects of lentinan on dendritic cell metabolism / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the effects of lentinan(LNT)on the metabolism of dendritic cells(DCs)by metabonomics, and uncover the potential mechanism of its regulation of DC function. Methods DC2.4 cells were co-incubated with LNT for 24 h, and the activity of the cells was detected by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay. The contents of interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α)and interleukin-12(IL-12)in supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The metabolic general changes of DC2.4 cells were detected by Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTOF/MS), and the differential metabolites were analyzed by multi-distance covariates and bioinformatics, partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). Finally, metabolic pathway analysis was performed by MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Results LNT did not significantly inhibit the activity of DC2.4 cells at the dose of 25100 mg·L-1. LNT(100 mg·L-1)could significantly stimulate the secretion of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12 in DC2.4 cells. 20 differential metabolites were identified in DC2.4 cells after being stimulated by LNT(100 mg·L-1), which involved 25 metabolic pathways including urea cycle, arginine and proline metabolism. Conclusion The regulation of LNT on DC function involves a variety of amino acid metabolism.

JAK inhibition ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by blocking GM-CSF-driven inflammatory signature of monocytes

Monocytes are key effectors in autoimmunity-related diseases in the central nervous system (CNS) due to the critical roles of these cells in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, differentiation of T-helper (Th) cells, and antigen presentation. The JAK-STAT signaling is crucial for initiating monocytes induced immune responses by relaying cytokines signaling. However, the role of this pathway in modulating the communication between monocytes and Th cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear. Here, we show that the JAK1/2/3 and STAT1/3/5/6 subtypes involved in the demyelination mediated by the differentiation of pathological Th1 and Th17 and the CNS-infiltrating inflammatory monocytes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for MS. JAK inhibition prevented the CNS-infiltrating CCR2-dependent Ly6Chi monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells in EAE mice. In parallel, the proportion of GM-CSF+CD4+ T cells and GM-CSF secretion were decreased in pathological Th17 cells by JAK inhibition, which in turns converted CNS-invading monocytes into antigen-presenting cells to mediate tissue damage. Together, our data highlight the therapeutic potential of JAK inhibition in treating EAE by blocking the GM-CSF-driven inflammatory signature of monocytes.

Mecanismo de células dendríticas derivadas de sangre periférica humana en la regulación de la autofagia en células de carcinoma / Mechanism of human peripheral blood-derived dendritic cells in the regulation of autophagy in carcinoma cells

Resumen Introducción: Las células dendríticas (CD) están involucradas en el reconocimiento, respuesta y modulación inmunológicos relacionados con la aparición del cáncer. Objetivo: Explorar el mecanismo de las CD en la inhibición de la autofagia de las células del hepatoma. Métodos: Células mononucleares de sangre periférica humana se aislaron mediante centrifugación en gradiente de densidad de Ficoll y se indujeron en CD, las cuales fueron cocultivadas con células HepG2 por ensayo de migración Transwell. La actividad de las células HepG2 se determinó mediante ensayo CCK8. La expresión del índice de autofagia LC3 se midió con análisis de transferencia Western y la expresión y secreción de citocinas mediante qRT-PCR y ELISA. Resultados: En el sistema de cocultivo, las CD redujeron la viabilidad de HepG2; la expresión de IL-2, IL-12, IL-10 e IFN-γ en CD también se inhibió significativamente, si bien IL-2 e IFN-γ aún se expresaron 0.6 y 0.53 más que en el grupo de control. Conclusión: Las CD pueden regular la autofagia de las células del carcinoma hepatocelular. El mecanismo puede estar relacionado con la síntesis y liberación de citocinas como IL-2, IL-12 e IFN-γ por parte de las CD.

Abstract Introduction: Dendritic cells (DC) are involved in immune recognition, response and immunomodulation mechanisms related to the onset of cancer. Objective: To explore DCs mechanism in the inhibition of autophagy in hepatoma cells. Methods: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation and induced into DCs, which were co-cultured with HepG2 cells by Transwell migration assay. HepG2 cell activity was determined using the CCK8 assay. LC3 autophagy index expression was measured with Western blot analysis, and the expression and secretion of cytokines, with qRT-PCR and ELISA. Results: In the co-culture system, DCs were able to reduce HepG2 cells viability; IL-2, IL-12, IL-10 and IFN-γ expression in DCs was also significantly inhibited, although IL-2 and IFN-γ were still expressed 0.6 and 0.53 more than in the control group. Conclusion: DCs can regulate autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The mechanism may be related to the synthesis and release of cytokines such as IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-γ by DCs.

Novas perspectivas em imunoterapia: a importância das células dendríticas na imunoterapia alérgeno-específica / New perspectives in immunotherapy: the importance of dendritic cells in allergen-specific immunotherapy

A imunoterapia alérgeno-específica é o único tratamento capaz de alterar o curso natural da doença alérgica. Ensaios clínicos mostram que a imunoterapia é segura e eficaz para muitos pacientes. No entanto, ainda enfrenta problemas relacionados à eficácia, segurança, longa duração do tratamento e baixa adesão dos pacientes. Neste contexto, tem havido intensa pesquisa no desenvolvimento de adjuvantes com objetivo de aumentar a segurança, otimizar os esquemas de tratamento e melhorar a adesão dos pacientes. Alérgenos foram modificados (glicoconjugados) com carboidratos derivados de Saccharomyces cerevisae para aumentar sua captação e apresentação através dos receptores de carboidratos presentes nas células dendríticas, beneficiando-se da capacidade de atuarem na indução de tolerância para iniciar respostas imunes. À luz de novas evidências, essas células constituem alvo terapêutico chave para se obter uma resposta adequada à imunoterapia alérgeno-específica, com potencial de contribuição na inovação do campo da Imunoterapia.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only treatment capable of altering the natural course of allergic disease. Clinical trials have shown that immunotherapy is safe and effective for many patients. However, it still faces problems related to efficacy, safety, long treatment duration and poor patient compliance. In this context, there has been intense research into the development of adjuvant treatments that increase safety, optimize treatment regimens, and improve patient compliance. Allergens were modified (glycoconjugated) with carbohydrates derived from Saccharomyces cerevisae to increase their uptake and presentation through carbohydrate receptors in dendritic cells, benefiting from their ability to induce tolerance and initiate immune response. In light of the new evidence, these cells are a key therapeutic target for adequate response to allergenspecific immunotherapy and can drive innovation in the field of immunotherapy.

Decreased CD1a + and CD83 + cells in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma regardless of HPV status

Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that play a critical role in the immune response against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and represent a therapeutic target in cancer. Objective: To identify and quantify DCs in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) under the influence of HPV infection. Methodology: CD1a and CD83 antibodies were used to identify immature dendritic cells and mature dendritic cells by immunohistochemistry in 33 primary TSCC and 10 normal tonsils (NTs), respectively. For the TSCC samples, the number of DCs per area was evaluated in the intra- and peritumoral compartments. For the NTs, the quantification of DCs was evaluated in the intra- and peritonsillar compartments. HPV detection methods were determined according to the ASCO Clinical Practice Guidelines from the College of American Pathologists Guideline (2018). Results: There were fewer intratumoral CD1a+ DCs in the HPV-positive and HPV-negative TSCC groups than in the NT group (p<0.05). In the peritumoral compartment, there were fewer CD83+ DCs in the HPV-positive and HPV-negative TSCC groups than in the NT group (p<0.001). The quantification of DCs subtypes showed no statistical differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative TSCC groups (p>0.137). Patients with HPV-positive TSCC had significantly better overall survival rate than those with HPV-negative TSCC (p=0.004). Conclusion: Tumor activity contributes to DC depletion regardless of intralesional HPV positivity. An improved prognosis has been reported in patients with HPV-positive TSCC.

Emerging role of natural products in cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has become a new generation of anti-tumor treatment, but its indications still focus on several types of tumors that are sensitive to the immune system. Therefore, effective strategies that can expand its indications and enhance its efficiency become the key element for the further development of cancer immunotherapy. Natural products are reported to have this effect on cancer immunotherapy, including cancer vaccines, immune-check points inhibitors, and adoptive immune-cells therapy. And the mechanism of that is mainly attributed to the remodeling of the tumor-immunosuppressive microenvironment, which is the key factor that assists tumor to avoid the recognition and attack from immune system and cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, this review summarizes and concludes the natural products that reportedly improve cancer immunotherapy and investigates the mechanism. And we found that saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids are mainly three categories of natural products, which reflected significant effects combined with cancer immunotherapy through reversing the tumor-immunosuppressive microenvironment. Besides, this review also collected the studies about nano-technology used to improve the disadvantages of natural products. All of these studies showed the great potential of natural products in cancer immunotherapy.

Enhanced uptake and anti-maturation effect of celastrol-loaded mannosylated liposomes on dendritic cells for psoriasis treatment

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease in which dendritic cells (DCs) trigger the progression of psoriasis by complex interactions with keratinocytes and other immune cells. In the present study, we aimed to load celastrol, an anti-inflammatory ingredient isolated from Chinese herbs, on mannosylated liposomes to enhance DC uptake as well as to induce DC tolerance in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model. Mannose was grafted onto liposomes to target mannose receptors on DCs. The results demonstrated that compared with unmodified liposomes, DCs preferred to take up more fluorescence-labeled mannosylated liposomes. After loading celastrol into mannose-modified liposomes, they effectively inhibited the expression of maturation markers, including CD80, CD86 and MHC-II, on DCs both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, after intradermal injection with a microneedle, celastrol-loaded mannose-modified liposomes (CEL-MAN-LPs) achieved a superior therapeutic effect compared with free drug and celastrol-loaded unmodified liposomes in the psoriasis mouse model in terms of the psoriasis area and severity index, histology evaluation, spleen weight, and expression of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, our results clearly revealed that CEL-MAN-LPs was an effective formulation for psoriasis treatment and suggested that this treatment has the potential to be applied to other inflammatory diseases triggered by activated DCs.