HIGH LEVELS OF MYELIN ANTIGEN AUTOREACTIVE T CELL RESPONSES IN BLOOD AND CEREBROSPINAL FLUID IN PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

The participation of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of dementia of Alzheimer type (AD) has been suggested. We examined T cell responses to myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) using an enzyme linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay by enumerating mononuclear cells (MNC) that in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) secreted the cytokine interferon γ (IFN γ) spontaneously and after short time culture of the cells in presence of MBP or PLP. These myelin components are supposed to induce autoaggressive immunity in multiple sclerosis. MBP and PLP reactive IFN γ secreting cells were detected in patients with AD and, for comparison, in patients with other non inflammatory neurological diseases(OND) and patients with tension type headache (TH). Elevated levels of MBP and PLP reactive IFN γ secreting cells were found in blood in AD patients compared to OND and TH, such cells in AD patients were further enriched in CSF. Levels of MBP reactive as well as spontaneously IFN γ secreting cells in CSF were about 180 fold and 250 fold higher than in blood of AD patients, and also higher than the corresponding data in OND(30 fold and 20 fold) and in TH (120 fold and 20 fold). It is unclear whether the autoreactive T cell responses to MBP and PLP, especially accumulated in CSF, have any importance for the pathogenesis of AD.

EXPRESSION OF T CELL RECEPTOR V _α GENE FAMILIES IN INTRATHYROIDAL T CELLS OF CHINESE PATIENTS WITH GRAVES’ DISEASE

Patients with Graves’ disease (GD) have marked lymphocytic infiltration in their thyroid glands We examined the gene for the variable regions of the α chain of the Chinese T cell receptor(V α gene) in intrathyroidal T cells to determine the role of T cells in the pathogenesis of GD and offer potential for the development of immunotherapeutic remedies for GD Methods. We used the reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction(RT PCR) to amplify complementary DNA(cDNA) for the 18 known families of the V α gene in intrathyroidal T cells from 5 patients with Graves’ disease The findings were compared with the results of peripheral blood T cells in the same patients as well as those in normal subjects Results. We found that marked restriction in the expression of T cell receptor V α genes by T cells from the thyroid tissue of Chinese patients with GD(P<0 001) An average of only 4 6±1 52 of the 18 V α genes were expressed in such samples, as compared with 10 4±2 30V α genes expressed in peripheral blood T cells from the same patients The pattern of expressed V α genes differed from patient to patient with no clear predominance Conclusions. Expression of intrathyroidal T cell receptor V α genes in GD is highly restricted suggesting the primacy of T cells in causing the disorders

THE ROLE OF VCAM-1/VLA-4 IN THE ACTIVATION OF ALLOGENIC T CELLS BY MURINE MACROPHAGES

This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China.No. (39730420). ** To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.This is one of papers of the special issue on gene therapy research (Chin J Cancer Res Vol. 9 No. 4 December, 1997). Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM 1) is a member of immunoglobulin superfamily. The principal ligand for VCAM 1 is integrin α4β1/VLA 4 (very late antigen 4). It was reported that VCAM 1 was expressed on macrophages and dendritic cells, but little is known about its function on these professional antigen pre senting cells (APC). The present study was performed to investigate the expression of VCAM 1 on macrophages and the role of VCAM 1/VLA 4 in the activation of allogenic T cells by murine macrophages. We analyzed VCAM 1 expression on peritoneal macrophages and macrophage cell line J774A.1 by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Using neutralizing antibodies, we further analyzed the role of VCAM 1/VLA 4 interaction in macrophage and allogenic T cell mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). We found that VCAM 1 was consti tutively expressed on macrophages and its expression level was upregulated by soluble tumor associated antigen (freeze thaw lysates of FBL 3 leukemia cells) and TNF α. In MLR assays, we observed that blocking VCAM 1/VLA 4 interaction with anti VCAM 1 or anti VLA 4 mAbs caused significant inhibition of the proliferative response and IL 2 production. These results suggest that VCAM 1on macrophages not only facilitates the cell to cell contact through adhesive interaction but also plays a role in the costimulation of T cells via its interaction with VLA 4 on the T cells.

T cell interactions with microglia in immune-inflammatory processes of ischemic stroke

The primary mechanism of secondary injury after cerebral ischemia may be the brain inflammation that emerges after an ischemic stroke,which promotes neuronal death and inhibits nerve tissue regeneration.As the first immune cells to be activated after an ischemic stroke,microglia play an important immunomodulatory role in the progression of the condition.After an ischemic stroke,peripheral blood immune cells(mainly T cells)are recruited to the central nervous system by chemokines secreted by immune cells in the brain,where they interact with central nervous system cells(mainly microglia)to trigger a secondary neuroimmune response.This review summarizes the interactions between T cells and microglia in the immune-inflammatory processes of ischemic stroke.We found that,during ischemic stroke,T cells and microglia demonstrate a more pronounced synergistic effect.Th1,Th17,and M1 microglia can co-secrete proinflammatory factors,such as interferon-γ,tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-1β,to promote neuroinflammation and exacerbate brain injury.Th2,Treg,and M2 microglia jointly secrete anti-inflammatory factors,such as interleukin-4,interleukin-10,and transforming growth factor-β,to inhibit the progression of neuroinflammation,as well as growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor to promote nerve regeneration and repair brain injury.Immune interactions between microglia and T cells influence the direction of the subsequent neuroinflammation,which in turn determines the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients.Clinical trials have been conducted on the ways to modulate the interactions between T cells and microglia toward anti-inflammatory communication using the immunosuppressant fingolimod or overdosing with Treg cells to promote neural tissue repair and reduce the damage caused by ischemic stroke.However,such studies have been relatively infrequent,and clinical experience is still insufficient.In summary,in ischemic stroke,T cell subsets and activated microglia act synergistically to regulate inflammatory progression,mainly by secreting inflammatory factors.In the future,a key research direction for ischemic stroke treatment could be rooted in the enhancement of anti-inflammatory factor secretion by promoting the generation of Th2 and Treg cells,along with the activation of M2-type microglia.These approaches may alleviate neuroinflammation and facilitate the repair of neural tissues.

Primary duodenal T/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma complicated with obstructive jaundice:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND T/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma(T/HRBCL)is a highly aggressive subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma characterized histologically by the presence of a few neoplastic large B cells amidst an abundant background of reactive T lymphocytes and/or histiocytes.T/HRBCL commonly affects the lymph nodes,followed by extranodal sites,such as the spleen,liver,and bone marrow,with rare occurrences in the gastrointestinal tract.Primary gastrointestinal T/HRBCL lacks specific clinical and endoscopic manifestations,and it is difficult to differentiate from inflammatory diseases,nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma,and other diseases on a histological basis,thereby hindering early diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old man was hospitalized with a one-month history of jaundice and weight loss of approximately 3 kg.Laboratory tests revealed increased hepatic parameters in a cholestatic pattern and elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels.An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a low-density mass within the descending duodenum and dilation of the bile and pancreatic ducts.He was clinically diagnosed with a duodenal tumor.During surgery,a 7.0 cm×8.0 cm mass was identified within the descending duodenum,so pancreaticoduodenectomy and cholecystectomy were performed.Following operative biopsy,the tumor was diagnosed as primary duodenal T/HRBCL.The patient refused postoperative chemotherapy and died four months after surgery.CONCLUSION Primary duodenal T/HRBCL is an extremely rare and highly aggressive malignancy.The initial treatment strategies should be based on the original site of the tumor,the disease stage,and the patient's physical condition.Chemotherapy-based comprehensive treatment is still the main treatment method for primary gastrointestinal T/HRBCL.

盐酸青藤碱抑制急性T淋巴细胞白血病CEM细胞株的作用及转录组学分析

背景:盐酸青藤碱有抗多种肿瘤的作用,但目前尚不清楚盐酸青藤碱对急性T淋巴细胞白血病的作用。目的:探讨盐酸青藤碱对急性T淋巴细胞白血病CEM细胞的抑制作用。方法:应用不同浓度(0.5,1,2,4 mmol/L)盐酸青藤碱处理CEM细胞,CCK-8检测细胞增殖抑制率并计算IC50;倒置显微镜和吉姆萨染色观察CEM细胞形态变化;利用RNA-Seq测序分析差异基因表达并进行生物信息学分析。结合转录组测序结果,流式细胞术检测不同浓度(1,2,4 mmol/L)盐酸青藤碱作用后CEM细胞凋亡率;Western blot检测不同浓度(1,2,4 mmol/L)盐酸青藤碱作用后CEM细胞中Bcl-2、Bax、Caspase-9蛋白的表达。结果与结论:①盐酸青藤碱呈剂量和时间依赖性地抑制CEM细胞生长;②盐酸青藤碱干预后CEM细胞数量下降,核固缩;③RNA-seq测序筛出53个异常表达基因,基因本体分析主要富集在细胞过程、细胞解剖实体与粘连关系等,信号通路分析与肿瘤相关的是细胞凋亡;④盐酸青藤碱呈剂量依赖性地促进CEM细胞凋亡;⑤盐酸青藤碱上调CEM细胞中Bax、Caspase-9蛋白表达,下调Bcl-2蛋白表达。由此可见,盐酸青藤碱可诱导CEM细胞凋亡从而抑制细胞增殖,可能与其上调Bax和Caspase-9蛋白表达,以及下调Bcl-2蛋白表达有关。

系统性红斑狼疮患者血清miR-125b-5p水平与Th1/Th2细胞、Th17/Treg细胞失衡的相关性

目的探讨系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者血清微小核糖核酸-125b-5p(miR-125b-5p)水平与辅助性T细胞(Th)1/Th2、Th17/调节性T细胞(Treg)失衡的相关性。方法选取2021年1月至2023年1月该院收治的88例SLE患者作为SLE组,另选取同期在该院体检的29例体检健康者作为对照组。SLE组根据疾病活动程度分为轻度组、中度组和重度组。检测所有研究对象血清miR-125b-5p水平和外周血Th1、Th2、Th17、Treg细胞比例。采用Spearman相关分析SLE患者血清miR-125b-5p水平与SLE疾病活动程度之间的相关性,外周血Th1、Th2、Th17、Treg细胞比例及Th1/Th2细胞、Th17/Treg细胞比值与SLE疾病活动程度之间的相关性。采用Pearson相关分析SLE患者血清miR-125b-5p水平与外周血Th1、Th2、Th17、Treg细胞比例及Th1/Th2细胞比值、Th17/Treg细胞比值之间的相关性。结果SLE组血清miR-125b-5p水平及外周血Th2、Treg细胞比例均低于对照组(P<0.05),外周血Th1、Th17细胞比例和Th1/Th2细胞、Th17/Treg细胞比值均高于对照组(P<0.05)。SLE患者轻度组35例、中度组30例、重度组23例。血清miR-125b-5p和外周血Th2、Treg细胞比例表现为轻度组>中度组>重度组,外周血Th1、Th17细胞比例和Th1/Th2细胞、Th17/Tre细胞比值表现为轻度组<中度组<重度组,且任意两组间比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Spearman相关分析结果显示,SLE患者血清miR-125b-5p水平与SLE疾病活动程度呈负相关(r=-0.811,P<0.001),外周血Th1、Th17细胞比例及Th1/Th2细胞、Th17/Treg细胞比值与SLE疾病活动程度呈正相关(r=0.728、0.786、0.812、0.808,P<0.001),外周血Th2、Treg细胞比例与SLE疾病活动程度呈负相关(r=-0.811、-0.723,P<0.001)。Pearson相关分析结果显示,SLE患者血清miR-125b-5p水平与外周血Th1、Th17细胞比例及Th1/Th2细胞、Th17/Treg细胞比值呈负相关(r=-0.801、-0.781、-0.816、-0.819,P<0.001),与外周血Th2、Treg细胞比例呈正相关(r=0.845、0.812,P<0.001)。结论SLE患者血清miR-125b-5p水平降低,能通过调节Th1/Th2细胞、Th17/Treg细胞平衡参与SLE的发生、发展。

Subpopulations of regulatory T cells are associated with subclinical atherosclerotic plaques,levels of LDL,and cardiorespiratory fitness in the elderly

Background:Atherosclerosis forms the pathological basis for the development of cardiovascular disease.Since pathological processes initially develop without clinically relevant symptoms,the identification of early markers in the subclinical stage plays an important role for initiating early interventions.There is evidence that regulatory T cells(Tregs)are involved in the development of atherosclerosis.Therefore,the present study aimed to identify and investigate associations with Tregs and their subsets in a cohort of healthy elderly individuals with and without subclinical atherosclerotic plaques(SAP).In addition,various lifestyle and risk factors,such as cardiorespiratory fitness,were investigated as associated signatures.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed in 79 participants(male:n=50;age=63.6±3.7 years;body mass index=24.9±3.1 kg/m2;mean±SD)who had no previous diagnosis of chronic disease and were not taking medication.Ultrasound of the carotids to identify SAP,cardiovascular function measurement for vascular assessment and a cardiorespiratory fitness test to determine peak oxygen uptake were performed.Additionally,tests were conducted to assess blood lipids and determine glucose levels.Immunophenotyping of Tregs and their subtypes(resting(rTregs)and effector/memory(mTregs))was performed by 8-chanel flow cytometry.Participants were categorized according to atherosclerotic plaque status.Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between parameters.Results:SAP was detected in a total of 29 participants.The participants with plaque were older(64.8±3.6 years vs.62.9±3.5 years)and had higher peripheral systolic blood pressure(133.8±14.7 mmHg vs.125.8±10.9 mmHg).The participants with SAP were characterized by a lower percentage of rTregs(28.8%±10.7%vs.34.6%±10.7%)and a higher percentage of mTregs(40.3%±14.7%vs.30.0%±11.9%).Multiple logistic regression identified age(odds ratio(OR)=1.20(95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.011.42))and mTregs(OR=1.05(95%CI:1.021.10))as independent risk factors for SAP.Stepwise linear regression could reveal an association of peak oxygen uptake(β=0.441),low-density lipoprotein(LDL)(β=0.096),and SAP(β=6.733)with mTregs and LDL(β=0.104)with rTregs.Conclusion:While at an early stage of SAP,the total proportion of Tregs gives no indication of vascular changes,this is indicated by a shift in the Treg subgroups.Factors such as serum LDL or cardiopulmonary fitness may be associated with this shift and may also be additional diagnostic indicators.This could be used to initiate lifestyle-based preventive measures at an early stage,which may have a protective effect against disease progression.

Imbalance of Circulating Follicular Regulatory and Follicular Helper T Cell Subpopulations Is Associated with Disease Progression and Serum CYFRA 21-1 Levels in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective This study aimed to investigate the changes of follicular helper T(TFH)and follicular regulatory T(TFR)cell subpopulations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and their significance.Methods Peripheral blood was collected from 58 NSCLC patients at different stages and 38 healthy controls.Flow cytometry was used to detect TFH cell subpopulation based on programmed death 1(PD-1)and inducible co-stimulator(ICOS),and TFR cell subpopulation based on cluster determinant 45RA(CD45RA)and forkhead box protein P3(FoxP3).The levels of interleukin-10(IL-10),interleukin-17a(IL-17a),interleukin-21(IL-21),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in the plasma were measured,and changes in circulating B cell subsets and plasma IgG levels were also analyzed.The correlation between serum cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1(CYFRA 21-1)levels and TFH,TFR,or B cell subpopulations was further explored.Results The TFR/TFH ratio increased significantly in NSCLC patients.The CD45RA^(+)FoxP3^(int) TFR subsets were increased,with their proportions increasing in stages Ⅱ to Ⅲ and decreasing in stage IV.PD-1^(+)ICOS+TFH cells showed a downward trend with increasing stages.Plasma IL-21 and TGF-β concentrations were increased in NSCLC patients compared with healthy controls.Plasmablasts,plasma IgG levels,and CD45RA^(+)FoxP3^(int) TFR cells showed similar trends.TFH numbers and plasmablasts were positively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stages Ⅰ-Ⅲ and negatively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stage IV.Conclusion Circulating TFH and TFR cell subpopulations and plasmablasts dynamically change in different stages of NSCLC,which is associated with serum CYFRA 21-1 levels and reflects disease progression.

Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

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.

Predicting the Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Response of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Constructing a Prognostic Model Based on CD8+T Cell-Related Immune Genes

Objective Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)poses a significant challenge for treatment efficacy.CD8+T cells,which are pivotal immune cells,can be effectively analyzed for differential gene expression across diverse cell populations owing to rapid advancements in sequencing technology.By leveraging these genes,our objective was to develop a prognostic model that accurately predicts the prognosis of patients with TNBC and their responsiveness to immunotherapy.Methods Sample information and clinical data of TNBC were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas and METABRIC databases.In the initial stage,we identified 67 differentially expressed genes associated with immune response in CD8+T cells.Subsequently,we narrowed our focus to three key genes,namely CXCL13,GBP2,and GZMB,which were used to construct a prognostic model.The accuracy of the model was assessed using the validation set data and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Furthermore,we employed various methods,including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway,immune infiltration,and correlation analyses with CD274(PD-L1)to explore the model's predictive efficacy in immunotherapeutic responses.Additionally,we investigated the potential underlying biological pathways that contribute to divergent treatment responses.Results We successfully developed a model capable of predicting the prognosis of patients with TNBC.The areas under the curve(AUC)values for the 1-,3-,and 5-year survival predictions were 0.618,0.652,and 0.826,respectively.Employing this risk model,we stratified the samples into high-and low-risk groups.Through KEGG enrichment analysis,we observed that the high-risk group predominantly exhibited enrichment in metabolism-related pathways such as drug and chlorophyll metabolism,whereas the low-risk group demonstrated significant enrichment in cytokine pathways.Furthermore,immune landscape analysis revealed noteworthy variations between(PD-L1)expression and risk scores,indicating that our model effectively predicted the response of patients to immune-based treatments.Conclusion Our study demonstrates the potential of CXCL13,GBP2,and GZMB as prognostic indicators of clinical outcomes and immunotherapy responses in patients with TNBC.These findings provide valuable insights and novel avenues for developing immunotherapeutic approaches targeting TNBC.

Regulatory T cells in skin regeneration and wound healing

As the body’s integumentary system,the skin is vulnerable to injuries.The subsequent wound healing processes aim to restore dermal and epidermal integrity and functionality.To this end,multiple tissue-resident cells and recruited immune cells cooperate to efficiently repair the injured tissue.Such temporally-and spatially-coordinated interplay necessitates tight regulation to prevent collateral damage such as overshooting immune responses and excessive inflammation.In this context,regulatory T cells(Tregs)hold a key role in balancing immune homeostasis and mediating cutaneous wound healing.A comprehensive understanding of Tregs’multifaceted field of activity may help decipher wound pathologies and,ultimately,establish new treatment modalities.Herein,we review the role of Tregs in orchestrating the regeneration of skin adnexa and catalyzing healthy wound repair.Further,we discuss how Tregs operate during fibrosis,keloidosis,and scarring.

Revolutionizing tumor immunotherapy:unleashing the power of progenitor exhausted T cells

In exploring persistent infections and malignancies, a distinctive subgroup of CD8^(+) T cells, progenitor exhausted CD8^(+) T(Tpex) cells, has been identified. These Tpex cells are notable for their remarkable self-renewal and rapid proliferation abilities. Recent strides in immunotherapy have demonstrated that Tpex cells expand and differentiate into responsive exhausted CD8^(+) T cells, thus underscoring their critical role in the immunotherapeutic retort. Clinical examinations have further clarified a robust positive correlation between the proportional abundance of Tpex cells and enhanced clinical prognosis. Tpex cells have found noteworthy applications in the formulation of inventive immunotherapeutic approaches against tumors. This review describes the functions of Tpex cells in the tumor milieu, particularly their potential utility in tumor immunotherapy. Precisely directing Tpex cells may be essential to achieving successful outcomes in immunotherapy against tumors.

Cellular strategies to induce immune tolerance after liver transplantation:Clinical perspectives

Liver transplantation(LT)has become the most efficient treatment for pediatric and adult end-stage liver disease and the survival time after transplantation is becoming longer due to the development of surgical techniques and perioperative management.However,long-term side-effects of immunosuppressants,like infection,metabolic disorders and malignant tumor are gaining more attention.Immune tolerance is the status in which LT recipients no longer need to take any immunosuppressants,but the liver function and intrahepatic histology maintain normal.The approaches to achieve immune tolerance after transplantation include spontaneous,operational and induced tolerance.The first two means require no specific intervention but withdrawing immunosuppressant gradually during follow-up.No clinical factors or biomarkers so far could accurately predict who are suitable for immunosuppressant withdraw after transplantation.With the understanding to the underlying mechanisms of immune tolerance,many strategies have been developed to induce tolerance in LT recipients.Cellular strategy is one of the most promising methods for immune tolerance induction,including chimerism induced by hematopoietic stem cells and adoptive transfer of regulatory immune cells.The safety and efficacy of various cell products have been evaluated by prospective preclinical and clinical trials,while obstacles still exist before translating into clinical practice.Here,we will summarize the latest perspectives and concerns on the clinical application of cellular strategies in LT recipients.

Tumor-derived DEFB1 induces immune tolerance by inhibiting maturation of dendritic cell and impairing CD8+T cell function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Objective:CD8+T cells are the key effector cells in the anti-tumor immune response.The mechanism underlying the infiltration of CD8+T cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)has not been clearly elucidated.Methods:Fresh ESCC tissues were collected and grouped according to the infiltration density of CD8+T cells.After the transcriptome sequencing on these samples and the combined analyses with The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)ESCC data,a secreted protein DEFB1 was selected to explore its potential role in the infiltration of CD8+T cells.Bioinformatics analyses,histological verification and in vitro experiments were then performed.Results:DEFB1 was highly expressed in ESCC,and the high expression of DEFB1 was an independent risk factor for overall survival.Since the up-regulation or down-regulation of DEFB1 did not affect the proliferation,migration and apoptosis of ESCC cells,we speculated that the oncogenic effect of DEFB1 was achieved by regulating microenvironmental characteristics.Bioinformatics analyses suggested that DEFB1 might play a major role in the inflammatory response and anti-tumor immune response,and correlate to the infiltration of immature dendritic cell(imDC)in ESCC.Histological analyses further confirmed that there were less CD8+T cells infiltrated,less CD83+mature DC(mDC)infiltrated and more CD1a+imDC infiltrated in those ESCC samples with high expression of DEFB1.After the treatment with recombinant DEFB1 protein,the maturation of DC was hindered significantly,followed by the impairment of the killing effects of T cells in both 2D and 3D culture in vitro.Conclusions:Tumor-derived DEFB1 can inhibit the maturation of DC and weaken the function of CD8+T cells,accounting for the immune tolerance in ESCC.The role of DEFB1 in ESCC deserves further exploration.

Comprehensive Understanding of Immune Cells in The Pathogenesis of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is the most common chronic liver disease,defined by several phases,ranging from benign fat accumulation to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),which can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis.Although NAFLD is a disease of disordered metabolism,it also involves several immune cell-mediated inflammatory processes,either promoting and/or suppressing hepatocyte inflammation through the secretion of pro-inflammatory and/or anti-inflammatory factors to influence the NAFLD process.However,the underlying disease mechanism and the role of immune cells in NAFLD are still under investigation,leaving many open-ended questions.In this review,we presented the recent concepts about the interplay of immune cells in the onset and pathogenesis of NAFLD.We also highlighted the specific non-immune cells exhibiting immunological properties of therapeutic significance in NAFLD.We hope that this review will help guide the development of future NAFLD therapeutics.

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.

Efficacy of acupoint injection in the treatment of chronic eczema and its influence on peripheral blood T cells

BACKGROUND Chronic eczema significantly impacts daily life,social interactions,and quality of life;however,no curative treatment has been identified.AIM To determine the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection for chronic eczema and its influence on peripheral blood T cells.METHODS Eighty patients with chronic eczema treated at our hospital between June 2022 and March 2023 were randomly assigned to a control group(n=40),which received conventional Western medicine treatment,or an observation group(n=40),which received routine Western medicine treatment plus acupoint injection of triamcinolone acetonide.Response and adverse reaction rates,as well as differences in the levels of serum cytokines IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4,and IL-10 before and after treatment were investigated.RESULTS No difference in overall response rates were found between the observation and control groups(100%vs 90%,respectively;P>0.05);however,the observation group had a higher marked response rate than the control group(87.5%vs 52.5%;P<0.05).Both groups had decreased Eczema Area and Severity Index scores and increased pruritus after treatment(P<0.05),particularly in the observation group(P<0.05).The observation group had an adverse reaction rate of 2.5%(1/40),which did not differ significantly from that of the control group(P>0.05).The observation group exhibited higher post-treatment INF-γand IL-2 but lower IL-4 levels than the control group(P<0.05);however,no significant inter-group difference was observed in post-treatment IL-10 levels(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Acupoint injection of triamcinolone acetonide is safe and effective in treating chronic eczema.Its therapeutic mechanism is related to the regulation of peripheral blood T cell levels,inhibition of inflammatory reactions,and mitigation of immune imbalance.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of precision T-Cell Receptors (TCRs) in targeting KRAS G12D cancer through in vitro development

Objectives:The Kirsten rat sarcoma virus(KRAS)G12D oncogenic mutation poses a significant challenge in treating solid tumors due to the lack of specific and effective therapeutic interventions.This study aims to explore innovative approaches in T cell receptor(TCR)engineering and characterization to target the KRAS G12D7-16 mutation,providing potential strategies for overcoming this therapeutic challenge.Methods:In this innovative study,we engineered and characterized two T cell receptors(TCRs),KDA11-01 and KDA11-02 with high affinity for the KRAS G12D7-16 mutation.These TCRs were isolated from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs)derived from tumor tissues of patients with the KRAS G12D mutation.We assessed their specificity and anti-tumor activity in vitro using various cancer cell lines.Results:KDA11-01 and KDA11-02 demonstrated exceptional specificity for the HLA-A*11:01-restricted KRAS G12D7-16 epitope,significantly inducing IFN-γrelease and eliminating tumor cells without cross-reactivity or alloreactivity.Conclusions:The successful development of KDA11-01 and KDA11-02 introduces a novel and precise TCR-based therapeutic strategy against KRAS G12D mutation,showing potential for significant advancements in cancer immunotherapy.