BMSCs-derived exosomes carrying miR-668-3p promote progression of osteoblasts in osteonecrosis of the femoral head: Expression of proteins CD63 and CD9.

Recently, exosomes that are derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have garnered considerable interest due to their significant roles in the processes of bone regeneration and repair. Among the various molecular components present within these exosomes, miR-668-3p has emerged as a pivotal microRNA that may be instrumental in modulating the function and proliferation of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation. The primary objective of this research was to examine the enhancing effects of BMSC-derived exosomes that are enriched with miR-668-3p on the advancement of osteoblasts in the context of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Furthermore, the study aimed to analyze how the expression of specific exosomal proteins, namely CD63 and CD9, influences this biological process. To conduct the investigation, BMSCs were isolated from healthy rat models, followed by the extraction of their secreted exosomes. The subsequent phase of the study involved assessing the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts by introducing the exosomes enriched with miR-668-3p into an experimental setup representing osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The findings revealed that exosomes derived from BMSCs, which contained miR-668-3p, significantly enhanced the proliferation of osteoblasts as well as the expression of key osteogenic marker genes. Notably, the levels of CD63 and CD9 proteins were markedly increased in the treated groups, indicating that the mechanisms underlying this promotion might involve cell adhesion and the endocytic uptake of exosomes.

Autoimmune Mast Cell Activation Test as a Diagnostic Tool in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is associated with skin mast cell activation, and its triggering mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Evidence suggests an autoimmune component of CSU. Our aim was to assess the usefulness of an autoimmune mast cell activation test (aiMAT) for diagnosing and differentiating CSU into different subtypes. We enrolled 43 patients with active, uncontrolled CSU before starting treatment with omalizumab and 15 controls. Patients were evaluated based on omalizumab response. aiMATs were performed using non-IgE-sensitized (NS) or myeloma IgE-sensitized (S) LAD2 cells, which were then stimulated with CSU/control sera (25 µL and 10 µL). The expression of CD63 was assessed with flow cytometry. CD63 response on NS-LAD2 was significantly increased in CSU patients compared to controls after the stimulation with 25 µL CSU/control sera (p = 0.0007) and with 10 µL CSU/control sera (p = 0.0001). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82. The cutoff for autoimmune-non-IgE-sensitized-MAT was 40.3% CD63+ LAD2, which resulted in 73.3% sensitivity and 81.4% specificity. CD63 response on S-LAD2 was significantly increased in CSU patients compared to controls after the stimulation with 25 µL CSU/control sera (p = 0.03). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated an AUC of 0.66. The cutoff for the autoimmune-myeloma IgE-sensitized-MAT was 58.4% CD63+ cells, which resulted in 62.8% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity. Overall, 36 out of 43 (84%) patients responded to omalizumab, and 7 (16%) were nonresponders. We found no differences between LAD2 CD63 response and response to omalizumab. In conclusion, aiMAT could represent a new diagnostic tool in CSU. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits during omalizumab therapy.

Differences in human and commercial hybrid pig platelet activation induced by borosilicate glass beads in a modified chandler loop-system.

 The pig (Sus scrofa) is the most widely used large animal model in Europe, with cardiovascular research being one of the main areas of application. Adequate refinement of interventional studies in this field, meeting the requirements of Russell and Burch's 3 R concept, can only be performed if blood-contacting medical devices are hemocompatible. Because most medical devices for cardiovascular interventional procedures are developed for humans, they are tested only for compatibility with human blood. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether there are differences in behavior of human and porcine platelets from commercial hybrid pigs when they come into contact with borosilicate glass, which was used as an exemplary thrombogenic material. For this purpose, changes in platelet count, platelet volume and platelet expression of the activation markers CD61, CD62P and CD63 were measured using a modified chandler loop-system simulating the fluidic effects of the bloodflow. Commercial hybrid pig and human platelets showed significant adhesions to borosilicate glass but the commercial hybrid pigs platelets showed a significantly higher tendency to adhere to borosilicate glass. In contrast to human platelets the platelets of commercial hybrid pigs showed significant activation after 4 to 8 minutes exposure to borosilicate glass and there were differences among the ratios of surface and activation markers in between the platelets of both species.

Oncogenic fusion of CD63-BCAR4 contributes cancer stem cell-like properties via ALDH1 activity.

Gene fusions are common somatic alterations in cancers, and fusions with tumorigenic features have been identified as novel drivers of cancer and therapeutic targets. Few studies have determined whether the oncogenic ability of fusion genes is related to the induction of stemness in cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cells that contribute to cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence, and are critical components of the aggressive features of cancer. Here, we investigated the CSC-like properties induced by CD63-BCAR4 fusion gene, previously reported as an oncogenic fusion, and its potential contribution for the enhanced metastasis as a notable characteristic of CD63-BCAR4. CD63-BCAR4 overexpression facilitates sphere formation in immortalized bronchial epithelial cells. The significantly enhanced sphere-forming activity observed in tumor-derived cells from xenografted mice of CD63-BCAR4 overexpressing cells was suppressed by silencing of BCAR4. RNA microarray analysis revealed that ALDH1A1 was upregulated in the BCAR4 fusion-overexpressing cells. Increased activity and expression of ALDH1A1 were observed in the spheres of CD63-BCAR4 overexpressing cells compared with those of the empty vector. CD133 and CD44 levels were also elevated in BCAR4 fusion-overexpressing cells. Increased NANOG, SOX2, and OCT-3/4 protein levels were observed in metastatic tumor cells derived from mice injected with CD63-BCAR4 overexpressing cells. Moreover, DEAB, an ALDH1A1 inhibitor, reduced the migration activity induced by CD63-BCAR4 as well as the sphere-forming activity. Our findings suggest that CD63-BCAR4 fusion induces CSC-like properties by upregulating ALDH1A1, which contributes to its metastatic features.

RNF149 negatively regulates LPS/TLR4 signal transduction by ubiquitination-mediated CD63 degradation.

This study aims to investigate the role of RNF149 and tetraspanin CD63 in lipopolysaccharide/Toll-like receptor 4 (LPS/TLR4) signal transduction. TNF-α was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution of TLR4 was examined through flow cytometry after CD63 knockdown. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of the target genes RNF149 and CD63 under different conditions. Western blotting was employed to detect gene expression, while immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy were used to evaluate protein interactions. Transcriptome array data from stimulated monocytes (GSE7547) was obtained from GEO and subjected to bioinformatic analysis. It is suggested that CD63 may serve as a substrate of RNF149, with RNF149 capable of directly interacting with CD63. RNF149 degrades CD63 through covalent modification of CD63 at lysine 29 of the ubiquitin monomer, leading to the formation of a multiubiquitin chain. Both RNF149 and CD63 interact with TLR4, with CD63 promoting LPS/TLR4 signaling and RNF149 inhibits it. CD63 does not impact the distribution of TLR4 on the cell surface and does not directly interact with TIRAP, IRAK4, or TRAF6, but does interact with Myd88.RNF149 plays a negative regulatory role in LPS/TLR4 signal transduction by mediating ubiquitination-induced CD63 degradation.

CD81 fusion alters SARS-CoV-2 Spike trafficking.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic caused the biggest public health crises in recent history. Many expect future coronavirus introductions into the human population. Hence, it is essential to understand the basic biology of these viruses. In natural infection, the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) glycoprotein is co-expressed with all other viral proteins, which modify cellular compartments to maximize virion assembly. By comparison, most of S is degraded when the protein is expressed in isolation, as in current molecular vaccines. To probe the maturation pathway of S, we redirected its maturation by fusing S to the tetraspanin protein CD81. CD81 is a defining constituent of extracellular vesicles (EVs) or exosomes. EVs are generated in large numbers by all cells, extruded into blood and lymph, and transfer cargo between cells and systemically (estimated 1012 EVs per mL plasma). EVs, like platelets, can be transfused between unrelated donors. When fusing the proline-stabilized form of strain Delta S into the flexible, large extracellular loop of CD81 rather than being degraded in the lysosome, S was extruded into EVs. CD81-S fusion containing EVs were produced in large numbers and could be isolated to high purity. Purified CD81::S EVs bound ACE2, and S displayed on individual EV was observed by cryogenic electron microscopy (EM). The CD81::S-fusion EVs were non-toxic and elicited an anti-S trimer and anti-RBD antibody response in mice. This report shows a design path to maximize viral glycoprotein assembly and release without relying on the co-expression of potentially pathogenic nonstructural viral proteins. IMPORTANCE: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic caused the biggest public health crises in recent history. To understand the maturation pathway of S, we fused S to the tetraspanin protein CD81. The resulting molecule is secreted in extracellular vesicles and induces antibodies in mice. This may be a general design path for viral glycoprotein vaccines.

Comprehensive proteomic analysis of HCoV-OC43 virions and virus-modulated extracellular vesicles.

Viruses are obligate parasites that depend on the cellular machinery for their propagation. Several viruses also incorporate cellular proteins that facilitate viral spread. Defining these cellular proteins is critical to decipher viral life cycles and delineate novel therapeutic strategies. While numerous studies have explored the importance of host proteins in coronavirus spread, information about their presence in mature virions is limited. In this study, we developed a protocol to highly enrich mature HCoV-OC43 virions and characterize them by proteomics. Recognizing that cells release extracellular vesicles whose content is modulated by viruses, and given our ability to separate virions from these vesicles, we also analyzed their protein content in both uninfected and infected cells. We uncovered 69 unique cellular proteins associated with virions including 31 high-confidence hits. These proteins primarily regulate RNA metabolism, enzymatic activities, vesicular transport, cell adhesion, metabolite interconversion, and translation. We further discovered that the virus had a profound impact on exosome composition, incorporating 47 novel cellular proteins (11 high confidence) and excluding 92 others (61 high confidence) in virus-associated extracellular vesicles compared to uninfected cells. Moreover, a dsiRNA screen revealed that 11 of 18 select targets significantly impacted viral yields, including proteins found in virions or extracellular vesicles. Overall, this study provides new and important insights into the incorporation of numerous host proteins into HCoV-OC43 virions, their biological significance, and the ability of the virus to modulate extracellular vesicles. IMPORTANCE: In recent years, coronaviruses have dominated global attention, making it crucial to develop methods to control them and prevent future pandemics. Besides viral proteins, host proteins play a significant role in viral propagation and offer potential therapeutic targets. Targeting host proteins is advantageous because they are less likely to mutate and develop resistance compared to viral proteins, a common issue with many antiviral treatments. In this study, we examined the protein content of the less virulent biosafety level 2 HCoV-OC43 virus as a stand-in for the more virulent SARS-CoV-2. Our findings reveal that several cellular proteins incorporated into the virion regulate viral spread. In addition, we report that the virus extensively modulates the content of extracellular vesicles, enhancing viral dissemination. This underscores the critical interplay between the virus, host proteins, and extracellular vesicles.

CD63 + tumor-associated macrophages drive the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and lipid reprogramming.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute a substantial part of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study was devised to explore TAM diversity and their roles in HCC progression. METHODS: Through the integration of multiple 10 × single-cell transcriptomic data derived from HCC samples and the use of consensus nonnegative matrix factorization (an unsupervised clustering algorithm), TAM molecular subtypes and expression programs were evaluated in detail. The roles played by these TAM subtypes in HCC were further probed through pseudotime, enrichment, and intercellular communication analyses. Lastly, vitro experiments were performed to validate the relationship between CD63, which is an inflammatory TAM expression program marker, and tumor cell lines. RESULTS: We found that the inflammatory expression program in TAMs had a more obvious interaction with HCC cells, and CD63, as a marker gene of the inflammatory expression program, was associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Both bulk RNA-seq and vitro experiments confirmed that higher TAM CD63 expression was associated with the growth of HCC cells as well as their epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, invasion, and the reprogramming of lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses revealed that the TAM inflammatory expression program in HCC is closely associated with malignant tumor cells, with the hub gene CD63 thus representing an ideal target for therapeutic intervention in this cancer type.

Group A Streptococcus induces lysosomal dysfunction in THP-1 macrophages.

The human-specific bacterial pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Macrophages are important to control GAS infection, but previous data indicate that GAS can persist in macrophages. In this study, we detail the molecular mechanisms by which GAS survives in THP-1 macrophages. Our fluorescence microscopy studies demonstrate that GAS is readily phagocytosed by macrophages, but persists within phagolysosomes. These phagolysosomes are not acidified, which is in agreement with our findings that GAS cannot survive in low pH environments. We find that the secreted pore-forming toxin Streptolysin O (SLO) perforates the phagolysosomal membrane, allowing leakage of not only protons but also large proteins including the lysosomal protease cathepsin B. Additionally, GAS recruits CD63/LAMP-3, which may contribute to lysosomal permeabilization, especially in the absence of SLO. Thus, although GAS does not inhibit fusion of the lysosome with the phagosome, it has multiple mechanisms to prevent proper phagolysosome function, allowing for persistence of the bacteria within the macrophage. This has important implications for not only the initial response but also the overall functionality of the macrophages, which may lead to the resulting pathologies in GAS infection. Our data suggest that therapies aimed at improving macrophage function may positively impact patient outcomes in GAS infection.

Increased CD123 + HLA-DR- Granulocytes in Allergic Rhinitis and Influence of Allergens on Expression of Cell Membrane Markers.

BACKGROUND: It is reported that CD123 + HLA-DR- cells in PBMC are basophils, and CD203c, CD63, and FcεRI molecules are activation markers of basophils. However, little is known of CD123 + HLA-DR-cells in blood granulocytes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of CD123 + HLA-DR- cells in the blood granulocytes and peripheral PBMC of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), as well as the impact of allergens on the cell membrane markers of basophils. METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of the membrane molecules. RESULTS: While CD123 + HLA-DR- PBMCs are representative of basophils, their presence did not significantly change in patients with AR. In contrast, both the percentage and number of CD123 + HLA-DR- granulocytes, which make up only up to 50% of basophils, were significantly increased in patients with seasonal (sAR) and perennial AR (pAR). CD63+, CD203c+, and FcεRIα+ cells within CD123 + HLA-DR- granulocytes also showed enhanced activity in patients with AR. Allergen extracts from house dust mite allergen extract (HDME) and Artemisia sieversiana wild extract further increased the number of CD123 + HLA-DR- cells in granulocytes of sAR and pAR patients, as well as in PBMCs of pAR patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CD123 + HLA-DR- granulocytes and PBMC may not be sufficient for diagnosing AR. Allergens could potentially contribute to the development of AR by influencing the number of CD123 + HLA-DR- cells, as well as the expression of CD63, CD203c, and FcεRIαin these cells.

Fusion with ARRDC1 or CD63: A Strategy to Enhance p53 Loading into Extracellular Vesicles for Tumor Suppression.

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents and drug delivery vehicles. Targeted modification of sEVs and their contents using genetic modification strategies is one of the most popular methods. This study investigated the effects of p53 fusion with arrestin domain-containing protein 1 (ARRDC1) and CD63 on the generation of sEVs, p53 loading efficiency, and therapeutic efficacy. Overexpression of either ARRDC1-p53 (ARP) or CD63-p53 (CDP) significantly elevated p53 mRNA and protein levels. The incorporation of ARRDC1 and CD63 significantly enhanced HEK293T-sEV biogenesis, evidenced by significant increases in sEV-associated proteins TSG101 and LAMP1, resulting in a boost in sEV production. Importantly, fusion with ARRDC1 or CD63 substantially increased the efficiency of loading both p53 fusion proteins and its mRNA into sEVs. sEVs equipped with ARP or CDP significantly enhanced the enrichment of p53 fusion proteins and mRNA in p53-null H1299 cells, resulting in a marked increase in apoptosis and a reduction in cell proliferation, with ARP-sEVs demonstrating greater effectiveness than CDP-sEVs. These findings underscore the enhanced functionality of ARRDC1- and CD63-modified sEVs, emphasizing the potential of genetic modifications in sEV-based therapies for targeted cancer treatment.

Metastasizing aneurysmal dermatofibroma initially diagnosed as angiosarcoma confirmed by CD63::PRKCD fusion gene detection with nanopore sequencing.

Dermatofibroma (DF) is a benign tumor that forms pedunculated lesions ranging in size from a few millimeters to 2 cm, usually affecting the extremities and trunks of young adults. Histopathologically, DF is characterized by the storiform proliferation of monomorphic fibroblast-like spindle cells. In addition to neoplastic cells, secondary elements such as foamy histiocytes, Touton-type giant cells, lymphoplasmacytes, and epidermal hyperplasia are characteristic histological features. Several histological variants, including atypical, cellular, aneurysmal, and lipidized variants, have been reported; cases with variant histologies are sometimes misdiagnosed as sarcomas. We present a case of metastasizing aneurysmal DF that was initially diagnosed as an angiosarcoma on biopsy. A 26-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a gradually enlarging subcutaneous mass in her lower left leg. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed high fluorodeoxyglucose uptake not only in the tumor but also in the left inguinal region. On biopsy, ERG and CD31-positive atypical spindle cells proliferated in slit-like spaces with extravasation, leading to the diagnosis of angiosarcoma. Histology of the wide-resection specimen was consistent with DF, and lymph node metastasis was also observed. Nanopore DNA sequencing detected CD63::PRKCD fusion and copy number gain, although CD63 was not included in the target region of adaptive sampling. This report highlights the importance of recognizing the unusual clinical, radiological, and pathological features of DF to avoid misdiagnosis, and the potential diagnostic utility of nanopore sequencer.

Salivary levels of azurocidin and soluble azurophilic granules in periodontal disease.

Periodontitis is an infection-driven inflammatory condition of the periodontium. Neutrophils are one of the most important first-line immune cells that protect against pathogen microorganisms in the saliva, but they may also mediate tissue death in inflammatory disorders. The aim of our study was to estimate salivary levels of azurocidin and extracellular azurophilic granules cluster of differentiation (CD63) as biomarkers of neutrophil activation in patients with periodontal diseases and to study the correlation between the levels of these two biomarkers and clinical periodontal parameters. The study included 60 patients with periodontal disease (30 patients with periodontitis and 30 with gingivitis) and 25 healthy controls. The assessed parameters were bleeding on probing, the plaque index, clinical attachment loss, and probing pocket depth. Saliva samples were taken from each study participant, and azurocidin and CD63 levels were measured using ELISA. Azurocidin and CD63 levels were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis and patients with gingivitis than in controls (P < 0.05), and significantly higher in patients with periodontitis than in patients with gingivitis (P < 0.05). Moreover, we found a significant positive correlation between the two biomarkers with clinical attachment loss in the periodontitis group. This study has shown that increased salivary azurocidin and extracellular CD63 levels are associated with enhanced innate response in periodontal disease and can be considered biomarkers of neutrophil activation.

Screening of single nucleotide polymorphism in matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and tetraspanin CD63 genes in Chlamydia trachomatis-infected tubal ectopic pregnancy patients.

OBJECTIVE: Tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Studies have suggested that infection-induced inflammatory responses are major risk factors for EP. The aim of the present study was to find an association between MMP2 and CD63 gene variants and risk of EP during Chlamydia trachomatis infection in an Indian population. METHODS: Fallopian tube samples of 120 EP and 120 tubal ligation women were collected. C. trachomatis was detected by PCR. The genotyping of MMP2 (rs17859882 G/T, rs7201A/C) and CD63(rs2231464 C/T, rs376086542 A/G) gene variants was done by qualitative real-time PCR using allelic discrimination method (VIC- and FAM-labeled). RESULTS: The frequency of GG or GT genotype of MMP2 G/T polymorphism (rs17859882) was 66.6% in infected EP and 36.7% in uninfected EP and 22% in tubal ligation controls (P < 0.0001), while the frequency of AC or CC genotype of MMP2 A/C polymorphism (rs7201) was 66.6% in infected EP and 20.6% in uninfected EP and 13.5% in tubal ligation controls (P < 0.0001). The frequency of CT or TT genotype of CD63 C/T polymorphism (rs2231464) was 74% in infected EP and 21.8% in uninfected EP and 11.8% tubal ligation controls (P < 0.0001), while the frequency of AG or GG genotype of CD63 A/G polymorphism (rs376086542) was 48.1% in infected EP and 41.3% in uninfected EP and 18.6% tubal ligation controls (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed a strong association between the presence of gene variants MMP2 (rs17859882 G/T, rs7201A/C) and CD63 (rs2231464 C/T, rs376086542 A/G) and risk of tubal EP during C. trachomatis infection.

Arf GTPase-Activating proteins ADAP1 and ARAP1 regulate incorporation of CD63 in multivesicular bodies.

Arf GTPase-activating proteins (ArfGAPs) mediate the hydrolysis of GTP bound to ADP-ribosylation factors. ArfGAPs are critical for cargo sorting in the Golgi-to-ER traffic. However, the role of ArfGAPs in sorting into intralumenal vesicles (ILVs) in multivesicular bodies (MVBs) in post-Golgi traffic remains unclear. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) of endosomal origin. CD63 is an EV marker. CD63 is enriched ILVs in MVBs of cells. However, the secretion of CD63 positive EVs has not been consistent with the data on CD63 localization in MVBs, and how CD63-containing EVs are formed is yet to be understood. To elucidate the mechanism of CD63 transport to ILVs, we focused on CD63 localization in MVBs and searched for the ArfGAPs involved in CD63 localization. We observed that ADAP1 and ARAP1 depletion inhibited CD63 localization to enlarged endosomes after Rab5Q79L overexpression. We tested epidermal growth factor (EGF) and CD9 localization in MVBs. We observed that ADAP1 and ARAP1 depletion inhibited CD9 localization in enlarged endosomes but not EGF. Our results indicate ADAP1 and ARAP1, regulate incorporation of CD63 and CD9, but not EGF, in overlapped and different MVBs. Our work will contribute to distinguish heterogenous ILVs and exosomes by ArfGAPs.

Tracing the STING exocytosis pathway during herpes viruses infection.

The STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) constitutes a major DNA-sensing pathway that restricts HSV-1 infection in different models by activating type I interferon and pro-inflammatory responses. To counteract STING, HSV-1 has evolved numerous strategies including mechanisms to interfere with its oligomerization, post-translational modifications, and downstream signaling. Previously, we demonstrated that STING is packaged in extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced from HSV-1-infected cells. These EVs activated antiviral responses in uninfected recipient cells and suppressed a subsequent HSV-1 infection in a STING-dependent manner. Here, we provide information on the packaging of STING in EVs and its exocytosis. We found that STING exocytosis did not occur in CD63 knockdown cells supporting that STING follows the CD63 exocytosis pathway. Consistently, we found that STING co-localized with CD63 in cytoplasmic globular structures and exosomal STING and CD63 co-fractionated. Both golgicide A and brefeldin A prevented STING exocytosis during HSV-1 infection suggesting that STING trafficking through the Golgi is required. A STING ligand was insufficient for STING exocytosis, and downstream signaling through TBK1 was not required. However, STING palmitoylation and tethering to the ER by STIM1 were required for STING exocytosis. Finally, we found that HSV-1 replication/late gene expression triggered CD63 exocytosis that was required for STING exocytosis. Surprisingly, HSV-2 strain G did not trigger CD63 or STING exocytosis as opposed to VZV and HCMV. Also, EVs from HSV-1(F)- and HSV-2(G)-infected cells displayed differences in their ability to restrict these viruses. Overall, STING exocytosis is induced by certain viruses and shapes the microenvironment of infection.IMPORTANCEExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all types of cells as they constitute a major mechanism of intercellular communication. The packaging of specific cargo in EVs and the pathway of exocytosis are not fully understood. STING is a sensor of a broad spectrum of pathogens and a key component of innate immunity. STING exocytosis during HSV-1 infection has been an intriguing observation, raising questions of whether this is a virus-induced process, the purpose it serves, and whether it is observed after infection with other viruses. Here, we have provided insights into the pathway of STING exocytosis and determined factors involved. STING exocytosis is a virus-induced process and not a response of the host to the infection. Besides HSV-1, other herpes viruses triggered STING exocytosis, but HSV-2(G) did not. HSV-1 EVs displayed different restriction capabilities compared with HSV-2(G) EVs. Overall, STING exocytosis is triggered by viruses to shape the microenvironment of infection.

Allergy to PEG (polyethylene glycol) - sensitivity of basophil activation test with COVID-19 mRNA-vaccine BNT162B2.

Basophil activation test (BAT) with COVID-19 mRNA vaccine seems particularly suitable for detecting sensitization to polyethylene glycol (PEG) in patients with PEG allergy. It was the aim of this study to determine the cutoffs for BAT using BNT162B2 (Comirnaty®) in a larger group of PEG allergic patients and controls. 10 PEG allergic patients and 10 controls were studied. BAT was performed using anti-CCR3 for basophil identification and anti-CD63 to assess basophil activation. Incubations with BNT162B2 at four different concentrations were performed. Basophil activation was significantly higher in PEG allergic patients compared to controls at the higher concentrations used. ROC curves showed best results with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 100% with a cutoff of 5% CD63+ basophils at a concentration of 4.5 µg/ml. Controls showed no positive results. In our group of PEG allergic patients, a concentration of 4.5 µg/ml BNT162B2 with a cutoff of 5% CD63+ basophils was the most suitable condition for identifying patients with a sensitization to PEG. Allergological work-up of PEG allergic patients including BAT with PEGylated lipid nanoparticles might play a role in the future when these substances will be used for other vaccines and cancer immunotherapies.

NSP6 inhibits the production of ACE2-containing exosomes to promote SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a global pandemic, which severely endangers public health. Our and others' works have shown that the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-containing exosomes (ACE2-exos) have superior antiviral efficacies, especially in response to emerging variants. However, the mechanisms of how the virus counteracts the host and regulates ACE2-exos remain unclear. Here, we identified that SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 6 (NSP6) inhibits the production of ACE2-exos by affecting the protein level of ACE2 as well as tetraspanin-CD63 which is a key factor for exosome biogenesis. We further found that the protein stability of CD63 and ACE2 is maintained by the deubiquitination of proteasome 26S subunit, non-ATPase 12 (PSMD12). NSP6 interacts with PSMD12 and counteracts its function, consequently promoting the degradation of CD63 and ACE2. As a result, NSP6 diminishes the antiviral efficacy of ACE2-exos and facilitates the virus to infect healthy bystander cells. Overall, our study provides a valuable target for the discovery of promising drugs for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019. IMPORTANCE: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severely endangers global public health. The efficacy of vaccines and antibodies declined with the rapid emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutants. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-containing exosomes (ACE2-exos) therapy exhibits a broad neutralizing activity, which could be used against various viral mutations. Our study here revealed that SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 6 inhibited the production of ACE2-exos, thereby promoting viral infection to the adjacent bystander cells. The identification of a new target for blocking SARS-CoV-2 depends on fully understanding the virus-host interaction networks. Our study sheds light on the mechanism by which the virus resists the host exosome defenses, which would facilitate the study and design of ACE2-exos-based therapeutics for COVID-19.

Identification of the exosomal PD-L1 inhibitor to promote the PD-1 targeting therapy of gastric cancer.

Programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) targeting therapy is widely applied in clinics for gastric cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the clinical response is not well acceptable due to the exosomal PD-L1. Hence, abrogation of the exosomal PD-L1 may be a strategy to sensitize the gastric cancer cell to PD-1 targeting therapy. With the aid of CD63 targeting antibody and PD-L1 targeting aptamer, HTRF based assay was established to quantify the exosomal PD-L1, and applied to our in-house compound library, resulting in the identification of moclobemide. Further optimization of moclobemide lead to EP16, which can inhibit the generation of exosomal PD-L1 with IC50 = 0.108 µM. By applying EP16 to gastric cancer cell line coupled with T-cell activity related experiment, it was validated to activate T-cell and can promote the response of PD-1 targeting therapy for gastric cancer treatment in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings give a promising tool to promote the sensitivity of anti-PD-1 for gastric cancer treatment, and EP16 can serve as a leading compound for exosomal PD-L1 abrogation.

Increased circulating platelet-derived extracellular vesicles in severe COVID-19 disease.

Coagulation disturbances are major contributors to COVID-19 pathogenicity, but limited data exist on the involvement of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and residual cells (RCs). Fifty hospitalized COVID-19 patients stratified by their D-dimer levels into high (>1.5 mg/L, n = 15) or low (≤1.5 mg/l, n = 35) and 10 healthy controls were assessed for medium-sized EVs (mEVs; 200-1000 nm) and large EVs/RCs (1000-4000 nm) by high sensitivity flow cytometry. EVs were analyzed for CD61, CD235a, CD45, and CD31, commonly used to detect platelets, red blood cells, leukocytes or endothelial cells, respectively, whilst phosphatidyl serine EVs/RCs were detected by lactadherin-binding implicating procoagulant catalytic surface. Small EV detection (sEVs; 50-200 nm) and CD41a (platelet integrin) colocalization with general EV markers CD9, CD63, and CD81 were performed by single particle interferometric reflectance imaging sensor. Patients with increased D-dimer exhibited the highest number of RCs and sEVs irrespective of cell origin (p < .05). Platelet activation, reflected by increased CD61+ and lactadherin+ mEV and RC levels, associated with coagulation disturbances. Patients with low D-dimer could be discriminated from controls by tetraspanin signatures of the CD41a+ sEVs, suggesting the changes in the circulating platelet sEV subpopulations may offer added prognostic value during COVID progression.

What is the context? Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) frequently leads to blood clotting disturbances, including thromboses.Particles smaller than cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and residual cells (RCs) affect blood clotting, but data on their role and diagnostic utility in COVID-19 are sparse.What is new? In this study, we assessed 50 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 10 healthy controls for their different EV subpopulations and residual cells (50­4000 nm).Blood clotting marker D-dimer, which is elevated in severe COVID-19 infection, was used to characterize disease severity and stratify the patient subgroups. Fifteen patients (30%) with high D-dimer (>1.5 mg/L) were compared to controls, and 35 patients with lower D-dimer (≤1.5 mg/mL).The most topical state-of-the-art methods for detection of EV subpopulations, that is, high sensitivity flow cytometry (hsFCM) and single particle interferometric reflectance imaging sensor (SP-IRIS), were used with markers indicative of platelet, red blood cell, leukocyte or endothelial cells. The subpopulations differentiated by platelet and tetraspanin signatures by hsFCM and SP-IRIS, respectively.The main findings are Patients with high D-dimer systematically exhibited the highest number of platelet EVs in all subpopulations (p < .05).Small EVs subpopulations (differentiated by the tetraspanin signatures) could discriminate patients with low D-dimer (p < .001) from healthy controls.Differences between the two D-dimer groups were seen in the platelet-derived (large and medium EVs and RCs), RBC-derived mEVs and l EVs and RCs, and lactadherin-positive large EVs and RCs (p < .05).What is the impact? Platelet activation, reflected by increased EVs was associated with blood clotting disturbances. Small EVs signatures revealed changes in the EV subpopulations in association with blood clotting during COVID-19. Such signatures may enable identification of severely ill patients before the increase in coagulation is evident by coagulation parameters, for example, by high D-dimer.