BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs)are the origin of male spermatogenesis,which can reconstruct germ cell lineage in mice.However,the application of SSCs for male fertility restoration is hindered due to the un...BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs)are the origin of male spermatogenesis,which can reconstruct germ cell lineage in mice.However,the application of SSCs for male fertility restoration is hindered due to the unclear mechanisms of proliferation and self-renewal in humans.AIM To investigate the role and mechanism of SPOC domain-containing protein 1(SPOCD1)in human SSC proliferation.METHODS We analyzed publicly available human testis single-cell RNA sequencing(RNAseq)data and found that SPOCD1 is predominantly expressed in SSCs in the early developmental stages.Small interfering RNA was applied to suppress SPOCD1 expression to detect the impacts of SPOCD1 inhibition on SSC proliferation and apoptosis.Subsequently,we explored the target genes of SPOCD1 using RNA-seq and confirmed their role by restoring the expression of the target genes.In addition,we examined SPOCD1 expression in some non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)patients to explore the correlation between SPOCD1 and NOA.RESULTS The uniform manifold approximation and projection clustering and pseudotime analysis showed that SPOCD1 was highly expressed in the early stages of SSC,and immunohistological results showed that SPOCD1 was mainly localized in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-1 positive SSCs.SPOCD1 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis.RNA-seq results showed that SPOCD1 knockdown significantly downregulated genes such as adenylate kinase 4(AK4).Overexpression of AK4 in SPOCD1 knockdown cells partially reversed the phenotypic changes,indicating that AK4 is a functional target gene of SPOCD1.In addition,we found a significant downregulation of SPOCD1 expression in some NOA patients,suggesting that the downregulation of SPOCD1 may be relevant for NOA.CONCLUSION Our study broadens the understanding of human SSC fate determination and may offer new theories on the etiology of male infertility.展开更多
Glucose plays a vital part in milk protein synthesis through the mTOR signaling pathway in bovine mammary epithelial cells(BMEC).The objectives of this study were to determine how glucose affects hexokinase(HK)activit...Glucose plays a vital part in milk protein synthesis through the mTOR signaling pathway in bovine mammary epithelial cells(BMEC).The objectives of this study were to determine how glucose affects hexokinase(HK)activity in BMEC and investigate the regulatory effect of HK in kappa casein(CSN3)synthesis via the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)signaling pathway in BMEC.For this,HK1 and HK2 were knocked out in BMEC using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.The gene and protein expression,glucose uptake,and cell proliferation were measured.We found that glucose uptake,cell proliferation,CSN3 gene expression levels,and expression of HK1 and HK2 increased with increasing glucose concentrations.Notably,glucose uptake was significantly reduced in HK2 knockout(HK2KO)BMEC treated with 17.5 mM glucose.Moreover,under the same glucose treatment conditions,the proliferative ability and abundance of CSN3 were significantly diminished in both HK1 knockout(HK1KO)and HK2KO BMEC compared with that in wild-type BEMC.We further observed that the phosphorylation levels of ribosome protein subunit 6 kinase 1(S6K1)were reduced in HK1KO and HK2KO BMEC following treatment with 17.5 mM glucose.As expected,the levels of glucose-6-phosphate and the m RNA expression levels of glycolysis-related genes were decreased in both HK1KO and HK2KO BMEC following glucose treatment.These results indicated that the knockout of HK1 and HK2 inhibited cell proliferation and CSN3 expression in BMEC under glucose treatment,which may be associated with the inactivation of the S6K1 and inhibition of glycolysis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)targeting programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3(TIM-3)are beneficial to the resumption of anti-tumor immunity...BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)targeting programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3(TIM-3)are beneficial to the resumption of anti-tumor immunity response and hold extreme potential as efficient therapies for certain malignancies.However,ICIs with a single target exhibit poor overall response rate in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients due to the complex pathological mechanisms of HCC.AIM To investigate the effects of combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade on tumor development in an HCC mouse model,aiming to identify more effective immunotherapies and provide more treatment options for HCC patients.METHODS The levels of PD-1 and TIM-3 on CD4+and CD8+T cells from tumor tissues,ascites,and matched adjacent tissues from HCC patients were determined with flow cytometry.An HCC xenograft mouse model was established and treated with anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody(mAb)and/or anti-PD-1 mAb.Tumor growth in each group was measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate T cell infiltration in tumors.The percentage of CD4+and CD8+T cells in tissue samples from mice was tested with flow cytometry.The percentages of PD-1+CD8+,TIM-3+CD8+,and PD-1+TIM-3+CD8+T cells was accessed by flow cytometry.The levels of the cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-10 in tumor tissues were gauged with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.RESULTS We confirmed that PD-1 and TIM-3 expression was substantially upregulated in CD4+and CD8+T cells isolated from tumor tissues and ascites of HCC patients.TIM-3 mAb and PD-1 mAb treatment both reduced tumor volume and weight,while combined blockade had more substantial anti-tumor effects than individual treatment.Then we showed that combined therapy increased T cell infiltration into tumor tissues,and downregulated PD-1 and TIM-3 expression on CD8+T cells in tumor tissues.Moreover,combined treatment facilitated the production of T cell effector cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ,and reduced the production of immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10 and IL-6 in tumor tissues.Thus,we implicated that combined blockade could ameliorate T cell exhaustion in HCC mouse model.CONCLUSION Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains HCC development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between antiviral restriction factor Sterile Alpha Motif and Histidine-Aspartic acid domain-containing protein 1(SAMHD1)expression and T cell activation,furthermore,identifyin...OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between antiviral restriction factor Sterile Alpha Motif and Histidine-Aspartic acid domain-containing protein 1(SAMHD1)expression and T cell activation,furthermore,identifying objective indexes of lung-spleen Qi deficiency symptom pattern.METHODS:We assessed the profile of T lymphocyte subsets,characteristics of SAMHD1 and human leukocyte antigen DR(HLA-DR)expression in lungspleen Qi deficiency patients.At the same time,people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS)(PLWHA)without obvious clinical symptoms and healthy donors in this area were used as controls.RESULTS:Immunohematologic indexes lower CD4 count,lower CD4/CD8 ratio and higher SAMHD1 level were found in lung-spleen Qi deficiency patients.Furthermore,we demonstrated a positive relationship between SAMHD1 and HLA-DR level as well as with interferon factor in lung-spleen Qi deficiency syndrome and patients without obvious clinical signs and symptoms groups.CONCLUSIONS:These data indicated the positive relationship between SAMHD1 and T cell activation which further elucidated the role of SAMHD1 in cellular immune response.Furthermore,combination of T lymphocyte subsets counts and SAMHD1 level may be used as clinical and biological reference basis for the differentiation and diagnosis of HIV/AIDS traditional Chinese medicine syndromes.展开更多
Background Transcription factors hypoxia inducible factor 1α （HIF 1α） and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 （EPAS1） promote the transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）. VEGF enhances angiogen...Background Transcription factors hypoxia inducible factor 1α （HIF 1α） and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 （EPAS1） promote the transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）. VEGF enhances angiogenesis and vascular permeability of tumours, which promotes tumour growth and facilitates entry of cancer cells into blood circulation and metastasizing. This study examined whether HIF 1α and EPAS1 stimulated angiogenesis through activation of VEGF in human pancreatic carcinoma. Methods Specimens from pancreatic carcinoma and healthy parts of same pancreas were taken from 60 patients. Real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction estimated expression of HIF 1α, EPAS1, and VEGF mRNAs. Western blotting and immunohistochemical, streptavidin peroxidase method assessed expression of HIF 1α, EPAS1, and VEGF proteins. Microvessel density （MVD） was assessed. Results Highly significant increases in expression of EPAS1, VEGF, and MVD were found in pancreatic carcinoma tissue but not in normal pancreatic tissue： VEGF at mRNA and protein levels （t=17.32, P=-0.0001; t=98.41, P=0.0001）; EPAS1 protein level （t=22.51, P=0.0001）. Expression of HIF la was similar in pancreatic carcinoma and normal pancreatic tissues at both mRNA and protein levels. Significant correlations were observed between EPAS1 and VEGF （r=0.736, P=0.0041）, between VEGF and MVD （r=0.858, P=0.0001）, and between EPAS1 and MVD （r=0.641, P=0.0003）. No significant correlations were observed between HIF la and VEGF, or between HIF 1α and MVD. MVD and expression of EPAS1 and VEGF were significantly related with TNM staging, so was EPASI and VEGF with size of tumour. Conclusions EPAS1 and VEGF, but not HIFla, are overexpressed in pancreatic carcinoma. The expression of EPAS1 is correlated with that of VEGF and MVD. EPAS1 may be involved in the angiogenesis of pancreatic carcinoma by upregulating the expression of VEGE Targeting EPAS1 may be a new method of antiangiogenic tumour therapy for pancreatic carcinoma.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the interaction of interleukin-23 receptor(IL23R)(rs1004819 and rs2201841),autophagy-related 16-like 1(ATG16L1)(rs2241880), caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 15 (CARD15)genes,and IBD5 lo...AIM:To investigate the interaction of interleukin-23 receptor(IL23R)(rs1004819 and rs2201841),autophagy-related 16-like 1(ATG16L1)(rs2241880), caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 15 (CARD15)genes,and IBD5 locus in Crohn's disease(CD) patients. METHODS:A total of 315 unrelated subjects with CD and 314 healthy controls were genotyped.Interactions and specific genotype combinations of a total of eight variants were tested.The variants of IBD5locus(IGR2198a_1 rs11739135 and IGR2096a_1 rs12521868),CARD15(R702W rs2066845 and L1007fs rs2066847),ATG16L1(rs2241880)and IL23R (rs1004819,rs2201841)genes were genotyped by PCR-RFLP,the G908R(rs2066844)in CARD15 was determined by direct sequencing. RESULTS:The association of ATG16L1 T300A with CD was confirmed[P=0.004,odds ratio(OR)=1.69, 95%CI:1.19-2.41],and both IL23R variants were found to represent significant risk for the disease(P= 0.008,OR=2.05,95%CI:1.20-3.50 for rs1004819 AA;P<0.001,OR=2.97,95%CI:1.65-5.33 for rs2201841 CC).Logistic regression analysis of pairwise interaction of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)loci indicated that IL23R,ATG16L1,CARD15 and IBD5(IGR2198a_1)contribute independently to disease risk.We also analysed the specific combina- tions by pair of individual ATG16L1,IL23R rs1004819, rs2201841,IGR2198a_1,IGR2096a_1 and CARD15 genotypes for disease risk influence.In almost all cases,the combined risk of susceptibility pairs was higher in patients carrying two different risk-associated gene variants together than individuals with just one polymorphism.The highest OR was found for IL23R rs2201841 homozygous genotype with combination of positive CARD15 status(P<0.001,OR=9.15,95% CI:2.05-40.74). CONCLUSION:The present study suggests a cumulative effect of individual IBD susceptibility loci.展开更多
Mitophagy is an essential intracellular process that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria and maintains cellular homeostasis. Mitophagy is regulated by the post-translational modification of mitophagy receptors. Fun1...Mitophagy is an essential intracellular process that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria and maintains cellular homeostasis. Mitophagy is regulated by the post-translational modification of mitophagy receptors. Fun14 domain-containing protein 1 （FUNDC1） was reported to be a new receptor for hypoxia-induced mitophagy in mammalian cells and interact with micro-tubule-associated protein light chain 3 beta （LC3B） through its LC3 interaction region （LIR）. Moreover, the phosphorylation modification of FUNDC1 affects its binding affinity for LC3B and regulates selective mitophagy. However, the structural basis of this regulation mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present the crystal structure of LC3B in complex with a FUNDCI LIR peptide phosphorylated at Ser17 （pS17）, demonstrating the key residues of LC3B for the specific recognition of the phosphorylated or dephosphorylated FUNDC1. Intriguingly, the side chain of LC3B Lys49 shifts remarkably and forms a hydrogen bond and electrostatic interaction with the phosphate group of FUNDC1 pS17. Alternatively, phosphorylated Tyr18 （PY18） and Ser13 （PS13） in FUNDC1 significantly obstruct their interaction with the hydrophobic pocket and Arg10 of LC3B, respectively. Structural observations are further validated by mutation and isothermal titration calorimetry （ITC） assays. Therefore, our structural and biochemical results reveal a working model for thespecific recognition of FUNDCI by LC3B and imply that the reversible phosphorylation modification of mitophagy receptors may be a switch for selective mitophagy.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate synergistic effect of Reduning(RDN)injection plus ribavirin against severe pneumonia induced by H1 N1 influenza A virus in mice.METHODS:We established a mouse model of severe pneumonia induced...OBJECTIVE:To investigate synergistic effect of Reduning(RDN)injection plus ribavirin against severe pneumonia induced by H1 N1 influenza A virus in mice.METHODS:We established a mouse model of severe pneumonia induced by influenza A virus by infecting Balb/c mice with CA07 virus.We randomly assigned the infected mice into four groups,and treated them with normal saline(NS group),RDN(injection,86.6 mg/kg),ribavirin(injection,66.6 mg/kg)or double Ribavirin plus RDN group,the same dosage as used in the single treatments)for 5 d.Lung index and lung pathology were recorded or calculated in terms of the curative effective.Cytokines,NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome related protein including caspase-associated recruitment domain(CARD)domain Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),caspase-1 and NOD-like receptor family,pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3),and reactive oxygen species were simultaneously investigated.RESULTS:RDN plus ribavirin treatment,not RDN or ribavirin alone,provided a significant survival benefit to the influenza A virus-infected mice.The combination treatment protected the mice against severe influenza infection by attenuating the severe lung injury.The combined treatment also reduced the viral titers in mouse lungs and lung index,downregulated their immunocytokine levels,including IL-1βand IL-18,and down regulated the NLRP3,especially the transcription and translation of caspase-1.Meanwhile NS group had significantly higher reactive oxygen species(ROS)expression which could was dramatically reduced by the treatment of RDN plus ribavirin.CONCLUSION:Our study showed that RDN combined with ribavirin could protect the mice,and reduce the lung immunopathologic damage caused by severe influenza pneumonia.The mechanism could be that it reduced ROS produce and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation so that mainly lower the downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-1βand IL-18.展开更多
Background:Exploring the underlying mechanism of rituximab resistance is critical to improve the outcomes of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Here,we tried to identify the effects of the axon guidanc...Background:Exploring the underlying mechanism of rituximab resistance is critical to improve the outcomes of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Here,we tried to identify the effects of the axon guidance factor semaphorin-3F(SEMA3F)on rituximab resistance as well as its therapeutic value in DLBCL.Methods:The effects of SEMA3F on the treatment response to rituximab were investigated by gain-or loss-of-function experiments.The role of the Hippo pathway in SEMA3F-mediated activity was explored.A xenograft mouse model generated by SEMA3F knockdown in cells was used to evaluate rituximab sensitivity and combined therapeutic effects.The prognostic value of SEMA3F and TAZ(WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1)was examined in the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and human DLBCL specimens.Results:We found that loss of SEMA3F was related to a poor prognosis in patients who received rituximab-based immunochemotherapy instead of chemotherapy regimen.Knockdown of SEMA3F significantly repressed the expression of CD20 and reduced the proapoptotic activity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity(CDC)activity induced by rituximab.We further demonstrated that the Hippo pathway was involved in the SEMA3F-mediated regulation of CD20.Knockdown of SEMA3F expression induced the nuclear accumulation of TAZ and inhibited CD20 transcriptional levels via direct binding of the transcription factor TEAD2 and the CD20 promoter.Moreover,in patients with DLBCL,SEMA3F expression was negatively correlated with TAZ,and patients with SEMA3F^(low)TAZ^(high)had a limited benefit from a rituximab-based strategy.Specifically,treatment of DLBCL cells with rituximab and a YAP/TAZ inhibitor showed promising therapeutic effects in vitro and in vivo.Conclusion:Our study thus defined a previously unknown mechanism of SEMA3F-mediated rituximab resistance through TAZ activation in DLBCL and identified potential therapeutic targets in patients.展开更多
Cystathionine-γ-lyase(CSE),an enzyme associated with hydrogen sulfide(H2S)production,is an important endogenous regulator of inflammation.Jumonji domain-containing protein 3(JMJD3)is implicated in the immune response...Cystathionine-γ-lyase(CSE),an enzyme associated with hydrogen sulfide(H2S)production,is an important endogenous regulator of inflammation.Jumonji domain-containing protein 3(JMJD3)is implicated in the immune response and inflammation.Here,we investigated the potential contribution of JMJD3 to endogenous CSE-mediated inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Upregulated CSE and JMJD3 were identified in synovial fibroblasts(SFs)from RA patients as well as in the joints of arthritic mice.Knocking down CSE augmented inflammation in IL-1β-induced SFs by increasing JMJD3 expression.In addition,CSE−/−mice with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)developed severe joint inflammation and bone erosion.Conversely,overexpressing CSE inhibited JMJD3 expression by the transcription factor Sp-1 and was accompanied by reduced inflammation in IL-1β-treated SFs.Furthermore,JMJD3 silencing or the administration of the JMJD3 inhibitor GSK-J4 significantly decreased the inflammatory response in IL-1β-treated SFs,mainly by controlling the methylation status of H3K27me3 at the promoter of its target genes.GSK-J4 markedly attenuated the severity of arthritis in CIA mice.In conclusion,suppressing JMJD3 expression by the transcription factor Sp-1 is likely responsible for the ability of CSE to negatively modulate the inflammatory response and reduce the progression of RA.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation for Young Scholars of China,No.82201771National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.32270912+2 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Changsha,No.kq2202491Research Grant of CITIC-Xiangya,No.YNXM202109 and No.YNXM202115Hunan Provincial Grant for Innovative Province Construction,No.2019SK4012。
文摘BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs)are the origin of male spermatogenesis,which can reconstruct germ cell lineage in mice.However,the application of SSCs for male fertility restoration is hindered due to the unclear mechanisms of proliferation and self-renewal in humans.AIM To investigate the role and mechanism of SPOC domain-containing protein 1(SPOCD1)in human SSC proliferation.METHODS We analyzed publicly available human testis single-cell RNA sequencing(RNAseq)data and found that SPOCD1 is predominantly expressed in SSCs in the early developmental stages.Small interfering RNA was applied to suppress SPOCD1 expression to detect the impacts of SPOCD1 inhibition on SSC proliferation and apoptosis.Subsequently,we explored the target genes of SPOCD1 using RNA-seq and confirmed their role by restoring the expression of the target genes.In addition,we examined SPOCD1 expression in some non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)patients to explore the correlation between SPOCD1 and NOA.RESULTS The uniform manifold approximation and projection clustering and pseudotime analysis showed that SPOCD1 was highly expressed in the early stages of SSC,and immunohistological results showed that SPOCD1 was mainly localized in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-1 positive SSCs.SPOCD1 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis.RNA-seq results showed that SPOCD1 knockdown significantly downregulated genes such as adenylate kinase 4(AK4).Overexpression of AK4 in SPOCD1 knockdown cells partially reversed the phenotypic changes,indicating that AK4 is a functional target gene of SPOCD1.In addition,we found a significant downregulation of SPOCD1 expression in some NOA patients,suggesting that the downregulation of SPOCD1 may be relevant for NOA.CONCLUSION Our study broadens the understanding of human SSC fate determination and may offer new theories on the etiology of male infertility.
基金supported by the Development Project of China(2017YFD0502104-3)the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-36)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31972589)
文摘Glucose plays a vital part in milk protein synthesis through the mTOR signaling pathway in bovine mammary epithelial cells(BMEC).The objectives of this study were to determine how glucose affects hexokinase(HK)activity in BMEC and investigate the regulatory effect of HK in kappa casein(CSN3)synthesis via the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)signaling pathway in BMEC.For this,HK1 and HK2 were knocked out in BMEC using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.The gene and protein expression,glucose uptake,and cell proliferation were measured.We found that glucose uptake,cell proliferation,CSN3 gene expression levels,and expression of HK1 and HK2 increased with increasing glucose concentrations.Notably,glucose uptake was significantly reduced in HK2 knockout(HK2KO)BMEC treated with 17.5 mM glucose.Moreover,under the same glucose treatment conditions,the proliferative ability and abundance of CSN3 were significantly diminished in both HK1 knockout(HK1KO)and HK2KO BMEC compared with that in wild-type BEMC.We further observed that the phosphorylation levels of ribosome protein subunit 6 kinase 1(S6K1)were reduced in HK1KO and HK2KO BMEC following treatment with 17.5 mM glucose.As expected,the levels of glucose-6-phosphate and the m RNA expression levels of glycolysis-related genes were decreased in both HK1KO and HK2KO BMEC following glucose treatment.These results indicated that the knockout of HK1 and HK2 inhibited cell proliferation and CSN3 expression in BMEC under glucose treatment,which may be associated with the inactivation of the S6K1 and inhibition of glycolysis.
基金Supported by the First-Class Discipline Construction Founded Project of Ningxia Medical University and the School of Clinical Medicine,No.2020008.
文摘BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)targeting programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3(TIM-3)are beneficial to the resumption of anti-tumor immunity response and hold extreme potential as efficient therapies for certain malignancies.However,ICIs with a single target exhibit poor overall response rate in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients due to the complex pathological mechanisms of HCC.AIM To investigate the effects of combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade on tumor development in an HCC mouse model,aiming to identify more effective immunotherapies and provide more treatment options for HCC patients.METHODS The levels of PD-1 and TIM-3 on CD4+and CD8+T cells from tumor tissues,ascites,and matched adjacent tissues from HCC patients were determined with flow cytometry.An HCC xenograft mouse model was established and treated with anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody(mAb)and/or anti-PD-1 mAb.Tumor growth in each group was measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate T cell infiltration in tumors.The percentage of CD4+and CD8+T cells in tissue samples from mice was tested with flow cytometry.The percentages of PD-1+CD8+,TIM-3+CD8+,and PD-1+TIM-3+CD8+T cells was accessed by flow cytometry.The levels of the cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-10 in tumor tissues were gauged with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.RESULTS We confirmed that PD-1 and TIM-3 expression was substantially upregulated in CD4+and CD8+T cells isolated from tumor tissues and ascites of HCC patients.TIM-3 mAb and PD-1 mAb treatment both reduced tumor volume and weight,while combined blockade had more substantial anti-tumor effects than individual treatment.Then we showed that combined therapy increased T cell infiltration into tumor tissues,and downregulated PD-1 and TIM-3 expression on CD8+T cells in tumor tissues.Moreover,combined treatment facilitated the production of T cell effector cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ,and reduced the production of immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10 and IL-6 in tumor tissues.Thus,we implicated that combined blockade could ameliorate T cell exhaustion in HCC mouse model.CONCLUSION Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains HCC development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Construction of HIV Pseudovirus Infected Cell Model and Application of Yiaikang in the Study of T Cell Immune Response,No.82004207)the National Special Science and Technology Program on Major Infectious Diseases(Study on the Scheme of TCM to Reduce the Incidence of Adverse Reactions to AIDS Antiviral Therapy,No.2017ZX10205502002+6 种基金Study on the Scheme of TCM to Reduce the Incidence of AIDS Opportunistic Infection,No.2017ZX10205502003)the Science and Technology Tackling Plan of Henan Province(Exploring the Activation Mechanism of Yiaikang on CD8+T Lymphocytes in HIV/AIDS Patients based on STING/SAMHD1 Pathway,No.202102310178Regulation of HIV/AIDS Treg CellDerived Exosomeso on Activation of CD4+T Cells and the Intervention of Yiaikang,No.212102311126)Subject Construction Project of Henan Characteristic Backbone Subject of TCM of Henan University of TCM(Deep Sequencing/Molecular Docking/Gene Editing Network System to Analyze The Mechanism of TCM Regulating the Immune Function of HIV Patients,No.STG-ZYXKY-2020029)Henan Province TCM Research Project(Explore the Mechanism of Yiaikang in the Treatment of AIDS Immunity Based on HIV gag-CTL Response,No.2018JDZX106,2019AZB003Study on TCM Treatment of Aged AIDS,No.20-21ZYZD03)Key Scientific Research Projects of Colleges and Universities in Henan Province(to Explore the Regulation Mechanism of Yiaikang on AIDS Lung Qi Deficiency Syndrome from TGF-β/Smad/ID,No.20A360010)
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between antiviral restriction factor Sterile Alpha Motif and Histidine-Aspartic acid domain-containing protein 1(SAMHD1)expression and T cell activation,furthermore,identifying objective indexes of lung-spleen Qi deficiency symptom pattern.METHODS:We assessed the profile of T lymphocyte subsets,characteristics of SAMHD1 and human leukocyte antigen DR(HLA-DR)expression in lungspleen Qi deficiency patients.At the same time,people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS)(PLWHA)without obvious clinical symptoms and healthy donors in this area were used as controls.RESULTS:Immunohematologic indexes lower CD4 count,lower CD4/CD8 ratio and higher SAMHD1 level were found in lung-spleen Qi deficiency patients.Furthermore,we demonstrated a positive relationship between SAMHD1 and HLA-DR level as well as with interferon factor in lung-spleen Qi deficiency syndrome and patients without obvious clinical signs and symptoms groups.CONCLUSIONS:These data indicated the positive relationship between SAMHD1 and T cell activation which further elucidated the role of SAMHD1 in cellular immune response.Furthermore,combination of T lymphocyte subsets counts and SAMHD1 level may be used as clinical and biological reference basis for the differentiation and diagnosis of HIV/AIDS traditional Chinese medicine syndromes.
文摘Background Transcription factors hypoxia inducible factor 1α （HIF 1α） and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 （EPAS1） promote the transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）. VEGF enhances angiogenesis and vascular permeability of tumours, which promotes tumour growth and facilitates entry of cancer cells into blood circulation and metastasizing. This study examined whether HIF 1α and EPAS1 stimulated angiogenesis through activation of VEGF in human pancreatic carcinoma. Methods Specimens from pancreatic carcinoma and healthy parts of same pancreas were taken from 60 patients. Real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction estimated expression of HIF 1α, EPAS1, and VEGF mRNAs. Western blotting and immunohistochemical, streptavidin peroxidase method assessed expression of HIF 1α, EPAS1, and VEGF proteins. Microvessel density （MVD） was assessed. Results Highly significant increases in expression of EPAS1, VEGF, and MVD were found in pancreatic carcinoma tissue but not in normal pancreatic tissue： VEGF at mRNA and protein levels （t=17.32, P=-0.0001; t=98.41, P=0.0001）; EPAS1 protein level （t=22.51, P=0.0001）. Expression of HIF la was similar in pancreatic carcinoma and normal pancreatic tissues at both mRNA and protein levels. Significant correlations were observed between EPAS1 and VEGF （r=0.736, P=0.0041）, between VEGF and MVD （r=0.858, P=0.0001）, and between EPAS1 and MVD （r=0.641, P=0.0003）. No significant correlations were observed between HIF la and VEGF, or between HIF 1α and MVD. MVD and expression of EPAS1 and VEGF were significantly related with TNM staging, so was EPASI and VEGF with size of tumour. Conclusions EPAS1 and VEGF, but not HIFla, are overexpressed in pancreatic carcinoma. The expression of EPAS1 is correlated with that of VEGF and MVD. EPAS1 may be involved in the angiogenesis of pancreatic carcinoma by upregulating the expression of VEGE Targeting EPAS1 may be a new method of antiangiogenic tumour therapy for pancreatic carcinoma.
基金Supported by Grant of Hungarian Scientific Research Foundation,No.OTKA T 73430
文摘AIM:To investigate the interaction of interleukin-23 receptor(IL23R)(rs1004819 and rs2201841),autophagy-related 16-like 1(ATG16L1)(rs2241880), caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 15 (CARD15)genes,and IBD5 locus in Crohn's disease(CD) patients. METHODS:A total of 315 unrelated subjects with CD and 314 healthy controls were genotyped.Interactions and specific genotype combinations of a total of eight variants were tested.The variants of IBD5locus(IGR2198a_1 rs11739135 and IGR2096a_1 rs12521868),CARD15(R702W rs2066845 and L1007fs rs2066847),ATG16L1(rs2241880)and IL23R (rs1004819,rs2201841)genes were genotyped by PCR-RFLP,the G908R(rs2066844)in CARD15 was determined by direct sequencing. RESULTS:The association of ATG16L1 T300A with CD was confirmed[P=0.004,odds ratio(OR)=1.69, 95%CI:1.19-2.41],and both IL23R variants were found to represent significant risk for the disease(P= 0.008,OR=2.05,95%CI:1.20-3.50 for rs1004819 AA;P<0.001,OR=2.97,95%CI:1.65-5.33 for rs2201841 CC).Logistic regression analysis of pairwise interaction of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)loci indicated that IL23R,ATG16L1,CARD15 and IBD5(IGR2198a_1)contribute independently to disease risk.We also analysed the specific combina- tions by pair of individual ATG16L1,IL23R rs1004819, rs2201841,IGR2198a_1,IGR2096a_1 and CARD15 genotypes for disease risk influence.In almost all cases,the combined risk of susceptibility pairs was higher in patients carrying two different risk-associated gene variants together than individuals with just one polymorphism.The highest OR was found for IL23R rs2201841 homozygous genotype with combination of positive CARD15 status(P<0.001,OR=9.15,95% CI:2.05-40.74). CONCLUSION:The present study suggests a cumulative effect of individual IBD susceptibility loci.
基金This work was supported by National Natural Science Founda- tion （Grant No. 31400629） the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Science （No. XDB08010101）+1 种基金 Ministry Of Science And Technology of China （No. 2016YFA0500700） China Postdoctoral Science Foundation （No. 2015M582009 and 2016T90579） and National Natural Science Foundation （Grant No. 31330018）.
文摘Mitophagy is an essential intracellular process that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria and maintains cellular homeostasis. Mitophagy is regulated by the post-translational modification of mitophagy receptors. Fun14 domain-containing protein 1 （FUNDC1） was reported to be a new receptor for hypoxia-induced mitophagy in mammalian cells and interact with micro-tubule-associated protein light chain 3 beta （LC3B） through its LC3 interaction region （LIR）. Moreover, the phosphorylation modification of FUNDC1 affects its binding affinity for LC3B and regulates selective mitophagy. However, the structural basis of this regulation mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present the crystal structure of LC3B in complex with a FUNDCI LIR peptide phosphorylated at Ser17 （pS17）, demonstrating the key residues of LC3B for the specific recognition of the phosphorylated or dephosphorylated FUNDC1. Intriguingly, the side chain of LC3B Lys49 shifts remarkably and forms a hydrogen bond and electrostatic interaction with the phosphate group of FUNDC1 pS17. Alternatively, phosphorylated Tyr18 （PY18） and Ser13 （PS13） in FUNDC1 significantly obstruct their interaction with the hydrophobic pocket and Arg10 of LC3B, respectively. Structural observations are further validated by mutation and isothermal titration calorimetry （ITC） assays. Therefore, our structural and biochemical results reveal a working model for thespecific recognition of FUNDCI by LC3B and imply that the reversible phosphorylation modification of mitophagy receptors may be a switch for selective mitophagy.
基金Supported by The Beijing Natural Science Foundation the research on the mechanisms of Reduning Injection which protects mice from severe pneumonia in terms of the activation level of NLRP3 inflammatomes(No.7172099)
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate synergistic effect of Reduning(RDN)injection plus ribavirin against severe pneumonia induced by H1 N1 influenza A virus in mice.METHODS:We established a mouse model of severe pneumonia induced by influenza A virus by infecting Balb/c mice with CA07 virus.We randomly assigned the infected mice into four groups,and treated them with normal saline(NS group),RDN(injection,86.6 mg/kg),ribavirin(injection,66.6 mg/kg)or double Ribavirin plus RDN group,the same dosage as used in the single treatments)for 5 d.Lung index and lung pathology were recorded or calculated in terms of the curative effective.Cytokines,NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome related protein including caspase-associated recruitment domain(CARD)domain Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),caspase-1 and NOD-like receptor family,pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3),and reactive oxygen species were simultaneously investigated.RESULTS:RDN plus ribavirin treatment,not RDN or ribavirin alone,provided a significant survival benefit to the influenza A virus-infected mice.The combination treatment protected the mice against severe influenza infection by attenuating the severe lung injury.The combined treatment also reduced the viral titers in mouse lungs and lung index,downregulated their immunocytokine levels,including IL-1βand IL-18,and down regulated the NLRP3,especially the transcription and translation of caspase-1.Meanwhile NS group had significantly higher reactive oxygen species(ROS)expression which could was dramatically reduced by the treatment of RDN plus ribavirin.CONCLUSION:Our study showed that RDN combined with ribavirin could protect the mice,and reduce the lung immunopathologic damage caused by severe influenza pneumonia.The mechanism could be that it reduced ROS produce and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation so that mainly lower the downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-1βand IL-18.
基金National Natural Science Fund(No.82070208)National Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing(cstc2020jcyjmsxmX0433)+4 种基金Major program of Chongqing Health Commission and Science and Technology Bureau Joint project(2022DBXM003)Chongqing Science and Health Joint medical research project(2023QNXM047)Military clinical medical innovation project of Xinqiao hospital(2021JSLC0003)Science and technology innovation promotion project of AMU(2019XLC3020)Translational Research Grant of NCRCH(2020ZKZC02 and 2021WWB05)
文摘Background:Exploring the underlying mechanism of rituximab resistance is critical to improve the outcomes of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Here,we tried to identify the effects of the axon guidance factor semaphorin-3F(SEMA3F)on rituximab resistance as well as its therapeutic value in DLBCL.Methods:The effects of SEMA3F on the treatment response to rituximab were investigated by gain-or loss-of-function experiments.The role of the Hippo pathway in SEMA3F-mediated activity was explored.A xenograft mouse model generated by SEMA3F knockdown in cells was used to evaluate rituximab sensitivity and combined therapeutic effects.The prognostic value of SEMA3F and TAZ(WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1)was examined in the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and human DLBCL specimens.Results:We found that loss of SEMA3F was related to a poor prognosis in patients who received rituximab-based immunochemotherapy instead of chemotherapy regimen.Knockdown of SEMA3F significantly repressed the expression of CD20 and reduced the proapoptotic activity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity(CDC)activity induced by rituximab.We further demonstrated that the Hippo pathway was involved in the SEMA3F-mediated regulation of CD20.Knockdown of SEMA3F expression induced the nuclear accumulation of TAZ and inhibited CD20 transcriptional levels via direct binding of the transcription factor TEAD2 and the CD20 promoter.Moreover,in patients with DLBCL,SEMA3F expression was negatively correlated with TAZ,and patients with SEMA3F^(low)TAZ^(high)had a limited benefit from a rituximab-based strategy.Specifically,treatment of DLBCL cells with rituximab and a YAP/TAZ inhibitor showed promising therapeutic effects in vitro and in vivo.Conclusion:Our study thus defined a previously unknown mechanism of SEMA3F-mediated rituximab resistance through TAZ activation in DLBCL and identified potential therapeutic targets in patients.
基金supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.8167342881330080)a key laboratory program of the Education Commission of Shanghai Municipality(No.ZDSYS14005).
文摘Cystathionine-γ-lyase(CSE),an enzyme associated with hydrogen sulfide(H2S)production,is an important endogenous regulator of inflammation.Jumonji domain-containing protein 3(JMJD3)is implicated in the immune response and inflammation.Here,we investigated the potential contribution of JMJD3 to endogenous CSE-mediated inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Upregulated CSE and JMJD3 were identified in synovial fibroblasts(SFs)from RA patients as well as in the joints of arthritic mice.Knocking down CSE augmented inflammation in IL-1β-induced SFs by increasing JMJD3 expression.In addition,CSE−/−mice with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)developed severe joint inflammation and bone erosion.Conversely,overexpressing CSE inhibited JMJD3 expression by the transcription factor Sp-1 and was accompanied by reduced inflammation in IL-1β-treated SFs.Furthermore,JMJD3 silencing or the administration of the JMJD3 inhibitor GSK-J4 significantly decreased the inflammatory response in IL-1β-treated SFs,mainly by controlling the methylation status of H3K27me3 at the promoter of its target genes.GSK-J4 markedly attenuated the severity of arthritis in CIA mice.In conclusion,suppressing JMJD3 expression by the transcription factor Sp-1 is likely responsible for the ability of CSE to negatively modulate the inflammatory response and reduce the progression of RA.
