Enhancing antitumor immunity and achieving tumor eradication with IL11RA mRNA immunotherapy.

Current methods for delivering genes to target tumors face significant challenges, including off-target effects and immune responses against delivery vectors. In this study, we developed a novel approach using messenger RNA (mRNA) to encode IL11RA for local immunotherapy, aiming to harness the immune system to combat tumors. Our research uncovered a compelling correlation between IL11RA expression and CD8 + T cell levels across multiple tumor types, with elevated IL11RA expression correlating with improved overall survival. Examination of the Pan-Cancer Atlas dataset showed a significant reduction in IL11RA expression in various cancer types compared to normal tissue, raising questions about its potential role in tumorigenesis. To achieve efficient in vivo expression of IL11RA, we synthesized two mRNA sequences mimicking the wild-type protein. These mRNA sequences were formulated and capped to ensure effective delivery, resulting in robust expression within tumor sites. Our investigation into IL11RA mRNA therapy demonstrated its effectiveness in controlling tumor growth when administered both intratumorally and intravenously in mouse models. Additionally, IL11RA mRNA treatment significantly stimulated the expansion of CD8 + T cells within tumors, draining lymph nodes, and the spleen. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct transcriptional patterns associated with T cell functions. Using multiple deconvolution algorithms, we found substantial infiltration of CD8 + T cells following IL11RA mRNA treatment, highlighting its immunomodulatory effects within the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, IL11RA mRNA therapy presents a promising strategy for tumor regression with potential immunomodulatory effects and clinical implications for improved survival outcomes.

Chronic Kidney Disease Diets for Kidney Failure Prevention: Insights from the IL-11 Paradigm.

Nearly every fifth adult in the United States and many older adults worldwide are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can progress to kidney failure requiring invasive kidney replacement therapy. In this review, we briefly examine the pathophysiology of CKD and discuss emerging mechanisms involving the physiological resolution of kidney injury by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFß1) and interleukin-11 (IL-11), as well as the pathological consequences of IL-11 overproduction, which misguides repair processes, ultimately culminating in CKD. Taking these mechanisms into account, we offer an overview of the efficacy of plant-dominant dietary patterns in preventing and managing CKD, while also addressing their limitations in terms of restoring kidney function or preventing kidney failure. In conclusion, this paper outlines novel regeneration strategies aimed at developing a reno-regenerative diet to inhibit IL-11 and promote repair mechanisms in kidneys affected by CKD.

Pirfenidone and nintedanib attenuates pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells transformations induced by IL-11.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) associated to pulmonary hypertension (PH) portends a poor prognosis, characterized by lung parenchyma fibrosis and pulmonary artery remodeling. Serum and parenchyma levels of Interleukin 11 (IL-11) are elevated in IPF-PH patients and contributes to pulmonary artery remodeling and PH. However, the effect of current approved therapies against IPF in pulmonary artery remodeling induced by IL-11 is unknown. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of nintedanib and pirfenidone on pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cell remodeling induced by IL-11 in vitro. Our results show that nintedanib (NTD) and pirfenidone (PFD) ameliorates endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EnMT), pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell to myofibroblast-like transformation and pulmonary remodeling in precision lung cut slices. This study provided also evidence of the inhibitory effect of PFD and NTD on IL-11-induced endothelial and muscle cells proliferation and senescence. The inhibitory effect of these drugs on monocyte arrest and angiogenesis was also studied. Finally, we observed that IL-11 induced canonical signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and non-canonical mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, but, PFD and NTD only inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Therefore, this study provided evidence of the inhibitory effect of NTD and PFD on markers of pulmonary artery remodeling induced by IL-11.

IL11-mediated stromal cell activation may not be the master regulator of pro-fibrotic signaling downstream of TGFß.

Fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and systemic scleroderma (SSc), are commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality, thereby representing a significant unmet medical need. Interleukin 11 (IL11)-mediated cell activation has been identified as a central mechanism for promoting fibrosis downstream of TGFß. IL11 signaling has recently been reported to promote fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, thus leading to various pro-fibrotic phenotypic changes. We confirmed increased mRNA expression of IL11 and IL11Rα in fibrotic diseases by OMICs approaches and in situ hybridization. However, the vital role of IL11 as a driver for fibrosis was not recapitulated. While induction of IL11 secretion was observed downstream of TGFß signaling in human lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells, the cellular responses induced by IL11 was quantitatively and qualitatively inferior to that of TGFß at the transcriptional and translational levels. IL11 blocking antibodies inhibited IL11Rα-proximal STAT3 activation but failed to block TGFß-induced profibrotic signals. In summary, our results challenge the concept of IL11 blockade as a strategy for providing transformative treatment for fibrosis.

Single-cell deconvolution algorithms analysis unveils autocrine IL11-mediated resistance to docetaxel in prostate cancer via activation of the JAK1/STAT4 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel resistance represents a significant obstacle in the treatment of prostate cancer. The intricate interplay between cytokine signalling pathways and transcriptional control mechanisms in cancer cells contributes to chemotherapeutic resistance, yet the underlying molecular determinants remain only partially understood. This study elucidated a novel resistance mechanism mediated by the autocrine interaction of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and its receptor interleukin-11 receptor subunit alpha(IL-11RA), culminating in activation of the JAK1/STAT4 signalling axis and subsequent transcriptional upregulation of the oncogene c-MYC. METHODS: Single-cell secretion profiling of prostate cancer organoid was analyzed to determine cytokine production profiles associated with docetaxel resistance.Analysis of the expression pattern of downstream receptor IL-11RA and enrichment of signal pathway to clarify the potential autocrine mechanism of IL-11.Next, chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) was performed to detect the nuclear localization and DNA-binding patterns of phosphorylated STAT4 (pSTAT4). Coimmunoprecipitation and reporter assays were utilized to assess interaction between pSTAT4 and the cotranscription factor CREB-binding protein (CBP) as well as their role in c-MYC transcriptional activity. RESULTS: Autocrine secretion of IL-11 was markedly increased in docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cells. IL-11 stimulation resulted in robust activation of JAK1/STAT4 signalling. Upon activation, pSTAT4 translocated to the nucleus and associated with CBP at the c-MYC promoter region, amplifying its transcriptional activity. Inhibition of the IL-11/IL-11RA interaction or disruption of the JAK1/STAT4 pathway significantly reduced pSTAT4 nuclear entry and its binding to CBP, leading to downregulation of c-MYC expression and restoration of docetaxel sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Our findings identify an autocrine loop of IL-11/IL-11RA that confers docetaxel resistance through the JAK1/STAT4 pathway. The pSTAT4-CBP interaction serves as a critical enhancer of c-MYC transcriptional activity in prostate cancer cells. Targeting this signalling axis presents a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome docetaxel resistance in advanced prostate cancer.

Nonspecific Inhibition of IL6 Family Cytokine Signalling by Soluble gp130.

IL6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that binds to membrane-bound IL6 receptor (IL6R) or soluble IL6R to signal via gp130 in cis or trans, respectively. We tested the hypothesis that sgp130Fc, which is believed to be a selective IL6 trans-signalling inhibitor, is in fact a non-specific inhibitor of gp130 signalling. In human cancer and primary cells, sgp130Fc inhibited IL6, IL11, OSM and CT1 cis-signalling. The IC50 values of sgp130Fc for IL6 and OSM cis-signalling were markedly (20- to 200-fold) lower than the concentrations of sgp130Fc used in mouse studies and clinical trials. sgp130 inhibited IL6 and OSM signalling in the presence of an ADAM10/17 inhibitor and the absence of soluble IL6R or OSMR, with effects that were indistinguishable from those of a gp130 neutralising antibody. These data show that sgp130Fc does not exclusively block IL6 trans-signalling and reveal instead that broad inhibition of gp130 signalling likely underlies its therapeutic effects. This proposes global or modular inhibition of gp130 as a therapeutic approach for treating human disease.

Craniosynostosis-associated variants in the IL-11R complex: new insights and questions.

Skull growth involves the expansion of both the flat calvarial bones of the skull and the fibrous marginal zones, termed sutures, between them. This process depends on co-ordinated proliferation of mesenchymal-derived progenitor cells within the sutures, and their differentiation to osteoblasts which produce the bone matrix required to expand the size of the bony plates. Defects lead to premature closure of these sutures, termed craniosynostosis, resulting in heterogeneous head shape differences due to restricted growth of one or more sutures. The impact on the individual depends on how many and which sutures are affected and the severity of the effect. Several genetic loci are responsible, including a wide range of variants in the gene for the interleukin 11 receptor (IL11RA, OMIM#600939). Recent work from Kespohl and colleagues provides new insights into how some of these variants influence IL-11R function; we discuss their influences on IL-11R structure and IL-11 function as a stimulus of osteoblast differentiation.

The Influence of IL-11 on Cardiac Fibrosis in Experimental Models: A Systematic Review.

Fibrosis is one of the main factors that impair the function of many organs. In the heart, fibrosis leads to contractile dysfunction and arrhythmias, which are important in the development of heart failure. Interleukin (IL)-11 is regulated in various heart diseases and has recently been reported to be an important cytokine in fibrosis in this organ. However, this topic has been little explored, and many questions persist. Thus, this systematic review aimed to report on possible IL-11 therapies evaluated in rodent model-induced cardiac fibrosis. Inclusion criteria were experimental in vivo studies that used different rodent models for cardiac fibrosis associated with IL-11 interventions, without year and language restrictions. The search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was performed in October 2022. The risk of bias assessment of the studies was based on the guidelines of the SYRCLE tool, and data from the selected articles were also presented in a table as a narrative description. This review was based on eight studies in which five different interventions were used: recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11), anti-IL11 (X203), recombinant mouse IL-11 (rmIL-11), lentivirus (LV)-IL-11 + lutein, and anti-IL11RA (X209). Based on the included studies, the results were variable, with IL-11 overexpression inducing cardiac fibrosis, while inhibition protected against this process, preserving the function of this organ. Therefore, IL-11 stands out as a promising therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms triggered by each treatment, as well as its safety and immunogenicity.

Design, QSAR Methodology, Synthesis and Assessment of Some Structurally Different Xanthone Derivatives as Selective Cox-2 Inhibitors for their Anti-inflammatory Properties.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammation can be defined as a complex biological response that is produced by body tissues to harmful agents like pathogens, irritants, and damaged cells and thereby acts as a protective response incorporating immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators. Histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, leukotrienes (LTB4), prostaglandins (PGE2), prostacyclins, reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1, IL-11, TNF- anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-4, IL-10, IL-11, IL-6 and IL-13, etc. all have different effects on both pro and anti-inflammatory mediators. Incorporation of combinatorial chemistry and computational studies have helped the researchers to design xanthones moieties with high selectivity that can serve as a lead compound and help develop potential compounds that can act as effective COX-2 inhibitors. The study aims to design and develop different series of substituted hydroxyxanthone derivatives with anti-inflammatory potential. METHODS: The partially purified synthetic xanthone derivatives were orally administered to the carrageenan induced paw oedemic rat models at the dose of 100 mg/kg, and their effect in controlling the degree of inflammation was measured at the time interval of 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 hrs. respectively. Further, these compounds were also subjected to modern analytical studies like UV, IR, NMR and mass spectrometry or their characterization. RESULTS: The results drawn out of the in silico, in vitro, in vivo and analytical studies concluded that the hydroxyxanthone derivatives can obstruct the enzyme COX-2 and produce anti-inflammatory action potentially. CONCLUSION: With the aim to evaluate the compounds for their anti-inflammatory activity, it was observed that the newly designed xanthonic compounds also possess a safe toxicity margin and hence can be utilized by the researchers to develop hybrid xanthonic moieties that can specifically target the enzyme COX-2.

Bone Allograft Acid Lysates Change the Genetic Signature of Gingival Fibroblasts.

Bone allografts are widely used as osteoconductive support to guide bone regrowth. Bone allografts are more than a scaffold for the immigrating cells as they maintain some bioactivity of the original bone matrix. Yet, it remains unclear how immigrating cells respond to bone allografts. To this end, we have evaluated the response of mesenchymal cells exposed to acid lysates of bone allografts (ALBA). RNAseq revealed that ALBA has a strong impact on the genetic signature of gingival fibroblasts, indicated by the increased expression of IL11, AREG, C11orf96, STC1, and GK-as confirmed by RT-PCR, and for IL11 and STC1 by immunoassays. Considering that transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) is stored in the bone matrix and may have caused the expression changes, we performed a proteomics analysis, TGF-ß immunoassay, and smad2/3 nuclear translocation. ALBA neither showed detectable TGF-ß nor was the lysate able to induce smad2/3 translocation. Nevertheless, the TGF-ß receptor type I kinase inhibitor SB431542 significantly decreased the expression of IL11, AREG, and C11orf96, suggesting that other agonists than TGF-ß are responsible for the robust cell response. The findings suggest that IL11, AREG, and C11orf96 expression in mesenchymal cells can serve as a bioassay reflecting the bioactivity of the bone allografts.

Targeting IL-11 system as a treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

IL-11 is linked to fibrotic diseases, but its role in pulmonary hypertension is unclear. We examined IL-11's involvement in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH). Using samples from control (n = 20) and iPAH (n = 6) subjects, we assessed IL-11 and IL-11Rα expression and localization through RT-qPCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. A monocrotaline-induced PAH model helped evaluate the impact of siRNA-IL-11 on pulmonary artery remodeling and PH. The effects of recombinant human IL-11 and IL-11Rα on human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (HPASMC) proliferation, pulmonary artery endothelial cell (HPAEC) mesenchymal transition, monocyte interactions, endothelial tube formation, and precision cut lung slice (PCLS) pulmonary artery remodeling and contraction were evaluated. IL-11 and IL-11Rα were over-expressed in pulmonary arteries (3.2-fold and 75-fold respectively) and serum (1.5-fold and 2-fold respectively) of patients with iPAH. Therapeutic transient transfection with siRNA targeting IL-11 resulted in a significant reduction in pulmonary artery remodeling (by 98%), right heart hypertrophy (by 66%), and pulmonary hypertension (by 58%) in rats exposed to monocrotaline treatment. rhIL-11 and soluble rhIL-11Rα induce HPASMC proliferation and HPAEC to monocyte interactions, mesenchymal transition, and tube formation. Neutralizing monoclonal IL-11 and IL-11Rα antibodies inhibited TGFß1 and EDN-1 induced HPAEC to mesenchymal transition and HPASMC proliferation. In 3D PCLS, rhIL-11 and soluble rhIL-11Rα do not promote pulmonary artery contraction but sensitize PCLS pulmonary artery contraction induced by EDN-1. In summary, IL-11 and IL-11Rα are more highly expressed in the pulmonary arteries of iPAH patients and contribute to pulmonary artery remodeling and the development of PH.

An engineered interleukin-11 decoy cytokine inhibits receptor signaling and proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma.

The cytokine interleukin (IL)-11 has been shown to play a role in promoting fibrosis and cancer, including lung adenocarcinoma, garnering interest as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. We used combinatorial methods to engineer an IL-11 variant that binds with higher affinity to the IL-11 receptor and stimulates enhanced receptor-mediated cell signaling. Introduction of two additional point mutations ablates IL-11 ligand/receptor association with the gp130 coreceptor signaling complex, resulting in a high-affinity receptor antagonist. Unlike wild-type IL-11, this engineered variant potently blocks IL-11-mediated cell signaling and slows tumor growth in a mouse model of lung cancer. Our approach highlights a strategy where native ligands can be engineered and exploited to create potent receptor antagonists.

Fusing WGCNA and Machine Learning for Immune-Related Gene Prognostic Index in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Precision Prognosis, Tumor Microenvironment Profiling, and Biomarker Discovery.

Background: The objective is to create an IRGPI (Immune-related genes prognostic index), which could predict the survival and effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: By applying weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we ascertained 13 genes associated with immune functions. An IRGPI was constructed using four genes through multicox regression, and its validity was assessed in the GEO dataset. Next, we explored the immunological and molecular attributes and advantages of ICI treatment in subcategories delineated by IRGPI. The model genes were also validated by the random forest tree, and functional experiments were conducted to validate it. Results: The IRGPI relied on the genes CD79A, IL11, CTLA-4, and CD27. Individuals categorized as low-risk exhibited significantly improved overall survival in comparison to those classified as high-risk. Extensive findings indicated that the low-risk category exhibited associations with immune pathways, significant infiltration of CD8 T cells, M1 macrophages, and CD4 T cells, a reduced rate of gene mutations, and improved sensitivity to ICI therapy. Conversely, the higher-risk group displayed metabolic signals, elevated frequencies of TP53, KRAS, and KEAP1 mutations, escalated levels of NK cells, M0, and M2 macrophage infiltration, and a diminished response to ICI therapy. Additionally, our study unveiled that the downregulation of IL11 effectively impedes the proliferation and migration of lung carcinoma cells, while also inducing cell cycle arrest. Conclusion: IRGPI is a biomarker with significant potential for predicting the effectiveness of ICI treatment in LUAD patients and is closely related to the microenvironment and clinicopathological characteristics.

Macrophages release IL11-containing filopodial tip vesicles and contribute to renal interstitial inflammation.

Macrophage filopodia, which are dynamic nanotube-like protrusions, have mainly been studied in the context of pathogen clearance. The mechanisms by which they facilitate intercellular communication and mediate tissue inflammation remain poorly understood. Here, we show that macrophage filopodia produce a unique membrane structure called "filopodial tip vesicle" (FTV) that originate from the tip of macrophages filopodia. Filopodia tip-derived particles contain numerous internal-vesicles and function as cargo storage depots via nanotubular transport. Functional studies indicate that the shedding of FTV from filopodia tip allows the delivery of many molecular signalling molecules to fibroblasts. We observed that FTV derived from M1 macrophages and high glucose (HG)-stimulated macrophages (HG/M1-ftv) exhibit an enrichment of the chemokine IL11, which is critical for fibroblast transdifferentiation. HG/M1-ftv induce renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic mice, while FTV inhibition or targeting FTV IL11- alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis, suggesting that the HG/M1-ftvIL11 pathway may be a novel mechanism underlying renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. Collectively, FTV release could represent a novel function by which filopodia contribute to cell biological processes, and FTV is potentially associated with macrophage filopodia-related fibrotic diseases. Video Abstract.

Gingival Fibroblasts Are Sensitive to Oral Cell Lysates Indicated by Their IL11 Expression.

Damaged cells that appear as a consequence of invasive dental procedures or in response to dental materials are supposed to release damage-associated signals. These damage-associated signals not only support tissue regeneration but might also contribute to unwanted fibrosis. The aim of this study was to identify a molecular target that reflects how fibroblasts respond to necrotic oral tissue cells. To simulate the cell damage, we prepared necrotic cell lysates by sonication of the osteocytic cell line IDG-SW3 and exposed them to gingival fibroblasts. RNAseq revealed a moderate increase in IL11 expression in the gingival fibroblasts, a pleiotropic cytokine involved in fibrosis and inflammation, and also in regeneration following trauma. Necrotic lysates of the human squamous carcinoma cell lines HSC2 and TR146, as well as of gingival fibroblasts, however, caused a robust increase in IL11 expression in the gingival fibroblasts. Consistently, immunoassay revealed significantly increased IL11 levels in the gingival fibroblasts when exposed to the respective lysates. Considering that IL11 is a TGF-ß target gene, IL11 expression was partially blocked by SB431542, a TGF-ß receptor type I kinase inhibitor. Moreover, lysates from the HSC2, TR146, and gingival fibroblasts caused a moderate smad2/3 nuclear translocation in the gingival fibroblasts. Taken together and based on IL11 expression, our findings show that fibroblasts are sensitive to damaged oral tissue cells.

Biomimetic nanoparticles loaded lutein functionalized by macrophage membrane for targeted amelioration pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis.

Lutein is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and cardioprotective effects and could be a promising candidate for the treatment of hypertensive heart disease (HHD), but is not clinically appealing because of its low oral bioavailability and main distribution in the eyes. To address this, a biomimetic drug delivery system-MMLNPs was established by coating macrophage membranes (MMs) onto lutein-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (LNPs). This study characterized the physical properties of biomimetic nanoparticles and examined the targeting capability, therapeutic effects and mechanism, and biosecurity of administering them for cardiac fibrosis therapy in the transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model and in vitro. Transmission electron microscope mapping and dynamic light scattering analysis proved that MMLNPs were spherical nanoparticles camouflaged by a layer of cell membrane and had negative zeta potential. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry analysis showed that MMs on the biomimetic nanoparticles hindered the phagocytosis of macrophages and facilitated the targeting of activated endothelial cells. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging experiments demonstrated the targeting of biomimetic nanoparticles to the injured heart. EdU assay indicated that MMLNPs have the same potential to inhibit angiotensin (Ang) II-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation as free lutein. Furthermore, echocardiography showed that MMLNPs improved cardiac function and structure, and Masson staining and western blotting showed that MMLNPs ameliorated cardiac fibrosis. We found MMLNPs inhibited the interleukin (IL)-11/ERK signaling pathway which was up-regulated in the TAC model compared to the sham-operated mouse. Biochemical testing and hematoxylin and eosin staining proved that the long-term use of MMLNPs lacked biological toxicity. Collectively, MMLNPs might be a promising nanodrug delivery approach to attenuate pressure overload (PO)-induced cardiac fibrosis.

Identification and functional characterization of Interleukin-11 in goldfish (Carassius auratus L.).

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a versatile cytokine that modulates cellular differentiation and proliferation in various cell types and tissues. In this study, IL-11 gene from goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) has been identified and characterized. Goldfish IL-11 (gfIL-11) has an open reading frame (ORF) that spans 591 base pairs (bp). The ORF encodes a precursor protein consisting of 196 amino acids (aa), which includes a 26 aa signal peptide and a conserved domain belonging to the IL-11 superfamily. Based on phylogenetic analysis, gfIL-11 was found to be closely related to other IL-11 homologues identified in various fish species. The gfIL-11 transcript exhibited varied expression levels across all the analyzed tissues, with the highest expression observed in the gill and spleen. Treatment of goldfish head kidney leukocytes (HKLs) with LPS and live Aeromonas hydrophila, increased gfIL-11 mRNA expression level. Recombinant gfIL-11 protein (rgIL-11) induced a dose-dependent production of TNF-α and IFNγ from goldfish HKLs. Furthermore, the administration of rgIL-11 to goldfish HKLs triggered an increase in the expression of various transcription factors such as MafB, cJun, GATA2, and Egr1, which play a vital role in the differentiation of myeloid precursors into macrophages and monocytes. Our findings provide evidence that IL-11 is a crucial cytokine that promotes cell proliferation, immune response, and differentiation across various hematopoietic lineages and stages of goldfish.

SARS-CoV-2 accessory proteins involvement in inflammatory and profibrotic processes through IL11 signaling.

SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, possesses eleven accessory proteins encoded in its genome. Their roles during infection are still not completely understood. In this study, transcriptomics analysis revealed that both WNT5A and IL11 were significantly up-regulated in A549 cells expressing individual accessory proteins ORF6, ORF8, ORF9b or ORF9c from SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan-Hu-1 isolate). IL11 is a member of the IL6 family of cytokines. IL11 signaling-related genes were also differentially expressed. Bioinformatics analysis disclosed that both WNT5A and IL11 were involved in pulmonary fibrosis idiopathic disease and functional assays confirmed their association with profibrotic cell responses. Subsequently, data comparison with lung cell lines infected with SARS-CoV-2 or lung biopsies from patients with COVID-19, evidenced altered profibrotic gene expression that matched those obtained in this study. Our results show ORF6, ORF8, ORF9b and ORF9c involvement in inflammatory and profibrotic responses. Thus, these accessory proteins could be targeted by new therapies against COVID-19 disease.

Elucidating shared biomarkers and pathways in kidney stones and diabetes: insights into novel therapeutic targets and the role of resveratrol.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenic mechanisms shared between kidney stones and diabetes at the transcriptional level remain elusive, and the molecular mechanisms by which resveratrol exerts its protective effects against these conditions require further investigation. METHODS: To address these gaps in knowledge, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of microarray and RNA-seq datasets to elucidate shared biomarkers and biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of kidney stones and diabetes. An assortment of bioinformatic approaches was employed to illuminate the common molecular markers and associated pathways, thereby contributing to the identification of innovative therapeutic targets. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms of resveratrol in preventing these conditions was conducted using molecular docking simulation and first-principles calculations. RESULTS: The study identified 11 potential target genes associated with kidney stones and diabetes through the intersection of genes from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) screening. Among these, Interleukin 11 (IL11) emerged as a pivotal hub gene and a potential diagnostic biomarker for both conditions, particularly in males. Expression analysis of IL11 demonstrated elevated levels in kidney stones and diabetes groups compared to controls. Additionally, IL11 exhibited correlations with specific cell types and differential expression in normal and pathological conditions. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) highlighted significant disparities in biological processes, pathways, and immune signatures associated with IL11. Moreover, molecular docking simulation of resveratrol towards IL11 and a first-principles investigation of Ca adsorption on the resveratrol surface provided structural evidence for the development of resveratrol-based drugs for these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this investigation illuminates the discovery of common molecular mechanisms underlying kidney stones and diabetes, unveils potential diagnostic biomarkers, and elucidates the significance of IL11 in these conditions. It also provides insights into IL11 as a promising therapeutic target and highlights the role of resveratrol. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to enhance our understanding of IL11 targeting mechanisms and address any limitations in the study.

The effect of hepatic stellate cell derived-IL-11 on hepatocyte injury in hepatic fibrosis.

AIMS: This study aimed to elucidate the role of Interleukin-11 (IL-11) in hepatic fibrosis (HF) and its potential as a therapeutic target for HF treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated IL-11 expression in patients with varying degrees of liver injury through ELISA and immunohistochemistry. A CCl4-induced HF mouse model was constructed to study IL-11 expression and cell apoptosis using Western blotting (WB) and other techniques. The expression of IL-11 was silenced using rAAV8 in the mouse model. In vitro stimulation of hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) with TGF-ß1, and of LO-2 cells with exogenous IL-11, were performed. Cell supernatants of TGF-ß1-stimulated LX-2 were used to culture LO-2 cells, with apoptosis monitored via flow cytometry and WB. KEY FINDINGS: Increased IL-11 levels were observed in patients and the HF mouse model, with silencing reducing IL-11 expression. In vitro experiments revealed increased endogenous IL-11 in TGF-ß1-stimulated LX-2 cells and an increase in apoptotic index, IL11RA, and gp130 in IL-11-stimulated LO-2 cells. Cell apoptosis was reduced in the siRNA/IL11, siRNA/IL11RA, and anti-IL11 groups. WB and immunohistochemistry results showed upregulated p-JNK, p-ERK, and p-P53 expressions in the CCl4-induced HF mouse model and IL-11-treated LO-2 cells. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest IL-11 enhances LX-2 cell activation and proliferation, and promotes LO-2 cell apoptosis through JNK/ERK signaling pathways. This suggests that targeting IL-11 secretion may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for HF, providing a foundation for its clinical application in HF treatment.