Humoral Immune Function Research Articles

Treatment of acute pharyngitis in rats with season tea decoctions from traditional Chinese medicine through a synergistic and subtle regulation of ARNTL and BHLHE40

Ethnopharmacological relevanceWhile the seasonal variations in the human immune function and many infectious diseases are well-known, to develop therapeutic strategies regarding such seasonality is quite challenging. However, some traditional medical practices have already taken the seasonality into account, such as the “Season Tea” (ST) decoctions investigated in the present study. Aim of the studyWe present a study of the ST decoctions from traditional Chinese medicine, which include four formulae designed for the four seasons, aiming to investigate their pharmacological commonality and distinction. Materials and methodsA rat model of acute pharyngitis was utilized for the pharmacological study, and the effects of the ST decoctions were evaluated through histology, biomedical assays, microarray analysis, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. ResultsThe experimental data show that all of the four ST formulae display good pharmaceutical effects on acute pharyngitis, and circadian rhythm appears to be a significant pathway for investigating their pharmacological commonality and distinction. Specifically, while all of the four ST decoctions can regulate the circadian-rhythm-related genes ARNTL and BHLHE40, the regulation is along different directions with the modification of the supplements and the substrates in each ST formula. ConclusionThese results indicate the correlation between the acute pharyngitis and circadian rhythm, and illustrate the possibility of synergistically and subtly regulating ARNTL and BHLHE40, which is significant for relevant drug development.

A Precision Engineered Interleukin-2 for Bolstering CD8+ T- and NK-cell Activity without Eosinophilia and Vascular Leak Syndrome in Nonhuman Primates.

SAR-444245 (SAR'245, pegenzileukin) is an extended half-life IL-2 that targets effector CD8+ T and NK cells, with little effect on regulatory T cells. We show that in the nonhuman primate model that closely approximates human immune function and response to IL-2, SAR'245 selectively activates CD8+ T and NK effectors without significant serious side effects (vascular leak syndrome or cytokine release syndrome), suggesting its potential for the treatment of solid tumors in humans.

A genetically engineered mouse/human chimeric antibody targeting CD99 enhances antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis against human mantle cell lymphoma Z138 cells

Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive form of B-cell nonHodgkin lymphoma. The elimination of MCL cells via phagocytosis is essential for cancer eradication. Therefore, discovering novel targeted antibodies that can induce phagocytosis is needed. We have demonstrated that our in-houseproduced mouse anti-CD99 mAb clone MT99/3 could induce potent anticancer activities against MCL cell lines in both in vitro and in vivo mouse xenograft models. Nevertheless, for use in humans, the mouse mAb needs to be transformed into a mouse/human chimeric mAb that contains a human Fc region to activate human immune effector functions, especially macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. Antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) mediated by mouse/human chimeric mAb MT99/3 against MCL has not been previously reported. Objective: This study aimed to genetically engineer a mouse/human chimeric antibody against human CD99 derived from mouse mAb MT99/3 and to evaluate its effect in mediating the ADCP mechanism for eradicating MCL cells in vitro using monocyte-derived macrophages. Materials and methods: The expression plasmid to produce chimeric anti-CD99 antibody, ChAbMT99/3, was constructed by fusing the variable domains of mouse mAb MT99/3 with the constant domains of human IgG1 and the constant domains of kappa light chain. ChAbMT99/3 was expressed in the stable human expression system based on HEK293T cells. ChAbMT99/3 was purified from the culture supernatant of ChAbMT99/3-expressing HEK293T cells using Protein G chromatography. The purity and structure of ChAbMT99/3 were verified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The binding specificity and activity were determined by staining with cells expressing recombinant and native human CD99. The anticancer activity of ChAbMT99/3 in mediating the ADCP mechanism against MCL cell line Z138 using human monocytederived macrophages was evaluated. Results: We successfully constructed the plasmid to produce ChAbMT99/3. Human HEK293T cells stably expressing ChAbMT99/3 were established. The ChAbMT99/3- expressing HEK293T cells could secrete ChAbMT99/3 into the culture supernatant. The high purity and complete IgG structure of ChAbMT99/3 were obtained from the purification process. Crucially, this chimeric antibody retained its binding reactivity to recombinant and native human CD99. In addition, the produced ChAbMT99/3, upon binding to MCL cells, significantly enhanced ADCP against MCL cell line Z138 in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The production of a mouse/human chimeric antibody against human CD99 derived from mouse mAb MT99/3 was successful. The engineered antibody could mediate ADCP activity against MCL cells. The produced ChAbMT99/3 might be a promising therapeutic candidate for MCL treatment.

Effect of an Early Mobilization Program on Functional Capacity after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery a Systemic Review

Phenylalanine function stabilized by lysine which found on lysosomal surface, that Phe necessary to regulate the synthesis or secretion of α-amylase, trypsin and lipase, where the Severe acute pancreatitis in a child with phenylketonuria. The phenylketonuria due to decreased lysine followed by lysosomal dysfunction that will be result of deficiency in phenylalanine function that will not form pancreatic enzymes and stomach enzyme and will be accumulated. The Lysosomal dysfunction will be result of accumulation of undigested polymer including inflammation which play important roles in pathophysiology, that reflect reduction in lysine acylation followed by reduction in aminoacyl tRNAs which promote Phe and E coli functions for activating protein and mRNAs synthesis, that will be followed by increasing in TNf-a synthesis (and reduction in VEGF-As ) which activate NK (not beings related to human immune proper function ) which regulated by the undigested polymers in random pathways stimulated by TNf-a functional pathway (activated by NLRP3 inflammasome. Retinoic acid is necessary to promote lysine acylation which regulate aminoacyl-tRNAs production regulated by mitochondrial enzymes, which regulate mRNA production by E coli (regulated by phenylalanine) that necessary to run antioxidant functions and cellular biosynthesis. Lysine acetylation so important to regulates the activity of Escherichia coli Sadenosylmethionine synthase. RNA (produced by E coli) is 2′-O-methylated demonstrated higher stability that can improve immune by promoting anti-inflammatory processes and improve myocardial functions, and adopt heart constriction by activating NR4As pathway. The antihypertensive pathway mechanism is: the Lysine ¬¬>activate ATPase (stimulate retinoic acid “RA” ) ¬¬>Lysine acetylation ¬¬> promote Phe/ hydroxylase ¬¬> followed by ¬>activate Tyr/ hydroxylase ¬>activate dopamine ¬> activate NR4As pathway ¬>GC-beta ¬>activate both of Oxytocin and Nrf2 ¬> Ang2-AT2 and VEGF-A productive functions ¬>heme oxygenase ¬>anti-inflammatory growth and processes. Lysine Methylation has important role in adopt hypertension through activating pervious Antihypertensive pathway mediated by Phe hydroxylase synthesis and Tyr hydroxylase production followed by activating both of dopamine and NR4As pathway. The oxidation of phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase positively regulates translational quality control, and regulates the initiation of digestive enzyme mRNA translation, where consecutive AAA-lysines is paused for encoding Phe followed by ribosome sliding on homopolymeric A sequence. That lysine activates mitochondria function followed by promoting Phenylalanine and phenylalanine-tRNAs productions by translations within E coli, followed by Phe/ hydroxylase activate Tyr hydroxylase production which activate dopamine synthesis. And positively, Lysine is the most effective amino acid for activating all of ATPase, GTPase, and lysosomes, and E coli functions, where ATPase necessary for activating lysine Phosphorylation for activating lysosome digestion, followed by activating E coli through activating Phe hydroxylase production, while GTPase necessary for activating mitochondrial repairs, which act on pro-inflammation and cholesterol for activating estrogen production and activating the NR4As pathway which activate all of Oxytocin, Nrf2 followed by Ang2-AT2 and VEGF-A production and then followed by activating heme oxygenase and anti-inflammatory growth and processes that prevent LV-hypertrophy, and prevent coronary calcification.

Defining the immunological compatibility of graphene oxide-loaded PLGA scaffolds for biomedical applications

Graphene oxide (GO), a carbon-based nanomaterial, presents significant potential across biomedical fields such as bioimaging, drug delivery, biosensors, and phototherapy. This study examines the effects of integrating GO into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds on human immune cell function. Our results demonstrate that high concentrations of GO reduce the viability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following stimulation with anti-CD3 antibody. This reduction extends to T lymphocyte activation, evident from the diminished proliferative response to T cell receptor engagement and impaired differentiation into T helper subsets and regulatory T cells. Interestingly, although GO induces a minimal response in resting monocytes, but it significantly affects both the viability and the differentiation potential of monocytes induced to mature toward M1 pro-inflammatory and M2-like immunoregulatory macrophages. This study seeks to address a critical gap by investigating the in vitro immunomodulatory effects of PLGA scaffolds incorporating various concentrations of GO on primary immune cells, specifically PBMCs isolated from healthy donors. Our findings emphasize the need to optimize the GO to PLGA ratios and scaffold design to advance PLGA-GO-based biomedical applications. Statement of significanceGraphene oxide (GO) holds immense promise for biomedical applications due to its unique properties. However, concerns regarding its potential to trigger adverse immune responses remain. This study addresses this critical gap by investigating the in vitro immunomodulatory effects of PLGA scaffolds incorporating increasing GO concentrations on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). By elucidating the impact on cell viability, T cell proliferation and differentiation, and the maturation/polarization of antigen-presenting cells, this work offers valuable insights for designing safe and immunologically compatible GO-based biomaterials for future clinical translation.

Toxicity studies of compound spermatogenic pill:Acute toxicity and subacute toxicity

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSpermatogenic Pill (SP) is a commonly used clinical preparation in the Third Clinical Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Has accumulated a good reputation for more than a decade. However, because SP is a hospital clinical agent, it has received little extensive attention from researchers, which has led to a systematic lack of basic research on it. Therefore, it is impossible to determine whether there are safety hazards that may limit its widespread clinical application, and an in-depth toxicological evaluation of SP is essential and urgent. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to assess the safety of SP by conducting acute and subacute toxicity examinations. Materials and methodsIdentify active compounds contained in SP by LC-MS, and determination of inorganic elements in SP using ICP-MS. The in vivo acute toxicity of SP was assessed over a duration of 14 days following administration at doses of 7.5, 15, or 30 g/kg. To evaluate subacute toxicity, mice were administered daily doses of SP (7.5, 15, or 30 g/kg) for a period of 28 days. After the treatment period, the animals were euthanized, and standard blood tests, liver and kidney function tests, as well as tests related to glycolipid metabolism, were performed. The principal organs of the mice were collected to calculate organ coefficients and undergo hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultsLC-MS analysis showed that the active components of SP include Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Diosbulbin B, Schizandrin, Naringenin, 2,3-hydroxycinnamic acid, L-proline, Histidine and Pluviatolide. The total amount of detected inorganic elements accounted for 3.0919% of SP. During the SP acute toxicity experiment, the groups that received the drug exhibited no signs of adverse reactions or poisoning symptoms. In subacute toxicity experiments, drug-treated mice showed overall favorable status, but the effects of continuous administration of the 30 g/kg group on body weight and food intake were reduced. An increase in the white marrow of spleen tissue after long-term administration of the drug treatment was also observed, suggesting that the drug can increase the maturation process and the number of mature lymphocytes in the spleen, and improve the lymphocyte immunity and humoral immunity function of the organism. Suggests that possibly this should be taken into account in clinical application. The routine blood examinations, as well as the assessments of liver and kidney functions, and the tests for glucose and lipid metabolism, did not reveal any notable toxic effects. ConclusionSP contains more flavonoids, and terpenoid active ingredients, and is non-toxic in the body. This discovery not only strengthens the safety foundation of its clinical application, provides a solid scientific basis for the establishment of reasonable clinical dosage and the implementation of effective clinical toxicity monitoring, but also further lays a solid theoretical cornerstone for the subsequent clinical drug trials.

Threonine supplementation stimulates immune, antioxidant and liver functions of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

Threonine is an essential amino acid required in the diets for regular growth of fishes, but information is inadequate regarding the effects of threonine on immunity and health status of many aquaculture species. In the present study, a total of 360 juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (19.0 ± 0.1 g) were divided into six experimental groups, and fed diets supplemented with varying levels of crystalline L-threonine at 0 g kg−1 (control), 2.5 g kg−1 (Thr-2.5), 5.0 g kg−1 (Thr-5.0), 7.5 g kg−1 (Thr-7.5), 10.0 g kg−1 (Thr-10.0) and 12.5 g kg−1 (Thr-12.5) for eight weeks. The results revealed that white blood cell count (P = 0.024) and albumin content (P = 0.006) in fish were significantly modulated by the dietary threonine, with the highest levels recorded in fish fed diets Thr-5.0 and Thr-12.5, respectively. White blood cell increased with dietary threonine levels up to Thr-5.0, then decreased thereafter. The other hematological variables such as red blood cell (P = 0.571), hemoglobin (P = 0.259), hematocrit (P = 0.985), mean corpuscular volume (P = 0.631), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (P = 0.280) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.691) remained unchanged as compared to the control group. Serum lysozyme increased (P = 0.000) with increasing levels of threonine up to 5.0 g kg−1. Fish receiving diet Thr-2.5 had relatively higher (P = 0.000) immunoglobulin M and the level decreased when fed with increasing levels of threonine. The activities of superoxide dismutase (P = 0.008) and malondialdehyde (P = 0.005) were elevated at 10.0 g kg−1 and 12.5 g kg−1 supplementation levels, respectively. Moreover, diets Thr-5.0 and Thr-10.0 induced lower serum alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.011) and aspartate aminotransferase activities (P = 0.000) in fish. These results suggest that threonine supplementation led to a positive effect on the hematology, humoral immunity, antioxidant capacity and liver function enzyme activities of economically important largemouth bass. Therefore, threonine has a clear role in fish nutrition and is important in formulating nutritionally balanced feeds.

Is Nasal Dysbiosis a Required Component for Neuroinflammation in Major Depressive Disorder?

Human microbiota is known to influence immune and cerebral responses by direct and/or indirect mechanisms, including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis signaling, activation of neural afferent circuits to the brain, and by altering the peripheral immune responses (cellular and humoral immune function, circulatory inflammatory cells, and the production of several inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species). The inflammatory responses in the nasal mucosa (rhinitis) or paranasal sinuses (chronic rhinosinusitis) are dual conditions related with a greater risk for developing depression. In the nasal cavity, anatomic components of the olfactive function are in direct contact with the CNS through the olfactory receptors, neurons, and axons that end in the olfactory bulb and the entorhinal cortex. Local microbiome alterations (dysbiosis) are linked to transepithelial translocation of microorganisms and their metabolites, which disrupts the epithelial barrier and favors vascular permeability, increasing the levels of several inflammatory molecules (both cytokines and non-cytokine mediators: extracellular vesicles (exosomes) and neuropeptides), triggering local inflammation (rhinitis) and the spread of these components into the central nervous system (neuroinflammation). In this review, we discuss the role of microbiota-related immunity in conditions affecting the nasal mucosa (chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis) and their relevance in major depressive disorders, focusing on the few mechanisms known to be involved and providing some hypothetical proposals on the pathophysiology of depression.

Licorice Extract Supplementation Benefits Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry and Hormones, Immune Antioxidant Status, Hindgut Fecal Microbial Community, and Metabolism in Beef Cattle.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of licorice extract (LE) on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum index (biochemistry, hormones, humoral immunity, and antioxidant function), hindgut fecal microbiota, and metabolism in beef cattle. In total, 12 male yellow cattle aged 12 months were divided into two groups (6 cattle per group): the basal diet (CK group) and the basal diet supplemented with 2 g/kg LE (CHM group). The entire experimental phase lasted for 120 days, including a 30-day pre-feeding period. Compared to the CK group, the average daily gain, crude fiber, calcium, and crude protein nutrient digestibility were greater on d 30 than d 60 (p < 0.05) and the feed meat ratio was lower for LE addition (p < 0.01). In terms of serum indexes, the insulin and nitric oxide contents were enhanced on d 30, the alkaline phosphatase level was improved on d 60, and the levels of albumin, immunoglobulin A, and catalase were increased on d 90 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the cholesterol content was lower on d 60 for LE addition compared with the CK group (p < 0.05). The higher enrichment of [Eubacterium]-oxidoreducens-group, p-2534-18b5-gut-group, and Ileibacterium were observed in the CHM group (p < 0.05), while the relative abundances of Gallibacterium and Breznakia in the CHM group were lower compared with the CK group (p < 0.05). In addition, the differential metabolites related to healthy growth in the CHM group were increased compared with the CK group. And there was a close correlation between hindgut microbiota and metabolic differentials. In general, LE has a promoting effect on the growth performance and health status of beef cattle over a period (30 to 60 days).

Heyndrickxia coagulans strain SANK70258 suppresses symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection via immune modulation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, comparative study.

Probiotic consumption strongly influences local intestinal immunity and systemic immune status. Heyndrickxia coagulans strain SANK70258 (HC) is a spore-forming lactic acid bacterium that has immunostimulatory properties on peripheral tissues. However, few reports have examined the detailed effectiveness of HC on human immune function and its mechanism of action. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to comprehensively evaluate the effects of HC on immunostimulatory capacity, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms, and changes in intestinal organic-acid composition. Results of a questionnaire survey of URTI symptoms showed that runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sore throat scores as well as the cumulative number of days of these symptoms were significantly lower in the HC group than in the placebo group during the study period. Furthermore, the salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration was significantly higher, and the natural killer (NK) cell activity tended to be higher in the HC group than in the placebo group. In addition, we performed an exposure culture assay of inactivated influenza virus on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the blood of participants in the HC and placebo groups. Gene-expression analysis in PBMCs after culture completion showed that IFNα and TLR7 expression levels were significantly higher in the HC group than in the placebo group. In addition, the expression levels of CD304 tended to be higher in the HC group than in the placebo group. On the other hand, the HC group showed a significantly higher increase in the intestinal butyrate concentration than the placebo group. HC intake also significantly suppressed levels of IL-6 and TNFα produced by PBMCs after exposure to inactivated influenza virus. Collectively, these results suggest that HC activated plasmacytoid dendritic cells expressing TLR7 and CD304 and strongly induced IFNα production, subsequently activating NK cells and increasing sIgA levels, and induced anti-inflammatory effects via increased intestinal butyrate levels. These changes may contribute to the acquisition of host resistance to viral infection and URTI prevention.

A standardized combination of Terminalia chebula and Withania somnifera extracts enhances immune function in adults: a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.

The use of botanical medicine has been demonstrated as a potential strategy to manage or treat a variety of health issues. Terminalia chebula (Retz) fruit and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal roots are important medicinal herbs described in Ayurveda and traditional therapy for diverse health benefits. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the immune function-enhancing potential of a unique blend of T. chebula fruit and W. somnifera root extracts, LN20189, in healthy men and women. Forty healthy volunteers (age: 35-60 years) were randomized into two groups receiving either LN20189 (500 mg per day) or a matched placebo over 28 consecutive days. The total T-cell population was the primary efficacy measure in this study. The secondary efficacy measures included counts of CD4, CD8, natural killer (NK) cells, serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), total immunoglobulin-G (IgG), and Immune Function Questionnaire (IFQ) scores. Safety parameter assessments were also conducted. Post-trial, in LN20189-supplemented subjects, T cells, CD4, NK cells count, and the CD4:CD8 ratio were increased by 9.32, 10.10, 19.91, and 17.43%, respectively, as compared to baseline. LN20189 supplementation increased serum IFN-γ and IgG levels by 14.57 and 27.09% from baseline and by 13.98 and 21.99%, compared to placebo, respectively. Also, the IFQ scores in the LN20189 group were 84.68% (vs. baseline) and 69.44% (vs. placebo) lower at the end of the trial. LN20189 improved the study volunteers' cellular and humoral immune functions. In summary, LN20189 supplementation was found tolerable and improved the key cellular and humoral factors of the immune system and helped improve immune function of the trial volunteers.

Microbial aromatic amino acid metabolism is modifiable in fermented food matrices to promote bioactivity

Ingestion of fermented foods impacts human immune function, yet the bioactive food components underlying these effects are not understood. Here, we interrogated whether fermented food bioactivity relates to microbial metabolites derived from aromatic amino acids, termed aryl-lactates. Using targeted metabolomics, we established the presence of aryl-lactates in commercially available fermented foods. After pinpointing fermented food-associated lactic acid bacteria that produce high levels of aryl-lactates, we identified fermentation conditions to increase aryl-lactate production in food matrices up to 5 × 103 fold vs. standard fermentation conditions. Using ex vivo reporter assays, we found that food matrix conditions optimized for aryl-lactate production exhibited enhanced agonist activity for the human aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as compared to standard fermentation conditions and commercial products. Reduced microbial-induced AhR activity has emerged as a hallmark of many chronic inflammatory diseases, thus we envision strategies to enhance AhR bioactivity of fermented foods to be leveraged to improve human health.

Clinical analysis of the effect of helicobacter pylori infection on immune function in children with peptic ulcer.

To study whether children with peptic ulcer would have abnormalities in cellular and humoral immune functions, and whether Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection would affect the immune function of children with peptic ulcer. This is a retrospective study. The subjects of study were 72 children with diagnosed and cured peptic ulcer (ulcer group), and 50 healthy children with physical examination (control group) at Baoding Hospital, Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from June 2020 to December 2022. Further detection was conducted on T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio) and immunoglobulin levels. Of the 72 children with peptic ulcer, 53(73.6%) were positive for Hp (Hp-positive group) and 19 (26.4%) were negative (Hp-negative group). The levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the control group were significantly higher than those in the ulcer group, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05); while the level of IgG in the control group was lower than that in the ulcer group, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Meanwhile, there were statistically significant differences in that the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ were increased in Hp-positive group than those in Hp-negative group before treatment (P<0.05); while CD4+/CD8+ ratio was lower in the former group than that in the latter group, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Hp infection can induce the elevation of T lymphocyte subsets. The development of peptic ulcer has an intimate association with the disorder of cellular and humoral immune functions.

Immunotoxicity of 2-Acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole in BALB/c mice with different vitamin B6 nutritional statuses

Caramel color is a widely used food pigment, and 2-Acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI) is a by-products of Class III caramel color. Some studies have shown that THI can reduce the number of peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, the comprehensive mechanism of THI immunotoxicity requires further study. In this study, the effects of THI on lymphocyte count, humoral immunity, cellular immunity and nonspecific immunity were determined and the effect of the nutritional status of VB6 on THI immunotoxicity was evaluated. Female BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups and fed chow containing different doses of VB6: VB6-normal (6 mg/kg VB6), VB6-deprived (0.5 mg/kg VB6) or VB6-enhanced (12 mg/kg VB6) feed. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups and treated with THI (0.5, 2.5 or 12.5 mg/kg bw) or the solvent control by gavage for 30 days. The thymic cortical thickness was measured with ViewPoint; the proportions of major immune cells and T cells in peripheral blood and tissues were detected via flow cytometry; the transformation and proliferation abilities of T and B cells were detected via T and B lymphocyte proliferation assays; NK cell activity was assessed via lactate dehydrogenase assays; humoral immune function was assessed via plaque-forming cell assays; and the immune function of T lymphocytes was assessed via delayed type hypersensitivity assays. The results showed that compared with those in the corresponding control group, the white blood cell count and lymphocyte count decreased significantly in all the VB6-deprived groups, in the 2.5 and 12.5 mg/kg VB6 groups, and in the 12.5 mg/kg VB6-enhanced group. With increasing THI dose, the thymic cortical layer became thinner. In the thymus, THI increased the proportions of CD3+ T cells and mature CD8+ T cells and decreased the proportions of immature double-positive, double-negative T cells and CD69-expressing lymphocytes. The proportions of naïve T cells and Tcm (central memory T) cells related to homing decreased. The proportion of mature T cells in the spleen decreased significantly. The proliferation of T cells stimulated by ConA decreased after THI exposure. VB6-deficient mice were more sensitive to THI immunotoxicity, and supplementation with VB6 had a certain protective effect on these mice. The results of the PFC and NK cell activity assays indicated that THI exposure might not affect humoral immune or innate immune function.

Acellular fish skin grafts in the treatment of diabetic wounds: Advantages and clinical translation.

Diabetic wounds cannot undergo normal wound healing due to changes in the concentration of hyperglycemia in the body and soon evolve into chronic wounds causing amputation or even death of patients. Diabetic wounds directly affect the quality of patients and social medical management; thus researchers started to focus on skin transplantation technology. The acellular fish skin grafts (AFSGs) are derived from wild fish, which avoids the influence of human immune function and the spread of the virus through low-cost decellularization. AFSGs contain a large amount of collagen and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and they have an amazing effect on wound regeneration. However, after our search in major databases, we found that there were few research trials in this field, and only one was clinically approved. Therefore, we summarized the advantages of AFSGs and listed the problems faced in clinical use. The purpose of this paper is to enable researchers to better carry out original experiments at various stages.

Abstract 2604: Evaluating the potency of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) free-drugs on T cells

Abstract Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) combine the targeting specificity of antibodies with powerful cytotoxic payloads to direct antigen-specific tumor cell killing. Multiple ADCs have shown single-agent clinical activity against solid and hematological cancers and are currently being evaluated in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Therapeutic benefit from CPIs relies on the presence and quality of responding antitumor T cells, both in the tumor and from new T cell priming and expansion outside the tumor. Select cytotoxic ADC payloads, like monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), have the potential to amplify T cell responses through immunogenic cell death (ICD) and, as such, may be optimal combination partners with CPIs. However, ADC payloads released in the tumor (bystander drug) or released systemically also have the potential to negatively impact T cell viability, proliferation, and priming. The compatibility of different ADC payload chemotypes (Auristatins, camptothecins (CPTs), Pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBDs), Tubulysins) with CPIs may depend on both the direct and indirect effects of payloads and their associated free-drugs on immune cells. Here, we determined the relative potencies of ADC payload free-drugs MMAE and DXd on activated human and murine T cells in vitro and in a model of xeno-graft versus host disease (xeno-GVHD) to evaluate the impact of ADC bystander effects on human immune cell expansion and function in vivo. In vitro, ADC payloads showed a range of potencies on activated T cells, with IC50 values skewing lower for CD4 compared to CD8 T cells. For each payload, murine T cells were significantly less sensitive than human T cells, which may have implications for modeling combinations of ADCs and CPIs. Mouse CD8 T cells were ~10-fold less sensitive to MMAE and 20-25-fold less sensitive to clinical CPT payloads compared to human T cells. In an in vivo model of human immune cell activation, xeno-GVHD, bystander effects from a non-targeted MMAE-ADC did not impair the expansion of human immune cells, however, a non-targeted DXd-ADC reduced CD4 T cells and robustly reduced populations of non-T cells in spleens. Consistent with reduced immune cell expansion, the DXd-ADC significantly slowed the xeno-GVHD disease course compared to the MMAE-ADC treated and control groups. These data suggest that the most commonly used ADC payload classes, MMAE and DXd, may have different direct effects on proliferating human immune cells as bystander free-drugs, which may have clinical relevance for combinations of ADCs with CPIs. Continued research exploring the balance between ADC potency on tumor cells, direct and indirect effects of payloads on immune cells, and dose timing and sequencing could help maximize the potential of ADCs in combination with immunotherapies. Citation Format: Reice D. James, Michelle L. Ulrich, J Hartsuyker, Alyson J. Smith, Ryan A. Heiser. Evaluating the potency of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) free-drugs on T cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2604.

Abstract 7464: Tertiary lymphoid structures in pancreatic cancer: Biomarkers of immunogenic patients or direct contributors to anti-tumor immunity

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a cancer with low survival rates and currently no immunotherapy options. However, many tumors from PDAC patients can be heavily infiltrated with T and B cells associated with favorable survival outcomes indicating anti-tumor immunity is functional in certain patients. In some of these lymphocyte-inflamed PDAC tumors, spontaneous organization of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) is evident upon surgical resection and these patients have a clear survival advantage. TLS are predictive of immune checkpoint blockade response in some cancer types, yet PDAC patients, with or without TLS, are still insensitive to these strategies. To address this paradox, we evaluated surgically resected PDAC tumors from previously untreated patients and discovered that tumors with TLS (TLS+) recruited T and B cells with specific anti-tumor and memory phenotypes suggesting immunosurveillance of disease was enhanced. Furthermore, a subset of TLS+ patients contained germinal centers and improved humoral immune function corresponding to an increased neoantigen burden and long-term survival. When assessing gene expression differences between TLS+ and TLS- patients, operable inflammatory and immunosuppressive pathways emerged that could be therapeutically exploited to activate TLS neogenesis. To address these mechanistic questions, we have developed a method for inducing TLS formation in implantable mouse PDAC tumors in the orthotopic setting utilizing an antibody that agonizes the lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTBR) in mice bearing established PDAC tumors. These TLS are complexed with T cells, B cells, CXCL13+ cells, and PNAd+ HEV associated with reduced tumor growth, presence of lymphocyte-recruiting cancer associated fibroblasts and increases in anti-tumor T and B cell phenotypes. Interestingly, some mouse PDAC cell lines are resistant to TLS formation by LTBR agonism while others are susceptible offering a model to study patient heterogeneity. We will use this TLS+ PDAC mouse model to address how TLS may directly improve antigen-specific T cell and B cell immunity and elucidate the pathways that regulate TLS formation. These data will offer new strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance in cancer patients. Citation Format: Shrijan Khanal, Olivia Harder, Elijah Kirschstein, Morgan Mack, Carl Ware, Michael Gough, Kristina Young, Andrew J. Gunderson. Tertiary lymphoid structures in pancreatic cancer: Biomarkers of immunogenic patients or direct contributors to anti-tumor immunity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7464.

The lack of either IRF9, or STAT2, has surprisingly little effect on human natural killer cell development and function.

Analysis of genetically defined immunodeficient patients allows study of the effect of the absence of specific proteins on human immune function in real-world conditions. Here we have addressed the importance of type I interferon signalling for human NK cell development by studying the phenotype and function of circulating NK cells isolated from patients suffering primary immunodeficiency disease due to mutation of either the human interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) or the signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) genes. IRF9, together with phosphorylated STAT1 and STAT2, form a heterotrimer called interferon stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) which promotes the expression of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes that mediate antiviral function triggered by exposure to type I interferons. IRF9- and STAT2-deficient patients are unable to respond efficiently to stimulation by type I interferons and so our experiments provide insights into the importance of type I interferon signalling and the consequences of its impairment on human NK cell biology. Surprisingly, the NK cells of these patients display essentially normal phenotype and function.

An integrative mechanistic model of thymocyte dynamics.

The thymus plays a central role in shaping human immune function. A mechanistic, quantitative description of immune cell dynamics and thymic output under homeostatic conditions and various patho-physiological scenarios are of particular interest in drug development applications, e.g., in the identification of potential therapeutic targets and selection of lead drug candidates against infectious diseases. We here developed an integrative mathematical model of thymocyte dynamics in human. It incorporates mechanistic features of thymocyte homeostasis as well as spatial constraints of the thymus and considerations of age-dependent involution. All model parameter estimates were obtained based on published physiological data of thymocyte dynamics and thymus properties in mouse and human. We performed model sensitivity analyses to reveal potential therapeutic targets through an identification of processes critically affecting thymic function; we further explored differences in thymic function across healthy subjects, multiple sclerosis patients, and patients on fingolimod treatment. We found thymic function to be most impacted by the egress, proliferation, differentiation and death rates of those thymocytes which are most differentiated. Model predictions also showed that the clinically observed decrease in relapse risk with age, in multiple sclerosis patients who would have discontinued fingolimod therapy, can be explained mechanistically by decreased thymic output with age. Moreover, we quantified the effects of fingolimod treatment duration on thymic output. In summary, the proposed model accurately describes, in mechanistic terms, thymic output as a function of age. It may be further used to perform predictive simulations of clinically relevant scenarios which combine specific patho-physiological conditions and pharmacological interventions of interest.

Next-Generation Probiotics as Novel Therapeutics for Improving Human Health: Current Trends and Future Perspectives.

Next-generation probiotics (NGPs) represent an innovative group of beneficial bacteria that are currently undergoing research and development. NGPs are designed not only for conventional use as foods or dietary supplements but are also tailored for pharmaceutical applications. Research indicates that NGPs show therapeutic promise in addressing various chronic ailments. Offering multiple advantages over conventional probiotics, NGPs present opportunities for personalized probiotic therapies, involvement in synthetic biology and gene editing, participation in combination therapies, targeted delivery methods, and application in therapeutic settings. Our review discusses the potential therapeutic effect of the NGPs, covering diverse research trajectories for NGPs, including their identification, characterization, and targeted delivery. Furthermore, this review elucidates the influence of NGPs on critical aspects of human health, specifically, gut health, immune function, and broader health outcomes. Mechanistic insights encompass the production of bioactive compounds, competitive interactions with pathogenic bacteria, the modulation of immune cell activity, and the reinforcement of the gut barrier. What is noteworthy is that the current review points out the prevalent NGP strains and their diverse sources, providing a highlight for the comprehensive framework for understanding their potential applications and their future benefits in the domain of advanced therapeutics.