Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains hepatocellular carcinoma development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+T cellmediated antitumor immune responses

BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)targeting programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3(TIM-3)are beneficial to the resumption of anti-tumor immunity response and hold extreme potential as efficient therapies for certain malignancies.However,ICIs with a single target exhibit poor overall response rate in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients due to the complex pathological mechanisms of HCC.AIM To investigate the effects of combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade on tumor development in an HCC mouse model,aiming to identify more effective immunotherapies and provide more treatment options for HCC patients.METHODS The levels of PD-1 and TIM-3 on CD4+and CD8+T cells from tumor tissues,ascites,and matched adjacent tissues from HCC patients were determined with flow cytometry.An HCC xenograft mouse model was established and treated with anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody(mAb)and/or anti-PD-1 mAb.Tumor growth in each group was measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate T cell infiltration in tumors.The percentage of CD4+and CD8+T cells in tissue samples from mice was tested with flow cytometry.The percentages of PD-1+CD8+,TIM-3+CD8+,and PD-1+TIM-3+CD8+T cells was accessed by flow cytometry.The levels of the cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-10 in tumor tissues were gauged with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.RESULTS We confirmed that PD-1 and TIM-3 expression was substantially upregulated in CD4+and CD8+T cells isolated from tumor tissues and ascites of HCC patients.TIM-3 mAb and PD-1 mAb treatment both reduced tumor volume and weight,while combined blockade had more substantial anti-tumor effects than individual treatment.Then we showed that combined therapy increased T cell infiltration into tumor tissues,and downregulated PD-1 and TIM-3 expression on CD8+T cells in tumor tissues.Moreover,combined treatment facilitated the production of T cell effector cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ,and reduced the production of immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10 and IL-6 in tumor tissues.Thus,we implicated that combined blockade could ameliorate T cell exhaustion in HCC mouse model.CONCLUSION Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains HCC development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses.

Full T-cell activation and function in teleosts require collaboration of first and co-stimulatory signals

Mammalian T-cell responses require synergism between the first signal and co-stimulatory signal.However,whether and how dual signaling regulates the T-cell response in early vertebrates remains unknown.In the present study,we discovered that the Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus)encodes key components of the LAT signalosome,namely,LAT,ITK,GRB2,VAV1,SLP-76,GADS,and PLC-γ1.These components are evolutionarily conserved,and CD3εmAb-induced T-cell activation markedly increased their expression.Additionally,at least ITK,GRB2,and VAV1 were found to interact with LAT for signalosome formation.Downstream of the first signal,the NF-κB,MAPK/ERK,and PI3K-AKT pathways were activated upon CD3εmAb stimulation.Furthermore,treatment of lymphocytes with CD28 mAbs triggered the AKT-mTORC1 pathway downstream of the co-stimulatory signal.Combined CD3εand CD28 mAb stimulation enhanced ERK1/2 and S6 phosphorylation and elevated NFAT1,c-Fos,IL-2,CD122,and CD44 expression,thereby signifying T-cell activation.Moreover,rather than relying on the first or co-stimulatory signal alone,both signals were required for T-cell proliferation.Full T-cell activation was accompanied by marked apoptosis and cytotoxic responses.These findings suggest that tilapia relies on dual signaling to maintain an optimal T-cell response,providing a novel perspective for understanding the evolution of the adaptive immune system.

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.

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.

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.

Immunotherapy of rat glioma without accumulation of CD4^+CD25^+FOXP3^+ regulatory T cells

Immunotherapy may be used for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme; however, the induced immune response is inadequate when either T cells or dendritic cells are used alone. In this study we established a novel vaccine procedure in rats, using dendritic cells pulsed with C6 tumor cell lysates in combination with adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes from syngenic donors. On day 21 after tumor inoculation, all the rats were sacrificed, the brains were harvested for calculation of glioma volume, cytolytic T lymphocyte responses were measured by cytotoxic assay, and the frequency of regulatory T lymphocytes （CD4＋CD25~FOXP3~） in the peripheral blood was investigated by flow cytometric analysis. The survival rate of rats bearing C6 glioma was observed. Results showed that the co-immunization strategy had significant anti-tumor potential against the pre-established C6 glioma, and induced a strong cytolytic T lymphocyte response in rats. The frequency of peripheral blood CD4＊CD25＊FOXP3＊ regulatory T lymphocytes was significantly decreased following the combination therapy, and the rats survived for a longer period. Experimental findings indicate that the combined immunotherapy of glioma cell lysate-pulsed dendritic cell vaccination following adoptive transfer of T cells can effectively inhibit the growth of gliomas in rats, boost anti-tumor immunity and produce a sustained immune response while avoiding the accumulation of CD4＋CD25＋FOXP3＋ regulatory r lymphocytes.

Effect of macrophage polarization regulated by miR-29b,B7H3 on CD4^(+)T cell differentiation in asthma

Objective:To explore the mechanism that miR-29b and B7H3 regulate the polarization of macrophages and thus affect the differentiation of CD4^(+)T.Methods:1.PBMC was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of children with asthma and normal children in the affiliated Children's Hospital of Soochow University,and RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed.The expression of miR-29b and B7H3mRNA was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Q-PCR).The family history of asthma and history of allergic diseases were collected.2.THP-1 cells were induced into macrophages,miR-29b interference,miR-29b overexpression and normal control were induced by LV526,LV527 and NC virus infection.After 24 hours of culture,the cells were collected to detect the expression of STAT3 and B7H3 genes and proteins.3.It was verified that STAT3 was the target gene of miR-29b:after inoculating THP-1 cells and culturing with PMA with final concentration of 50ng/ml for 6 hours,the macrophages without PMA were cultured for 24 hours,then the macrophages infected by LV528,LV529 and NC virus were induced to form miR-29b interference,miR29b overexpression and normal control group.Luciferase analysis was performed at 48 hours to verify that STAT3 was the target gene of miR-29b.STAT3-3'UTR luciferase reporter gene plasmids were constructed and divided into three groups:"miR-29b+STAT3-3'UTR","miR-29b+STAT3-mut-3'UTR"and"miR-29b+luciferase empty load".4.Macrophages with different treatments were co-cultured with initial T cells for 3 days.The relative expressions of T-bet,GATA3 and ROR-γt were detected by Q-PCR.Result:1.The incidence of allergic disease in the acute attack group(68%)was higher than that in the other two groups(34.8%,33.3%),and the family history of asthma in the normal group(0%)was much lower than that in the other two groups(52%,60.9%).The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).2.The expression of B7H3 in PBMC in acute attack group was higher than that in non-acute attack group and normal group.The expression of miR-29b in PBMC in normal group was significantly higher than that in non-acute attack group and acute attack group(P<0.0001).The expression of miR-29b in non-acute attack group was significantly higher than that in acute attack group(P=0.007).3.After silencing the expression of miR-29b,IL-4Rα,IL-4,IL-5,IL-13 and CD206 of macrophages increased significantly,while IFN-γdecreased,suggesting that miR-29b can promote the polarization of macrophages to M2.4.The overexpression of miR-29b,STAT3 and B7H3 gene and protein level in macrophages decreased,while the increase of miR-29b,STAT3 and B7H3 gene and protein expression was inhibited.5.There was a significant positive correlation between the expression of STAT3 and B7H3mRNA in macrophages(r=0.9737,P<0.0001).6.STAT3 is the target gene of miR-29b.7.Co-culture of macrophages with CD4^(+)T cells can promote the differentiation of primary T cells,namely Th 0 cells,into Th2,and the promoting effect of macrophages with downregulation of miR-29b is more obvious.Conclusion:The expression of miR-29b in PBMC of children with asthma is lower than that of normal children,while the expression of B7H3 is higher than that of normal children.It is speculated that miR-29b has a protective effect on children with asthma,while B7H3 aggravates the inflammatory response.Down-regulation of miR-29b,in macrophages can promote macrophages to M2 polarization,increase the expression of B7H3 and STAT3 in macrophages,make Th0 cells differentiate into Th2 cells,and aggravate the inflammatory response in patients with asthma.

Sustained heavy ethanol drinking affects CD4⁺cell counts in HIV-infected patients on stavudine (d4T), lamivudine (3TC) and nevirapine (NVP) treatment regimen during 9 months follow-up period

Sustained heavy ethanol drinking is a common problem globally and ethanol is one of the most abused drugs among individuals of different socio-economic status including the HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral drugs. Ethanol is reward drug and a CNS depressant especially at high doses. The study determined the effect of sustained heavy ethanol drinking by HIV-infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP regimen on CD4+ cell counts in Uganda using WHO AUDIT tool and chronic alcohol-use biomarkers. A case control study using repeated measures design with serial measurements model was used. The patients on stavudine (d4T) 30 mg, lamivudine (3TC) 150 mg and nevirapine (NVP) 200 mg and chronic alcohol use were recruited. A total of 41 patients (20 in alcohol group and 21 in control group) were screened for chronic alcohol use by WHO AUDIT tool and chronic alcohol use biomarkers. They were followed up for 9 months with blood sampling done at 3 months intervals. CD4+ cell count was determined using Facscalibur Flow Cytometer system. Results were then sorted by alcohol-use biomarkers (GGT, MCV and AST/ ALT ratio). Data were analysed using SAS 2003 version 9.1 statistical package with repeated measures fixed model and the means were compared using student t-test. The mean CD4+ cell counts in all the groups were lower than the reference ranges at baseline and gradually increased at 3, 6 and 9 months of follow-up. The mean CD4+ cell counts were higher in the control group as compared to the chronic alcohol use group in both WHO AUDIT tool group and chronic alcohol-use biomarkers group though there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). Chronic alcohol use slightly lowers CD4+ cell count in HIV-infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP treatment regimen.

中药调控CD^(+)_(4)T细胞干预湿疹炎症应答的研究进展

湿疹是一种变态反应性炎症性皮肤病,近期研究表明以CD^(+)_(4)T细胞亚群如Th1/Th2、Th17/调节性T细胞(regulatory T cells,Treg)细胞分化失衡导致湿疹发病中出现过度炎症应答,而中药以改善CD^(+)_(4)T细胞亚群分化平衡干预湿疹免疫微环境具有较好的调节作用。以湿疹炎症应答前沿研究动态,探讨中药在改善调控CD^(+)_(4)T细胞亚群分化干预湿疹致病的作用优势,为中药在改善湿疹临床症状及机制研究提供一定的理论指导。

Pathologically expanded peripheral CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Foxp3^(−) T-cell subset promotes B-cell hyperactivity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by destructive polyarthritis, and abnormal T-B-cell interactions may contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and roles of CD4^(+) programmed death 1 (PD-1)^(+)Foxp3^(−) T cells in relation to the B-cell response in patients with RA. Methods:This study included 155 patients with RA and 36 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) from the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University in China. Flow cytometry was used to assess the proportion and properties of peripheral CD4^PD-1^(−)Foxp3^(+) T cells, including their proliferation, activation, cytokine production, and capacity to induce B-cell differentiation. Results:The proportion of CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Foxp3^(−)T cells was increased in patients with RA compared with HCs ([10.78 ± 0.60]% vs. [5.67 ± 0.40]%, p < 0.001), and this was positively associated with the B-cell response. Compared with CD4^PD-1 ^(+)Foxp3 ^(+) T cells, CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Foxp3^(−)T cells from patients with RA exhibited increased expression of Ki67 ([6.52 ± 0.41]% vs. [3.87 ± 0.42]%, p < 0.01) and activation markers, produced higher levels of cytokines, and showed enhanced B-cell differentiation. Furthermore, anti-interleukin-6R antagonists decreased the proportion, activation, and cytokine production of CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Foxp3^(−)T cells in vitro. The frequency of type 2 CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Foxp3^(−)T cells was significantly higher in patients with RA than that in HCs ([37.27 ± 1.43]% vs. [29.05 ± 1.30]%, p < 0.05). Conclusions:Peripherally expanded CD4^(+)PD-1^(+)Foxp3^(−)T cells in patients with RA, which induced B-cell hyperactivity, may be inclined toward type 2 helper T cells. Our findings revealed a novel T-cell subset that contributes to B-cell hyperactivity in the pathogenesis of RA.

Rapamycin increased development of CD4^+ CD25~h ighFoxp3^+ T cells of peripheral blood in liver transplant recipients

Objective To investigate the possible influence of immunosuppressive therapy,including sirolimus ( SRL) and calcineurin inhibitors ( CNI,tacrolimus) ,on level of Treg in liver allo - graft recipients. Methods Forty - seven liver transplant recipients with stable liver function were assessed for at least 2 years,and divided into

G-CSF对健康人骨髓和外周血CD_(34)^+细胞和T细胞亚群影响的动态观察

目的 :探讨G -CSF对健康人骨髓及外周血CD3 4 + 细胞和T细胞亚群的影响。方法 :对 12例健康人 ,以G -CSF15 0 μg/ 12h ,皮下注射 ,连用 6d。应用流式细胞仪测定CD3 4 + 和T细胞亚群。结果 :应用G -CSF4 8h后 ,骨髓CD3 4 + 细胞开始明显增加 ,72h后外周血CD3 4 + 细胞开始明显增加 ,96h后两者达峰值 ,均较应用前差异显著 (P <0 .0 1)。T淋巴细胞亚群变化不明显 (P>0 .0 5 )。结论 :健康人应用G -CSF后骨髓及外周血CD3 4 + 细胞逐渐增加并于 96h后达到高峰 ,T细胞亚群则无明显变化。

应用G-CSF对不同人群外周血CD_(34)^+细胞和T细胞亚群影响的动态变化

目的 探讨重组人粒细胞集落刺激因子 (G -CSF)对健康人及处于完全缓解的恶性血液病患者的外周血CD+34细胞和T细胞亚群的影响。方法 对 12例健康人和 16例自体外周血干细胞移植患者 ,以G -CSF 15 0 μg 12h ,皮下注射 ,连用 6d。应用流式细胞仪测定外周血CD+34 和T细胞亚群。结果 (1)应用G -CSF前 ,两者的外周血CD+34细胞分别为 (0 .39± 0 .2 7) %和 (0 .4 7± 0 .2 5 ) % ,两者之间无明显差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。应用 72h后 ,CD+34 细胞分别达(1.2 9± 0 .6 4 ) %和 (1.4 7± 0 .95 ) % ,较前均有明显增加 (P <0 .0 1) ,两者之间无明显差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。应用 96h后 ,CD+ 34 细胞达高峰 ,分别为 (1.4 1± 0 .73) %和 (1.5 8± 0 .83) % ,两者之间无明显差异 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,但较应用G -CSF前差异显著 (P <0 .0 1)。 (2 )无论是否应用G -CSF ,恶性血液病患者的T细胞亚群比例均处于倒置状态 ,而健康人T细胞亚群则比例正常。随两者应用G -CSF后CD+34 细胞逐渐增加 ,T细胞亚群变化不明显。结论 健康人及处于完全缓解的恶性血液病患者 ,在应用G -CSF后 ,外周血CD+ 34 细胞比例逐渐增加并于 96h后达到高峰 ,T细胞亚群无明显变化。

CD_3AK细胞对烧伤患者T淋巴细胞亚群的影响

观察 CD3AK细胞用于严重烧伤患者后对 T淋巴细胞亚群的影响。观察对象为 CD3AK细胞治疗的 2 0例大面积烧伤患者。结果 :经 CD3AK细胞治疗后烧伤患者 T细胞亚群的结构有了明显的改善 ,CD4细胞比例明显升高 ,CD3细胞比例下降 ,CD4/ CD8比值升高。结论 :CD3AK细胞对烧伤患者 T细胞亚群的结构有明显的改善 ,从而提高烧伤患者的免疫力。

Parallel decline of CD8+CD38+ lymphocytes and viremia in treated hepatitis B patients

AIM:To assess the peripheral T lymphocyte subsets in chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection,and their dynamics in response to adefovir dipivoxil monotherapy.METHODS:Proportions and absolute counts of peripheral natural killer cells,B cells,CD8+,CD4+,CD8+ CD38+,CD8+CD28+ and CD4+CD28+ T cells were determined using three-color flow cytometry in chronic hepatitis B patients(n = 35),HBV carriers(n = 25) and healthy controls(n = 35).Adefovir dipivoxil was initiated in 17 chronic hepatitis B patients who were regularly followed for 72 wk,during which period the T cell subsets and serum viral load were measured at each follow-up point.RESULTS:The peripheral CD4+ T cell counts and CD8+ T cell counts decreased in chronic HBV infection.In chronic hepatitis B patients,proportions of CD8+CD38+ T cells were 62.0% ± 14.7%,much higher than those of HBV carriers and healthy con-trols.In the 13 hepatitis B patients who were treated and responded to adefovir dipivoxil,proportions of CD8+CD38+ T cells decreased from 53.9% ± 18.4% pre-therapy to 20.1% ± 11.3% by week 72(P < 0.001),concomitant with viral load decline(HBV DNA fell from 7.31 to 3 log copies/mL).CD8+ T cell counts also underwent an average increase of 218 cells/μL by the end of 72-wk treatment.In those who failed the therapy,the CD8+CD38+ T cell population had more fluctuations.CONCLUSION:CD8+ T cells abnormally activated in chronic HBV infection can be partially reversed by antiviral therapy.HBV-associated immune activation may be a crucial part of the pathogenesis and a promising target of treatment.

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.

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. ＋

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.

CD4^+CD25^(high) Regulatory Cells in Peripheral Blood of NSCLC Patients

The proportion and changes of CD4^＋CD25^high regulatory T cells （Trs） in peripheral blood of non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） patients were analyzed and their clinical significance explored. The peripheral blood was collected from 61 patients with NSCLC and 15 healthy controls. By using monoclonal antibodies, the blood samples were evaluated with the flow cytometry for lymphocyte subsets （CD3^＋, CD4^＋ and CD8^＋） and CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells. The results showed that the proportion of CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in NSCLC group was significantly higher than in control group [（4.36 ±2.07） % vs （2.04±1.03） %, P〈0.01]. The proportion of CD4^＋CD25^ high Tr cells in late stage was higher than that in early stage [stages Ⅰ ＋Ⅱ （2.264±0.6） %; stage Ⅲ（3.284± 1.38） %; stage IV （6.06 4±4.08） %] （P〈0.05）. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the prognosis of the patients who had higher proportion of CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in peripheral blood was worse （P=0.0026）. In conclusion, the relative increase in CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in peripheral blood may be related to im- munosuppression and tumor progression in patients with NSCLC. This finding suggests that CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in peripheral blood of NSCLC may be positive for prognosis analysis. The use of depletion of the CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cell therapy to treat NSCLC patients may be an effective strategy.

Effect of CD4^+CD25^+ regulatory T cells in the development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation

AIM: To investigate whether CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells play a role in the development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID). METHODS: The dynamic changes in the frequency of CD4(+)D25(+) T cells, CD4(+)D25(+) FoxP3(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(+) PD-1(+) T cells from spleens of mice with ACAID were analyzed by flow cytometry. Foxp3 mRNA expression in purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells was analyzed using real-time PCR. The suppressive effect of purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells on the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells was evaluated by [H-3] thymidine incorporation. A blocking experiment was performed to further address the role of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells in ACAID. The expression of IL-10 in purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells was evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: Increased frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells, CD4(+)CD25(+) Foxp3(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(+) PD-1(+) T cells were observed in ACAID. The CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells from mice with ACAID showed enhanced suppressive effect on the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells. Treatment of BALB/c mice with anti-CD25 antibody after injection of OVA into the anterior chamber significantly inhibited the induction of ACAID. Furthermore, purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells from ACAID mice secreted IL-10. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that Treg cells are induced in the mice undergoing ACAID. These Treg cells may play a role in the development of ACAID.