Identification of prognostic molecular subtypes and model based on CD8+ T cells for lung adenocarcinoma

Background:Cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CD8+T)cells function critically in mediating anti-tumor immune response in cancer patients.Characterizing the specific functions of CD8+T cells in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)could help better understand local anti-tumor immune responses and estimate the effect of immunotherapy.Methods:Gens related to CD8+T cells were identified by cluster analysis based on the single-cell sequencing data of three LUAD tissues and their paired normal tissues.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA),consensus clustering,differential expression analysis,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)and Cox regression analysis were conducted to classify molecular subtypes for LUAD and to develop a risk model using prognostic genes related to CD8+T cells.Expression of the genes in the prognostic model,their effects on tumor cell invasion,and interactions with CD8+T cells were verified by cell experiments.Results:This study defined two LUAD clusters(CD8+0 and CD8+1)based on CD8+T cells,with cluster CD8+0 being significantly associated with the prognosis of LUAD.Three heterogeneous subtypes(clusters 1,2,and 3)differing in prognosis,genome mutation events,and immune status were categorized using 42 prognostic genes.A prognostic model created based on 11 significant genes(including CD200R1,CLEC17A,ZC3H12D,GNG7,SNX30,CDCP1,NEIL3,IGF2BP1,RHOV,ABCC2,and KRT81)was able to independently estimate the death risk for patients in different LUAD cohorts.Moreover,the model also showed general applicability in external validation cohorts.Low-risk patients could benefit more from taking immunotherapy and were significantly related to the resistance to anticancer drugs.The results from cell experiments demonstrated that the expression of CD200R1,CLEC17A,ZC3H12D,GNG7,and SNX30 was significantly downregulated,while that of CDCP1,NEIL3,IGF2BP1,RHOV,ABCC2 and KRT81 was upregulated in LUAD cells.Inhibition of CD200R1 greatly increased the invasiveness of the LUAD cells,but inhibiting CDCP1 expression weakened the invasion ability of LUAD cells.Conclusion:This study defined two prognostic CD8+T cell clusters and classified three heterogeneous molecular subtypes for LUAD.A prognostic model predictive of the potential effects of immunotherapy on LUAD patients was developed.

外周血CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Tcells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效的相关性分析

目的 探讨外周血CD4^(+)程序性细胞死亡受体-1(PD-1)^(+)T cells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞三磷酸腺苷(ATP)含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效的相关性。方法 选取30例复发性卵巢癌患者为复发组,30例未复发卵巢癌患者为非复发组;另选取30名同期体检健康者作为对照组。评估外周血CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效的相关性。结果 复发组和非复发组的CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells较对照组明显升高(P<0.05)。复发组和非复发组的CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量较对照组明显降低(P<0.05)。复发组治疗后CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Tcells显著低于治疗前(P<0.05),治疗后CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量显著高于治疗前(P<0.05)。CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells与复发性卵巢癌疗效成负相关(r=-0.393,P=0.039),CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与复发性卵巢癌疗效成正相关(r=0.449,P=0.031)。结论 复发性卵巢癌患者外周血CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)T cells及CD4^(+)T淋巴细胞ATP含量与疗效密切相关。

Study on the effect and mechanism of the dysfunction of CD4^+ T cells in the disease process of chronic cardiac failure

Objective: To study the effect and mechanism of the dysfunction of CD4+ T cells in the disease process of chronic cardiac failure (CHF).Methods:According to different group technologies, 100 CHF patients were divided into the following groups: ischemia group and non-ischemia group, heart function Ⅰ-Ⅱ group and heart function Ⅲ-Ⅳ group, event group and non-event group, and 50 healthy volunteers were included in the control group. Realtime PCR was used to detect transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 of Th1 and Th2; flow cytometry was applied to determine the ratio of Th17 and Treg cells; ELISA was employed to test cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17 and IL-10 of peripheral blood Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells, respectively; ultrasonic cardiogram was used to exploit to LVEF and LVEDd; and electrochemilu minescene immunoassay was used to examine plasma BNP. The differences of all indexes of all groups were analyzed and the correlation between CD4 T cells and clinical indexes was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results: As compared to the control group, the transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 of Th1 and Th2, the ratio of cytokines Th17 and IFN-γ, cytokines IL-17, T-bet/GATA-3, IFN-γ/IL-4, Th17 cells/Treg cells, IL-17/IL-10 of the ischemia group and non-ischemia group, heart functionⅠ-Ⅱgroup and heart function Ⅲ-Ⅳ group, event group and non-event group were all increased significantly, while their transcription factor GATA-3 of Th2, cytokines IL4, Treg cells ratio, cytokines IL10 were decreased obviously. The differences showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). The increase or decrease of the partial CD4+ T cells of the ischemia group, heart function Ⅲ-Ⅳ group and event group was more distinctly. The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that IFN-γ and IL-17 were significantly positively correlated with LVEDd and BNP, IL-4 and IL-10 were also significantly positively correlated with LVEF, but correlated negatively with BNP, and IL-17 was negatively correlative with LVEF. Conclusions: There was a correlation between CHF and the dysfunction of CD4+ T cells showing immune activation phenomenons of deviations from the Th1/Th2 balance towards Th1 and from the Th17/Treg balance towards Th17, which was also related to the types, severity and prognosis of the disease.

An Association between Immunosenescence and CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells: A Systematic Review

Objective Age-related increment of the prevalence of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T （Treg） cells were described controversially, and whether such changes explain immune dysfunction in the elderly is still unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of the Tregs in immunosenescence. Methods Medline and manual searches were performed to identify all published epidemiological and animal studies investigating the efficacy of the association between immunosenescence and Treg cells. Results It was founded that the frequency, phenotypic characteristics, and number/function of Tregs were altered significantly with aging. Medical conditions in individuals with advanced ageas well as apoptosis intensity of Treg cells had an impact on the accumulation of Tregs which in turn could deteriorate cytotoxic activity of CD8＋ T and NK cells and production of IL-2. The range of immune cells that could be suppressed by Treg cells was quite wide and covered CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells, NK cells, dendritic cells and even monocytes. These changes were observed both in humans and experimental animals. Besides, it was believed that frequency of Tregs increased with age and was accompanied by intensified suppressive activity for Tregs in patients, for example, with Alzheimer disease （AD） and Parkinson disease （PD）. The impaired condition of CD4＋ T cells, so-called immunosenescence, rendered transplant recipients less responsive to an allogeneic kidney graft, an effect that was limited to transplant recipients who were aged over 60 years. Conclusions Treg cells are associated with immunosenescence. All these changes contribute to the aging-related decline of immune responses and lead to the higher risk of immune-mediated diseases, cancer or infections in aged individuals.

Analysis of CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells and Foxp3 mRNA in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Asthma

The changes of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells （CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg） and Foxp3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from patients with asthma were investigated in order to elucidate the possible roles of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg in the development of asthma. The peripheral blood samples were collected from 29 healthy controls （normal control group） and 78 patients with asthma which included 30 patients in exacerbation group, 25 patients in persistent group, and 23 patients in remission group. By using flow cytometry and RT-PCR, the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs were detected. The CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs of exacerbation and persistent groups were lower than that of remission and normal control groups （P〈0.05）. Although the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA of remission group were also lower than that of normal control group, there was no significant difference between them （P〉0.05）. As compared with persistent group, exacerbation group had lower CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA （P〈0.05）. It was indicated that the decrease of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and its function in PBMCs may be responsible for pathogenesis of asthma.

非小细胞肺癌不同胸腔积液严重程度及预后患者lncRNA MEG3表达及其与Th17/CD4^(+)T细胞的关系

目的:研究非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)不同胸腔积液严重程度及预后患者lncRNA MEG3表达及其与Th17/CD4^(+)T细胞的关系。方法:选取2020年1月至2022年12月福建医科大学附属泉州第一医院收治的104例NSCLC恶性胸腔积液患者作为研究对象,根据胸腔积液量分为3组:少量胸腔积液组(35例)、中量胸腔积液组(42例)、大量胸腔积液组(27例)。根据患者疾病实际发展转归分为预后良好组(29例未出现复发和转移)和预后不良组(75例出现复发和转移)。另选取同期于福建医科大学附属泉州第一医院治疗的60例肺炎良性胸腔积液患者作为对照组。实时荧光定量PCR检测两组胸腔积液中MEG3表达。收集受试者外周静脉血,流式细胞术检测外周血Th17细胞、CD4^(+)T细胞比例,并计算Th17/CD4^(+)T。对比各组患者lncRNA MEG3及外周血Th17、CD4^(+)T细胞水平。Logistic回归分析NSCLC胸腔积液及预后的影响因素。结果:NSCLC组胸腔积液lncRNA MEG3表达及CD4^(+)T细胞百分比低于对照组,Th17细胞百分比、Th17/CD4^(+)T高于对照组(P<0.05)。大量胸腔积液组lncRNA MEG3表达及CD4^(+)T细胞百分比低于少量胸腔积液组、中量胸腔积液组,中量胸腔积液组lncRNA MEG3表达及CD4^(+)T细胞百分比低于少量胸腔积液组,大量胸腔积液组Th17细胞百分比、Th17/CD4^(+)T高于少量胸腔积液组、中量胸腔积液组,中量胸腔积液组Th17细胞百分比、Th17/CD4^(+)T高于少量胸腔积液组(P<0.05)。预后不良组lncRNA MEG3表达及CD4^(+)T百分比低于预后良好组,而Th17细胞百分比、Th17/CD4^(+)T高于预后良好组(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析结果显示,lncRNA MEG3为NSCLC胸腔积液的保护因素,Th17/CD4^(+)T为危险因素(P<0.05);lncRNA MEG3为NSCLC预后的保护因素,Th17/CD4^(+)T为危险因素(P<0.05)。结论:NSCLC不同胸腔积液严重程度及预后患者lncRNA MEG3表达及Th17/CD4^(+)T不同,且lncRNA MEG3为NSCLC胸腔积液及预后的保护因素,Th17/CD4^(+)T为危险因素,可作为胸腔积液严重程度及预后诊断的有效生物标志物。

Depletion of CD4^+CD25^+ regulatory T cells can promote local immunity to suppress tumor growth in benzo[a]pyrene-induced forestomach carcinoma

AIM： To elucidate the distribution of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells （Tregs） in different lymphoid tissues and its local enhancement on tumor growth before and after depletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs. METHODS： Female ICR mice were garaged with benzo[a]pyrene （BaP） to induce forestomach carcinoma. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs were intraperitoneally depleted with monoclonal antibody PC61. These mice were divided into BaP-only, BaP ＋ IgG, BaP ＋ PC61, and control groups. The forestomach of mice was dissected for histological analysis, and tunnel test was performed for apoptosis of tumor cells. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs were sorted from different lymphoid tissues and expression of Foxp3, IL-10, and chemokine receptors was analyzed by flow cytometry, semi-quantitative and veal-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： The mice gavaged with only BaP showed increased forestomach papilloma and carcinoma at wk 16 and 32. The proportion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs was significantly higher in peri-stomach regional lymph nodes than in other lymphoid tissues. These CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs in regional lymph nodes expressed higher levels of Foxp3 and IL-10, enriched in the CD62L-subset, and CCR1 and CCR5 chemokine receptors. In mice gavaged with BaP ＋ PC61, the number of tumor nodules and tumor volume decreased significantly with massive infiltrating cells and apoptosis of tumor cells. In the draining regional lymph nodes, the number of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs also decreased significantly. CONCLUSION： Inducible and activated CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs in the draining regional lymph nodes suppress host local immunity during tumor growth. Depletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs can promote host local immunity to suppress tumor growth.

All-transRetinoic Acid Regulates Th1/Th2 Balance in CD4+T cells When GATA-3 is Deficient

The essential effect of vitamin A on immune function occurs through various mechanisms including direct effect on ThloTh2 balance modulation. However, it is unclear whether or not vitamin A can regulate Thl-Th2 balance under a strong Thl-polarizing condition. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine the effect of vitamin A metabolite allotrans retinoic acid （ATRA） on ThloTh2 differentiation in CD4~ T cells under GATA-3 deficiency, which can induce Thl-polarizing condition. In the present study, GATA-3 deficiency T cells were induced by siRNA and checked by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. GATA-3 deficiency CD4＋ T cells and normal CD4＋ T were treated for 48 h with or without ATRA.

Effects of Rheum tanguticum polysaccharide on TNBS-induced colitis and CD4^+T cells in rats

AIM: To study the effects of Rheum tanguticum polysaccharide-1 (RTP-1) on ulcerative colitis in rats induced by 2, 4, 6-trinitrophene sulphonic acid (TNBS) and their possible mechanism.METHODS: RTP1 (200 mg@kg-1, ig) extracted from Rheum tanguticum Maxim. Ex Regel was administrated to rats with colitis induced by TNBS for 5 d, 7 d, 10 d and 14 d,respectively. The effects of RTP1 and dexamethasone (DX,0.2 mg@kg-1, ig) were contrastively investigated. The MPO level and SOD activity were determined by chromatometry.The expansion and protein expression of CD4+T lymphocytes isolated from colon mucosae and mesenteric lymph nodes of colitis rats were performed by immunohistochemical analysis and Western-blot methods.RESULTS: Treatments of RTP1 (200 mg@kg-1, ig) significantly reduced diarrhea, mortality, colon mass, ulcer areas and MPO level in colon mucosae on days 5, 7, 10 and 14 (5.2±1.4,5.4±0.7, 5.2±1.8, P＜0.05.3.4±0.8, P＜0.01. 16.1±12.1,P＜0.01.31.8±8.6, 17.7±5.3, 12.7±4.1, P＜0.05). The effectsof RTP1 were similar to those noted above in DX group, but there were no immunosupressive effects of DX in RTP-1group, such as body mass loss, thymus and spleen atrophy.The decreased number and down-regulated protein levels of CD4+T cells isolated from the colon of colitis rats treated with RTP1 were found.CONCLUSION: RTP1 shows significantly protective effects but lower side effects on rats with colitis induced by TNBS.The mechanism may be due to the resistance to over expansion of CD4.

Super-resolution immunohistochemistry study on CD4 and CD8 cells and the relation to macrophages in human cochlea

Recently, the human cochlea has been shown to contain numerous resident macrophages under steady-state. The macrophages accumulate in the stria vascularis, among the auditory nerves, and are also spotted in the human organ of Corti. These macrophages may process antigens reaching the cochlea by invasion of pathogens and insertion of CI electrode. Thus, macrophages execute an innate, and possibly an adaptive immunity. Here, we describe the molecular markers CD4 and CD8 of T cells, macrophage markers MHCⅡ and CD11b, as well as the microglial markers TEME119 and P2Y12, in the human cochlea. Immunohistochemistry and the advantageous super-resolution structured illumination microscopy(SR-SIM) were used in the study. CD4^+ and CD8^+ cells were found in the human cochleae. They were seen in the modiolus in a substantial number adjacent to the vessels, in the peripheral region of the Rosenthal's canal, and occasionally in the spiral ligament. While there are a surprisingly large number of macrophages in the stria vascularis as well as between the auditory neurons,CD4^+ and CD8^+ cells are hardly seen in these areas, and neither are seen in the organ of Corti. In the modiolus,macrophages, CD4^+ and CD8^+ cells appeared often in clusters. Interaction between these different cells was easily observed with SR-SIM, showing closely placed cell bodies, and the processes from macrophages reaching out and touching the lymphocytes. Otherwise the CD4^+ and CD8^+ cells in human cochlear tissue are discretely scattered. The possible roles of these immune cells are speculated.

Advanced Glycation End Products Promote Differentiation of CD4^+ T Helper Cells toward Pro-inflammatory Response

This study investigated the effect of advanced glycation end products（AGEs） on differentiation of na ve CD4＋T cells and the role of the receptor of AGEs（RAGE） and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors（PPARs） activity in the process in order to gain insight into the mechanism of immunological disorders in diabetes. AGEs were prepared by the reaction of bovine serum albumin（BSA） with glucose. Human na ve CD4＋T cells, enriched from blood of healthy adult volunteers with negative selection assay, were cultured in vitro and treated with various agents including AGEs, BSA, high glucose, PGJ2 and PD68235 for indicated time. In short hairpin（sh） RNA knock-down experiment, na ve CD4＋T cells were transduced with media containing shRNA-lentivirus generated from lentiviral packaging cell line, Lent-XTM293 T cells. Surface and intracellular cytokine stainings were used for examination of CD4＋T cell phenotypes, and real-time PCR and Western blotting for detection of transcription factor mRNA and protein expression, respectively. The suppressive function of regulatory T（Treg） cells was determined by a [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay. The results showed that AGEs induced higher pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 cells differentiated from na ve CD4＋T cells than the controls, whereas did not affect anti-inflammatory Treg cells. However, AGEs eliminated suppressive function of Treg cells. In addition, AGEs increased RAGE mRNA expression in na ve CD4＋T cells, and RAGE knock-down by shRNA eliminated the effect of AGEs on the differentiation of CD4＋T cells and the reduction of suppressive function of Treg cells. Furthermore, AGEs inhibited the mRNA expression of PPARγ, not PPARα; PPARγ agonist, PGJ2, inhibited the effect of AGEs on na ve CD4＋T cell differentiation and reversed the AGE-reduced suppressive function of Treg cells; on the other hand, PPARγ antagonist, PD68235, attenuated the blocking effect of RAGE shRNA on the role of AGEs. It was concluded that AGEs may promote CD4＋T cells development toward pro-inflammatory state, which is associated with increased RAGE mRNA expression and reduced PPARγ activity. ＋

Changes of CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and the Effects of Atorvastatin

The function of CD4＋CD25＋ regulatory T lymphocytes （Treg） in patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） and the effects of atorvastatin were investigated. Forty-eight patients with ACS were randomly divided into two groups： group C receiving conventional therapy （n=24）, and group C＋A receiving conventional therapy＋atorvastatin （10 mg/day, n=24）. T lymphocytes from ACS patients （before and 2 weeks after the treatment） or 18 healthy subjects were separated and the flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of Treg. The inhibitory ability of Treg on effector T cells was determined by mixed lymphocyte reaction （MLR）. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of cytokines （IL-10, TGF-β1 and IFN-γ） before and after treatment. The results showed that as compared with normal control group, Treg percentage was decreased significantly （P〈0.01）, the inhibitory ability of Treg on the T lymphocytes proliferation was reduced （P〈0.01）, IFN-γ levels were increased and IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels were lowered in ACS patients. After treatment with atorvastatin, Treg percentage and the inhibitory ability of Treg on T lymphocytes proliferation were significantly increased in ACS patients. Serum IFN-γ was decreased significantly, while IL-10 and TGF-β1 were elevated significantly as compared with the non-atorvastatin group. The number of Treg was positively correlated with serum TGF-β1, but negatively with serum IFN-γ and CRP. It was concluded that ACS was associated with decreased number and defected function of Treg, which may play an important role in initiating immune-inflammatory response in ACS. The inhibitory effects of atorvastatin on inflammation in ACS may be due to its beneficial effects on Treg and restoration of immune homeostasis.

Downregulation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells may underlie enhanced Th1 immunity caused by immunization with activated autologous T cells

Regulatory T cells （Treg） play important roles in immune system homeostasis, and may also be involved in tumor immunotolerance by suppressing Th1 immune response which is involved in anti-tumor immunity. We have previously reported that immunization with attenuated activated autologous T cells leads to enhanced anti-tumor immunity and upregulated Thl responses in vivo. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here we show that Treg function was significantly downregulated in mice that received immunization of attenuated activated autologous T cells. We found that Foxp3 expression decreased in CD4＋CD25＋ T cells from the immunized mice. Moreover, CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋ Treg obtained from immunized mice exhibited diminished immunosuppression ability compared to those from naive mice. Further analysis showed that the serum of immunized mice contains a high level ofanti-CD25 antibody （about 30 ng/ml, p〈0.01 vs controls）. Consistent with a role ofanti-CD25 response in the downregulation of Treg, adoptive transfer of serum from immunized mice to naive mice led to a significant decrease in Treg population and function in recipient mice. The triggering of anti-CD25 response in immunized mice can be explained by the fact that CD25 was induced to a high level in the ConA activated autologous T cells used for immunization. Our results demonstrate for the first time that immunization with attenuated activated autologous T cells evokes anti-CD25 antibody production, which leads to impeded CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋ Treg expansion and function in vivo. We suggest that dampened Treg function likely contributes to enhanced Thl response in immunized mice and is at least part of the mechanism underlying the boosted anti-tumor immunity.

Proliferation and Apoptosis of Bone Marrow CD4^+ T Cells in Patients with Aplastic Anemia and Impacts of the Secreted Cytokines on Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood

Recent studies indicate that immune-associated aplastic anemia(AA)resembles such autoimmune diseases as insulin-dependent diabetes and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis that belong to organ-specific autoimmune diseases.Many independent investigation groups have successfully isolated the pathopoiesis-associated T cell clone causing hematopoiesis failure with a CD4 phenotype from peripheral blood and bone marrow(BM)in AA patients.In the current study,BM CD4+ T cells were isolated from AA patients and healthy con...

CD4^+CXCR5^+ T cells activate CD27^+IgG^+ B cells via IL-21 in patients with hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND： Chronic hepatitis C virus （HCV） infection causes the skewing and activation of B cell subsets, but the characteristics of IgG＋ B cells in patients with chronic hepa- titis C （CHC） infection have not been thoroughly elucidated. CD4＋CXCR5＋ follicular helper T （Tfh） cells, via interleukin （IL）-21 secretion, activate B cells. However, the role of CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells in the activation ofIgG＋ B cells in CHC patients is not clear. METHODS： The frequency of IgG＋ B cells, including CD27-IgG＋ B and CD27＋IgG＋ B cells, the expression of the activation markers （CD86 and CD95） in IgG＋ B cells, and the percentage of circu- lating CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells were detected by flow cytometry in CHC patients （n=70） and healthy controls （n=25）. The con- centrations of serum IL-21 were analyzed using ELISA. The role of CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells in the activation of IgG＋ B cells was investigated using a co-culture system. RESULTS： A significantly lower proportion of CD27＋IgG＋ B cells with increased expression of CD86 and CD95 was observed in CHC patients. The expression of CD95 was negatively correlated with the percentage of CD27＋IgG＋ B cells, and it contributed to CD27＋IgG＋ B cell apoptosis. Circulating CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells and serum IL-21 were significantly increased in CHC patients. Moreover, circulating CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells from CHC patients induced higher expressions of CD86 and CD95 in CD27＋IgG＋ B cells in a co-culture system; the blockade of the IL-21 decreased the expression levels of CD86 and CD95 in CD27＋IgG＋ B cells.CONCLUSIONS： HCV infection increased the frequency of CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells and decreased the frequency of CD27＋IgG＋ B cells. CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells activated CD27＋IgG＋ B cells via the secretion of IL-21.

Increase of CD4^+CD25^+ T cells in Smad3^(-/-) mice

AIM： To investigate the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations, especially CD4^＋CD25^ T regulatory cells in Smad3^-/- mice. METHODS： Hematological changes and changes of lymphocyte subpopulations were detected in Smad3＂/- mice using cell counter and flow cytometry, respectively, and compared to their littermate controls. RESULTS： The numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were significantly increased in Smad3^-/- mice compared to littermate controls. CD19^＋ expressing cells in blood and spleen, and CD8^＋ T cells in thymus were all markedly decreased in Smad3^-/- mice. More important, Smad3^-/- mice had an increased population of CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues, including thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. CONCLUSION： These observations suggest that the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations might play a role in susceptibility to inflammation of Smad3^-/- mice.

Influence of Danshen Injection on airway inflammation and CD4^+ CD25^+ regulatory T cells of asthmatic rats

Objective： To investigate the influence of Danshen Injection on airway inflammation and CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells（CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr） of asthmatic rats, and elucidate the possible mechanism of Danshen Injection in treatment of asthma. Methods： 30 Wister rats were randomly divided into control group, asthma group and Danshen Injection treated group. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluids （BALF） were collected, and cytology studies were conducted. Lung tissues were obtained and pathologic analyses were done with hematoxylin and eosin stain （HE）. Flow cytometry was used to detect the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr ratio in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs）. Results： Total cell, the percentage of lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils （Eos） in BALF of Danshen Injection-treated group were lower than that in asthma group （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. Compared with asthma group, less infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissues was observed in Danshen Injection-treated group. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr of asthma group was lower than that of control and Danshen Injection treated group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Danshen Injection can suppress airway inflammation of asthmatic rats, probably by increasing the number of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr.

Role of LAP^+CD4^+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer

AIM To investigate the abundance and potential functions of LAP^+CD4^+ T cells in colorectal cancer(CRC). METHODS Proportions of LAP^+CD4^+ T cells were examined in peripheral blood and tumor/paratumor tissues of CRC patients and healthy controls using flow cytometry. Expression of phenotypic markers such as forkhead box(Fox)p3, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein(CTLA)-4, chemokine CC receptor (CCR)4 and CCR5 was measured using flow cytometry. LAP^-CD4^+ and LAP^+CD4^+ T cells were isolated using a magnetic cellsorting system and cell purity was analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure expression of cytokines interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β.RESULTS The proportion of LAP^+CD4^+ T cells was significantly higher in peripheral blood from patients (9.44% ± 3.18%) than healthy controls (1.49% ± 1.00%, P < 0.001). Among patients, the proportion of LAP^+CD4^+ T cells was significantly higher in tumor tissues(11.76% ± 3.74%) compared with paratumor tissues (3.87% ± 1.64%, P < 0.001). We also observed positive correlations between the proportion of LAP^+CD4^+ T cells and TNM stage(P < 0.001), distant metastasis(P < 0.001) and serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen(P < 0.05). Magnetic-activated cell sorting gave an overall enrichment of LAP^+CD4^+ T cells (95.02% ± 2.87%), which was similar for LAP^-CD4^+ T cells(94.75% ± 2.76%). In contrast to LAP^-CD4^+ T cells, LAP^+CD4^+ T cells showed lower Foxp3 expression but significantly higher levels of CTLA-4, CCR4 and CCR5(P < 0.01). LAP^+CD4^+ T cells expressed significantly larger amounts of IL-10 and TGF-β but lower levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-17 and interferon-γ, compared with LAPCD4+ T cells.CONCLUSION LAP^+CD4^+ T cells accumulated in the tumor microenvironment of CRC patients and were involved in immune evasion mediated by IL-10 and TGF-β.

Upregulated adenosine 2A receptor accelerates post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome by promoting CD4+T cells’T helper 17 polarization

BACKGROUND Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome(PI-IBS)is generally regarded as a functional disease.Several recent studies have reported the involvement of lowgrade inflammation and immunological dysfunction in PI-IBS.T helper 17(Th17)polarization occurs in IBS.Adenosine and its receptors participate in intestinal inflammation and immune regulation.AIM To investigate the role of Th17 polarization of CD4+T cells regulated by adenosine 2A receptor(A2AR)in PI-IBS.METHODS A PI-IBS model was established by infecting mice with Trichinella spiralis.The intestinal A2AR and CD4+T lymphocytes were detected by immunohistochemistry,and the inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay.CD4+T lymphocytes present in the animal’s spleen were separated and cultured with or without A2AR agonist and antagonist.Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the effect of A2AR on the cells and intestinal tissue.Cytokine production was determined.The protein and mRNA levels of A2AR associated signaling pathway molecules were also evaluated.Furthermore,A2AR agonist and antagonist were injected into the mouse model and the clinical features were observed.RESULTS The PI-IBS mouse model showed increased expression of ATP and A2AR(P<0.05),and inhibition of A2AR improved the clinical features in PI-IBS,including the abdominal withdrawal reflex and colon transportation test(P<0.05).The number of intestinal CD4+T cells and interleukin-17(IL-17)protein levels increased during PI-IBS,which was reversed by administration of the A2AR antagonist(P<0.05).CD4+T cells expressed A2AR and produced IL-17 in vitro,which was regulated by the A2AR agonist and antagonist.The A2AR antagonist increased the production of IL-17 by CD4+T cells via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcriptionreceptor-related orphan receptorγsignaling pathway.CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggested that the upregulation of A2AR increases PI-IBS by promoting the Th17 polarization of CD4+T cells.

CD4+ T cells and natural killer cells: Biomarkers for hepatic fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients

AIM To characterize peripheral blood natural killer(NK) cells phenotypes by flow cytometry as potential biomarker of liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected patients.METHODS Peripheral mononuclear cells from 24 HIV/HCV(HBVnegative) coinfected and 5 HIV/HCV/HBV seronegative individuals were evaluated. HIV/HCV coinfected patients were divided in to groups: G1, patients with METAVIR F0-F2 and G2, patients with METAVIR F3-F4. NK surface cell staining was performed with: AntiCD3(APC/Cy7), anti-CD56(PE/Cy5), anti-CD57(APC), anti-CD25(PE), anti-CD69(FITC), anti-NKp30(PE), antiNKp46(PE/Cy7), anti-NKG2D(APC), anti-DNAM(FITC); anti-CD62L(PE/Cy7), anti-CCR7(PE), anti-TRAIL(PE), anti-Fas L(PE), anti CD94(FITC). Flow cytometry data acquisition was performed on BD FACSCanto, analyzed using Flow Jo software. Frequency of fluorescence was analyzed for all single markers. Clinical records were reviewed, and epidemiological and clinical data were obtained.RESULTS Samples from 11 patients were included in G1 and from 13 in G2. All patients were on ARV, with undetectable HIV viral load. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by transient elastography in 90% of the patients and with biopsy in 10% of the patients. Mean HCV viral load was(6.18 ± 0.7 log10). Even though, no major significant differences were observed between G1 and G2 regarding NK surface markers, it was found that patients with higher liver fibrosis presented statistically lower percentage of NK cells than individual with low to mild fibrosis and healthy controls(G2: 5.4% ± 2.3%, G1: 12.6% ± 8.2%, P = 0.002 and healthy controls 12.2% ± 2.7%, P = 0.008). It was also found that individuals with higher liver fibrosis presented lower CD4 LT count than those from G1(G2: 521 ± 312 cells/μL, G1: 770 ± 205 cells/μL; P = 0.035).CONCLUSION Higher levels of liver fibrosis were associated with lower percentage of NK cells and LTCD4+ count; and they may serve as noninvasive biomarkers of liver damage.