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.

Action of circulating and infiltrating B cells in the immune microenvironment of colorectal cancer by single-cell sequencing analysis

BACKGROUND The complexity of the immune microenvironment has an impact on the treatment of colorectal cancer(CRC),one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide.In this study,multi-omics and single-cell sequencing techniques were used to investigate the mechanism of action of circulating and infiltrating B cells in CRC.By revealing the heterogeneity and functional differences of B cells in cancer immunity,we aim to deepen our understanding of immune regulation and provide a scientific basis for the development of more effective cancer treatment strategies.AIM To explore the role of circulating and infiltrating B cell subsets in the immune microenvironment of CRC,explore the potential driving mechanism of B cell development,analyze the interaction between B cells and other immune cells in the immune microenvironment and the functions of communication molecules,and search for possible regulatory pathways to promote the anti-tumor effects of B cells.METHODS A total of 69 paracancer(normal),tumor and peripheral blood samples were collected from 23 patients with CRC from The Cancer Genome Atlas database(https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov/).After the immune cells were sorted by multicolor flow cytometry,the single cell transcriptome and B cell receptor group library were sequenced using the 10X Genomics platform,and the data were analyzed using bioinformatics tools such as Seurat.The differences in the number and function of B cell infiltration between tumor and normal tissue,the interaction between B cell subsets and T cells and myeloid cell subsets,and the transcription factor regulatory network of B cell subsets were explored and analyzed.RESULTS Compared with normal tissue,the infiltrating number of CD20+B cell subsets in tumor tissue increased significantly.Among them,germinal center B cells(GCB)played the most prominent role,with positive clone expansion and heavy chain mutation level increasing,and the trend of differentiation into memory B cells increased.However,the number of plasma cells in the tumor microenvironment decreased significantly,and the plasma cells secreting IgA antibodies decreased most obviously.In addition,compared with the immune microenvironment of normal tissues,GCB cells in tumor tissues became more closely connected with other immune cells such as T cells,and communication molecules that positively regulate immune function were significantly enriched.CONCLUSION The role of GCB in CRC tumor microenvironment is greatly enhanced,and its affinity to tumor antigen is enhanced by its significantly increased heavy chain mutation level.Meanwhile,GCB has enhanced its association with immune cells in the microenvironment,which plays a positive anti-tumor effect.

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.

Decreased LDHB expression in breast tumor cells causes NK cell activation and promotes tumor progression

Objective: Abnormal metabolism is the underlying reason for breast cancer progression. Decreased lactate dehydrogenase B(LDHB) has been detected in breast cancer but the function of LDHB remains unknown.Methods: Western blot was used to analyze LDHB expression in breast cancer cells. The impact of LDHB on tumor cell migration and invasion was determined using Transwell assays, wound healing assays, and a mouse lung metastasis model. Subcutaneous tumor formation, a natural killer(NK) cell cytotoxicity assay, and flow cytometry evaluated NK cell activation. Immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time PCR detected NK cell activation markers. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated the effect of immune cell infiltration on prognosis. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis determined NK cell activation scores. A support vector machine predicted the role of LDHB in NK cell activation.Results: In this study we showed that LDHB inhibits the breast cancer cell metastasis and orchestrates metabolic reprogramming within tumor cells. Our results revealed that LDHB-mediated lactic acid clearance in breast cancer cells triggers NK cell activation within the tumor microenvironment. Our findings, which were confirmed in a murine model, demonstrated that LDHB in tumor cells promotes NK cell activation and ultimately results in the eradication of malignant cells. Clinically, our study further validated that LDHB affects immune cell infiltration and function. Specifically, its expression has been linked to enhanced NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and improved patient survival. Furthermore, we identified LDHB expression in tumors as an important predictor of NK cell activation, with strong predictive ability in some cancers.Conclusions: Our results suggest that LDHB is a promising target for activating the tumor immune microenvironment in breast cancer, where LDHB-associated lactic acid clearance leads to increased NK cell activity. This study highlights the critical role of LDHB in regulating immune responses and its potential as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.

B-cell-specific signatures reveal novel immunophenotyping and therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Immunotherapy presents both promises and challenges in treating hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)due to its complex immunological microenvironment.The role of B cells,a key part of the immune system,remains uncertain in HCC.AIM To identify B-cell-specific signatures and reveal novel immunophenotyping and therapeutic targets for HCC.METHODS Using the Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub 2 database,we identified B-cell-related genes(BRGs)in HCC.Gene enrichment analysis was performed to explore the possible collaboration between B cells and T cells in HCC.We conducted univariate Cox regression analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas liver HCC collection dataset to find BRGs linked to HCC prognosis.Subsequently,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was utilized to develop a prognostic model with 11 BRGs.The model was validated using the International Cancer Genome Consortium dataset and GSE76427.RESULTS The risk score derived from the prognostic model emerged as an independent prognostic factor for HCC.Analysis of the immune microenvironment and cell infiltration revealed the immune status of various risk groups,supporting the cooperation of B and T cells in suppressing HCC.The BRGs model identified new molecular subtypes of HCC,each with distinct immune characteristics.Drug sensitivity analysis identified targeted drugs effective for each HCC subtype,enabling precision therapy and guiding clinical decisions.CONCLUSION We clarified the role of B cells in HCC and propose that the BRGs model offers promising targets for personalized immunotherapy.

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.

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.

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.

2’-Fucosyllactose alleviate immune checkpoint blockade-associated colitis by reshaping gut microbiota and activating AHR pathway

Immune checkpoint blockade(ICB)therapeutics are highly effective in cancer immunotherapy,but gastrointestinal toxicity limited the application.Intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in ICB-associated colitis.2’-Fucosyllactose(2’FL)is most abundance prebiotic in human milk that can reshape gut microbiota and exert immune regulatory effect.The study aimed to determine the effects of 2’FL on ICB-associated colitis and to uncover the mediating mechanism.ICB-associated colitis was induced by the ipilimumab and dextran sulfate sodium.Oral administration of 2’FL(0.6 g/(kg∙day))ameliorated ICB-induced colitis by enhancing regulatory T cells(Treg)and the M2/M1 ratio of macrophages in colon.2’FL treatment also increased the expression of tight junction proteins(zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and mucin 2(MUC2))and antioxidant stress indicators(superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)).In addition,administration of 2’FL increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus,and elevated the levels of microbial metabolites,such as indole-3-lactic acid(ILA),which activated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands(AHR)pathway.The protective effect of 2’FL was abolished upon depletion of gut microbiota,and ILA treatment partially simulated the protective effect of 2’FL.Notably,2’FL did not exhibit inhibition of antitumor immunity.These findings suggest that 2’FL could serve as a potential protective strategy for ICB-associated colitis by modulating the intestinal microbiota and bacterial metabolites.

Neuro faces of beneficial T cells:essential in brain,impaired in aging and neurological diseases,and activated functionally by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides

T cells are essential for a healthy life,performing continuously:immune surveillance,recognition,protection,activation,suppression,assistance,eradication,secretion,adhesion,migration,homing,communications,and additional tasks.This paper describes five aspects of normal beneficial T cells in the healthy or diseased brain.First,normal beneficial T cells are essential for normal healthy brain functions:cognition,spatial learning,memory,adult neurogenesis,and neuroprotection.T cells decrease secondary neuronal degeneration,increase neuronal survival after central nervous system(CNS) injury,and limit CNS inflammation and damage upon injury and infection.Second,while pathogenic T cells contribute to CNS disorders,recent studies,mostly in animal models,show that specific subpopulations of normal beneficial T cells have protective and regenerative effects in seve ral neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.These include M ultiple Sclerosis(MS),Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS),stro ke,CNS trauma,chronic pain,and others.Both T cell-secreted molecules and direct cell-cell contacts deliver T cell neuroprotective,neuro regenerative and immunomodulato ry effects.Third,normal beneficial T cells are abnormal,impaired,and dysfunctional in aging and multiple neurological diseases.Different T cell impairments are evident in aging,brain tumors(mainly Glioblastoma),seve re viral infections(including COVID-19),chro nic stress,major depression,schizophrenia,Parkinson’s disease,Alzheimer’s disease,ALS,MS,stro ke,and other neuro-pathologies.The main detrimental mechanisms that impair T cell function are activation-induced cell death,exhaustion,senescence,and impaired T cell stemness.Fo urth,several physiological neurotransmitters and neuro peptides induce by themselves multiple direct,potent,beneficial,and therapeutically-relevant effects on normal human T cells,via their receptors in T cells.This scientific field is called "Nerve-Driven Immunity".The main neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that induce directly activating and beneficial effects on naive normal human T cells are:dopamine,glutamate,GnRH-Ⅱ,neuropeptide Y,calcitonin gene-related peptide,and somatostatin.Fifth, "Personalized Adoptive Neuro-Immunotherapy".This is a novel unique cellular immunotherapy,based on the "Nerve-Driven Immunity" findings,which was recently designed and patented for safe and repeated rejuvenation,activation,and improvement of impaired and dysfunctional T cells of any person in need,by ex vivo exposure of the person’s T cells to neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.Personalized adoptive neuro-immunotherapy includes an early ex vivo personalized diagnosis,and subsequent ex vivo in vivo personalized adoptive therapy,tailo red according to the diagnosis.The Personalized Adoptive Neuro-Immunotherapy has not yet been tested in humans,pending validation of safety and efficacy in clinical trials,especially in brain tumors,chronic infectious diseases,and aging,in which T cells are exhausted and/or senescent and dysfunctional.

New insights into the biological roles of immune cells in neural stem cells in post-traumatic injury of the central nervous system

Traumatic injuries in the central nervous system,such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury,are associated with tissue inflammation and the infiltration of immune cells,which simultaneously affect the self-renewal and differentiation of neural stem cells.Howeve r,the tissue repair process instigated by endogenous neural stem cells is incapable of restoring central nervous system injuries without external intervention.Recently,resident/peripheral immune cells have been demonstrated to exert significant effects on neural stem cells.Thus,the resto ration of traumatic injuries in the central nervous system by the immune intervention in neural stem cells represents a potential therapeutic method.In this review,we discuss the roles and possible mechanisms of immune cells on the selfrenewal and differentiation of neural stem cells along with the prognosis of central nervous system injuries based on immune intervention.Finally,we discuss remaining research challenges that need to be considered in the future.Further elucidation of these challenges will fa cilitate the successful application of neural stem cells in central nervous system injuries.

T cell immune response is correlated with fibrosis and inflammatory activity in hepatitis B cirrhotics

AIM： TO explore the relationship among interferon-γ （IFN-γ） activity, fibrogenesis, T cell immune responses and hepatic inflammatory activity. METHODS： Peripheral blood samples from a total of 43 hepatitis B cirrhotic patients （LC） and 19 healthy controls （NC） were collected to measure their serum levels of IFN-γ, interleukin-2 （IL-2）, soluble interleukin-2 receptor （sIL-2R）, interleukin-10 （IL-10） and three serological markers of fibrosis including hyaluronic acid （HA）, procollagen type III peptide （PIIIP）, and type iV collagen were measured using a double antibody sandwich ELISA. Also, serum total bilirubin （TB） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） were measured by routine measures. RESULTS： The concentrations of serological markers of fibrosis in patients with active cirrhosis （ALC） were significantly higher than those in stationary liver cirrhosis （SLC） or NC groups. The levels of serological markers in HBeAg-positive patients were significantly higher than those in HBeAg-negative patients. In SLC and ALC patients, a negative linear correlation was found between IFN-γ levels and the serological markers of fibrosis. IFN-γ and IL-2 levels in the ALC group were significantly higher than those in the SLC and NC groups, but the statistical difference was not significant between the latter two. In contrast, IL-10 levels in the SLC group were significantly higher than that in the NC group, but no significant difference was found between SLC and ALC groups. The sIL-2R level was elevated gradually in all these groups, and the differences were significant. Positive linear correlations were seen between IFN-γ activity and ALT levels （r = 0.339, P 〈 0.05）, and IL-2 activity and TB levels （r = 0.517, P 〈 0.05）. sIL-2R expression was positively correlated with both ALT and TB levels （r = 0.324, 0.455, P 〈 0.05）, whereas there was no statistically significant correlation between IL-10 expression and serum ALT and TB levels （r = -0.102, -0.093, P 〉 0.05）. Finally, there was a positive correlation between IFN-γ and IL-2 levels. CONCLUSION： T cell immune responses are correlated with fibrosis and hepatic inflammatory activity and may play an important role in liver cirrhosis.

A novel phenotype of B cells associated with enhanced phagocytic capability and chemotactic function after ischemic stroke

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the involvement of B cells in neuroinflammation and neuroregeneration.However,the role of B cells in ischemic stroke remains unclear.In this study,we identified a novel phenotype of macrophage-like B cells in brain-infiltrating immune cells expressing a high level of CD45.Macrophage-like B cells chara cterized by co-expression of B-cell and macrophage markers,showed stronger phagocytic and chemotactic functions compared with other B cells and showed upregulated expression of phagocytosis-related genes.Gene Ontology analysis found that the expression of genes associated with phagocytosis,including phagosome-and lysosome-related genes,was upregulated in macrophage-like B cells.The phagocytic activity of macrophage-like B cells was ve rified by immunostaining and three-dimensional reconstruction,in which TREM2-labeled macrophage-like B cells enwrapped and internalized myelin debris after cerebral ischemia.Cell-cell interaction analysis revealed that macrophage-like B cells released multiple chemokines to recruit peripheral immune cells mainly via CCL pathways.Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that the transdiffe rentiation to macrophage-like B cells may be induced by specific upregulation of the transcription factor CEBP fa mily to the myeloid lineage and/or by downregulation of the transcription factor Pax5 to the lymphoid lineage.Furthermore,this distinct B cell phenotype was detected in brain tissues from mice or patients with traumatic brain injury,Alzheimer’s disease,and glioblastoma.Overall,these results provide a new perspective on the phagocytic capability and chemotactic function of B cells in the ischemic brain.These cells may serve as an immunotherapeutic target for regulating the immune response of ischemic stroke.

Cytokine changes and embryo attachment in mouse endometrial cells following treated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)expressing ectopic hCG,and hCG-activated PBMCs

Objective:To compare the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)-producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)and PBMCs activated by hCG in vitro and expressions of related immune genes in mouse implantation.Methods:hCG-producing PBMCs(transfected PBMC)and PBMCs activated by hCG in vitro were introduced into isolated mouse endometrial cells,while cell cultures were divided into four groups:the control,PBMC,transfected,and activated PBMC groups.The expression of studied genes(IL-1β,IL-6,Lif,and Vegf)was evaluated and blastocyst attachment on the cocultured cells(isolated endometrial cells and PBMC cells)was monitored in all four groups.Results:Data showed that expression decreased in the PBMC group compared to the treated PBMC(transfected and activated PBMCs)and increased in transfected PBMC compared to the activated PBMC.Attachment and migration of blastocysts were dramatically enhanced in the transfected PBMC group compared to the activated PBMC group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Use of hCG-producing PBMCs(transfected PBMC)has more influence on endometrial receptivity.

Prognostic value of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 expression in upper gastrointestinal tract tumors:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND There is a lack of robust prognostic markers for upper gastrointestinal(GI)tract cancers,including esophageal,gastric,and esophagogastric junction cancers.T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3(TIM3)plays a key immunomodulatory role and is linked to the prognosis of various cancers.However,the significance of TIM3 in upper GI tract tumors is still uncertain.AIM To investigate the prognostic value of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors.METHODS A literature search was conducted on the PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published until June 2023.After screening and quality assessment,studies that met the criteria were included in the metaanalysis.Statistical methods were used for the pooled analysis to assess the association of TIM3 expression in upper GI tract tumors with the prognosis and clinicopathological parameters.The results were reported with the hazard ratio(HR)and 95%confidence interval(CI).RESULTS Nine studies involving 2556 patients with upper GI tract cancer were included.High TIM3 expression was associated with a worse prognosis in upper GI tract cancer(HR:1.17,95%CI:1.01-1.36).Positive expression of TIM3 in gastric cancer was correlated with the T and N stage,but the difference was not statistically significant.However,TIM3 overexpression was significantly correlated with the TNM stage(odds ratio:1.21,95%CI:0.63-2.33;P<0.05).TIM3 expression showed no association with the other clinicopathological parameters.CONCLUSION High expression of TIM3 in the upper GI tract cancer is associated with a worse prognosis and advanced T or N stages,indicating its potential value as a prognostic biomarker.These findings may provide a basis for the personalized treatment of upper GI tract cancers.

Effect of T-regulatory cells and interleukin-35, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-beta on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects B lymphocytes.It can develop in the lymph nodes and can be localized or generalized.Despite DLBCL being considered potentially curable,little research has been conducted on the relationship between the body's immune response and DLBCL.AIM To study the expression and significance of T-regulatory cells(Tregs)interleukin(IL)-35,IL-10,and transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β)in DLBCL.METHODS Data from 82 patients with DLBCL who were initially admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University(Zhejiang Province,China)between January 2017 and June 2022 and treated with standard first-line regimens were reviewed.Three patients were lost to follow-up;thus,79 patients were included in the statistical analysis and then divided into three groups according to the evaluation of clinical efficacy:Incipient(new-onset and treatment-naïve),effectively treated,and relapsed-refractory.Thirty healthy individuals were included in the control group.The expression of peripheral blood T lymphocytes and their associated factors IL-35,IL-10,and TGF-βin the four groups were observed.RESULTS In contrast to the successfully treated and normal control groups,both the incipient and relapse-refractory groups exhibited greater proportions of CD4-positive(+)Tregs(P<0.05),whereas the proportion of CD8+Tregs did not differ substantially between the groups.Serum levels of IL-35 and IL-10 in the incipient and relapsed-refractory groups were higher than those in the effectively treated and normal control groups(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant distinction in the expression level of TGF-βbetween the groups(P>0.05).The correlation between IL-35 and IL-10 concentrations was significantly positive,with a correlation coefficient of 0.531(P<0.05).The correlation between IL-35 and TGF-βconcentration was significantly positive,with a correlation coefficient of 0.375(P<0.05).The correlation between IL-10 and TGF-βconcentration was significantly positive,with a correlation coefficient of 0.185(P<0.05).The expression concentrations of IL-35,IL-10 and TGF-βwere apparently and positively correlated(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Tregs IL-35,and IL-10 may be closely associated with the occurrence and development of DLBCL and the detection of related indices may be helpful in the analysis of disease prognosis.

Effects of Dendritic Cells Transfected with Full Length Wild Type P53 and Modified by Gastric Cancer Lysate on Immune Response

To investigate the effects of dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with full length wild type p53 and modified by gastric cancer lysates on immune response, the wild type P53 was transducted to DCs with adenovirus, and the DCs were modified by gastric cancer lysates (Lywt-P53DC). The concentration of the surface molecules (B7-1, B7-2, MHC-Ⅰ, MHC-Ⅱ) of all DCs was determined by FACS, and the ability of the DCs to induce efficient and specific immunological response in anti-51Cr-labeled target cells studied. BALB/c mice model infected with DCs and Mk28 was established. CTL response in mice immunized with Lywt-p53DC and the effectiveness of Lywt-p53DC in the treatment of tumor-bearing mice was assayed. FACS revealed that the surface molecules of Lywt-P53 DC had a high expression: for B7-1 86.70 %±0.07 %, B7-2 18.77 %±0.08 %, MHC-Ⅰ 87.20 %±0.05 %, MHC-Ⅱ 56.70 %±0.07 %; The T lymphocytes had a specific CTL lysing ability induced by Lywt-P53DC with the CTL lysis rate being 81 %. The immune protective effect of Lywt-p53DC group was more obvious than any other groups (P<0.05). The tumor diameter in Lywt-p53DC group was 3.10±0.31 mm, 2.73±0.23 mm, 3.70±0.07 mm on the day 13, 16 and 19, smaller than DC, wtp53DC and LyDC groups (P<0.05). On the other hand, the growth rate of tumor in Lywt-p53DC group was slower than any other groups (P<0.05). It was suggested that DCs transfected with wild type P53 and modified by gastric cancer lysates had specific CTL killing capability.

Correlation of peripheral blood regulatory T cell content with inflammatory stress response and immune response in children with both pneumonia and sepsis

Objective: To investigate the correlation of peripheral blood regulatory T cell content with inflammatory stress response and immune response in children with both pneumonia and sepsis. Methods: A total of 90 child patient with both pneumonia and sepsis who were treated in our hospital between September 2014 and April 2017 were selected as sepsis group and 100 healthy children who received vaccination in our hospital during the same period were selected as normal control group. The differences in peripheral blood regulatory T cell (Treg) expression as well as serum inflammatory mediator, oxidative stress index and immunoglobulin contents were compared between the two groups of children. Pearson test was used to evaluate the correlation between Treg expression and disease in patients with both pneumonia and sepsis. Results: Peripheral blood Treg expression of sepsis group was significantly higher than that of control group;serum inflammatory mediators PCT, hs-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 contents were higher than those of control group;serum oxidative stress indexes―nitric oxide and malondialdehyde contents were higher than those of control group whereas superoxide dismutase content was lower than that of control group;immunoglobulin IgA, IgM and IgG contents were lower than those of normal control group. Pearson test showed that peripheral blood Treg expression of children with both pneumonia and sepsis was directly correlated with the inflammatory stress response and immune response. Conclusion: Peripheral blood Treg expression significantly increases in children with both pneumonia and sepsis, which could directly affect the inflammatory stress response extent and humoral immune function.

Effect of Aidi injection combined with FOLFOX4 chemotherapy on tumor stem cell characteristics and antitumor immune response in patients with advanced colon cancer

Objective:To study the effect of Aidi injection combined with FOLFOX4 chemotherapy on tumor stem cell characteristics and antitumor immune response in patients with advanced colon cancer.Methods:Patients with advanced colon cancer who received chemotherapy in our hospital between May 2013 and June 2016 were selected and randomly divided into the combined chemotherapy group who received Aidi injection combined with FOLFOX4 chemotherapy and the FOLFOX4 group who received FOLFOX4 chemotherapy alone. After chemotherapy, the serum was collected to determine the levels of tumor markers, tumor lesions were collected to determine the expression of tumor stem cell markers and immune cell markers, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected to determine the expression of immune cell markers.Results:After 2 and 4 cycles of treatment, serum CEA, CA199, CCSA-3 and CCSA-4 levels of combined chemotherapy group were significantly lower than those of FOLFOX4 group, and the mean fluorescence intensity of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16 and CD56 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were significantly higher than those of FOLFOX4 group;after four cycles of chemotherapy, CD133, Musashi-1, Piwil2, Nanog and Sox-2 protein content in tumor lesions were significantly lower than those of FOLFOX4 group, and the mean fluorescence intensity of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16 and CD56 were significantly higher than those of FOLFOX4 group.Conclusion: Aidi injection combined with FOLFOX4 chemotherapy treatment of advanced colon cancer will help reduce the tumor load, inhibit tumor stem cell characteristics and enhance antitumor immune response.

Th17/Treg balance and macrophage polarization ratio in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Objective:To explore the balance of peripheral blood T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cell(Th17/Treg)ratio and the polarization ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans(ASO).Methods:A rat model of lower extremity ASO was established,and blood samples from patients with lower extremity ASO before and after surgery were obtained.ELISA was used to detect interleukin 6(IL-6),IL-10,and IL-17.Real-time RCR and Western blot analyses were used to detect Foxp3,IL-6,IL-10,and IL-17 expression.Moreover,flow cytometry was applied to detect the Th17/Treg ratio and M1/M2 ratio.Results:Compared with the control group,the iliac artery wall of ASO rats showed significant hyperplasia,and the concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly increased(P<0.01),indicating the successful establishment of ASO.Moreover,the levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in ASO rats were pronouncedly increased(P<0.05),while the IL-10 level was significantly decreased(P<0.05).In addition to increased IL-6 and IL-17 levels,the mRNA and protein levels of Foxp3 and IL-10 in ASO rats were significantly decreased compared with the control group.The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios in the ASO group were markedly increased(P<0.05).These alternations were also observed in ASO patients.After endovascular surgery(such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and arterial stenting),all these changes were significantly improved(P<0.05).Conclusions:The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios were significantly increased in ASO,and surgery can effectively improve the balance of Th17/Treg,and reduce the ratio of M1/M2,and the expression of inflammatory factors.