The remedial effect of soluble interleukin-1 receptor type Ⅱ on endometriosis in the nude mouse model

Objective： Recent studies have shown that the local expression of soluble interleukin （IL） -1 receptor type Ⅱ （slL-1 R Ⅱ ） in endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis is decreased, and the depression of IL-1 R Ⅱ was more significant in infertile women than that in fertile women with endometriosis. In this research, we investigated the remedial effect of slL-1-R Ⅱ administration on endometriosis in the nude mouse model. Methods： Nineteen nude model mice with endometriosis were randomly divided into three groups： group A was treated by intraperitoneal administration with only slL-1 R Ⅱ for two weeks, group B was similarly treated with only IL- 1, and group C （control） was administered saline. After 2 weeks, the size of the ectopic endometrial lesions was calculated, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and B-cell lymphoma leukemia-2 （Bcl- 2） were detected by immunohistochemistry. The IL-8 and VEGF levels in the peritoneal fluid （PF） and serum were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results： The mean size of ectopic endometrial lesion did not differ between the three groups （P 〉 0.05）. Compared with the control, the expression of VEGF and Bcl-2 was significantly lower in group A, and higher in group B. In the three groups, the levels of IL-8 in the PF and serum were highest in group A, and lowest in group B. Conclusion： slL-1 R Ⅱ may suppresse hyperplasia of ectopic endometriosis, perhaps by reducing the expression of certain cytokines, such as VEGF, IL-8, and Bcl-2, which could provide a new clinical strategy for the treatment of endometriosis.

Elevated pancreatic enzymes, IgM, soluble interleukin-2 receptor in anti-GADab(+) type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes can be classified into immune-mediated diabetes (type 1A) and idiopathic diabetes, which lacks immunological evidence for beta cell autoimmunity (type 1B). Type 1A diabetes is characterized by the presence of the anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (anti-GADab). Fulminant type 1 diabetes is classified as type 1B diabetes, and characterized by the absence of anti-GADab, flu-like symptoms, and elevated serum exocrine pancreatic enzymes. We report a type 1 diabetic patient who showed flu-like symptoms, elevated serum exocrine pancreatic enzymes, and an extremely high-titer of anti-GADab, manifesting the characteristics of both type 1A and fulminant type 1 diabetes.

The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1-Ra) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNF RI) in periodontal disease

The course and severity of periodontitis can be significantly affected by bacterial virulence as well as host immunity dysfunction. Periodontal tissue destruction has been proved to result from cascade of cytokines synthesized by reactive cells upon stimulation by pathogenic bacteria and lipopolysaccharides within their cell membranes. The clinical use of genetically programmed cells, producing substances blocking IL-1, based on recombinant IL-1 antagonist, as well as cytokines activating fibroblasts and osteoblasts to regenerate the destroyed periodontal tissue could prove alternative to the conventional treatment. Another cytokine of interest in respect to periodontitis ethiopathogenesis is soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNF RI). Observation of soluble TNF receptors as physiologic inhibitors of TNF led to its administration in therapeutic process as well as in therapy selected cases of aggressive periodontitis.

Interleukin-17A facilitates tumor progression via upregulating programmed death ligand-1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is an inflammation-associated tumor with a dismal prognosis.Immunotherapy has become an important treatment strategy for HCC,as immunity is closely related to inflammation in the tumor microenvir-onment.Inflammation regulates the expression of programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1)in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and affects im-munotherapy efficacy.Interleukin-17A(IL-17A)is involved in the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and plays a protumor or antitumor role in different tumors.We hypothesized that IL-17A participates in tumor progression by affe-cting the level of immune checkpoint molecules in HCC.The upregulation of PD-L1 expression in HCC cells by IL-17A was assessed by reverse transcription PCR,western blotting,and flow cytometry.Mechanistic studies were conducted with gene knockout models and pathway inhibitors.The function of IL-17A in immune evasion was explored through coculture of T cells and HCC cells.The effects of IL-17A on the malignant biological behaviors of HCC cells were evaluated in vitro,and the antitumor effects of an IL-17A inhibitor and its synergistic effects with a PD-L1 inhibitor were studied in vivo.RESULTS IL-17A upregulated PD-L1 expression in HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner,whereas IL-17A receptor knockout or treatment with a small mothers against decapentaplegic 2 inhibitor diminished the PD-L1 expression induced by IL-17A.IL-17A enhanced the survival of HCC cells in the coculture system.IL-17A increased the viability,G2/M ratio,and migration of HCC cells and decreased the apoptotic index.Cyclin D1,VEGF,MMP9,and Bcl-1 expression increased after IL-17A treatment,whereas BAX expression decreased.The combination of IL-17A and PD-L1 inhibitors showed synergistic antitumor efficacy and increased cluster of differentiation 8+T lymphocyte infiltration in an HCC mouse model.CONCLUSION IL-17A upregulates PD-L1 expression via the IL-17A receptor/phosphorylation-small mothers against decapenta-plegic 2 signaling pathway in HCC cells.Blocking IL-17A enhances the therapeutic efficacy of PD-L1 antibodies in HCC in vivo.

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and its relation with antiHBc

AIM： To investigate the relationship between serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor （sIL-2R） level and anti-HBc in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection. METHODS： Sera from 100 patients with chronic HBV infection and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. The patients were divided into group A [HBsAg （＋）, HBeAg （＋） and anti-HBc （＋）, n = 50] and group B [HBsAg （＋）, HBeAg （＋） and anti-HBc （-）, n = 50]. sIL-2R levels were determined using ELISA. HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） were also detected. RESULTS： Serum sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic HBV infection than in healthy controls. Moreover, serum sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in patients with HBsAg （＋）, HBeAg （＋） and antiHBc （＋） （976.56±213.51×10^3 U/L） than in patients with HBsAg （＋）, HBeAg （＋） and anti-HBc （-） （393.41±189.54 ×10^3 U/L, P〈 0.01）. A significant relationship was found between serum sIL-2R and ALT levels （P〈 0.01） in patients with chronic HBV infection, but there was no correlation between sIL-2R and HBV DNA levels. The anti-HBc status was significantly related to the age of patients （P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： The high sIL-2R level is related to positive anti-HBc in chronic hepatitis B patients. Positive anti-HBc may be related to T-lymphocyte activation and negative anti-HBc may imply immune tolerance in these patients.

Changes in soluble interleukin-2 receptor level in serum and Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activity in semen of infertile men caused by antisperm antibody

Aim: To explore the possible mechanisms of male infertility caused by antisperm antibody (AsAb). Methods: Thesoluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) level in serum was analyzed by ELISA and Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activi-ty in semen by phosphorus (Pi) assay. Results: The slL-2R level in serum was significantly higher and the Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activity in semen significantly lower in AsAb positive infertile men when compared with thecontrols. Conclusion: The AsAb titer varies with the slL-2R level in serum. A decrease in Na^+ -K^+ -exchangingATPase activity in semen may play a role in male infertility caused by AsAb.

Study of the Effect of Leeching on Plasma Endothelin and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective: to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group, n =20) and conventional treatment group with leeching intervention added (leeching group, n =24). Before and after treatment the concentration of plasma endothelin (ET) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were determined. Results: Before treatment the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R in the SLE patients were all higher than those in the normal healthy group, ( P <0.01). But after treatment the level of these in both groups were significantly improved than those of before treatment ( P <0.05), and comparison between these two treated groups showed that the difference between them was significant ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Leeching added to conventional treatment of SLE could be more effective in improving the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R, and ameliorating the impairment of renal tissues.

Effects of Aprotinin on Serum Interleukin-2 and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor during Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Interleukin-2 and its receptor are of importance in regulating immunity responses. The changes of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) during heart valve (s) replacement operation and effects of aprotinin on them were observed. Twenty patients undergoing heart valve (s) replacement were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=10) and apro- tinin group (n=10). In aprotinin group, 1 000 000 KIU aprotinin was given by vein injection and then 2 000 000 KIU was given as a bolus in prime. Blood samples were collected before CPB, right after CPB and on the 1st, 3rd and 7th postoperative day (POD) for serum IL-2 and sIL-2R determination. Results showed that after CPB, IL-2 was reduced and slL-2R increased. Meanwhile, serum IL-2R was lower in aprotinin group than that of control. It is concluded that the immunity depression after CPB is associated with low level of IL-2 and high level of sIL-2R and aprotinin can ameliorate the situation.

Soluble endoglin和sFlt-1在子痫前期患者血清中的表达

目的探讨可溶性CD105淋巴细胞抗原及可溶性血管内皮生长因子受体1(sFlt-1)在子痫前期患者血清中表达水平的变化及意义。方法采用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法测定子痫前期组、子痫前期各个亚组及正常晚期妊娠组血清sEng及sFlt-1的水平。结果①子痫前期组孕妇血清sEng、sFlt-1水平分别为(5.27±1.05)ng/mL、(391.14±70.25)pg/mL,正常晚期妊娠组分别为(1.26±0.40)ng/mL、(27.57±4.36)pg/mL,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);②轻度子痫前期组sEng水平与重度子痫前期组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),两组sFlt-1水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);③早发型重度子痫前期组sEng水平与晚发型重度子痫前期组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),两组sFlt-1水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论子痫前期患者血清中sEngs、Flt-1水平显著升高,sEng在早发型重度子痫前期血清中升高更显著,对早期诊断子痫前期有重要意义。

Interleukin-22 receptor 1 is expressed in multinucleated giant cells:A study on intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND It is challenging to distinguish intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn’s disease due to dynamic changes in epidemiology and similar clinical characteristics. Recent studies have shown that polymorphisms in genes involved in the interleukin (IL)- 23/IL-17 axis may affect intestinal mucosal immunity by affecting the differentiation of Th17 cells. AIM To investigate the specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in the IL-23/IL-17 axis and possible pathways that affect susceptibility to intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease. METHODS We analysed 133 patients with intestinal tuberculosis, 128 with Crohn’s disease, and 500 normal controls. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens or whole blood. Four SNPs in the IL23/Th17 axis (IL22 rs2227473, IL1β rs1143627, TGFβ rs4803455, and IL17 rs8193036) were genotyped with TaqMan assays. The transcriptional activity levels of different genotypes of rs2227473 were detected by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The expression of IL-22R1 in different intestinal diseases was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The A allele frequency of rs2227473 (P = 0.030, odds ratio = 0.60, 95% confidence interval: 0.37-0.95) showed an abnormal distribution between intestinal tuberculosis and healthy controls. The presence of the A allele was associated with a higher IL-22 transcriptional activity (P < 0.05). In addition, IL-22R1 was expressed in intestinal lymphoid tissues, especially under conditions of intestinal tuberculosis, and highly expressed in macrophage-derived Langhans giant cells. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of IL-22R1 in patients with Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis was significantly higher than that in patients with intestinal polyps and colon cancer (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION High IL-22 expression seems to be a protective factor for intestinal tuberculosis. IL-22R1 is expressed in Langhans giant cells, suggesting that the IL-22/IL-22R1 system links adaptive and innate immunity.

Investigation on the Effects of Soluble Programmed Death-1 (sPD-1) Enhancing Anti-tumor Immune Response

Summary: By using semi-quantitative RT-PCR method, it was found that PD-L1 mRNA but not PD-L2 mRNA was expressed in H22 hepatoma cells and both PD-L1 and PD-L2 mRNAs were expressed in tumor tissues of tumor-bearing mice and upregulated as compared with muscle tissues in normal mice and H22 hepatoma cells. PD-L1 and PD-L2 were also expressed on the surface of the activated T cells. The soluble recombinant sPD-1 expressed from the constructed eukaryotic expression vector could enhance the lysis of tumor cells by lymphocytes stimulated specifically with antigen. The expresssion of sPD-1 by local gene therapy on the inoculation site of H22 hepatoma cells could inhibit the growth of tumor. The results of this study indicate that expression of soluble receptor of negative costimulatory molecules could reduce the inhibitory effect on T cells in tumor microenvironment and enhance the cytotoxicity of T cells on tumor cells. This possibly provides a new method of improving efficacy of tumor gene therapy.

Production of interleukin-1β related to mammalian target of rapamycin/Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway during Aspergillus fumigatus infection of the mouse cornea

AIM：To elucidate the effect of rapamycin on regulating the production of interleukin（IL）-1β in Aspergillus fumigatus（A.fumigatus）-induced keratitis and to verify whether the expression of IL-1β in A.fumigatus keratitis is associated with the mammalian target of rapamycin（mT OR）/Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4） signaling pathway.METHODS：Fungal keratitis mouse models of susceptible C57 BL/6 mice were established using A.fumigatus.The mice were subsequently treated with rapamycin.The protein levels of p-mT OR,TLR4,and IL-1β in normal and infected corneal tissue were measured by Western blot.The TLR4 and IL-1β m RNA levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）.RESULTS：In C57 BL/6 mice,rapamycin treatment decreased the clinical scores and production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine,IL-1β.The expression of TLR4,stimulated by A.fumigatus,was reduced as well when the mT OR signaling pathway was suppressed by rapamycin.CONCLUSION：Rapamycin is beneficial for the outcome of fungal keratitis and has an inhibitory effect expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β.The inhibitory effect on IL-1β expression can be associated with the mT OR/TLR4 signaling pathway in A.fumigatus infection in mice.

Mudskipper interleukin-34 modulates the functions of monocytes/macrophages via the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor 1

Interleukin-34(IL-34)is a novel cytokine that plays an important role in innate immunity and inflammatory processes by binding to the colonystimulating factor-1 receptor(CSF-1R).However,information on the function of IL-34 in fish remains limited.In the present study,we identified an IL-34 homolog from mudskippers(Boleophthalmus pectinirostris).In silico analysis showed that the mudskipper IL-34(BpIL-34)was similar to other known IL-34 variants in sequence and structure and was most closely related to an orange-spotted grouper(Epinephelus coioides)homolog.BpIL-34 transcripts were constitutively expressed in various tissues,with the highest level of expression found in the brain.Edwardsiella tarda infection significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of BpIL-34 in the mudskipper tissues.The recombinant mature BpIL-34 peptide(rBpIL-34)was purified and used to produce anti-rBpIL-34 IgG.Western blot analysis combined with PNGase F digestion revealed that native BpIL-34 in monocytes/macrophages(MOs/MФs)was N-glycosylated.In vitro,rBpIL-34 treatment enhanced the phagocytotic and bactericidal activity of mudskipper MOs/MФs,as well as the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factorα(BpTNF-α)and BpIL-1βin these cells.Furthermore,the knockdown of mudskipper CSF-1R1(BpCSF-1R1),but not mudskipper BpCSF-1R2,significantly inhibited the rBpIL-34-mediated enhanced effect on MO/MФfunction.In conclusion,our results indicate that mudskipper BpIL-34 modulates the functions of MOs/MФs via BpCSF-1R1.

Effect evaluation of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist nanoparticles for mesenchymal stem cell transplantation

AIM: To study the efficacy of marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation combined with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) for acute liver failure (ALF). METHODS: Chinese experimental miniature swine were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7), and all animals were given D-galactosamine (D-gal) to induce ALF. Group A animals were then injected with 40 mL saline via the portal vein 24 h after D-gal induction;Group B animals were injected with 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra via the ear vein 18 h, 2 d and 4 d after D-gal induction; Group C received approximately 1 × 108 green fluorescence protein (GFP)-labeled MSCs (GFP-MSCs) suspended in 40 mL normal saline via the portal vein 24 h after D-gal induction; Group D animals were injected with 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra via the ear vein 18 h after D-gal induction, MSCs transplantation was then carried out at 24 h after D-gal induction, and finally 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra was injected via the ear vein 1 d and 3 d after surgery as before. Liver function, serum inflammatory parameters and pathological changes were measured and the fate of MSCs was determined.RESULTS: The optimal efficiency of transfection (97%) was achieved at an multiplicity of infection of 80, as observed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry (FCM). Over 90% of GFP-MSCs were identified as CD44+ CD90+ CD45-MSCs by FCM, which indicated that most GFP-MSCs retained MSCs characteristics. Biochemical assays, the levels of serum inflammatory parameters and histological results in Group D all showed a significant improvement in liver injury compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). The number of GFP-MSCs in Group D was also greater than that in Group B, and the long-term cell proliferation rate was also better in Group D than in the other groups.CONCLUSION: MSCs transplantation is useful in ALF, IL-1Ra plays an important role in alleviating the inflammatory condition, and combination therapy with MSCs transplantation and IL-1Ra is a promising treatment for ALF.

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and soluble adhesion molecules as possible prognostic markers of the efficacy of antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C

AIM:To explain the role of Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and soluble adhesion molecules in chronic hepatitis C during the treatment of interferon alpha (IFNα) 2 b and ribavirin (RBV). METHODS:Concentrations of MCP-1,soluble adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1),sP- selectin,interleukin (IL) 6,and IL10 in serum were estimated in the group of 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with IFNalpha2 b and RBV in 0,16,32,48 wk of the therapy, RESULTS:In chronic hepatitis C,before and during the treatment,the serum levels of MCP-1 and sP-selectin in responders were similar to those of healthy subjects.In non- responders (NR),MCP-1 increased in the course of IFNc^+RBV treatment,differences were statistically significant as compared to responders.MCP-1 correlated statistically with the activity of periportal inflammation (r=0.35,P<0.05) but not with staging of liver fibrosis,sICAM-1 positively correlated with inflammatory activity and fibrosis in NR.sP-selectin did not correlate with histological findings in the liver.The MCP-1 correlated with the soluble form of sP-selectin concentrations (r= 6,P<0.001) and with IL-10 level in NR (r=0.4,P<0.05).There was no correlation observed between the concentration of MCP-1 and sICAM-1,IL-6 during the treatment. CONCLUSION:MCP-1 concentration may be a prognostic marker of the efficacy of IFN+RBV therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

ANALYSIS OF INTERLEUKIN-1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST GENE POLYMORPHISM IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Objective To identify an interaction between the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism and risk of Al-zheimer’s disease. Methods The study included 117 healthy controls, 85 patients with Alzheimer’s disease in a Northeastern Chinese popu-lation of Han nationality. Genotypes were determined by a polymerase chain reaction amplification of the intron 2 fragment, harbouring a variable number of short tandem nucleotide sequences. Amplification products were separated on a 2% agarose gel. Results The allele 2 frequency was 27% in healthy controls, and 21% in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Thus for all-ele 2 as well as for all other alleles, genotypes, or carriage rates, no significant differences compared with controls. Conclusions No association of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism with Alzheimer’s disease was iden-tified in this population. It is also possible that the increased risk and disease modifying effects are caused by linkage disequ-ilibrium with other genomic variants in other nearby genes.

Hypoxia inducible factor 1α promotes interleukin-1 receptor antagonist expression during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND Ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI) is a major risk associated with liver surgery and transplantation,and its pathological mechanism is complex.Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(IL-1ra) can protect the liver from IRI.However,the regulatory mechanism of IL-1ra expression is still unclear.AIM To identify the mechanism that could protect the liver in the early stage of IRI.METHODS To screen the key genes in hepatic IRI,we performed RNA sequencing and gene enrichment analysis on liver tissue from mice with hepatic IRI.Subsequently,we verified the expression and effect of IL-1ra in hepatic IRI.We also used promoter mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to search for the transcriptional regulatory sites of hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF)-1α.Finally,to explore the protective mechanism of ischemic preconditioning(IP),we examined the expression of HIF-1α and IL-1ra after IP.RESULTS We identified IL-1ra as a key regulator in hepatic IRI.The expression of IL-1ra was significantly upregulated after hepatic IRI both in vivo and in vitro.Furthermore,we found that HIF-1αregulated Il-1ra transcription in response to hypoxia.Increased HIF-1α accumulation promoted IL-1ra expression,whereas inhibition of HIF-1α exhibited the opposite effect.We also confirmed a predominant role for hypoxia response element in the regulation of Il1ra transcription by HIF-1αactivation.Of note,we demonstrated that IP protects against hepatic IRI by inducing IL-1ra expression,which is mediated through HIF-1α.CONCLUSION We demonstrated that ischemia or hypoxia leads to increased expression of IL-1ra through HIF-1α.Importantly,IP protects the liver from IRI via the HIF-1α–IL-1ra pathway.

Study on Immunoregulation by Interleukin-1 ReceptorAntagonist in NZB/W F_1 Mice

The immunoregulating effect of Interleukin-1-receptor antagonist (ILlra ) in lupus-like NZB/W F, mice was investigated to find possible approach to prevent lupus nephritis. 12 female NZB/W F1 mice of 13 weeks were randomly divlded into 2 groups. Each mouse in the treated group was intraperitoneally injected wlth IL-lra once every 2 weeks for 3 times at the dosage of 100μg each time,while the control group was given injection of 0.1 ml normal saline. All the mice were killed at the age of 9 months and the irnmunologic function was examined.Results showed that this dosage could not completely prevent the development of lupus nephritis, but the renal damage was alleviated and the urine protein was decreased. Moreover, it could improve the immunofunction by significantly reducing the levels of serum IL-1 and obviously increase the activities of NK celIs and IL-2 induced by ConA in mononuclear cells of spleen. There was no significant difference in the levels of serum IL-6 and TNF-α between the treated group and control group. It is concluded that IL-lra has certain regulatory effect on the immunologic function of lupus-like NZB/W F, mice.

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5+CD8+T cells as immune regulators in hepatitis Be antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B under interferonalpha treatment

BACKGROUND C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5(CXCR5)+CD8+T cells represent a unique immune subset with dual roles,functioning as cytotoxic cells in persistent viral infections while promoting B cell responses.Despite their importance,the specific role of CXCR5+CD8+T cells in chronic hepatitis B(CHB),particularly during interferon-alpha(IFN-α)treatment,is not fully understood.This study aims to elucidate the relationship between CXCR5+CD8+T cells and sustained serologic response(SR)in patients undergoing 48 weeks of pegylated IFN-α(peg-IFN-α)treatment for CHB.AIM To elucidate the relationship between CXCR5+CD8+T cells and sustained SR in patients undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-αtreatment for CHB.METHODS This study enrolled 60 patients with hepatitis Be antigen(HBeAg)-positive CHB undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-αtreatment.Participants were assessed for eligibility based on criteria such as persistent HBsAg-positive status for at least six months,HBeAb-negative,hepatitis B virus DNA levels exceeding 2×104 copies/mL,and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels between 2 and 10 times the upper limit of normal.Blood samples were collected at baseline and at weeks 12,24,48,and a 24-week treatment-free follow-up(week 72)to measure serum interleukin(IL)-21 concentration via ELISA and to analyze CXCR5 and programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression on CD8+T cells by flow cytometry,CXCR5 is a chemokine receptor that directs immune cells to specific tissues,while PD-L1 is a protein that regulates immune responses by inhibiting T cell activity.RESULTS Patients with CHB exhibited significantly lower levels of circulating CXCR5+CD8+T cells compared to healthy controls(P<0.01).Notably,CXCR5+CD8+T cells were prominently expressed in patients who achieved sustained SR compared to non-SR(NSR).A significant correlation was observed between CXCR5 and PD-L1 expression(r=-0.189,P=0.002).However,there was no significant correlation between serum IL-21 levels and CXCR5+CD8+lymphocytes(r=-0.03,P=0.625)or serum ALT levels(r=0.026,P=0.678).CONCLUSION The enhanced expression of CXCR5+CD8+T cells in patients achieving HBeAg seroconversion during IFN-αtreatment suggests that these cells play a crucial role in antiviral immune responses against hepatitis B.This study highlights the potential of CXCR5+CD8+T cells as immune regulators in CHB,which may inform future therapeutic strategies to optimize antiviral treatments.