Immunomodulation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in colorectal cancer patients with COVID-19

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence has shown that adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ADSCs)are an effective therapeutic approach for managing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19);however,further elucidation is required to determine their underlying immunomodulatory effect on the mRNA expression of T helper cell-related transcription factors(TFs)and cytokine release in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs).AIM To investigate the impact of ADSCs on the mRNA expression of TFs and cytokine release in PBMCs from colorectal cancer(CRC)patients with severe COVID-19(CRC^(+)patients).METHODS PBMCs from CRC^(+)patients(PBMCs-C+)and age-matched CRC patients(PBMCs-C)were stimulated and cultured in the presence/absence of ADSCs.The mRNA levels of T-box TF TBX21(T-bet),GATA binding protein 3(GATA-3),RAR-related orphan receptor C(RORC),and forkhead box P3(FoxP3)in the PBMCs were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.Culture supernatants were evaluated for levels of interferon gamma(IFN-γ),interleukin 4(IL-4),IL-17A,and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS Compared with PBMCs-C,PBMCs-C+exhibited higher mRNA levels of T-bet and RORC,and increased levels of IFN-γ and IL-17A.Additionally,a significant decrease in FoxP3 mRNA and TGF-β1,as well as an increase in Tbet/GATA-3,RORC/FoxP3,IFN-γ/IL-4,and IL-17A/TGF-β1 ratios were observed in PBMCs-C+.Furthermore,ADSCs significantly induced a functional regulatory T cell(Treg)subset,as evidenced by an increase in FoxP3 mRNA and TGF-β1 release levels.This was accompanied by a significant decrease in the mRNA levels of T-bet and RORC,release of IFN-γ and IL-17A,and T-bet/GATA-3,RORC/FoxP3,IFN-γ/IL-4,and IL-17A/TGF-β1 ratios,compared with the PBMCs-C+alone.CONCLUSION The present in vitro studies showed that ADSCs contributed to the immunosuppressive effects on PBMCs-C+,favoring Treg responses.Thus,ADSC-based cell therapy could be a beneficial approach for patients with severe COVID-19 who fail to respond to conventional therapies.

Ginger polysaccharide UGP1 suppressed human colon cancer growth via p53,Bax/Bcl-2,caspase-3 pathways and immunomodulation

In previous study,we got a purified ginger polysaccharide UGP1 and verified its significant antitumor activities on colon cancer HCT116 cells.In this article,we aimed to illustrate the underlying mechanism of UGP1 exerted antitumor activities on colon cancer by using in vitro cell models and in vivo animal models.The results demonstrated that UGP1 could induce S-phase cell cycle arrest,up-regulate the expression of Bax and p53,down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2,and activate the downstream protein caspase-9 and caspase-3,which was related to intrinsic apoptosis pathway on HCT116 cells.Moreover,UGP1 significantly stimulated RAW264.7 cell proliferation and secretion activity.Similarly,UGP1 inhibited tumor proliferation on tumor-bearing mice,increased the expression of p53 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2,enhanced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-2,IL-6 and decreased the secretion of pro-tumor cytokines TGF-βand b FGF in serum.In conclusion,it indicated that the UGP 1 could sup press human colon cancer growth by inducing apoptosis via the regulation of p53,caspase-3,and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio-dependent pathway and regulating immune system activity.Thi s investigation provided basic theoretical mechanism of ginger polysaccharideexerted antitumor activities,and contributed to develop a possible functional food or adjuvant agent for prevention or treatment of colon cancer.

Immunomodulation:The next target of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the context of ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke(IS)is the most prevalent form of brain disease,characterized by high morbidity,disability,and mortality.However,there is still a lack of ideal prevention and treatment measures in clinical practice.Notably,the trans-plantation therapy of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)has been a hot research topic in stroke.Nevertheless,there are risks associated with this cell therapy,including tumor formation,coagulation dysfunction,and vascular occlusion.Also,a growing number of studies suggest that the therapeutic effect after transplantation of MSCs is mainly attributed to MSC-derived exosomes(MSC-Exos).And this cell-free mediated therapy appears to circumvent many risks and difficulties when compared to cell therapy,and it may be the most promising new strategy for treating stroke as stem cell replacement therapy.Studies suggest that suppressing inflammation via modulation of the immune response is an additional treatment option for IS.Intriguingly,MSC-Exos mediates the inflam-matory immune response following IS by modulating the central nervous system,the peripheral immune system,and immunomodulatory molecules,thereby promoting neurofunctional recovery after stroke.Thus,this paper reviews the role,potential mechanisms,and therapeutic potential of MSC-Exos in post-IS inflammation in order to identify new research targets.

Dose-related effects of dexmedetomidine on immunomodulation and mortality to septic shock in rats

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine has already been used in septic patients as a new sedative agent, few studies have examined its effects on immunomodulation. Therefore, the authors have designed a controlled experimental study to characterize the immunomodulation effects of dexmedetomidine in the cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) model in rats. METHODS: After CLP, 48 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups:(1) CLP group;(2) small-dose treatment group(2.5 g·kg^(-1)·h^(-1));(3) medium-dose treatment group(5.0 g·kg^(-1)·h^(-1)); and(4) large-dose treatment group(10.0 g·kg^(-1)·h^(-1)). HLA-DR and plasma cytokine(IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) levels were measured, and the mean arterial blood pressure(MAP), heart rate(HR), arterial blood gases, lactate concentrations and mortality were also documented. RESULTS: The HLA-DR level, inflammatory mediator levels, MAP and HR had no obvious changes among Dexmedetomidine treatment groups(DEX groups). Compared with the CLP group, the DEX groups exhibited decreased HLA-DR levels(P_(group)=0.0202) and increased IL-6 production, which was increased at 3 h(P= 0.0113) and was then attenuated at 5 h; additionally, the DEX groups exhibited decreased HR(P<0.001) while maintaining MAP(P_(group)=0.1238), and remarkably improving lactate(P<0.0001). All of these factors led to a significant decrease in the mortality, with observed rates of 91.7%, 66.7%, 25% and 18% for the CLP, DEX2.5, DEX5.0, DEX10.0 groups, respectively.CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine treatment in the setting of a CLP sepsis rat model has partially induced immunomodulation that was initiated within 5 h, causing a decreased HR while maintaining MAP, remarkably improving metabolic acidosis and improving mortality dosedependently.

Immunomodulation by mesenchymal stem cells:Interplay between mesenchymal stem cells and regulatory lymphocytes

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) possess immunomodulatory properties, which confer enormous potential for clinical application. Considerable evidence revealed their efficacy on various animal models of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and uveitis. MSCs elicit their immunomodulatory effects by inhibiting lymphocyte activation and proliferation, forbidding the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, limiting the function of antigen presenting cells, and inducing regulatory T(Treg) and B(Breg) cells. The induction of Treg and Breg cells is of particular interest since Treg and Breg cells have significant roles in maintaining immune tolerance. Several mechanisms have been proposed regarding to the MSCs-mediated induction of Treg and Breg cells. Accordingly, MSCs induce regulatory lymphocytes through secretion of multiple pleiotropic cytokines, cell-to-cell contact with target cells and modulation of antigen-presenting cells. Here, we summarized how MSCs induce Treg and Breg cells to provoke immunosuppression.

Experimental study on immunomodulation and antitumor effects of melatonin in H22 hepatoma-bearing mice

To observe immunomodulation and antitumor effect of melatonin (MLT) in tumor-bearing mice. Methods: By means of flow cytometry and MTT colorimetry, the immunological indexes of H22 hepatomabearing mice were investigated. Results: MLT administration could increase the CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio in the peripheral blood of the tumor-bearing mice, cooperate with IL-2 to promote the proliferation of lymphocytes and eosinophils, increase NK and LAK activity of splenocytes, and enhance the production of IL-2 from splenocytes.We also found that MLT could inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival time of the tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Moreover, a synergetic effect of IL-2 and MLT was observed. It seems that MLT hadno effect on H22 hepatoma cell growth in vitro. Conclusion: It is suggested that MLT may be a potential candidate for tumor immunotherapy as one of the biological reaction modulators (BRM).

DNA methylation and demethylation link the properties of mesenchymal stem cells: Regeneration and immunomodulation

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are a heterogeneous population that can be isolated from various tissues,including bone marrow,adipose tissue,umbilical cord blood,and craniofacial tissue.MSCs have attracted increasingly more attention over the years due to their regenerative capacity and function in immunomodulation.The foundation of tissue regeneration is the potential of cells to differentiate into multiple cell lineages and give rise to multiple tissue types.In addition,the immunoregulatory function of MSCs has provided insights into therapeutic treatments for immune-mediated diseases.DNA methylation and demethylation are important epigenetic mechanisms that have been shown to modulate embryonic stem cell maintenance,proliferation,differentiation and apoptosis by activating or suppressing a number of genes.In most studies,DNA hypermethylation is associated with gene suppression,while hypomethylation or demethylation is associated with gene activation.The dynamic balance of DNA methylation and demethylation is required for normal mammalian development and inhibits the onset of abnormal phenotypes.However,the exact role of DNA methylation and demethylation in MSC-based tissue regeneration and immunomodulation requires further investigation.In this review,we discuss how DNA methylation and demethylation function in multi-lineage cell differentiation and immunomodulation of MSCs based on previously published work.Furthermore,we discuss the implications of the role of DNA methylation and demethylation in MSCs for the treatment of metabolic or immune-related diseases.

Impact of postoperative omega-3 fatty acid-supplemented parenteral nutrition on clinical outcomes and immunomodulations in colorectal cancer patients

AIM: To investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid parenteral supplementation postoperatively on clinical outcomes and immunomodulation in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: Forty-two patients undergoing radical colorectal cancer resection with an indication for total parenteral nutrition postoperatively were enrolled in this prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. Patients received total parenteral nutrition supplemented with either soybean oil (LCT; Intralipid, Fresenius-Kabi, SO group, n = 21) or a combination of omega-3 fish oil and soybean oil (LCT:fish oil = 5:1, fish oil; Omegaven, Fresenius-Kabi, FO group, n = 21), up to a total of 1.2 g lipid/kg per day for 7 d postoperatively. A same volume calorie and nitrogen was administrated. Routine blood test, biochemistry, systemic levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes were evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative d 1 and 8. Patient outcome was evaluated considering mortality during the hospital stay, length of postoperative hospital stay, and occurrence of infectious complications. RESULTS: Both lipid regimens were well tolerated. No differences between the two groups were noticed in demographics, baseline blood test, biochemistry, serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, percentage of CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes, and ratios of CD4+/CD8+. Compared with those on postoperative d 1, serum IL-6 levels onpostoperative d 8 were significantly depressed in the FO group than in the reference group (-44.43 ± 30.53 vs -8.39 ± 69.08, P = 0.039). Simultaneously, the ratios of CD4+/CD8+ were significantly increased in the FO group (0.92 ± 0.62 vs 0.25 ± 1.22, P = 0.035). In addition, depression of serum TNF-α levels (-0.82 ± 2.71 vs 0.27 ± 1.67, P = 0.125) and elevation of CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocyte percentage (12.85 ± 11.61 vs 3.84 ± 19.62, P = 0.081, 17.80 ± 10.86 vs 9.66 ± 17.55, P = 0.084, respectively) were higher in the FO group than in the reference group. Patients in the FO group trended to need a shorter postoperative hospital stay (17.45 ± 4.80 d vs 19.62 ± 5.59 d, P = 0.19). No statistically significant difference was found when stratified to mortality and occurrence of infectious complications. CONCLUSION: Postoperative supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may have a favorable effect on the outcomes in colorectal cancer patients undergoing radical resection by lowering the magnitude of inflammatory responses and modulating the immune response.

Immunomodulation by probiotics and prebiotics in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most prevalent primary malignancy in patients suffering from chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis.Recent attention has been paid to the involvement of the gut-liver axis(GLA)in HCC pathogenesis.This axis results from a bidirectional,anatomical and functional relationship between the gastrointestinal system and the liver.Moreover,the complex network of interactions between the intestinal microbiome and the liver plays a crucial role in modulation of the HCC-tumor microenvironment,contributing to the pathogenesis of HCC by exposing the liver to pathogen-associated molecular patterns,such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides,DNA,peptidoglycans and flagellin.Indeed,the alteration of gut microflora may disturb the intestinal barrier,bringing several toll-like receptor ligands to the liver thus activating the inflammatory response.This review explores the new therapeutic opportunities that may arise from novel insights into the mechanisms by which microbiota immunomodulation,represented by probiotics,and prebiotics,affects HCC through the GLA.

MELATONIN AND IMMUNOMODULATION IN AGED AND IMMUNODEFICIENT MICE

Objective To investigate melatonin-related mechanisms of action on immunoregulation in aged and immunodeficient mice. Methods T lymPhocytes subunit CD4 + ,CD8 + and CD4 + /CD8 + ratio were measured by Flow Cytometer in normal, aged and Cyclophosphamide injected mice which treated with melatonin, and compared with the results of T lymphocytes subunit in the group without melatonin as control group. Results The percentage of CD4 + , CD8 + T cells in the normal mice which treated with melatonin was significantly higher than that in control group ( P <0.01), CD4 + /CD8 + ratio was higher but had no significant difference. In the cyclophosphamide injected group which melatonin treated, the percentage of CD4 + T cells and CD4 + /CD8 + ratio were higher than those in control, The difference was significant ( P <0.01), while CD8 + was lower ( P <0.01). In aged melatonin treated mice group, the percentage of CD4 + , CD8 + T cells and CD4 + /CD8 + ratio were significantly higher than those in control ( P <0.01). Conclusion Melatonin could adjust the quantity and the ratio of CD4 + , CD8 + T cells in aged and immunodeficient mice. it implied that melatonin could mediate helper and suppression T lymphocytes to reinforce their immunodefence.

The dual antimicrobial and immunomodulatory roles of host defense peptides and their applications in animal production

Host defense peptides(HDPs)are small molecules with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against infectious bacteria,viruses,and fungi.Increasing evidence suggests that HDPs can also indirectly protect hosts by modulating their immune responses.Due to these dual roles,HDPs have been considered one of the most promising antibiotic substitutes to improve growth performance,intestinal health,and immunity in farm animals.This review describes the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory roles of host defense peptides and their recent applications in animal production.

Anti-leishmanial,immunomodulatory and anti-oxidative activity of quercetin against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major

Objective:To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of quercetin and its immunomodulatory and anti-oxidative activity against Leishmania major(L.major).Methods:L.major promastigotes and amastigotes were incubated with different concentrations of quercetin to estimate EC_(50).For in vivo study,the base of tails of mice was infected with L.major.After developing ulcers in the inoculation site,mice were treated with 50 mg/kg quercetin orally for 28 consecutive days.The wound-healing potential of quercetin was evaluated by histopathological analysis of tissue sections stained by hematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson's trichrome.In addition,the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,malondialdehyde,and adiponectin,the ferric reducing ability of plasma,as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured.Results:The EC_(50)values of quercetin against L.major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes were 0.27 and 0.85μM,respectively.Histopathological analysis showed that fewer inflammatory cells,more fibroblasts,and more collagen deposition were observed in tissue sections of quercetin-treated mice.In addition,treatment with quercetin markedly increased glutathione peroxidase activity,the ferric reducing ability of plasma and adiponectin levels while decreasing malondialdehyde,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels.Conclusions:Quercetin shows anti-leishmanial activity,immunomodulatory,anti-oxidative,and anti-inflammatory effects.Therefore,it may be further explored as an effective drug in treating leishmaniasis.

Immunomodulation with rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin in solid organ transplantation

Rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin's manifold mechanisms of action may be attribuited to its polyclonal nature. Its T-cell depleting effect on lymphoid cells is well established: Occurring in the blood and secondary lymphoid tissues, depletion proceeds through complement-dependent lysis, opsonization and apoptotic pathways. Clinical studies have shown that rabbit antithymocyte globulin's immunomodulatory effect extends beyond the initial T-cell depletion and up to the period during which lymphocyte populations begin to recover. The drug is able to mediate immunomodulation and graft tolerance by functionally inactivating cell surface receptors involved in antigen recognition, leukocyte trafficking and leukocyte endothelium adhesion. The complex and prolonged immunomodulation induced by this drug contributes to its efficacy in solid organ transplantation, mainly by reducing the incidence of acute graft rejection.

Immunomodulatory effect of ethanol-soluble polypeptides from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

There are many active substances in Atlantic cod(Gadus morhua)explaining the variety of biological activities.In order to study the immunomodulatory activity and the mechanism of Atlantic cod peptides at the cellular level.In this study,cod peptides were isolated by 80%ethanol extraction method,the isolated ethanol-soluble cod peptides(CP-ES)were investigated and their immunomodulatory activity was verified.Additionally,CP-ES showed lower molecular weight and more hydrophobic amino acids.CP-ES could promote the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes and T lymphocytes in mice,suggesting that CP-ES may regulate adaptive immunity.It promoted the release of NO and the expression of iNOS,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1βgenes in macrophages,suggesting that CP-ES may regulate innate immunity.CP-ES could promote the expression of TLR2 gene,and the peptides identified in CP-ES were docked with TLR2 to predict the peptides playing a major role in CP-ES.These results suggested that CP-ES may regulate the immune activity of both innate and adaptive lines.

Pulmonary cryptococcosis after immunomodulator treatment in patients with Crohn’s disease:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Corticosteroids and anti-tumor necrosis factorαmAbs are widely used to treat Crohn's disease(CD).However,one disadvantage of this treatment is impairment of normal immune function,leading to an increased risk of infection.Cryptococcus infection is an opportunistic infection that occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients and poses a significant diagnostic challenge in patients with CD.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report three cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis in patients with CD after receiving immunomodulatory treatment.The patients presented with no or mild respiratory symptoms.Chest computed tomography scans revealed pulmonary nodules in the unilateral or bilateral lobes.Diagnoses were made using pathological examination and metagenomic sequencing.The patients were treated with fluconazole 400 mg once daily for 1 to 6 mo,and symptoms were resolved.Literature searches were conducted in PubMed,Web of Science,and Embase to retrieve previously reported cases and summarize patient characteristics.CONCLUSION The incidence of cryptococcus infection has increased along with immunomodulator use.Clinical vigilance is required for early identification and standardized treatment.

Immunomodulation as a neuroprotective strategy after spinal cord injury

The initial trauma to the spinal cord is just the starting point for a cascade of endogenous events that will collectively determine the injury extension. These secondary events include, but are not limited to： glutamate excitoxicity, induction of apoptotic pathways, ionic imbalances and the development of a strong and dysfunctional inflammatory response. The secondary injury is associated to an aggravation of neuronal damage increasing the extent of neurological deficits （Ek et al., 2010）.

Applications of scaffolds:Tools for enhancing the immunomodulation of mesenchymal stromal cells

Exogenously delivered mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)are therapeutically beneficial owing to their paracrine effect;they secrete various cytokines,nucleic acids,and proteins.Multiple bioengineering techniques can help MSC cultures to release secretomes by providing stem cell niche-like conditions(both structurally and functionally).Various scaffolds mimic the natural extracellular matrix(ECM)using both natural and synthetic polymers,providing favorable environments for MSC proliferation and differentiation.Depending on material properties,either topographically or elastically structured scaffolds can be fabricated.Three-dimensional scaffolds have tunable substrate rigidities and structures,aiding MSC cultivation.Decellularized ECM-derived hydrogels are similar to the natural ECM,thus improving the paracrine effects of MSCs.Here,we discuss recent research on the application of scaffolds to maximize the immunomodulatory function of MSCs.

Successful Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation with Possible Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury after Pulmonary Endarterectomy

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is characterized by acute severe hypoxemia with bilateral noncardiogenic pulmonary edema after transfusion of a plasma-containing blood component. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the incidence of TRALI is high;however, the detailed clinical course is unknown. Here, we report a case of life-threatening TRALI following pulmonary thrombectomy, which was successfully treated with extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO).

Effects of nutrients on immunomodulation in patients with severe COVID-19:Current knowledge

Recent research has demonstrated that critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)show significant immune system dysregulation.Due to that,some nutrients that influence immunomodulation have been suggested as a form of treatment against the infection.This review collected the information on the impact of vitamins on the prognosis of COVID-19,with the intention of facilitating treatment and prevention of the disease risk status in patients.The collected information was obtained using the PubMed electronic database by searching for articles that relate COVID-19 and the mechanisms/effects of the nutrients:Proteins,glucose,lipids,vitamin B12,vitamin D,calcium,iron,copper,zinc,and magnesium,including prospective,retrospective,and support articles.The findings reveal an optimal response related mainly to omega-3,eicosapentaenoic acid,docosahexaenoic acid,calcium,and iron that might represent benefits in the treatment of critically ill patients.However,nutrient supplementation should be done with caution due to the limited availability of randomized controlled studies.

Implications of helminth immunomodulation on COVID-19 co-infections

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and helminths infections can be in a synergistic epidemic in developing and suburban areas of industrialized countries.The coinfected hosts will derive a parasite-specific Th2 innate and adaptive immune response with CD4+T cells,eosinophils,interleukin-4,interleukin-5,and interleukin-10.In the early stages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection,virus-specific Th1 cytotoxic CD8+T cell,interleukin-6,interferon-γ,and interleukin-27 by lung are keys in controlling viral replication in the lung epithelial cells and limiting the pathology to other organs,like the intestine.CD4+and CD8+T cells are associated with protective immunity against and during COVID-19.However,viral evasion mechanisms occur.Interference of the interferon-γsecretion,like in helminths immunomodulation,can contribute to COVID-19 severity.Immunomodulation can result in mild,moderate,or severe COVID-19 depending on which helminth is coinfecting by regulating or avoiding host cytokine and pro-inflammatory response,decreasing viral load,and affecting vaccine-induced antibody response.We discuss the implications of immunomodulation on COVID-19 caused by helminth co-infection and for public health in the context of COVID-19 vaccine use in helminth endemic zones.