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1.
Cancer Med ; 13(10): e7287, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38770637

ABSTRACT

Although the development of immunotherapies has been revolutionary in the treatment of several cancers, many cancer types remain unresponsive to immune-based treatment and are largely managed by chemotherapy drugs. However, chemotherapeutics are not infallible and are frequently rendered ineffective as resistance develops from prolonged exposure. Recent investigations have indicated that some chemotherapy drugs have additional functions beyond their normative cytotoxic capacity and are in fact immune-modifying agents. Of the pharmaceuticals with identified immune-editing properties, gemcitabine is well-studied and of interest to clinicians and scientists alike. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug approved for the treatment of multiple cancers, including breast, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian. Because of its broad applications, relatively low toxicity profile, and history as a favorable combinatory partner, there is promise in the recharacterization of gemcitabine in the context of the immune system. Such efforts may allow the identification of suitable immunotherapeutic combinations, wherein gemcitabine can be used as a priming agent to improve immunotherapy efficacy in traditionally insensitive cancers. This review looks to highlight documented immunomodulatory abilities of one of the most well-known chemotherapy agents, gemcitabine, relating to its influence on cells and proteins of the immune system.


Subject(s)
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic , Gemcitabine , Immunomodulating Agents , Neoplasms , Animals , Humans , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/pharmacology , Gemcitabine/pharmacology , Gemcitabine/therapeutic use , Immunomodulating Agents/therapeutic use , Immunomodulating Agents/pharmacology , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Immunotherapy/methods , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/immunology
2.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1394501, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38774883

ABSTRACT

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-surrounded vesicles that carry bioactive molecules. Among EVs, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), specifically produced by Gram-negative bacteria, have been extensively characterized and their potential as vaccines, adjuvants or immunotherapeutic agents, broadly explored in mammals. Nonetheless, Gram-positive bacteria can also produce bilayered spherical structures from 20 to 400 nm involved in pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, nutrient uptake and nucleic acid transfer. However, information regarding their immunomodulatory potential is very scarce, both in mammals and fish. In the current study, we have produced EVs from the Gram-positive probiotic Bacillus subtilis and evaluated their immunomodulatory capacities using a rainbow trout intestinal epithelial cell line (RTgutGC) and splenic leukocytes. B. subtilis EVs significantly up-regulated the transcription of several pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial genes in both RTgutGC cells and splenocytes, while also up-regulating many genes associated with B cell differentiation in the later. In concordance, B. subtilis EVs increased the number of IgM-secreting cells in splenocyte cultures, while at the same time increased the MHC II surface levels and antigen-processing capacities of splenic IgM+ B cells. Interestingly, some of these experiments were repeated comparing the effects of B. subtilis EVs to EVs obtained from another Bacillus species, Bacillus megaterium, identifying important differences. The data presented provides evidence of the immunomodulatory capacities of Gram-positive EVs, pointing to the potential of B. subtilis EVs as adjuvants or immunostimulants for aquaculture.


Subject(s)
Bacillus subtilis , Extracellular Vesicles , Leukocytes , Oncorhynchus mykiss , Spleen , Animals , Bacillus subtilis/immunology , Extracellular Vesicles/immunology , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Oncorhynchus mykiss/immunology , Oncorhynchus mykiss/microbiology , Spleen/immunology , Spleen/cytology , Leukocytes/immunology , Leukocytes/metabolism , Probiotics/pharmacology , Cell Line , Intestinal Mucosa/immunology , Intestinal Mucosa/microbiology , Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism , Immunomodulation , Intestines/immunology
3.
Int Rev Cell Mol Biol ; 386: 167-222, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38782499

ABSTRACT

Historically, KRAS has been considered 'undruggable' inspite of being one of the most frequently altered oncogenic proteins in solid tumors, primarily due to the paucity of pharmacologically 'druggable' pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, pioneering developments in drug design capable of targeting the mutant KRAS isoforms especially KRASG12C-mutant cancers, have opened the doors for emergence of combination therapies comprising of a plethora of inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways. SHP2 signaling pathway, primarily known for activation of intracellular signaling pathways such as KRAS has come up as a potential target for such combination therapies as it emerged to be the signaling protein connecting KRAS and the immune signaling pathways and providing the link for understanding the overlapping regions of RAS/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade. Thus, SHP2 inhibitors having potent tumoricidal activity as well as role in immunomodulation have generated keen interest in researchers to explore its potential as combination therapy in KRAS mutant solid tumors. However, the excitement with these combination therapies need to overcome challenges thrown up by drug resistance and enhanced toxicity. In this review, we will discuss KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways and their roles in immunomodulation and regulation of tumor microenvironment and also analyze the positive effects and drawbacks of the different combination therapies targeted at these signaling pathways along with their present and future potential to treat solid tumors.


Subject(s)
Immunomodulation , Neoplasms , Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11 , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) , Signal Transduction , Humans , Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11/metabolism , Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11/antagonists & inhibitors , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasms/therapy , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Animals , Treatment Outcome , Molecular Targeted Therapy
4.
J Transl Med ; 22(1): 480, 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38773651

ABSTRACT

Inflammation plays a critical role in conditions such as acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and ischemia-reperfusion-induced liver injury. Various pathogenic pathways contribute to liver inflammation, involving inflammatory polarization of macrophages and Küpffer cells, neutrophil infiltration, dysregulation of T cell subsets, oxidative stress, and activation of hepatic stellate cells. While mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have demonstrated beneficial properties, their clinical translation is limited by their cellular nature. However, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have emerged as a promising cell-free therapeutic approach for immunomodulation. MSC-EVs naturally mirror their parental cell properties, overcoming the limitations associated with the use of MSCs. In vitro and in vivo preclinical studies have demonstrated that MSC-EVs replicate the beneficial effects of MSCs in liver injury. This includes the reduction of cell death and oxidative stress, improvement of hepatocyte function, induction of immunomodulatory effects, and mitigation of cytokine storm. Nevertheless, MSC-EVs face challenges regarding the necessity of defining consistent isolation methods, optimizing MSCs culture conditions, and establishing quality control measures for EV characterization and functional assessment. By establishing standardized protocols, guidelines, and affordable cost mass production, clinicians and researchers will have a solid foundation to conduct further studies, validate the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-EVs, and ultimately pave the way for their clinical implementation in acute liver injury.


Subject(s)
Extracellular Vesicles , Immunomodulation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Translational Research, Biomedical , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Humans , Animals , Acute Disease , Inflammation/pathology , Hepatitis/immunology , Hepatitis/therapy
5.
Cell Biochem Funct ; 42(4): e4029, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38773914

ABSTRACT

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) are emerging as remarkable agents in the field of immunomodulation with vast potential for diagnosing and treating various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. These tiny vesicles are laden with a diverse cargo encompassing proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and bioactive molecules, offering a wealth of biomarkers and therapeutic options. MSC-Exos exhibit their immunomodulatory prowess by skillfully regulating pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). They conduct a symphony of immunological responses, modulating B-cell activities, polarizing macrophages toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes, and fine-tuning T-cell activity. These interactions have profound implications for precision medicine, cancer immunotherapy, autoimmune disease management, biomarker discovery, and regulatory approvals. MSC-Exos promises to usher in a new era of tailored therapies, personalized diagnostics, and more effective treatments for various medical conditions. As research advances, their transformative potential in healthcare becomes increasingly evident.


Subject(s)
Exosomes , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Receptors, Pattern Recognition , Humans , Exosomes/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/immunology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Receptors, Pattern Recognition/metabolism , Animals , Immunomodulation
6.
FASEB J ; 38(10): e23644, 2024 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38738472

ABSTRACT

Tumors typically lack canonical danger signals required to activate adaptive immunity and also frequently employ substantial immunomodulatory mechanisms that downregulate adaptive responses and contribute to escape from immune surveillance. Given the variety of mechanisms involved in shielding tumors from immune recognition, it is not surprising that single-agent immunomodulatory approaches have been largely unsuccessful in generating durable antitumor responses. Here we report a unique combination of immunomodulatory and cytostatic agents that recondition the tumor microenvironment and eliminate complex and/or poor-prognosis tumor types including the non-immunogenic 4T-1 model of TNBC, the aggressive MOC-2 model of HNSCC, and the high-risk MYCN-amplified model of neuroblastoma. A course of therapy optimized for TNBC cured a majority of tumors in both ectopic and orthotopic settings and eliminated metastatic spread in all animals tested at the highest doses. Immune responses were transferable between therapeutic donor and naïve recipient through adoptive transfer, and a sizeable abscopal effect on distant, untreated lesions could be demonstrated experimentally. Similar results were observed in HNSCC and neuroblastoma models, with characteristic remodeling of the tumor microenvironment documented in all model systems. scRNA-seq analysis implicated upregulation of innate immune responses and antigen presentation in tumor cells and the myeloid cell compartment as critical early events. This analysis also highlighted the potential importance of the autonomic nervous system in the governance of inflammatory processes. The data indicate that the targeting of multiple pathways and mechanisms of action can result in substantial synergistic antitumor effects and suggest follow-up in the neoadjuvant setting may be warranted.


Subject(s)
Tumor Microenvironment , Animals , Mice , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Cell Line, Tumor , Neuroblastoma/immunology , Neuroblastoma/therapy , Neuroblastoma/pathology , Female , Humans , Immunomodulation , Mice, Inbred C57BL
8.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1367040, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38745661

ABSTRACT

Background: In recent years, immunotherapy has been emerging as a promising alternative therapeutic method for cancer patients, offering potential benefits. The expression of PD-L1 by tumors can inhibit the T-cell response to the tumor and allow the tumor to evade immune surveillance. To address this issue, cancer immunotherapy has shown promise in disrupting the interaction between PD-L1 and its ligand PD-1. Methods: We used mirror-image phage display technology in our experiment to screen and determine PD-L1 specific affinity peptides (PPL-C). Using CT26 cells, we established a transplanted mouse tumor model to evaluate the inhibitory effects of PPL-C on tumor growth in vivo. We also demonstrated that PPL-C inhibited the differentiation of T regulatory cells (Tregs) and regulated the production of cytokines. Results: In vitro, PPL-C has a strong affinity for PD-L1, with a binding rate of 0.75 µM. An activation assay using T cells and mixed lymphocytes demonstrated that PPL-C inhibits the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1. PPL-C or an anti-PD-L1 antibody significantly reduced the rate of tumor mass development in mice compared to those given a control peptide (78% versus 77%, respectively). The results of this study demonstrate that PPL-C prevents or retards tumor growth. Further, immunotherapy with PPL-C enhances lymphocyte cytotoxicity and promotes proliferation in CT26-bearing mice. Conclusion: PPL-C exhibited antitumor and immunoregulatory properties in the colon cancer. Therefore, PPL-C peptides of low molecular weight could serve as effective cancer immunotherapy.


Subject(s)
B7-H1 Antigen , Immunotherapy , Peptides , Animals , B7-H1 Antigen/immunology , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , Mice , Peptides/immunology , Cell Line, Tumor , Immunotherapy/methods , Humans , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology , Female , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology , Cytokines/metabolism , Lymphocyte Activation/immunology , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Colonic Neoplasms/therapy , Colonic Neoplasms/immunology
9.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1319863, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38756772

ABSTRACT

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Complicated mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of IS. Immunomodulatory mechanisms are crucial to IS. Acupuncture is a traditional non-drug treatment that has been extensively used to treat IS. The exploration of neuroimmune modulation will broaden the understanding of the mechanisms underlying acupuncture treatment. This review summarizes the immune response of immune cells, immune cytokines, and immune organs after an IS. The immunomodulatory mechanisms of acupuncture treatment on the central nervous system and peripheral immunity, as well as the factors that influence the effects of acupuncture treatment, were summarized. We suggest prospects and future directions for research on immunomodulatory mechanisms of acupuncture treatment for IS based on current progress, and we hope that these will provide inspiration for researchers. Additionally, acupuncture has shown favorable outcomes in the treatment of immune-based nervous system diseases, generating new directions for research on possible targets and treatments for immune-based nervous system diseases.


Subject(s)
Acupuncture Therapy , Immunomodulation , Ischemic Stroke , Humans , Ischemic Stroke/therapy , Ischemic Stroke/immunology , Animals , Neuroimmunomodulation , Cytokines/metabolism
10.
Molecules ; 29(10)2024 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38792234

ABSTRACT

The tumor microenvironment (TME) can aid tumor cells in evading surveillance and clearance by immune cells, creating an internal environment conducive to tumor cell growth. Consequently, there is a growing focus on researching anti-tumor immunity through the regulation of immune cells within the TME. Various bioactive compounds in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are known to alter the immune balance by modulating the activity of immune cells in the TME. In turn, this enhances the body's immune response, thus promoting the effective elimination of tumor cells. This study aims to consolidate recent findings on the regulatory effects of bioactive compounds from TCM on immune cells within the TME. The bioactive compounds of TCM regulate the TME by modulating macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells and T lymphocytes and their immune checkpoints. TCM has a long history of having been used in clinical practice in China. Chinese medicine contains various chemical constituents, including alkaloids, polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids. These components activate various immune cells, thereby improving systemic functions and maintaining overall health. In this review, recent progress in relation to bioactive compounds derived from TCM will be covered, including TCM alkaloids, polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids. This study provides a basis for further in-depth research and development in the field of anti-tumor immunomodulation using bioactive compounds from TCM.


Subject(s)
Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Neoplasms , Tumor Microenvironment , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Humans , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Animals , Killer Cells, Natural/immunology , Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Macrophages/drug effects , Macrophages/immunology , Macrophages/metabolism
11.
Cells ; 13(10)2024 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38786082

ABSTRACT

Lung transplantation results are compromised by ischemia-reperfusion injury and alloimmune responses. Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is used to assess marginal donor lungs before transplantation but is also an excellent platform to apply novel therapeutics. We investigated donor lung immunomodulation using genetically engineered mesenchymal stromal cells with augmented production of human anti-inflammatory hIL-10 (MSCsIL-10). Pig lungs were placed on EVLP for 6 h and randomized to control (n = 7), intravascular delivery of 20 × 106 (n = 5, low dose) or 40 × 106 human MSCs IL-10 (n = 6, high dose). Subsequently, single-lung transplantation was performed, and recipient pigs were monitored for 3 days. hIL-10 secretion was measured during EVLP and after transplantation, and immunological effects were assessed by cytokine profile, T and myeloid cell characterization and mixed lymphocyte reaction. MSCIL-10 therapy rapidly increased hIL-10 during EVLP and resulted in transient hIL-10 elevation after lung transplantation. MSCIL-10 delivery did not affect lung function but was associated with dose-related immunomodulatory effects, with the low dose resulting in a beneficial decrease in apoptosis and lower macrophage activation, but the high MSCIL-10 dose resulting in inflammation and cytotoxic CD8+ T cell activation. MSCIL-10 therapy during EVLP results in a rapid and transient perioperative hIL-10 increase and has a therapeutic window for its immunomodulatory effects.


Subject(s)
Immunomodulation , Interleukin-10 , Lung Transplantation , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Lung Transplantation/methods , Animals , Interleukin-10/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/immunology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Swine , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Humans , Genetic Engineering , Lung/metabolism , Lung/pathology , Lung/immunology
12.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(10)2024 May 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38791191

ABSTRACT

Cancer immunotherapy relies on the insight that the immune system can be used to defend against malignant cells. The aim of cancer immunotherapy is to utilize, modulate, activate, and train the immune system to amplify antitumor T-cell immunity. In parallel, the immune system response to damaged tissue is also crucial in determining the success or failure of an implant. Due to their extracellular matrix mimetics and tunable chemical or physical performance, hydrogels are promising platforms for building immunomodulatory microenvironments for realizing cancer therapy and tissue regeneration. However, submicron or nanosized pore structures within hydrogels are not favorable for modulating immune cell function, such as cell invasion, migration, and immunophenotype. In contrast, hydrogels with a porous structure not only allow for nutrient transportation and metabolite discharge but also offer more space for realizing cell function. In this review, the design strategies and influencing factors of porous hydrogels for cancer therapy and tissue regeneration are first discussed. Second, the immunomodulatory effects and therapeutic outcomes of different porous hydrogels for cancer immunotherapy and tissue regeneration are highlighted. Beyond that, this review highlights the effects of pore size on immune function and potential signal transduction. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives of immunomodulatory porous hydrogels are discussed.


Subject(s)
Hydrogels , Neoplasms , Hydrogels/chemistry , Humans , Porosity , Animals , Neoplasms/therapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Immunotherapy/methods , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Tissue Engineering/methods , Immunomodulating Agents/chemistry , Immunomodulating Agents/pharmacology , Immunomodulating Agents/therapeutic use , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
13.
BMC Genomics ; 25(1): 516, 2024 May 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38796425

ABSTRACT

Increasing evidence of brain-immune crosstalk raises expectations for the efficacy of novel immunotherapies in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the lack of methods to examine brain tissues makes it difficult to evaluate therapeutics. Here, we investigated the changes in spatial transcriptomic signatures and brain cell types using the 10x Genomics Visium platform in immune-modulated AD models after various treatments. To proceed with an analysis suitable for barcode-based spatial transcriptomics, we first organized a workflow for segmentation of neuroanatomical regions, establishment of appropriate gene combinations, and comprehensive review of altered brain cell signatures. Ultimately, we investigated spatial transcriptomic changes following administration of immunomodulators, NK cell supplements and an anti-CD4 antibody, which ameliorated behavior impairment, and designated brain cells and regions showing probable associations with behavior changes. We provided the customized analytic pipeline into an application named STquantool. Thus, we anticipate that our approach can help researchers interpret the real action of drug candidates by simultaneously investigating the dynamics of all transcripts for the development of novel AD therapeutics.


Subject(s)
Brain , Disease Models, Animal , Transcriptome , Animals , Mice , Brain/metabolism , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/pathology , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Dementia/genetics , Dementia/therapy , Alzheimer Disease/genetics , Alzheimer Disease/therapy , Gene Expression Profiling , Killer Cells, Natural/immunology , Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
14.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(10)2024 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38791528

ABSTRACT

An immune checkpoint is a signaling pathway that regulates the recognition of antigens by T-cell receptors (TCRs) during an immune response. These checkpoints play a pivotal role in suppressing excessive immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis against viral or microbial infections. There are several FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and avelumab. These ICIs target cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Furthermore, ongoing efforts are focused on developing new ICIs with emerging potential. In comparison to conventional treatments, ICIs offer the advantages of reduced side effects and durable responses. There is growing interest in the potential of combining different ICIs with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies. This article comprehensively reviews the classification, mechanism of action, application, and combination strategies of ICIs in various cancers and discusses their current limitations. Our objective is to contribute to the future development of more effective anticancer drugs targeting immune checkpoints.


Subject(s)
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors , Neoplasms , Humans , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Animals , CTLA-4 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors , Immunotherapy/methods , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors , Immunomodulation/drug effects
15.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1357378, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720885

ABSTRACT

Exosomes carry proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids and lipids from their parent cell of origin. They are derived from cells through exocytosis, are ingested by target cells, and can transfer biological signals between local or distant cells. Therefore, exosomes are often modified in reaction to pathological processes, including infection, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and in response to metabolic perturbations such as obesity and diabetes, all of which involve a significant inflammatory aspect. Here, we discuss how immune cell-derived exosomes origin from neutrophils, T lymphocytes, macrophages impact on the immune reprogramming of diabetes and the associated complications. Besides, exosomes derived from stem cells and their immunomodulatory properties and anti-inflammation effect in diabetes are also reviewed. Moreover, As an important addition to previous reviews, we describes promising directions involving engineered exosomes as well as current challenges of clinical applications in diabetic therapy. Further research on exosomes will explore their potential in translational medicine and provide new avenues for the development of effective clinical diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for immunoregulation of diabetes.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Exosomes , Immunomodulation , Exosomes/immunology , Exosomes/metabolism , Humans , Diabetes Mellitus/immunology , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Animals , Macrophages/immunology , Macrophages/metabolism
16.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1373497, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720889

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) delivers a single accelerated radiation dose to the breast tumor bed during breast-conserving surgery (BCS). The synergistic biologic effects of simultaneous surgery and radiation remain unclear. This study explores the cellular and molecular changes induced by IORT in the tumor microenvironment and its impact on the immune response modulation. Methods: Patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or early-stage invasive breast carcinoma undergoing BCS with margin re-excision were included. Histopathological evaluation and RNA-sequencing in the re-excision tissue were compared between patients with IORT (n=11) vs. non-IORT (n=11). Results: Squamous metaplasia with atypia was exclusively identified in IORT specimens (63.6%, p=0.004), mimicking DCIS. We then identified 1,662 differentially expressed genes (875 upregulated and 787 downregulated) between IORT and non-IORT samples. Gene ontology analyses showed that IORT was associated with the enrichment of several immune response pathways, such as inflammatory response, granulocyte activation, and T-cell activation (p<0.001). When only considering normal tissue from both cohorts, IORT was associated with intrinsic apoptotic signaling, response to gamma radiation, and positive regulation of programmed cell death (p<0.001). Using the xCell algorithm, we inferred a higher abundance of γδ T-cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes in the IORT samples. Conclusion: IORT induces histological changes, including squamous metaplasia with atypia, and elicits molecular alterations associated with immune response and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. The increased abundance of immune-related components in breast tissue exposed to IORT suggests a potential shift towards active immunogenicity, particularly immune-desert tumors like HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Immunomodulation , Intraoperative Care , Mastectomy, Segmental , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Breast Neoplasms/immunology , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Middle Aged , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Tumor Microenvironment/radiation effects , Immunomodulation/radiation effects , Aged , Adult , Combined Modality Therapy
18.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(8)2024 Apr 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38673781

ABSTRACT

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) represents a long-term adjunctive treatment option in patients with difficult-to-treat depression (DTD). Anti-inflammatory effects have been discussed as a key mechanism of action of VNS. However, long-term investigations in real-world patients are sparse. In this naturalistic observational study, we collected data on cytokines in peripheral blood in n = 6 patients (mean age 47.8) with DTD and VNS treatment at baseline and at 6 months follow-up. We have identified clusters of peripheral cytokines with a similar dynamic over the course of these 6 months using hierarchical clustering. We have investigated cytokine changes from baseline to 6 months as well as the relationship between the cytokine profile at 6 months and long-term response at 12 months. After 6 months of VNS, we observed significant correlations between cytokines (p < 0.05) within the identified three cytokine-pairs which were not present at baseline: IL(interleukin)-6 and IL-8; IL-1ß and TNF-α; IFN-α2 and IL-33. At 6 months, the levels of all the cytokines of interest had decreased (increased in non-responders) and were lower (5-534 fold) in responders to VNS than in non-responders: however, these results were not statistically significant. VNS-associated immunomodulation might play a role in long-term clinical response to VNS.


Subject(s)
Cytokines , Vagus Nerve Stimulation , Humans , Cytokines/blood , Cytokines/metabolism , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Vagus Nerve Stimulation/methods , Adult , Depression/therapy , Depression/immunology , Treatment Outcome , Immunomodulation
19.
Acta Biomater ; 180: 262-278, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38579918

ABSTRACT

Given the crucial role of periosteum in bone repair, the use of artificial periosteum to induce spontaneous bone healing instead of using bone substitutes has become a potential strategy. Also, the proper transition from pro-inflammatory signals to anti-inflammatory signals is pivotal for achieving optimal repair outcomes. Hence, we designed an artificial periosteum loaded with a filamentous bacteriophage clone named P11, featuring an aligned fiber morphology. P11 endowed the artificial periosteum with the capacity to recruit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The artificial periosteum also regulated the immune microenvironment at the bone injury site through the synergistic effects of biochemical factors and topography. Specifically, the inclusion of P11 preserved inflammatory signaling in macrophages and additionally facilitated the migration of BMSCs. Subsequently, aligned fibers stimulated macrophages, inducing alterations in cytoskeletal and metabolic activities, resulting in the polarization into the M2 phenotype. This progression encouraged the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and promoted vascularization. In vivo experiments showed that the new bone generated in the AP group exhibited the most efficient healing pattern. Overall, the integration of biochemical factors with topographical considerations for sequential immunomodulation during bone repair indicates a promising approach for artificial periosteum development. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The appropriate transition of macrophages from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory phenotype is pivotal for achieving optimal bone repair outcomes. Hence, we designed an artificial periosteum featuring an aligned fiber morphology and loaded with specific phage clones. The artificial periosteum not only fostered the recruitment of BMSCs but also achieved sequential regulation of the immune microenvironment through the synergistic effects of biochemical factors and topography, and improved the effect of bone repair. This study indicates that the integration of biochemical factors with topographical considerations for sequential immunomodulation during bone repair is a promising approach for artificial periosteum development.


Subject(s)
Bone Regeneration , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Osteogenesis , Periosteum , Animals , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Bone Regeneration/drug effects , Osteogenesis/drug effects , Mice , Macrophages/metabolism , Bacteriophages , Male , Cell Differentiation , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Immunomodulation , RAW 264.7 Cells
20.
Gene ; 916: 148446, 2024 Jul 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38583816

ABSTRACT

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have high priority in clinical applications for treatment of immune disorders because of their immunomodulatory function. A lot of researches have currently been undertaken to enhance the stemness capacities of the cells and pick an excellent type of MSCs for clinical approaches. This study aims to assess the immunomodulatory related MicroRNAs (miRNAs) expression as well as their target genes in both adipose derived stem cells (Ad-SCs) and dental pulp derived stem cell (DP-SCs) in the presence or lack of Crocin (saffron plant's bioactive compound). For this purpose, first MSCs were extracted from adipose and dental pulp tissues, and then their mesenchymal nature was confirmed using flow cytometry and differentiation tests. Following the cell treatment with an optimal-non-toxic dose of Crocin (Obtained by MTT test), the expression of 4 selected immunomodulatory-related micro-RNAs (Mir-126, -21, -23, and-155) and their target genes (PI3K/ Akt 1 and 2/ NFKB and RELA) were assessed by RT-PCR. Our findings revealed that miRNA-23 and miRNA-126 were up-regulated in both types of cells treated with Crocin, while in the other side, miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 were down-regulated in DP-SCs and were up-regulated in Ad-SCs under treatment. Moreover, the real-time PCR results indicated that Crocin could significantly down regulate the expression of PI3K/ Akt1/ Akt2/ NFKB/ RELA genes in DP-SCs and PI3K/Akt2 genes in Ad-SCs and up regulate the expression of Akt1/ NFKB/ RELA genes in recent cells. Based on the analysis of the obtained data, the immunoregulatory effects of Crocin were higher in DP-SCs than in Ad-SCs. In conclusion, Crocin could control essential signaling pathways related to the inflammation by regulating the expression of related- miRNAs genes that play a key function in the immune regulation pathways in MSCs. Our findings can give an understanding of the mechanisms by which Crocin enhances the immunomodulatory feature of MSCs. According to the research findings, DP-SCs are probably a better immunomodulator in Crocin treatment than Ad-SCs and it may be helpful for MSCs selection in clinical applications for modulation or treatment of autoimmune disorders.


Subject(s)
Carotenoids , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , MicroRNAs , MicroRNAs/genetics , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/immunology , Carotenoids/pharmacology , Humans , Cells, Cultured , Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Immunomodulation/drug effects , Immunomodulation/genetics , Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism , Transcription Factor RelA/genetics , Adipose Tissue/cytology , Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
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