Activation of Toll-like receptors signaling in non-small cell lung cancer cell line induced by tumor-associated macrophages

Background： Inflammation is often linked with the progress and poor outcome of lung cancer. The understanding of the relationship between tumor-associated macrophages （TAMs） and lung cancer cells involves in the underlying mechanism of inflammatory cytokine production. Toll-like receptors （TLRs） are engaged in promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and play an important role in tumor immunology. Methods： To investigate the mechanisms by which TAMs influence the production of pro-inflammatory cytoldnes in lung cancer cells, we established an in vitro coculture system using TAMs and human non- small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） cell line SPC-A1. Levels of interleukin （IL）-113, IL-6 and IL-8 in SPC-A1 were evaluated by RT-PCR and cytometric bead array assay after being cocultured with TAMs. Expression changes of TLRs and TLRs signaling pathway proteins in SPC-Al were further confirmed by RT-PCR and western blot. The level changes of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in SPC-Al were also detected after the stimulation of TLRs agonists. Results： We found that the phenotype markers of TAMs were highly expressed after stimulating human monocyte cell line THP-1 by phorbol-12-myristate-β-acetate （PMA）. Higher mRNA and supernate secretion levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 were detected in SPC-A1 after being eocultured with TAMs. We also found that TLR1, TLR6 and TLR7 were up-regulated in SPC-A1 in the coculture system with TAMs. Meanwhile, TLRs signaling pathway proteins were also significantly activated. Moreover, pre-treatment with agonist ligands for TLR1, TLR6 and TLR7 could dramatically promote inductions of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. Conclusions： These findings demonstrated that TAMs may enhance IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 expressions via TLRs signaling pathway. We conclude that TAMs contribute to maintain the inflammation microenvironment and ultimately promote the development and progression of lung cancer.

Recombinant E.coli LLO/OVA Induces Murine BMDCs Maturation via TLR4 and NOD1 Receptor and Promotes Specific Cytotoxic T Cell Immunity

Objective To explore the immune stimulation effect of recombinant E.coli LLO/OVA on mice bone marrow-derived dendritic cells （BMDCs） and T lymphocytes in vitro.Methods After BMDCs stimulated by E.coli LLO/OVA,their Toll-like receptor （TLR） and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain （NOD） receptor signalling pathway were examined by superarray hybridization;and the priming effect of the vaccine activated BMDCs on CD4＋T and CD8＋T was determined by [3H]thymidine uptake and ELISA,the tumor cytotoxic effect of activated CD8＋T cells was determined by cytotoxic assay.Results After BMDCs were activated by E.coli LLO/OVA via TLR4,NOD1 receptor and NF-κB signalling pathway,the expression of their surface molecules including MHC class Ⅰ,MHC class Ⅱ,CD40,CD80 and CD86 significantly up-regulated;the secretion of IL-12 and IFN-？ increased also.The mature BMDCs stimulated the allergic CD4＋T and CD8＋T cells proliferation and their IL-2 and IFN-γ secretion,and the activated CD8＋T cells effectively killed B16-OVA melanoma cells and RMA-S/OVA lymphoma cells in vitro.Conclusion E.coli LLO/OVA is effective in inducing BMDCs maturation via activating TLR4 and NOD1 receptor signalling pathway and promoting specific anti-tumor T cell immunity in vitro.

CopE and TLR6 RNAi-mediated tomato resistance to western flower thrips

The western flower thrips(WFT;Frankliniella occidentalis)is a mesophyll cell feeder that damages many crops.Management of WFT is complex due to factors such as high fecundity,short reproduction time,ability to feed on a broad range of host plants,and broad pesticide resistance.These challenges have driven research into developing alternative pest control approaches for WFT.This study analyzed the feasibility of a biological control-based strategy to manage WFT using RNA interference(RNAi)-mediated silencing of WFT endogenous genes.For the delivery of RNAi,we developed transgenic tomato lines expressing double-stranded RNA(dsRNA)of coatomer protein subunit epsilon(CopE)and Toll-like receptor 6(TLR6)from WFT.These genes are involved in critical biological processes of WFT,and their dsRNA can be lethal to these insects when ingested orally.Adult WFT that fed on the transgenic dsRNAexpressing tomato flower stalk showed increased mortality compared with insects that fed on wild-type samples.In addition,WFT that fed on TLR6 and CopE transgenic tomato RNAi lines showed reduced levels of endogenous CopE and TLR6 transcripts,suggesting that their mortality was likely due to RNAi-mediated silencing of these genes.Thus,our findings demonstrate that transgenic tomato plants expressing dsRNA of TLR6 and CopE can be lethal to F.occidentalis,suggesting that these genes may be deployed to control insecticide-resistant WFT.

Recent advances in the role of toll-like receptors and TLR agonists in immunotherapy for human glioma

Gliomas are extremely aggressive brain tumors with a very poor prognosis. One of the more promising strat- egies for the treatment of human gliomas is targeted immunotherapy where antigens that are unique to the tumors are exploited to generate vaccines. The approach, however, is complicated by the fact that human gliomas escape immune surveillance by creating an immune suppressed microenvironment. In order to oppose the glioma imposed immune suppression, mol- ecules and pathways involved in immune cell matura- tion, expansion, and migration are under intensive clinical investigation as adjuvant therapy. Toll-like receptors （TLRs） mediate many of these functions in immune cell types, and TLR agonists, thus, are currently primary candidate molecules to be used as important adjuvants in a variety of cancers. In animal models for glioma, TLR agonists have exhibited antitumor proper- ties by facilitating antigen presentation and stimulating innate and adaptive immunity. In clinical trials, several TLR agonists have achieved survival benefit, and many more trials are recruiting or ongoing. However, a second complicating factor is that TLRs are also expressed on cancer cells where they can participate instead in a variety of tumor promoting activities including cell growth, proliferation, invasion, migration, and even stem cell maintenance. TLR agonists can, therefore, possibly play dual roles in tumor biology. Here, how TLRs and TLR agonists function in glioma biology and in anti-gli- oma therapies is summarized in an effort to provide acurrent picture of the sophisticated relationship of gli- oma with the immune system and the implications for immunotherapy.

Toll-like receptor 10 (TLR10) exhibits suppressive effects on inflammation of prostate epithelial cells

Prostate inflammation (PI) is closely related to the development and progression of chronic prostatic diseases: benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 has been reported to be associated with inflammatory diseases, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Meanwhile, TLR10, which can form heterodimers with TLR2, has been considered an orphan receptor without an exact function. The present study therefore aims to examine the effects of TLR2 and TLR10 on PI. Prostate samples and clinical data were obtained from the patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The inflammatory cell model was established by adding lipopolysaccharide to RWPE-1 cells. Prostate tissues/cells were examined by histological, molecular, and biochemical approaches. Both TLR2 and TLR10 were found to be expressed in prostate tissues and RWPE-1 cells. mRNA/protein expression levels of TLR2 and TLR10 were both positively correlated with prostate tissue inflammatory grades. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RWPE-1 cells expressed higher levels of TLR2, TLR10, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), phosphonuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells P65 (phospho-NF-κB P65), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 than control cells. Moreover, HMGB1, phospho-NF-κB P65, IL-6, and IL-8 were down regulated after TLR2 knockdown and upregulated after TLR10 knockdown in RWPE-1 cells. TLR2 stimulation can activate the inflammatory signaling cascade in prostate epithelial cells. Conversely, TLR10 exhibited suppressive effects on inflammation. With antagonistic functions, both TLR2 and TLR10 were invoIved in PI. TLR10 could be a novel target in modulating inflammatory signal transduction of prostate epithelial cells.

Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3)regulation mechanisms and roles in antiviral innate immune responses

Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3)is a member of the TLR family,mediating the transcriptional induction of type I interferons(IFNs),proinflammatory cytokines,and chemokines,thereby collectively establishing an antiviral host response.Studies have shown that unlike other TLR family members,TLR3 is the only RNA sensor that is utterly dependent on the Tollinterleukin-1 receptor(TIR)-domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β(TRIF).However,the details of how the TLR3-TRIF signaling pathway works in an antiviral response and how it is regulated are unclear.In this review,we focus on recent advances in understanding the antiviral mechanism of the TRIF pathway and describe the essential characteristics of TLR3 and its antiviral effects.Advancing our understanding of TLR3 may contribute to disease diagnosis and could foster the development of novel treatments for viral diseases.

TLR7/8 signalling affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3α/β-hexokinase pathway for the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos

Background:Goat milk is very similar to human milk in terms of its abundant nutrients and ease of digestion.To derive greater economic benefit,farmers require more female offspring(does);however,the buck-to-doe offspring sex ratio is approximately 50%.At present,artificial insemination after the separation of X/Y sperm using flow cytometry is the primary means of controlling the sex of livestock offspring.However,flow cytometry has not been successfully utilised for the separation of X/Y sperm aimed at sexing control in dairy goats.Results:In this study,a novel,simple goat sperm sexing technology that activates the toll-like receptor 7/8(TLR7/8),thereby inhibiting X-sperm motility,was investigated.Our results showed that the TLR7/8 coding goat Xchromosome was expressed in approximately 50%of round spermatids in the testis and sperm,as measured from cross-sections of the epididymis and ejaculate,respectively.Importantly,TLR7/8 was located at the tail of the Xsperm.Upon TLR7/8 activation,phosphorylated forms of glycogen synthase kinaseα/β(GSK3α/β)and nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)were detected in the X-sperm,causing reduced mitochondrial activity,ATP levels,and sperm motility.High-motility Y-sperm segregated to the upper layer and the low-motility X-sperm,to the lower layer.Following in vitro fertilisation using the TLR7/8-activated sperm from the lower layer,80.52±6.75%of the embryos were XX females.The TLR7/8-activated sperm were subsequently used for in vivo embryo production via the superovulatory response;nine embryos were collected from the uterus of two does that conceived.Eight of these were XX embryos,and one was an XY embryo.Conclusions:Our study reveals a novel TLR7/8 signalling mechanism that affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3α/β-hexokinase pathway;this technique could be used to facilitate the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos.

Toll-like receptor agonists shape the immune responses to a mannose receptor-targeted cancer vaccine

Previous studies have documented that selective delivery of protein antigens to cells expressing mannose receptor （MR） can lead to enhanced immune responses. We postulated that agents that influenced the MR expression level, and the activation and migration status of MR-expressing antigen presenting cells, would modulate immune responses to MR-targeted vaccines. To address this question, we investigated the effect of clinically used adjuvants in human MR transgenic （hMR-Tg） mice immunized with an MR-targeting cancer vaccine composed of the human anti-MR monoclonal antibody B 11 fused with the oncofetal protein, human chorionic gonadotropin beta chain （hCGβ）, and referred to as B 11-hCGβ. We found that humoral responses to low doses of B11-hCGβ could be enhanced by prior administration of GM-CSF, which upregulated MR expression in vivo. However, co-administration of the Toll-like receptor （TLR） agonists, poly-ICLC and/or CpG with B11-hCGβ was required to elicit Thl immunity, as measured by antigen-specific T-cell production of IFN-γ. The TLR agonists were shown to increase the number of vaccine-containing cells in the draining lymph nodes of immunized hMR-Tg mice. In particular, with B11-hCGβand poly-ICLC, a dramatic increase in vaccine-positive cells was observed in the T-ceU areas of the lymph nodes, compared to the vaccine alone or combined with GM-CSF. Importantly, the absence of the TLR agonists during the priming immunization led to antigen-specific tolerance. Therefore, this study provides insight into the mechanisms by which adjuvants can augment immune responses to B11-hCGβ and have implications for the rationale design of clinical studies combining MR-targeted vaccination with TLR agonists.

Accurate preterm labor diagnosis using a CD55-TLR4 combination biomarker model

We previously demonstrated immune activation in the maternal peripheral circulation associated with preterm labor (PTL). There was an elevation in WBC mRNA of anti-inflammatory complement decay-accelerating factor (CD55) and the innate-immune response activating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). These findings suggested that collectively, these two molecules might serve as useful biomolecules to aid in the diagnosis of PTL. In this study, we used a combined marker approach to determine whether a dual marker model utilizing both CD55 and TLR4 mRNA levels to classify PTL would increase diagnostic accuracy compared to either molecule alone. Two methods were evaluated;a linear discriminant (LD) method and a distribution free (DF) method, in order to find the optimal linear combination of TLR4 and CD55 data to diagnose PTL accurately. Our results indicated that a combined CD55-TLR4 dual marker model could provide statistically significant improve- ments compared to CD55 or TLR4 single marker models for PTL classification performance.

Efficacy of a Novel Antibody TLR3 Modulator in the Self-Treatment of Common Cold: The ESTUAR Trial

Context: Since the discovery of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), no specific tools have been developed to modulate its activity in upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTIs). ContafluTM (antibodies to TLR3 cytoplasmic fragment) is the first specific TLR3 modulator that showed efficacy in a mouse model of influenza. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Contaflu in URTI. Methods: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in adults with self-reported URTI (the ESTUAR trial) was conducted in 2012/2013 in Belgium. Adult outpatients started a 7-day treatment course with oral tablets of Contaflu or placebo within 36 h after onset of at least one of 4 typical symptoms of URTI. Patients were examined twice by their general practitioners, on days 2-3 and 10-14 after start of treatment. The primary endpoint was the overall severity of URTI calculated as the sum of Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-21) scores over the follow-up. Independent Student’s t test was used to compare the disease severity between groups. Results: A total of 243 patients were enrolled by 32 investigators (121 Contaflu, 122 placebo);92% of cases matched ICD codes J00 or J06. Most patients had very mild (41.8%) or mild (18.2%) URTI symptoms. In the ITT cohort, neither primary nor secondary outcome measures (duration of URTI, day-to-day and overall functional impairments) showed statistically significant differences between groups. The rate of adverse events was similar in both groups. In patients with moderate to severe URTI symptoms, Contaflu tended to reduce the overall disease severity, daily symptoms, and to improve the functional state. Due to the small size of the corresponding subgroups, Contaflu efficacy on daily scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05) only 1, 2, and 5 days after start of treatment. Conclusion: Contaflu was ineffective in mild URTI and showed efficacy in moderate to severe URTI cases.

Regulation of Toll-like receptor signaling in innate immunity

Toll-like receptors sense invading pathogens by recognizing a wide variety of conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns(PAMPs).The members of the TLR family selectively utilize adaptor proteins MyD88,TRIF,TIRAP and TRAM to activate overlapping but distinct signal transduction pathways which trigger production of different panels of mediators such as proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferon.These mediators not only control innate immunity but also direct subsequently developed adaptive immunity.TLR activation is strictly and finely regulated at multiple levels of the signal transduction pathways.

Herpesviral infection and Toll-like receptor 2

In the last decade,substantial progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the initial host responses to viral infections.Herpes-viral infections can provoke an inflammatory cytokine response,however,the innate pathogen-sensing mechanisms that transduce the signal for this response are poorly understood.In recent years,it has become increasingly evident that the Toll-like receptors(TLRs),which are germline-encoded pattern recognition re-ceptors(PRRs),function as potent sensors for infection.TLRs can induce the activation of the innate immunity by recruiting specific intracellular adaptor proteins to initiate signaling pathways,which then culminating in activation of the nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)and interferon-regulatory factors(IRFs)that control the transcription of genes encoding type I interferon(IFN I)and other inflammatory cytokines.Furthermore,activa-tion of innate immunity is critical for mounting adaptive immune responses.In parallel,common mechanisms used by viruses to counteract TLR-mediated responses or to actively subvert these pathways that block recog-nition and signaling through TLRs for their own benefit are emerging.Recent findings have demonstrated that TLR2 plays a crucial role in initiating the inflammatory process,and surprisingly that the response TLR2 trig-gers might be overzealous in its attempt to counter the attack by the virus.In this review,we summarize and discuss the recent advances about the specific role of TLR2 in triggering inflammatory responses in herpes-virus infection and the consequences of the alarms raised in the host that they are assigned to protect.

Toll样受体在U937细胞的表达及其作用研究

本研究探讨急性髓系白血病的免疫治疗中以Toll样受体(TLRs)为靶点的可能性,研究人急性髓系白血病U937细胞TLR的表达及TLR8受体激动剂ssRNA40/LyoVec对其增殖、凋亡和细胞周期的影响。运用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测U937细胞TLR1-9mRNA的表达,用流式细胞术检测TLR8的表达。用不同浓度的TLR8激动剂ssRNA40/LyoVec作用于体外培养的U937细胞后,采用CCK-8法检测细胞生长抑制率,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡和细胞周期。结果表明:U937细胞表达TLR1-9,TLR8激动剂ssRNA40/LyoVec作用于U937细胞明显地抑制了U937细胞生长,抑制率可达70%,且呈明显的量效关系;作用后处于G0/G1期细胞比例由(44.67±1.05)%增高到(54.08±1.19)%,但凋亡细胞的比例无明显变化。结论:TLR1-9可在U937细胞中表达,TLR8激动剂ssRNA40/LyoVec具有抗肿瘤细胞增殖的作用,使细胞阻滞在G0/G1期,但无明显的促凋亡作用。

Toll样受体和核转录因子-κB在子痫前期患者胎盘组织中的表达

目的:探讨子痫前期患者胎盘组织中Toll样受体4(TLR4)以及核转录因子(NF-κB)表达及意义。方法:选取50例子痫前期患者(轻度子痫前期20例,重度子痫前期30例)作为研究对象,以30例正常晚孕妇女作为正常对照,采用免疫组化及逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法测定胎盘组织中TLR4及NF-κB的定位及表达。结果:轻、重度子痫前期患者胎盘组织中TLR4及NF-κB蛋白和mRNA的表达水平均明显高于正常晚孕妇女(P<0.05)。且随着病情加重,两者表达均增强;子痫前期胎盘组织中TLR4和NF-κB的表达呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论:TLR4介导的炎症因子释放可能是导致子痫前期发生的重要原因之一。

TOLL样受体TRIF信号因子与RSV关系的研究进展

呼吸道合胞病毒(respiratory syncytial virus,RSV)是婴幼儿急性下呼吸道感染最常见和最重要的病毒病原,尤其是肺炎和毛细支气管炎。Toll样受体(Toll-like receptors,TLRs)是近年来发现在抗感染及免疫反应起到重要作用的受体蛋白,可广泛识别多种病原微生物的病原分子相关模式(Pathogen Molecular Associated Pattern,PMAP)。机体可通过TLRs识别病毒成分介导细胞因子分泌,激活效应免疫细胞以抵抗病毒病原体入侵。其中TLR3、TLR4信号通路与其关系最为密切,而含TIR结构域诱导β干扰素的接头蛋白(TIR-domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β,TRIF)作为两者的共同重要衔接分子,在信号途径中发挥着关键的作用,通过调控细胞因子的分泌影响适应性免疫应答。

Potential therapeutic molecular targets for blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains serious hemorrhagic stroke with high morbidities and mortalities.Aneurysm rupture causes arterial bleeding-induced mechanical brain tissue injuries and elevated intracranial pressure,followed by global cerebral ischemia.Post-subarachnoid hemorrhage ischemia,tissue injuries as well as extravasated blood components and the breakdown products activate microglia,astrocytes and Toll-like receptor 4,and disrupt blood-brain barrier associated with the induction of many inflammatory and other cascades.Once blood-brain barrier is disrupted,brain tissues are directly exposed to harmful blood contents and immune cells,which aggravate brain injuries furthermore.Blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage may be developed by a variety of mechanisms including endothelial cell apoptosis and disruption of tight junction proteins.Many molecules and pathways have been reported to disrupt the blood-brain barrier after subarachnoid hemorrhage,but the exact mechanisms remain unclear.Multiple independent and/or interconnected signaling pathways may be involved in blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage.This review provides recent understandings of the mechanisms and the potential therapeutic targets of blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma:an alternate hypothetical mechanism

Current proposed mechanisms implicate both early and latent Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection in the carcinogenic cascade,whereas epidemiological studies have always associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)with early childhood EBV infection and with chronic ear,nose,and sinus conditions.Moreover,most patients with NPC present with IgA antibody titers to EBV capsid antigen(VCA-lgA),which can precede actual tumor presentation by several years.If early childhood EBV infection indeed constitutes a key event in NPC carcinogenesis,one would have to explain the inability to detect the virus in normal nasopharyngeal epithelium of patients at a high risk for EBV infection.It is perhaps possible that EBV resides within the salivary glands,instead of the epithelium,during latency.This claim is indirectly supported by observations that the East Asian phenotype shares the characteristics of an increased susceptibility to NPC and immature salivary gland morphogenesis,the latter of which is influenced by the association of salivary gland morphogenesis with an evolutionary variant of the human ectodysplasin receptor gene(EDAR),EDARV370A.Whether the immature salivary gland represents a more favorable nidus for EBV is uncertain,but in patients with infectious mononucleosis,EBV has been isolated in this anatomical organ.The presence of EBV-induced lymphoepitheliomas in the salivary glands and lungs further addresses the possibility of submucosal spread of the virus.Adding to the fact that the fossa of Rosen Muller contains a transformative zone active only in the first decade of life,one might be tempted to speculate the possibility of an alternative carcinogenic cascade for NPC that is perhaps not dissimilar to the model of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer.

Modulating effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on immune disorders via gut microbiota and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in rats with syndrome of dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency

The syndrome of dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency(DSSD)is relatively common globally.Although the pathogenesis of DSSD remains unclear,evidence has suggested that the gut microbiota might play a significant role.Radix Astragali,used as both medicine and food,exerts the effects of tonifying spleen and qi.Astragalus polysaccharide(APS)comprises a macromolecule substance extracted from the dried root of Radix Astragali,which has many pharmacological functions.However,whether APS mitigates the immune disorders underlying the DSSD syndrome via regulating gut microbiota and the relevant mechanism remains unknown.Here,we used DSSD rats induced by high-fat and low-protein(HFLP)diet plus exhaustive swimming,and found that APS of moderate molecular weight increased the body weight gain and immune organ indexes,decreased the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,and endotoxin,and suppressed the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB(TLR4/NF-κB)pathway.Moreover,a total of 27 critical genera were significantly enriched according to the linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe).APS increased the diversity of the gut microbiota and changed its composition,such as reducing the relative abundance of Pseudoflavonifractor and Paraprevotella,and increasing that of Parasutterella,Parabacteroides,Clostridium XIVb,Oscillibacter,Butyricicoccus,and Dorea.APS also elevated the contents of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs).Furthermore,the correlation analysis indicated that 12 critical bacteria were related to the body weight gain and immune organ indexes.In general,our study demonstrated that APS ameliorated the immune disorders in DSSD rats via modulating their gut microbiota,especially for some bacteria involving immune and inflammatory response and SCFA production,as well as the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.This study provides an insight into the function of APS as a unique potential prebiotic through exerting systemic activities in treating DSSD.

Clinical significance of monocyte-derived dendritic cell activation in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an amplified state of inflammation and immune reaction. Dendritic cells (DCs) expressing various Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been observed in atherosclerotic lesions, however, the clinical significance of DCs in pathogenesis of ACS has not been completely investigated. Methods: Ten patients with ACS and 10 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) were enrolled in this study. Monocyte-derived DCs were generated from CD14+ cells by culturing with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin (IL)-4 for 6 days. Expression of cell surface CD86 and CD83 were measured by flowcytometry. Expression of genes, including CD86, CD83, CCL19, CCR7, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR8, and TLR9, were measured by real-time PCR. Plasma IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were also measured. Results: The number of CD86+CD83+DCs in the ACS group was significantly higher than that in the SAP group (P P P +CD83+ cells and plasma levels of IL-6 (P = 0.88, P +CD83+ cells TNF-α levels (r = 0.78, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: These results demonstrated that mono-cyte-derived DCs are activated in patients with ACS, suggesting that activated DCs may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ACS.

Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsule on Bone Metabolism and Serum TLR4NF-kB in Rats with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective:To elucidate the effects of Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsule(HQC)on bone metabolism and serum TLR4 and NF-kB in rats with rheumatoid arthritis(RA),and to provide experimental bases for the treatment of RA with HQC.Methods:A total of 40 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,model group,western medicine treatment group,and HQC group,with 10 rats in each group,and the RA model was induced by complete adjuvant in all groups except the normal group.After successful modeling,they were treated for 4 weeks to compare the degree of joint swelling;meanwhile,micro-CT was used to evaluate bone microstructural parameters,and changes in serum TLR4 and NF-kB expression levels were detected by ELISA.Results:There was no statistical significance in comparing the degree of joint swelling among the model group,western medicine treatment group and HQC group(P>0.05);Micro-CT results showed that bone microstructural parameters deteriorated in the osteoporosis model group compared with the normal group.Both western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine HQC could improve the bone microjunction of RA rats,and the HQC group was better than the western medicine treatment in improving the number of bone trabeculae(2.58±0.19)·mm^(-1);the serum results showed that RA was accompanied by the up-regulation of the expression of TLR4 and NF-kB.Both western drugs and HQC down-regulated the high expression of serum TLR4 and NF-kB in osteoporotic rats,and the down-regulation of serum TLR4(9.90±0.55)ng·ml^(-1)and NF-kB(350.29±3.14)ng·L^(-1)by HQC was more obvious.Conclusion:Chinese herbal medicine HQC can significantly improve the bone microstructure of RA rats,and its effect is better than that of western medicine in some aspects.The mechanism of action of HQC is related to the inhibition of the activation of the TLR4/NF-kB pathway,and this study provides an experimental basis for the further development and utilization of HQC.