Regulating Effects of Novel CpG Chitosan-nanoparticles on Immune Responses of Mice to Porcine Paratyphoid Vaccines

Objective To study the regulating effects of a novel CpG oligodeoxynuleotide and the synergistic effect of chitosan-nanoparticles （CNP） with CpG on immune responses of mice, which were used to develop a novel immunoadjuvant to boost immune response to conventional vaccines. Methods A novel CpG ODN containing 11 CpG motifs was synthesized and its bioactivities to stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes of pig in vitro were detected. Then it was entrapped with CNP prepared in our laboratory by the method of ionic cross linkage, and immunized Kunming mice were co-inoculated with paratyphoid vaccine. The peripheral blood was collected weekly from the tail vein of inoculated mice to detect the contents of IgG, IgA, IgM, and specific antibody against salmonella as well as the levels of interleukin-2 （IL2）, IL-4, and IL-6 by SABC-ELISA assay. The numbers of leucocytes, monocytes, granuloytes, and lymphocytes were calculated separately using the routine method. The experimental mice were orally challenged with virulent salmonella 35 days after inoculation. Results This CpG ODN could remarkably provoke the proliferation of lymphocytes of pig in vitro in contrast with the control （P〈0.05）. Compared with those of the control, immunoglobulins, including IgG, IgA, IgM, and specific antibodies to paratyphoid vaccine, increased significantly in sera from the CpG or CpG-CNP-vaccinated mice （P〈0.05）. IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 increased remarkably in sera from immunized mice （P〈0.05）. The leucocytes, monocytes, granuloytes, and lymphocytes of the mice immunized with CpG or CpG-CNP were also increased in number （P〈0.05）. After the challenge, these immunity values were elevated in the mice vaccinated with CpG or CpG-CNP. The immunized mice all survived, while the control mice fell ill with evident lesions with diffuse hemorrhage in stomach, small intestine, and peritoneum. Conclusions CpG ODN entrapped with CNP is a promising effective immunoadjuvant for vaccination, which promotes humoral and cellular immune responses, enhances immunity and resistance against salmonella by co-administration with paratyphoid vaccine. Key words：

Pulmonary Immune Responses to Aspergillus Fumigatus in Rats

Objective To evaluate immunologic mechanisms underlying Aspergillus fumigatus pulmonary infections in immunocompetent Dark Agouti （DA） and Albino Oxford （AO） rats recognized as being susceptible to some inflammatory diseases in different manners. Methods Lung fungal burden （quantitative colony forming units, CFU, assay）, leukocyte infiltration （histology, cell composition） and their function （phagocytosis, oxidative activity, CDllb adhesion molecule expression） and cytokine interferon-y （IFN-y） and interleukin-17 and -4 （IL-17 and IL-4） lung content were evaluated following infection （intratracheally, lxl07 conidia）. Results Slower reduction of fungal burden was observed in AO rats in comparison with that in DA rats, which was coincided with less intense histologically evident lung cell infiltration and leukocyte recovery as well as lower level of most of the their activities including intracellular myeloperoxidase activity, the capacity of nitroblue tetrazolium salt reduction and CDllb adhesion molecule expression （except for phagocytosis of conidia） in these rats. Differential patterns of changes in proinflammatory cytokine levels （unchanged levels of IFN-v and transient increase of IL-17 in AO rats vs continuous increase of both cytokines in DA rats） and unchanged levels of IL-4 were observed. Conclusion Genetically-based differences in the pattern of antifungal lung leukocyte activities and cytokine milieu, associated with differential efficiency of fungal elimination might be useful in the future use of rat models in studies of pulmonary aspergillosis.

Co-administration of Interleukin-2 Enhances Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses to HIV Vaccine DNA Prime/MVA Boost Regime

Interleukine-2(IL-2) is a growth factor for antigen-stimulated T lymphocytes and is responsible for ~T-cell clonal expansion after antigen recognition. It has been demonstrated that DNA vaccine-elicited immune responses in mice could be augmented substantially by using either an IL-2 protein or a plasmid expressing ~IL-2. Twenty mice, divided into four experimental groups, were immunized with: (1) sham plasmid; ^(2) HIV-1 DNA vaccine alone; (3) HIV-1 DNA vaccine and IL-2 protein; or (4) HIV-1 DNA vaccine and IL-2 plasmid, separately. All the groups were immunized 3 times at a 2-week interval. Fourteen days after the last DNA vaccine injection, recombinant MVA was injected into all the mice except those in group 1. ELISA and ELISPOT were employed to investigate the effect of IL-2 on DNA vaccine immune responses. The obtained results strongly indicate that the efficacy of HIV vaccine can be enhanced by co-administration of a plasmid encoding IL-2.

Effects of thymol and carvacrol supplementation on intestinal integrity and immune responses of broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens

Background： Necrotic enteritis caused by Clostfidium perffingens infection leads to serious economic losses in the global poultry production. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of essential oils （EO, which contained 25 % thymol and 25 % carvacrol as active components） supplementation on growth performance, gut lesions, intestinal morphology, and immune responses of the broiler chickens infected with C. perfringens. A total of 448 1-day-old male broiler chicks were allocated into eight treatment groups following a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement with four dietary EO dosages （0, 60, 120, or 240 mg/kg） and two infection status （with or without C. perfringens challenge from d 14 to 20）. Results： The challenge did not impair the growth performance of birds, but induced gut lesions and increased crypt depth in the ileum （P ≤ 0.05）. It also down-regulated the claudin-1 and occludin mRNA expression （P ≤0.05）, up-regulated the mRNA expression of interleukin-113 （P≤ 0.05）, tended to increase the toll-like receptor （TLR） 2 mRNA expression （P 〈 0.10） in the ileum, and enhanced the mucosal secretory IgA production （P 〈 0.05）. In the challenged birds, dietary EO supplementation linearly alleviated the gut lesions and improved the ratio of villus height to crypt depth （P ≤0.05）, and the supplementation of 120 and 240 mg/kg EO increased the serum antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus （P≤ 0.05）. Regardless of challenge, the EO supplementation showed a tendency to linearly elevate the feed conversion efficiency between 14 and 28 d of age as well as the occludin mRNA expression （P〈 0.10）, and linearly inhibited the mRNA expression of TLR2 and tumor necrotic factor-o in the ileum （P≤ 0.05）. Conclusions： The dietary supplementation of EO could alleviate the intestinal injury by improving intestinal integrity and modulating immune responses in the C. perffingens-challenged broiler chickens.

Dynamic changes in the systemic immune responses of spinal cord injury model mice

Intraspinal inflammatory and immune responses are considered to play central roles in the pathological development of spinal cord injury.This study aimed to decipher the dynamics of systemic immune responses,initiated by spinal cord injury.The spinal cord in mice was completely transected at T8.Changes in the in vivo inflammatory response,between the acute and subacute stages,were observed.A rapid decrease in C-reactive protein levels,circulating leukocytes and lymphocytes,spleen-derived CD4~+interferon-γ+T-helper cells,and inflammatory cytokines,and a marked increase in neutrophils,monocytes,and CD4~+CD25~+FOXP3~+regulatory T-cells were observed during the acute phase.These systemic immune alterations were gradually restored to basal levels during the sub-acute phase.During the acute phase of spinal cord injury,systemic immune cells and factors showed significant inhibition;however,this inhibition was transient,and the indicators of these serious disorders gradually returned to baseline levels during the subacute phase.All experiments were performed in accordance with the institutional animal care guidelines,approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Experimental Animal Center of Drum Tower Hospital,China(approval No.2019 AE01040)on June 25,2019.

Immune Responses of Chicken Immunizedwith Marek's Disease Vaccines

The experiment was conducted to study the dynamic changes of immune responses of chicks immunized with March's disease(MD)trivalent vaccine and turkey herpesvirus(HVT)at one day age.Results were found that after immunization of chicks with MD vaccines,the intcrlcukinc-2(IL-2)inductive activity and IL-2 receptor expression of T cells from thymus and spleen significantly increased,suggesting that the immunoregulativc function was markedly enhanced in the immune organs;the number of antibody-producing cells,the number and proliferative function of T cells rose markedly in Bursa Fabricius,spleen and thymus,indicating that the cellular and humoral immune responses were elevated remarkablly in the central and peripheral immune organs;the number of T and antibody-producing cells as well as the content of IgG,IgA and IgM obviously mounted in cecal tonsil, Harder tan gland mucosal lymphoid tissues of bronchus along with tears,trachea washings, bile and intestinal fluids,demonstrating that the local and mucosal immunity was raised in the respiratory and digestive tract;the levels of immune responses mentioned above in the trivalent vaccine-immuniaed chicks were apparently higher than those of HVT-immunized birds.

Differences in Immune Responses between Children and Adults with COVID-19

Over 85590000 individuals have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Although there have been an increasing number of reports on coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),it is unclear why infected children show milder symptoms than adults.A retrospective case study was performed at two designated hospitals for COVID-19.Patients(56 children and 63 adults)with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild pneumonia were randomly enrolled in this study.The median age of the children was 7.0 years,and 51.79%of them were boys.The median age of the adults was 57 years,and 47.62%were men.The most common symptoms were fever,cough,sputum and diarrhoea.There were no significant differences in symptoms between children and adult patients.In terms of immunological indices on admission,adult patients displayed typical leukopenia and markedly higher levels of IL-2,IL-4,and IL-6 than child patients.The elevation of IL-2,IL-4 and IL-6 in adults induced more extensive lung injury.The effective and non-aggressive immune response successfully resisted SARS-CoV-2 invasion and maintained mild symptoms in child patients.The correlation of higher IL-2,IL-4,and IL-6 with the lung injury might be evidence that preventing excessive cytokine production can avoid further lung damage in these patients.

Dynamics of host immune responses to SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the most recent global health threat,is spreading throughout the world with worrisome speed,and the current wave of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)seems to have no mercy.While this mysterious virus challenges our ability to control viral infections,our opportunities to control the COVID-19 pandemic are gradually fading.Currently,pandemic management relies on preventive interventions.Although prevention is a good strategy to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission,it still cannot be considered an absolute solution to eliminate this pandemic.Currently,developing a potent immunity against this viral infection seems to be the most promising strategy to drive down this ongoing global tragedy.However,with the emergence of new challenges in the context of immune responses to COVID-19,the road to control this devastating pandemic seems bumpier;thus,it is pivotal to characterize the dynamics of host immune responses to COVID-19,in order to develop efficient prophylactic and therapeutic tools.This begs the question of whether the effector mechanisms of the immune system are indeed potent or a possible contributing factor to developing more severe and lethal forms of COVID-19.In this review,the possible role of the immunopathologic phenomena including antibody-dependent enhancement,cytokine storm,and original antigenic sin in severity and mortality of COVID-19 will be discussed.

Decitabine induces IRF7-mediated immune responses in p53-mutated triple-negative breast cancer:a clinical and translational study

p53 is mutated in half of cancer cases.However,no p53-targeting drugs have been approved.Here,we reposition decitabine for triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC),a subtype with frequent p53 mutations and extremely poor prognosis.In a retrospective study on tissue microarrays with 132 TNBC cases,DNMT1 overexpression was associated with p53 mutations(P=0.037)and poor overall survival(OS)(P=0.010).In a prospective DEciTabinE and Carboplatin in TNBC(DETECT)trial(NCT03295552),decitabine with carboplatin produced an objective response rate(ORR)of 42%in 12 patients with stage IV TNBC.Among the 9 trialed patients with available TP53 sequencing results,the 6 patients with p53 mutations had higher ORR(3/6 vs.0/3)and better OS(16.0 vs.4.0 months)than the patients with wild-type p53.In a mechanistic study,isogenic TNBC cell lines harboring DETECT-derived p53 mutations exhibited higher DNMT1 expression and decitabine sensitivity than the cell line with wild-type p53.In the DETECT trial,decitabine induced strong immune responses featuring the striking upregulation of the innate immune player IRF7 in the p53-mutated TNBC cell line(upregulation by 16-fold)and the most responsive patient with TNBC.Our integrative studies reveal the potential of repurposing decitabine for the treatment of p53-mutated TNBC and suggest IRF7 as a potential biomarker for decitabine-based treatments.

A pair of G-type lectin receptor-like kinases modulates nlp20-mediated immune responses by coupling to the RLP23 receptor complex

Plant cells recognize microbial patterns with the plasma-membrane-localized pattern-recognition receptors consisting mainly of receptor kinases(RKs) and receptor-like proteins(RLPs). RKs, such as bacterial flagellin receptor FLS2, and their downstream signaling components have been studied extensively. However, newly discovered regulatory components of RLP-mediated immune signaling, such as the nlp20 receptor RLP23, await identification. Unlike RKs, RLPs lack a cytoplasmic kinase domain, instead recruiting the receptor-like kinases(RLKs) BAK1 and SOBIR1. SOBIR1 specifically works as an adapter for RLP-mediated immunity. To identify new regulators of RLP-mediated signaling, we looked for SOBIR1-binding proteins(SBPs) in Arabidopsis thaliana using protein immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry,identifying two G-type lectin RLKs, SBP1 and SBP2, that physically interacted with SOBIR1.SBP1 and SBP2 showed high sequence similarity,were tandemly repeated on chromosome 4, and also interacted with both RLP23 and BAK1. sbp1 sbp2 double mutants obtained via CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing showed severely impaired nlp20-induced reactive oxygen species burst, mitogenactivated protein kinase(MAPK) activation, and defense gene expression, but normal flg22-induced immune responses. We showed that SBP1 regulated nlp20-induced immunity in a kinase activityindependent manner. Furthermore, the nlp20-induced the RLP23–BAK1 interaction, although not the flg22-induced FLS2–BAK1 interaction, was significantly reduced in sbp1 sbp2. This study identified SBPs as new regulatory components in RLP23 receptor complex that may specifically modulate RLP23-mediated immunity by positively regulating the interaction between the RLP23 receptor and the BAK1 co-receptor.

Probiotics: Shaping the gut immunological responses

Probiotics are live microorganisms exerting beneficial effects on the host’s health when administered in adequate amounts.Among the most popular and adequately studied probiotics are bacteria from the families Lactobacillaceae,Bifidobacteriaceae and yeasts.Most of them have been shown,both in vitro and in vivo studies of intestinal inflammation models,to provide favorable results by means of improving the gut microbiota composition,promoting the wound healing process and shaping the immunological responses.Chronic intestinal conditions,such as inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),are characterized by an imbalance in microbiota composition,with decreased diversity,and by relapsing and persisting inflammation,which may lead to mucosal damage.Although the results of the clinical studies investigating the effect of probiotics on patients with IBD are still controversial,it is without doubt that these microorganisms and their metabolites,now named postbiotics,have a positive influence on both the host’s microbiota and the immune system,and ultimately alter the topical tissue microenvironment.This influence is achieved through three axes:(1)By dis-placement of potential pathogens via competitive exclusion;(2)by offering protection to the host through the secretion of various defensive mediators;and(3)by supplying the host with essential nutrients.We will analyze and discuss almost all the in vitro and in vivo studies of the past 2 years dealing with the possible favorable effects of certain probiotic genus on gut immunological responses,highlighting which species are the most beneficial against intestinal inflammation.

Immune regulation of the gut-brain axis and lung-brain axis involved in ischemic stroke

Local ischemia often causes a series of inflammatory reactions when both brain immune cells and the peripheral immune response are activated.In the human body,the gut and lung are regarded as the key reactional targets that are initiated by brain ischemic attacks.Mucosal microorganisms play an important role in immune regulation and metabolism and affect blood-brain barrier permeability.In addition to the relationship between peripheral organs and central areas and the intestine and lung also interact among each other.Here,we review the molecular and cellular immune mechanisms involved in the pathways of inflammation across the gut-brain axis and lung-brain axis.We found that abnormal intestinal flora,the intestinal microenvironment,lung infection,chronic diseases,and mechanical ventilation can worsen the outcome of ischemic stroke.This review also introduces the influence of the brain on the gut and lungs after stroke,highlighting the bidirectional feedback effect among the gut,lungs,and brain.

Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccine enhanced immune responses in patients with chronic liver diseases

Chronic liver disease(CLD)entails elevated risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality.The effectiveness of the booster dose of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in stimulating antibody response in CLD patients is unclear.Therefore,we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 237 adult CLD patients and 170 healthy controls(HC)to analyze neutralizing antibodies(NAbs)against SARS-CoV-2 prototype and BA.4/5 variant,anti-receptor binding domain(RBD)IgG,and total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.Serum levels of the total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies,anti-RBD IgG and inhibition efficacy of NAbs were significantly elevated in CLD patients after the booster dose compared with the pre-booster dose,but were relatively lower than those of HCs.Induced humoral responses decreased over time after booster vaccination.The neutralization efficiency of the serum against BA.4/5 increased but remained below the inhibition threshold.All four SARS-CoV-2 antibodies,including total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies,anti-RBD IgG and NAbs against prototype and BA.4/5,were lower in patients with severe CLD than those with non-severe CLD.After booster shot,age and time after the last vaccine were the risk factors for seropositivity of NAb against BA.4/5 in CLD patients.Additionally,white blood cell counts and hepatitis B core antibodies were the protective factors,and severe liver disease was the risk factor associated with seropositivity of total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.Overall,our data uncovered that antibody responses were improved in CLD patients and peaked at 120 days after the booster vaccines.All antibodies excepting total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies declined after peak.CLD patients exhibited impaired immunologic responses to vaccination and weakened NAbs against BA.4/5,which hindered the protective effect of the booster shot against Omicron prevalence.Cellular immune responses should be further evaluated to determine the optimal vaccine regimen for CLD patients.

Mucosal immune responses in the lung during respiratory infection:The organization and regulation of iBALT structure

The local immune defenses of respiratory system play a crucial role in safeguarding against pathogens and eliminating infected cells.In this article,we review the current knowledge regarding the establishment and regulation of local im-mune responses within the lungs,with a particular focus on the formation of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue(iBALT),which has demonstrated a capacity to mount protective immune responses against several pathogens,including influenza virus,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV)/SARS-CoV-2,and Mycobacte-rium tuberculosis(Mtb).Furthermore,we explore the development and regulation of long-term immune memory within the lungs,which may be facilitated by iBALT.This review aims to provide a summary of potential targets within iBALT for pathogen defense and vaccine design.

Immune consequences of exercise in hypoxia:A narrative review

Immune outcomes are key mediators of many health benefits of exercise and are determined by exercise type,dose(frequency/duration,intensity),and individual characteristics.Similarly,reduced availability of ambient oxygen(hypoxia)modulates immune functions depending on the hypoxic dose and the individual capacity to respond to hypoxia.How combined exercise and hypoxia(e.g.,high-altitude training)sculpts immune responses is not well understood,although such combinations are becoming increasingly popular.Therefore,in this paper,we summarize the impact on immune responses of exercise and of hypoxia,both independently and together,with a focus on specialized cells in the innate and adaptive immune system.We review the regulation of the immune system by tissue oxygen levels and the overlapping and distinct immune responses related to exercise and hypoxia,then we discuss how they may be modulated by nutritional strategies.Mitochondrial,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory mechanisms underlie many of the adaptations that can lead to improved cellular metabolism,resilience,and overall immune functions by regulating the survival,differentiation,activation,and migration of immune cells.This review shows that exercise and hypoxia can impair or complement/synergize with each other while regulating immune system functions.Appropriate acclimatization,training,and nutritional strategies can be used to avoid risks and tap into the synergistic potentials of the poorly studied immune consequences of exercising in a hypoxic state.

Effect of dietary supplement of inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum Ep-M 17 on growth performance,immune response,disease resistance,and intestinal microbiota in Penaeus vannamei

Our previous study found that feeding with Lactobacillus plantarum Ep-M17 could effectively affect the growth performance,immune response,and gut microbiota of Penaeus vannamei.However,high temperature and pressure during feed pelletizing is the main problem that can lead to a decrease in the activity of probiotics or cause their inactivation.Further investigation needs to investigate whether inactivated Ep-M17 can exert similar effects as live Ep-M17.Therefore,we evaluated the effects of inactivated L.plantarum Ep-M17 on growth performance,immune response,disease resistance,and gut microbiota in P.vannamei.Results show that adding inactivated Ep-M17 to the feed also promoted body weight gain and increased relative immune protection in shrimp.Also,histological examination revealed that the administration of inactivated Ep-M17 led to improvements in the density and distribution of microvilli in the intestines and enhancements in the abundance of B and R cells in the hepatopancreas.Additionally,the inactivated Ep-M17 supplementation resulted in increased activity levels of nutrient immune-related enzymes in both the shrimp hepatopancreas and intestines.Moreover,it stimulated the expression of Lvlec,PEN-3a,Crustin,LGBP,Lysozyme,and proPo genes in both the hepatopancreas and intestines.Furthermore,the inactivated Ep-M17 also increased bacterial diversity in the gut of shrimp and promoted the abundance of specific flora,facilitating the host organism’s metabolism and immunity to improve the disease resistance of shrimp.Therefore,supplementation of inactivated L.plantarum Ep-M17 in shrimp diets can exert similar effects as live L.plantarum Ep-M17 effectively improving growth performance,gut microbiota,immune response,and disease resistance in P.vannamei.

Immune response to inactivated bacterial vector carrying the recombinant K39 antigen of Leishmania infantum in mice

Objective:To evaluate the immunological response elicited by an inactivated bacterial vector carrying the K39 antigen of Leishmania infantum,and a purified antigen.Methods:Mice were subjected to the following treatments:(1)Purified recombinant K39(rK39)protein at a 20μg dose with complete Freund’s adjuvant;(2)Inactivated Escherichia coli(BL21 DE3)carrying the K39 protein at an equivalent total protein content of 200μg;(3)Inactivated bacteria lacking the K39 protein;(4)Non-immunized control animals.Serological monitoring was performed.All groups were challenged by intraperitoneal injection of 10^(7) Leishmania infantum promastigotes.After euthanasia,the liver and spleen were collected to analyze the levels of TNF,IFN-γ,IL-12,IL-4,and IL-10.Results:Mice immunized with purified rK39 or the inactivated bacterial vector carrying the K39 antigen of Leishmania infantum showed a long-lasting immune response with high levels of polyclonal antibodies specifically recognizing the recombinant proteins.The IgG1 subclass was the predominant immunoglobulin;however,the induction of IgG2a and the profile of cytokines produced were indicative of the induction of a mixed-type response.Conclusions:The inactivated bacterial vector carrying the K39 antigen,as well as the purified antigen can induce a long-lasting immune response in immunized mice,predominantly favouring a Th2 profile response.

Effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth on immune response and gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice

With the rise of probiotics fermentation in food industry,fermented foods have attracted worldwide attention.In this study,protective effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth(REFB)on immune function and gut health in Cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed mice were investigated.Results showed that REFB could improve the immune organ index,and promote the proliferation and differentiation of splenic T lymphocytes.In addition,it attenuated intestinal mucosal damage and improved intestinal cellular immunity.REFB administration also up-regulated the expression of IL-4,INF-γ,TNF-α,T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA in small intestine.Furthermore,administration of REFB modulated gut microbiota composition and increased the relative abundance of beneficial genus,such as Bacteroides.It also increased the production of fecal short-chain fatty acids.These indicate that REFB has the potential to improve immunity,alleviate intestinal injury and regulate gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice.

Inflammation: Complexity and significance of cellular and molecular responses

Inflammation is a multifaceted cellular and molecular response triggered by injury,infection,or various pathological conditions.Serving as a protective defense mechanism,the inflammatory response involves clinical signs like redness,swelling,pain,and increased body temperature.Immune cells,notably neutrophils and macrophages,play key roles in orchestrating this response.The delicate balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators,including cytokines and chemokines,regulates the inflammatory cascade.While acute inflammation is crucial for tissue repair,chronic inflammation may indicate an imbalance,contributing to conditions like autoimmune diseases.Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing therapeutic strategies and managing chronic diseases.

Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice by regulating Th2 type immune response and reducing infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells

Background:This study aimed to assess how acupoint catgut-embedding therapy influences Th2-type immune response and the infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice.It also conducted an initial examination of the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:Seventy-two mice were randomly divided into four groups:normal control,DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model(AD),AD with acupoint catgut-embedding treatment(ADA),and AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment.After DNCB challenge to induce AD,the ADA group received acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment at Zusanli(ST 36)and Quchi(LI 11)acupoints every other week from day 8.Mice in the AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment group underwent the same procedure as the ADA group but without catgut implantation.Severity was assessed using SCORAD on treatment days 1,10,and 20.On day 18,nine mice per group were euthanized,and the remaining on day 28.Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining.TNF-α,IL-4,IL-6,and IL-13 levels were analyzed by ELISA,and GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels by western blot.Results:After 20 days of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment,mice showed reduced dermatitis scores compared to DNCB-induced AD-like mice.Significant decreases occurred in serum IL-4,IL-6,IL-13,and TNF-αlevels.Skin analysis revealed marked reductions in CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cell infiltration,as well as GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels.Conclusion:Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy may effectively alleviate atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th2 immune responses via the STAT6-GATA3 pathway and reducing CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)T cell infiltration in skin lesions.