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

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

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

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

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

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

Regulatory T cells in skin regeneration and wound healing

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

Comprehensive integration of single-cell transcriptomic data illuminates the regulatory network architecture of plant cell fate specification

Plant morphogenesis relies on precise gene expression programs at the proper time and position which is orchestrated by transcription factors(TFs)in intricate regulatory networks in a cell-type specific manner.Here we introduced a comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic atlas of Arabidopsis seedlings.This atlas is the result of meticulous integration of 63 previously published scRNA-seq datasets,addressing batch effects and conserving biological variance.This integration spans a broad spectrum of tissues,including both below-and above-ground parts.Utilizing a rigorous approach for cell type annotation,we identified 47 distinct cell types or states,largely expanding our current view of plant cell compositions.We systematically constructed cell-type specific gene regulatory networks and uncovered key regulators that act in a coordinated manner to control cell-type specific gene expression.Taken together,our study not only offers extensive plant cell atlas exploration that serves as a valuable resource,but also provides molecular insights into gene-regulatory programs that varies from different cell types.

Differentiation and immunosuppressive function of CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+) regulatory B cells are regulated through the miR-29a-3p/NFAT5 pathway

Background: Regulatory B cells(Bregs) is an indispensable element in inducing immune tolerance after liver transplantation. As one of the microRNAs(miRNAs), mi R-29a-3p also inhibits translation by degrading the target mRNA, and yet the relationship between Bregs and mi R-29a-3p has not yet been fully explored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of miR-29a-3p on the regulation of differentiation and immunosuppressive functions of memory Bregs(m Bregs) and ultimately provide potentially effective therapies in inducing immune tolerance after liver transplantation. Methods: Flow cytometry was employed to determine the levels of Bregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. TaqMan low-density array miRNA assays were used to identify the expression of different miRNAs, electroporation transfection was used to induce mi R-29a-3p overexpression and knockdown, and dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the target gene of miR-29a-3p. Results: In patients experiencing acute rejection after liver transplantation, the proportions and immunosuppressive function of m Bregs in the circulating blood were significantly impaired. mi R-29a-3p was found to be a regulator of m Bregs differentiation. Inhibition of miR-29a-3p, which targeted nuclear factor of activated T cells 5(NFAT5), resulted in a conspicuous boost in the differentiation and immunosuppressive function of m Bregs. The inhibition of mi R-29a-3p in CD19~+ B cells was capable of raising the expression levels of NFAT5, thereby promoting B cells to differentiate into m Bregs. In addition, the observed enhancement of differentiation and immunosuppressive function of m Bregs upon mi R-29a-3p inhibition was abolished by the knockdown of NFAT5 in B cells. Conclusions: mi R-29a-3p was found to be a crucial regulator for m Bregs differentiation and immunosuppressive function. Silencing mi R-29a-3p could be a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for inducing immune tolerance after liver transplantation.

Populational change of CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg cells is responsible for the synergistic effect of the combination of RAMP2 with baicalin in treating recurrent spontaneous abortion mouse models

Background: The absence of a safe and effective therapy for recurrent spontaneous abortion due to a maternofetal failure in immunological tolerance remains an intractable clinical obstacle for surgeons. Recently, traditional Chinese medicine has become a feasible alternative for certain diseases, including recurrent spontaneous abortion. However, because of the complex composition of the traditional Chinese medicine formula, its action mechanism remains unclear. Methods: We selected two isolated active ingredients (RAMP and baicalin) from the traditional Chinese medicine formula and used an abortion-prone CBA/J × DBA/2 model to simulate human RSA and compared the changes in fetal resorption rate, Treg cell percentage, and relevant cytokines before and after combination therapy. In addition, The mechanisms were preliminarily discussed using in vitro differentiation models. Results: In CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion-prone mice, the combination therapy resulted in a lower embryo resorption rate compared to that obtained with individual delivery of either RAMP or baicalin, thereby playing an embryo-protective role through the increase in Treg cells for the maintenance of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. In in vitro primary cell differentiation experiments, the concentration of Treg cells significantly increased from 11% to 17.9% after the combination therapy compared to that of the single administration group. Conclusion: the synergistic effects of RAMP and baicalin were responsible for Treg differentiation. The present study provides a solid basis for improving the applicability of traditional Chinese herbs in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Huoxue Tongjiang decoction-resisted reflux esophagitis by activation stem cell factor/c-kit/interstitial cell of cajal pathway and regulating the T-helper 17/regulatory T-cells balance in rats

Background:Huoxue Tongjiang decoction(HXTJD)is an effective prescription for treating reflux esophagitis(RE).We investigated the effects of HXTJD on esophageal motility and mucosal inflammation in a rat RE model.Methods:Chemical composition of HXTJD was analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry(MS).The change rates of mean contraction tension forces,mean amplitudes,and mean frequencies for the lower esophageal sphincter(LES)were recorded using the isolated tissue bath system,mechanical tension transducer,and PowerLab physiological recorder.After weighing the stomach,the phenol red labeling method was used to measure the gastric emptying rate.The LES ultrastructure was observed through transmission electron microscopy.Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to detect the number of interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC)and the expression levels of c-kit protein,connexin43(Cx43),and stem cell factor(SCF).Flow cytometric analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to detect the percentages of T helper 17(Th17)cells and regulatory T(Treg)cells and the serum concentrations of interleukin 6(IL-6),interleukin 17(IL-17),and interleukin 10(IL-10)in the rats.Results:We identified 28 chemical constituents in HXTJD.Regarding esophageal motility,we revealed that HXTJD increased the mean contraction tension forces,mean amplitudes,and mean frequency change rate of LES and the gastric emptying rate;decreased stomach weight;and improved the LES ultrastructure.Additionally,HXTJD increased the number of ICC-positive cells,and c-kit,Cx43,and SCF expression levels.Regarding esophageal inflammation,HXTJD significantly decreased the percentage of Th17 cells,and IL-6 and IL-17 concentrations,and increased the percentage of Treg cells and IL-10 concentration.Conclusion:HXTJD was found to be efficacious in the rat RE model.It may promote esophageal motility and alleviate the inflammatory response by activating the SCF/c-kit/ICC pathway and regulating the Th17/Treg cell balance.

Pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy in spinal cord injury:regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Regulated cell death is a form of cell death that is actively controlled by biomolecules.Several studies have shown that regulated cell death plays a key role after spinal cord injury.Pyroptosis and ferroptosis are newly discovered types of regulated cell deaths that have been shown to exacerbate inflammation and lead to cell death in damaged spinal cords.Autophagy,a complex form of cell death that is interconnected with various regulated cell death mechanisms,has garnered significant attention in the study of spinal cord injury.This injury triggers not only cell death but also cellular survival responses.Multiple signaling pathways play pivotal roles in influencing the processes of both deterioration and repair in spinal cord injury by regulating pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy.Therefore,this review aims to comprehensively examine the mechanisms underlying regulated cell deaths,the signaling pathways that modulate these mechanisms,and the potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord injury.Our analysis suggests that targeting the common regulatory signaling pathways of different regulated cell deaths could be a promising strategy to promote cell survival and enhance the repair of spinal cord injury.Moreover,a holistic approach that incorporates multiple regulated cell deaths and their regulatory pathways presents a promising multi-target therapeutic strategy for the management of spinal cord injury.

基于正邪理论探讨Th17/Treg细胞在慢性心衰中的作用

慢性心力衰竭是多种心血管疾病的终末期阶段,心肌损伤后,免疫介导的Th17、Treg细胞在心衰的发病机制具有关键作用,通过分泌炎症因子,导致心肌纤维化、心室重塑。中医正邪理论内涵丰富,对于认识Th17/Treg细胞与心衰的发展及相互作用具有指导意义,隶属于正邪理论范畴,即Th17/Treg细胞平衡,有利于维持机体的免疫平衡,属于“正气”范畴;Th17/Treg细胞失衡可能破坏机体内环境的稳定,导致免疫异常,促进疾病的发生,属于“邪气”范畴。基于此,作者以正邪理论为切入点,从宏观、微观角度来阐述Th17/Treg细胞在慢性心力衰竭发展中的作用,提出心衰早期,正虚为主,邪实为辅;心衰中期,正虚邪实;心衰晚期,邪实为主,正虚为辅;心衰终末期,正虚为主。临床通过扶正祛邪,调整机体正邪平衡,恢复机体Th17/Treg细胞的动态平衡,以期为中医理论阐述Th17/Treg在心衰的发展作用的现代研究奠定基础,为心衰的诊治提供新的理论依据。

芍药苷对慢性支气管炎模型大鼠Th17及Treg细胞亚群的影响

目的:探究芍药苷对慢性支气管炎(CB)大鼠Th17、Treg细胞亚群、肺功能的影响以及药理作用。方法:将SD大鼠采用复合诱导法建立CB模型,随机分成CB组(生理盐水)、低剂量芍药苷组(50 mg/kg)、中剂量芍药苷组(100 mg/kg)、高剂量芍药苷组(200 mg/kg)和核酪组(阳性对照,核酪口服液),10只;另设对照组(生理盐水)10只,造模后按照分组灌胃2 ml/100 g相应药物。给药完成后,观察大鼠一般情况并进行肺功能及血气分析;HE染色观察肺组织形态;流式细胞仪检测大鼠肺组织CD4^(+)T、CD8^(+)T、Th17(CD4^(+)IL-17^(+)T)、Treg(CD4^(+)CD25^(+)FOXP3^(+)T)细胞;ELISA法检测肺组织中IL-10、IL-22、IL-17水平。结果:CB组大鼠活动迟缓,毛色暗淡,身体卷缩,伴咳嗽、鼻腔潮湿,肺组织可见淋巴细胞浸润、支气管壁变形、黏膜阻塞等病变;芍药苷各组及核酪组上述症状及损伤不同程度缓解,高剂量组最轻。与对照组比较,CB组气道阻力、动脉血二氧化碳分压(Pa‐CO_(2))、IL-17、IL-22水平及CD4^(+)T、CD8^(+)T、Th17细胞、Th17/Treg、CD4^(+)T/CD8^(+)T均升高,动脉血氧分压(PaO_(2))、IL-10水平及Treg细胞均降低(P均<0.05);与CB组比较,低、中、高剂量芍药苷组气道阻力、PaCO_(2)、IL-17、IL-22水平及CD4^(+)T、CD8^(+)T、Th17细胞、Th17/Treg、CD4^(+)T/CD8^(+)T水平依次降低,PaO_(2)、IL-10水平及Treg细胞依次升高(P均<0.05);中剂量芍药苷组气道阻力等以上指标与核酪组相比差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论:芍药苷可调节T淋巴细胞活化,减少Th17细胞分化,增加Treg细胞分化,减轻CB大鼠炎症水平及肺损伤。

ITP患者PD-1/PD-L1表达特点及其在Treg与Breg细胞之间的相互作用机制分析

目的探讨原发免疫性血小板减少症(ITP)患者细胞程序性死亡受体-1(PD-1)/细胞程序性死亡配体1(PD-L1)表达特点及其在调节性T细胞(Treg)、调节性B细胞(Breg)间的相互作用。方法选取2018年12月—2022年1月在我院治疗的ITP患者106例作为观察组,其中轻度患者32例,中度患者44例,重度患者30例。同时选取同期健康志愿者100例作为对照组。检测两组Treg细胞百分比、Breg细胞百分比、Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率、Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率等,同时分析观察组不同病情程度患者各指标差异。结果观察组Breg细胞百分比、Treg细胞百分比、TGF-β、IL-10和IL-4水平均明显低于对照组(P<0.05);观察组Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率、Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率、可溶性程序性细胞死亡蛋白-1(sPD-1)和IL-17水平均明显高于对照组(均P<0.05);两组可溶性程序性细胞死亡蛋白配体-1(sPD-L1)水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组重度患者Breg细胞百分比、Treg细胞百分比均明显低于轻度和中度患者(均P<0.05),而Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率、Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率均明显高于轻度和中度患者(均P<0.05)。Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率与Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率呈正相关(r=0.446,P<0.05)。观察组治疗后Breg细胞百分比、Treg细胞百分比、TGF-β、IL-10和IL-4水平有所升高(P<0.05),而Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率、Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率、sPD-1和IL-17水平有所降低(P<0.05),治疗前后sPD-L1水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论ITP患者Treg细胞表面PD-1和Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率明显升高,与患者病情严重程度呈正相关,同时Treg细胞表面PD-1和Breg细胞表面PD-L1表达之间存在相关性。

益胃解毒方治疗慢性萎缩性胃炎的效果及对Cyclin E、Th17/Treg比值的影响分析

目的分析益胃解毒方治疗慢性萎缩性胃炎中的效果及对细胞周期蛋白E(Cyclin E)水平、辅助性T细胞(Th17)/调节性T细胞(Treg)比值的影响。方法选取2019年6月至2022年6月在河北省石家庄市中医院确诊的150例慢性萎缩性胃炎患者作为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为益胃解毒方组、六君子汤组、益胃解毒方+六君子汤组,每组50例。益胃解毒方组使用益胃解毒方治疗,六君子汤组使用六君子汤治疗,益胃解毒方+六君子汤组使用益胃解毒方联合六君子汤治疗,均连续治疗24周。比较3组治疗效果、中医证候积分、Cyclin E水平、Th17/Treg比值、不良反应发生情况。结果益胃解毒方组治疗总有效率高于六君子汤组和益胃解毒方+六君子汤组,且益胃解毒方+六君子汤组高于六君子汤组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后3组各项中医证候积分低于治疗前,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后益胃解毒方组各项中医证候积分低于六君子汤组和益胃解毒方+六君子汤组,且益胃解毒方+六君子汤组低于六君子汤组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后3组Cyclin E水平、Th17/Treg比值均低于治疗前,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后益胃解毒方组Cyclin E水平、Th17/Treg比值低于六君子汤组和益胃解毒方+六君子汤组,且益胃解毒方+六君子汤组低于六君子汤组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。益胃解毒方组总不良反应发生率低于六君子汤组和益胃解毒方+六君子汤组,且益胃解毒方+六君子汤组低于六君子汤组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论益胃解毒方治疗慢性萎缩性胃炎效果显著,不仅能够改善患者临床症状,调节Cyclin E、Th17/Treg表达,还能减少不良反应发生,值得临床推广应用。

外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4、hCMV-IgM与动脉粥样硬化型急性脑梗死患者颈动脉粥样硬化的关系

目的探讨外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4、人巨细胞病毒(hCMV)-IgM与动脉粥样硬化型急性脑梗死(As-ACI)患者颈动脉粥样硬化的关系。方法选取89例As-ACI患者(脑梗死组),另选取健康体检者43例(对照组)。根据颈内动脉超声结果将As-ACI患者分为内膜正常组、内膜增厚组、斑块组、狭窄组。比较各组外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞水平、单个核细胞TLR4表达水平、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性率和内膜中膜厚度(IMT)。分析As-ACI患者颈动脉狭窄的危险因素,分析CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4与IMT的相关性及其对颈动脉狭窄的预测价值。结果脑梗死组CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、HDLC水平低于对照组,TLR4表达、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性率、TC、TG、LDLC、hs-CRP水平、IMT高于对照组(P<0.05)。内膜正常组、内膜增厚组、斑块组、狭窄组CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞水平依次降低,TLR4表达、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性率、IMT依次增高(P<0.05)。CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞水平与IMT呈负相关,TLR4表达与IMT呈正相关(P<0.05)。高血压、CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg表达、TLR4表达、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性是As-ACI患者颈动脉狭窄的危险因素(P<0.05)。CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4表达水平联合检测的预测价值高于单独检测(P<0.05)。结论外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4、hCMV-IgM抗体阳性率与As-ACI患者颈动脉粥样硬化进展有关,外周血CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg细胞、TLR4联合可以较好预测病变过程。

苦参碱调节RhoA-ROCK信号通路对冠心病模型大鼠Th17/Treg细胞平衡的影响

目的探讨苦参碱(Matrine)对冠心病(coronary heart disease,CHD)大鼠辅助T细胞17(helper T cell 17,Th17)/调节性T细胞(regulatory T cells,Treg)细胞平衡及Ras同源基因家族成员A(RhoA)-Rho相关的卷曲螺旋激酶(ROCK)信号通路的影响。方法建立冠心病模型,将实验大鼠分为对照组、模型组、苦参碱低剂量(50 mg·kg^(-1))组、苦参碱高剂量(200 mg·kg^(-1))组及苦参碱高剂量(200 mg·kg^(-1))+LPA组(10 mg·kg^(-1))。超声心动图进行大鼠心功能检测;酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)法进行白细胞介素17(IL-17)、转化生长因子β(TGF-β)水平检测;流式细胞术检测Th17、Treg数量及Th17/Treg比值;免疫组化进行内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)、内皮素1(ET-1)蛋白表达水平检测;Masson染色进行大鼠心肌组织的病理形态变化观察;TTC染色检测各组大鼠心肌梗死情况;TUNEL染色进行心肌组织中细胞凋亡情况检测;试剂盒检测RhoA活性;Western Blot法进行半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3(Caspase-3)、B细胞淋巴瘤因子2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2蛋白表达水平检测。结果与对照组比较,模型组心肌组织有大量蓝色胶原纤维沉积,左室舒张末期容积(left ventricular end-diastolic volume,LVEDV)、左室收缩末期容积(left ventricular end-systolic volume,LVESV)、IL-17、Th17、Th17/Treg、ET-1、心肌梗死面积、细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性率、Bax、Caspase-3、RhoA活性、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2表达水平明显升高,左室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)、左室缩短分数(left ventricular shortening fraction,LVFS)、TGF-β、Treg、eNOS、Bcl-2表达水平明显降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,Matrine-L组、苦参碱高剂量组心肌组织蓝色胶原纤维逐渐减少,LVEDV、LVESV、IL-17、Th17、Th17/Treg、ET-1、心肌梗死面积、细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性率、Bax、Caspase-3、RhoA活性、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2表达水平依次明显降低,LVEF、LVFS、TGF-β、Treg、eNOS、Bcl-2表达水平依次明显升高(P<0.05)。与苦参碱高剂量组比较,苦参碱高剂量+LPA组心肌组织蓝色胶原纤维增多,LVEDV、LVESV、IL-17、Th17、Th17/Treg、ET-1、心肌梗死面积、细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性率、Bax、Caspase-3、RhoA活性、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2表达水平明显升高,LVEF、LVFS、TGF-β、Treg、eNOS、Bcl-2表达水平明显降低(P<0.05)。结论苦参碱通过抑制RhoAROCK信号通路调节Th17/Treg细胞平衡,改善冠心病大鼠心肌损伤。

NK细胞联合Treg细胞对慢性粒细胞白血病患者酪氨酸激酶抑制剂停药的预测价值

目的探讨NK细胞及Treg细胞在慢性粒细胞白血病(chronic myeloid leukemia,CML)应用酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(tyrosine kinase inhibitor,TKI)停药患者中的变化及二者对TKI停药的预测价值。方法随机选取确诊为CML的患者200例,分为停药组(n=100)和未停药组(n=100),停药组患者进一步分为复发组(n=41)和未复发组(n=59),对患者的临床资料及随访资料进行回顾性分析。Logistic回归分析各变量对停药后结局的影响,探讨患者停药后复发的独立影响因素。采用受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线分析NK细胞及Treg对TKI停药后结局的预测价值。结果停药组中应用干扰素治疗的患者比例显著高于未停药组(P<0.05),而前者NK细胞(P<0.05)及Treg细胞(P<0.01)的数量显著高于后者。与复发组患者相比,未复发组患者中应用干扰素的比例显著高于前者(P<0.05),TKI治疗时间及深度分子学反应(deep molecular response,DMR)持续时间均显著大于复发组患者(P<0.05)。未复发组的NK细胞及Treg细胞的数量显著高于复发组(P<0.01)。Logistic回归分析发现,是否应用干扰素(OR=1.25,95%CI:1.11~2.03,P<0.001)、DMR持续时间(OR=1.16,95%CI:1.08~1.92,P<0.05)、NK细胞(OR=1.64,95%CI:1.14~2.28,P<0.01)、Treg细胞(OR=1.83,95%CI:1.15~2.42,P<0.01)均是停药后患者是否复发的关键影响因素。ROC曲线分析结果表明,NK细胞联合Treg细胞预测TKI停药后是否复发的AUC=0.892(95%CI:0.857~0.927,P<0.001)。结论NK细胞和Treg细胞在TKI停药未复发的患者中显著增加,二者联合对于CML患者停药是否复发具有良好的预测作用。

栀子苷调节PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路在动脉粥样硬化形成过程中对Th17/Treg功能的影响

目的:观察栀子苷对载脂蛋白E缺乏(ApoE^(-/-))小鼠Th17/调节性T(Treg)细胞失衡的影响及其作用机制。方法:将50只纯合子ApoE^(-/-)雌性小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组和栀子苷低剂量组、栀子苷中剂量组、栀子苷高剂量组。对照组小鼠喂养普通饲料,模型组和栀子苷组小鼠喂养高脂饲料。从第8周开始,栀子苷各剂量组每日灌胃栀子苷(25、50、100 mg/kg),连续8周。试验结束时,采用油红O染色评估主动脉及其根部动脉粥样硬化(AS)病变面积比。采用定量逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)分析主动脉组织肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-17A和IL-10 mRNA表达;采用流式细胞仪分析脾脏中Th17和Treg细胞百分比;蛋白免疫印迹法(Western Blot)检测主动脉组织磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果:油红O染色病变显示,栀子苷中剂量组、栀子苷高剂量组病变百分比低于模型组(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组主动脉TNF-α、IL-6和IL-17A mRNA表达水平升高(P<0.05);栀子苷各剂量组主动脉TNF-α、IL-6和IL-17A mRNA表达水平降低(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组主动脉抗炎细胞因子IL-10 mRNA表达水平降低(P<0.05);栀子苷各剂量组主动脉抗炎细胞因子IL-10 mRNA表达水平升高(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组小鼠脾脏中Th17细胞百分比升高,Treg细胞百分比降低(P<0.05)。栀子苷处理恢复了AS小鼠Th17和Treg细胞的平衡。栀子苷抑制PI3K的表达及AKT和mTOR的磷酸化,MHY1485(mTOR活化剂)减弱了栀子苷对T细胞分化的影响。结论:栀子苷抗AS作用机制可能与抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号引起的Treg细胞增多和Th17细胞减少有关。

BAFF调节免疫性血小板减少症模型小鼠的Th17/Treg平衡的研究

目的:探讨B细胞激活因子(BAFF)对免疫性血小板减少症模型小鼠体内辅助性T细胞17(Th17)/调节性T细胞(Treg)平衡的调节作用和潜在机制。方法:制备豚鼠抗小鼠血小板抗血清(GP-APS),并将150只无特定病原级别的成年雄性BALB/c小鼠(7~8周龄)随机分为5组,每组30只。分别为对照组(空白对照)和ITP组(GP-APS诱导),ITP+rhBAFF组(ITP组联合静脉注射50μg/kg/50μL重组人BAFF蛋白),并在ITP+rhBAFF组处理的基础上分别联合Notch1的抑制剂(DAPT)或PI3K/Akt的抑制剂Polygalacin D(PGD),设立ITP+rhBAFF+DAPT组和ITP+rhBAFF+PGD组,除对照组和ITP组外,均为静脉注射给药,DAPT注射剂量100μg/kg;PGD注射剂量25μg/kg,静脉注射总体积均为50μL,每日1次。1周后取小鼠1mL外周血并分离血清和单个核细胞。用免疫荧光化学检测单个核细胞中BAFF和Notch1的定位。对外周血中的血小板进行计数。酶联免疫吸附法(ELSIA)检测小鼠外周血血清BAFF的水平。Western blot检测小鼠外周血单个核细胞中PI3K、AKT、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的蛋白表达。流式细胞术检测单个核细胞中Th17/Treg的比例变化。结果:ITP小鼠外周血单个核细胞的BAFF与Notch1共定位在细胞膜。与对照组比较,ITP组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达增加,血小板数目和Treg比例减少,Th17比例增加(P<0.05)。与ITP组比较,ITP+rhBAFF组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达增加,血小板数目和Treg比例减少,Th17比例增加(P<0.05)。与ITP+rhBAFF组比较,ITP+rhBAFF+DAPT组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达降低,血小板数目和Treg比例增加,Th17比例降低(P<0.05)。与ITP+rhBAFF组比较,ITP+rhBAFF+PGD组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达降低,血小板数目和Treg比例增加,Th17比例降低(P<0.05)。结论:BAFF通过激活Notch1/PI3K/Akt信号通路促进免疫性血小板减少症模型小鼠体内Th17比例增加及Treg比例减少。

IL-33介导Treg细胞功能参与布鲁氏菌病免疫调节机制研究

目的分析白细胞介素(IL)-33和调节性T(Treg)细胞在布鲁氏菌病(简称布病)患者中的变化特点,验证IL-33对Treg细胞的调节作用,阐明布病中IL-33对Treg细胞调节的免疫机制。方法采集2021年1-12月在新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院就诊的39例布病患者(布病组)和同期体检的42例健康对照者(健康对照组)的外周血,使用AimPlex试剂盒检测血清IL-33水平,使用流式细胞术检测Treg细胞比例,提取外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)进行体外培养试验观察IL-33刺激后和阻断后叉头框蛋白P3(Foxp3)比例和mRNA表达水平变化。结果与健康对照组比较,布病组IL-33水平与Treg细胞比例均显著增高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。体外试验显示,两组PBMC在IL-33刺激后Foxp3比例和mRNA表达水平显著增高,IL-33阻断后Foxp3比例和mRNA表达水平显著回落,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.001)。结论布病患者IL-33和Treg细胞显著增多,IL-33促进Treg细胞的免疫功能,阻断IL-33有望成为免疫治疗布病的潜在靶点。

Depletion of CD25^+CD4^+T cells (Tregs) enhances the HBV-specific CD8^+ T cell response primed by DNA immunization

AIM: Persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by a weak CD8+ T cell response to HBV. Immunotherapeutic strategies that overcome tolerance and boost these suboptimal responses may facilitate viral clearance in chronically infected individuals. Therefore, we examined whether CD25+CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells might be involved in a inhibition of CD8+T cell priming or in the modulation of the magnitude of the 'peak' antiviral CD8+ T cell response primed by DNA immunization. METHODS: B10.D2 mice were immunized once with plasmid pCMV-S. Mice received 500 μg of anti-CD25 mAb injected intraperitoneally 3 d before DNA immunization to deplete CD25+ cells. Induction of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was measured by S28-39 peptide loaded DimerX staining and their function was analyzed by intracellular IFN-γ staining. RESULTS: DNA immunization induced HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. At the peak T cell response (d 10), 7.1±2.0% of CD8+ T cells were HBV-specific after DNA immunization, whereas 12.7±3.2% of CD8+ T cells were HBV-specific in Treg-depleted mice, suggesting that DNA immunization induced more antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the absence of CD25+ Treg cells (n = 6, P<0.05). Similarly, fewer HBV specific memory T cells were detected in the presence of these cells (1.3±0.4%) in comparison to Treg-depleted mice (2.6±0.9%) on d 30 after DNA immunization (n - 6, P<0.01). Both IFN-γ production and the avidity of the HBV-specific CD8+ T cell response to antigen were higher in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells induced in the absence of Treg cells. CONCLUSION: CD25+ Treg cells suppress priming and/or expansion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells during DNA immunization and the peak CD8+ T cell response is enhanced by depleting this cell population. Furthermore, Treg cells appear to be involved in the contraction phase of the CD8+ T cell response and may affect the quality of memory T cell pools. The elimination of Treg cells or their inhibition may be important in immunotherapeutic strategies to control HBV infection by inducing virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in chronically infected subjects.