IL-6 Promoter Research Articles

Analysis of IL10 gene promoter haplotypes and changes in mRNA expression and soluble levels in patients with basal cell carcinoma.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an immunomodulatory molecule that may play an immunosuppressive role in nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), specifically basal cell carcinoma (BCC). We analyzed the role of IL10 promoter variants in genetic determinants of BCC susceptibility and their association with IL10 mRNA and IL-10 serum levels. Three promoter variants (-1082 A > G, -819T > C, and -592 A > C) were examined in 250 BCC patients and 250 reference group (RG) individuals. IL10 relative gene expression was evaluated in total leucocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-10 levels were quantified in serum. The allelic and genotypic frequencies did not show significant differences between the groups. However, haplotype analysis revealed that the ATA haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of BCC (OR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.95, p = 0.02), whereas the ATC and ACA haplotypes were associated with an increased risk for the neoplasia (OR: 4.15, 95% CI 1.56-11.04, p < 0.01, and OR: 3.51, 95% CI 1.33-9.29, p < 0.01, respectively). BCC patients showed a 0.09-fold reduction in IL10 mRNA expression compared to the RG. Significant differences were in IL-10 median serum levels between the RG and BCC patients (0.4 vs 0.64pg/mL, p = 0.02). Significant median serum differences were also observed between low- and high-grade histopathological BCC (0.34 vs 1.35pg/mL, p = 0.02). The ATA, ATC, and ACA haplotypes, and serum IL-10 levels, could be markers of susceptibility to BCC in Western Mexican individuals. BCC patients had higher serum IL-10 levels than the RG, with levels increasing with the severity of lesions, confirming the role of IL-10 in immunosuppression in neoplasia.

Stat3 Induces IL-10 and SR-A/CD204 Expression in Silica Nanoparticle-Triggered Pulmonary Fibrosis through Transactivation.

Inhalation of silica dust in the workplace has been addressed as a serious occupational pulmonary disease subsequently leading to inflammation and fibrosis. Enhanced expression of IL-10 significantly contributes to the disease etiology, along with an elevated Th2-type paradigm. Previously, we showed that the exaggerated Th2-type response was also associated with consistent upregulation of Stat3 in mouse airways stimulated with silica microparticles. However, a precise understanding of silicosis in light of the IL-10/Stat3 immune axis is required. We, therefore, aimed to determine the regulatory role of IL-10 in nanosized silica (nSiO2)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in association with Stat3. Herein, we report that amorphous nSiO2 could induce pulmonary fibrosis with consistent and concomitant upregulation of IL-10, Stat3, and SR-A/CD204. Following exogenous administration of siStat3 and rIL-10, the study further confirmed that Stat3 mediates the regulation of IL-10 and SR-A/CD204 and that IL-10 could regulate its own expression in an autoregulatory loop. The ChIP assay highlighted the localization of Stat3 over two putative binding sites in the IL-10 promoter region, which subsequently resulted in the overexpression of SR-A/CD204. Conclusively, Stat3-mediated transregulation of IL-10 through an autoregulatory loop in silicosis could offer novel molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.

Enrichment of H3S28p and H3K9me2 Epigenetic Marks on Inflammatory-Associated Gene Promoters in Response to Severe Burn Injury.

Severe burns activate systemic inflammation and lead to an increase in cytokine levels. Epigenetic elements are key regulators of inflammation; however, their involvement in severe burns has not been studied. In this work, we aimed to unveil the histone H3 posttranslational modifications (PTM) profile and their enrichment in promoters of inflammatory genes in response to severe burns. The levels of H3 PTMs were analyzed by ELISA assays in circulating cells from burn patients. ChIP assays were conducted to evaluate the enrichment of H3K9me2 and H3S28p at the promoter of CXCL8, IL-17, TNFA, IL-6, FOS, and IL-1B genes. We found that eight H3 PTMs decreased at 5 days post-burn. Burn patients showed a decreased enrichment of H3K9me2 in CXCL8, IL-17, and TNFA promoters, whereas IL-6, FOS, and IL-1B promoters displayed an H3S28p enrichment diminution during the first 10 days post-burn. Interestingly, burn-injured septic patients exhibited an increased enrichment of H3K9me2 in TNFA, IL-1B, CXCL8, and IL-17 promoters, whereas H3S28p was increased in promoters of TNFA and IL-1B at 1 dpb. Severe burns trigger epigenetic changes and differential H3 PTM enrichment at inflammation gene promoters. Epigenetic misregulation of H3 may be involved in sepsis occurrence after severe burn injury.

Impact of IL-6 rs1800795 and rs1800796 polymorphisms on clinical outcomes of COVID-19: a study on severity of disease in Turkish population.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is exacerbated by cytokine storms, leading to severe inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a critical role in this process, and variations in its promoter may influence disease severity. This study aims to investigate the relationship between IL6 promoter polymorphisms rs1800795 (G > C) and rs1800796 (G > C) and the severity of COVID-19 in the Turkish population. A total of 332 participants were included: 84 control, 80 with mild COVID-19, and 168 with severe COVID-19. IL6 polymorphisms were genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. The genotypes rs1800795 GC (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.669-5.398, p < 0.000), CC (OR = 7.44, 95% CI: 2.899-19.131, p < 0.000), and rs1800796 GC (OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.603-4.761, p < 0.000), as well as the alleles rs1800795 C (OR = 3.01, p < 0.000) and rs1800796 C (OR = 1.97, p = 0.002), may be associated with the severity of COVID-19. According to the Jonckheere-Terpstra (J-T) test, the most significant trends that vary linearly with disease severity were observed for D-dimer [J-T = 15.896, Effect size = 0.68 (0.61 to 0.76), p < 0.000] and CRP [J-T = 15.389, Effect size = 0.66 (0.59 to 0.73), p < 0.000]. The distribution of clinical parameters across genotype combinations (rs1800796/rs1800795*) showed that GC/GC* and GC/CC* were linked to a higher risk of severe inflammation, clotting, and organ damage. Additionally, it has been determined that the G-C and C-C haplotypes may be associated with increased severity of COVID-19. The rs1800795 and rs1800796 polymorphisms are linked to COVID-19 severity and could help guide future treatment strategies.

NR1D1 activation alleviates inflammatory response through inhibition of IL-6 expression in bovine endometrial epithelial cells

Endometritis, an inflammatory disease affecting dairy cattle, causes substantial economic losses in the dairy industry. Conventional treatment using uterine infusion of antibiotics often results in bacterial resistance and antibiotic residues in milk. Thus, identifying novel, effective therapeutic targets for endometritis in dairy cows is necessary. Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1) activation attenuates inflammatory responses in various diseases through transcriptional repression; however, its role in treating bovine endometritis remains unclear. This study investigated the role and underlying mechanisms of NR1D1 in endometritis using a bovine endometrial epithelial cell line (BENDs) and primary bovine endometrial epithelial cells, both induced with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Immunofluorescence staining revealed the predominant nuclear localization of NR1D1 in endometrial epithelial cells. LPS treatment (1 μg/mL for 12 h) significantly increased the expression levels of NR1D1 and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, and CCL5) in BENDs. Immunohistochemical staining showed elevated NR1D1 expression in uterine tissues of cows with endometritis. Deletion of NR1D1 significantly increased IL-6 mRNA expression; NR1D1 overexpression substantially repressed IL-6 expression in BENDs. NR1D1 agonist SR9009 attenuated LPS-induced mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, CCL5) in both BENDs and primary endometrial epithelial cells. Additionally, SR9009 treatment attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses in the endometrium of mice. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and real-time monitoring via luminescence assays showed that NR1D1 overexpression significantly repressed luciferase activity driven by the IL-6 promoter region, which was abolished by deletion of the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-responsive element (−473 to −479) within the IL-6 promoter fragment. In summary, NR1D1 activation alleviates the inflammatory response of BENDs by repressing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, at least partly via IL-6, suggesting NR1D1 is a promising therapeutic target for endometritis prevention and treatment.

TMIC-36. EVALUATING PHARMACOLOGICAL INHIBITION OF LSD1 IN MODELS OF DIFFUSE MIDLINE GLIOMA AND EFFECTS ON IMMUNE MICROENVIRONMENT SIGNALING

Abstract BACKGROUND Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is the leading cause of death for pediatric brain tumor patients. DMG is remarkably immunologically senescent, even in comparison to other “immune-cold” tumors like adult glioblastoma. Lysine specific demethylase-1 (LSD1) is a histone demethylase exerting context-specific mechanisms of gene repression and activation and can be inhibited pharmacologically. We found LSD1 regulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin 18 (IL18) and immune signaling receptors in DMG. Here, we investigated whether IL18 is transcriptionally regulated by LSD1 in vitro and in vivo using clinically relevant small molecule inhibitors. METHODS LSD1 binding to the IL-18 promoter was evaluated using chromatin immunoprecipitation. Transcript and protein expression using qRT-PCR and western blotting assessed the impact of LSD1 inhibition on IL18-related pathways and immune signaling pathways. LSD1 inhibitors (IMG-7289 or GSKLSD1) were evaluated patient-derived xenograft models. Results. We found elevated LSD1 binding on the IL18 promoter in DIPG VI cells. Subsequent qRT-PCR and western blot analyses demonstrated increased IL18 protein levels following treatment with GSKLSD1 or IMG-7289 in DIPG VI cells, alongside heightened IL18 mRNA expression compared to DMSO-treated cells. Either GSKLSD1 or IMG-7289 treatment in DIPG IV cells also led to significantly elevated IL18 binding protein mRNA levels. Orthotopic xenografts using DIPG IV bearing mice dosed with LSD1 inhibitors over the course of 35 days several weeks showed a decrease in IL-18R, and an increase in IL-18 BP transcript levels alongside a significant increase in Slamf7 transcript levels. Some evidence of tumor inhibition was seen in male but not female mice treated with GSKLSD1. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation revealed IL18 as a direct target of LSD1 specifically in DIPG VI, and gender specific effects of GSKLSD1 treatment in vivo. Future studies will prioritize validating and elucidating the underlying mechanisms the therapeutic potential of LSD1 inhibition in DMG.

Resveratrol Potentiates BCG-induced Trained Immunity in Human Monocytes.

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol derived from plants such as grapes and berries. In addition to its role in plants during injury and infection, various cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and longevity-promoting effects were reported in diverse model organisms. The primary target of resveratrol is the deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which regulates many immunological processes, including BCG-induced trained immunity response in humans. We, therefore, investigated the effect of resveratrol on trained immunity induced by BCG, β-glucan, C. albicans, or oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Using an in-vitro model of trained immunity with monocytes obtained from healthy donors, we demonstrate that resveratrol amplifies BCG-induced trained immunity regarding IL-6 and TNFα production after a secondary challenge. Although resveratrol did not improve and even limited glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and reactive oxygen species production, it enhanced the permissive epigenetic mark H3K27Ac on IL-6 and TNFα promoters. In contrast to BCG-induced trained immunity, resveratrol potently inhibited training induced by β-glucan, C. albicans, oxLDL, and muramyl dipeptide (MDP), a peptidoglycan component of BCG. Resveratrol's unique boosting effect on BCG training depended on BCG being alive and metabolically active. These results suggest that resveratrol might amplify the effects of BCG vaccination, which should be mechanistically characterized further. In addition, resveratrol could alleviate oxLDL-induced training of innate immune cells in atherosclerosis, and in-vivo studies of trained immunity combined with resveratrol are warranted to explore these therapeutic possibilities.

Use of modified human hemangioma tissue cultures and human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures to gain mechanistic insights into imiquimod treatment for infantile hemangioma.

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are a common entity encountered by dermatologists, otolaryngologists, and other surgeons. Oral propranolol is a mainstay of treatment for IH and is well-tolerated, though propranolol-refractory IH and other drug-related adverse events are documented and can limit its usage. There are few in vitro testing systems for putative treatment agents. To address this, we modified a tissue culture system for human hemangioma treatment testing to evaluate the treatment impact of the immune modifier, imiquimod. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and hemangioma cultures were treated with several concentrations of imiquimod followed by MTT assays, reporter gene assays, PCR, ELISA, and Western blotting for IL-8, VEGF, Cyclin D1, and IFNα and immunohistochemistry for Cyclin D1 and Ki-67. HUVEC showed acute decreases in IL-8, VEGF, and Cyclin D1 promoter activity and increases in IFNα mRNA after imiquimod treatment. Hemangioma samples showed no change in Ki-67 or Cyclin D1 staining after treatment with imiquimod after 27 d, with significantly increased IL-8 and VEGF. From this preliminary analysis, we discerned that hemangioma tissues can be grown in tissue culture and used for drug treatment studies. We also conclude acute and chronic modulation of cell cycle, angiogenesis factors, and immunostimulatory conditions may be associated with imiquimod mechanisms of action in hemangioma involution.

Enzymatic TET-1 inhibition highlights different epigenetic behaviours of IL-1β and TNFα in tumour progression of OS cell lines

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumour, whose heterogeneity represents a major challenge for common antitumour therapies. Inflammatory cytokines are known to be necessary for OS progression. Therefore, to optimise therapy, it is important to discover reliable biomarkers by identifying the mechanism generating OS and investigating the inflammatory pathways that support the undifferentiated state. In this work, we highlight the differences of epigenetic activities of IL-1β and TNFα, and the susceptibility of TET-1 enzymatic inhibition, in tumour progression of three different OS cell lines. Investigating DNA methylation of IL-6 promoter and determining its expression, we found that TET enzymatic inhibition influences proliferation induced by inflammatory cytokines in OS cell lines. Moreover, Bobcat 339 treatment blocks IL-1β epigenetic action on IL-6 promoter, while only partially those of TNFα as well as inhibits IL-1β-dependent epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, but only partially those of TNFα. In conclusion, this work highlights that IL-1β and TNFα have different effects on DNA demethylation in OS cell lines, making DNA methylation a potential biomarker of disease. Specifically, in IL-1β treatment, TET-1 inhibition completely blocks tumour progression, while in TNFα actions, it is only partially effective. Given that these two inflammatory pathways can be therapeutic targets for treating these tumours, knowledge of their distinct epigenetic behaviours can be useful for developing precise and specific therapeutic strategies for this disease.

WNT2B high‑expressed fibroblasts induce the fibrosis of IBD by promoting NK cells secreting IL-33.

Fibrosis is an important pathological change in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the mechanism has yet to be elucidated. WNT2B high‑expressed fibroblasts are enriched in IBD intestinal tissues, although the precise function of this group of fibroblasts remains unclear. This study investigated whether WNT2B high‑expressed fibroblasts aggravated intestinal tissue damage and fibrosis. Our study provides evidence that WNT2B high‑expressed fibroblasts and NK cells were enriched in colitis tissue of patients with IBD. WNT2B high‑expressed fibroblasts secreted wnt2b, which bound to FZD4 on NK cells and activated the NF-κB and STAT3 pathways to enhance IL-33 expression. TCF4, a downstream component of the WNT/β-catenin pathway, bound to p65 and promoted binding to IL-33 promoter. Furthermore, Salinomycin, an inhibitor of the WNT/β-catenin pathway, inhibited IL-33 secretion in colitis, thereby reducing intestinal inflammation.Knocking down WNT2B reduces NK cell infiltration and IL-33 secretion in colitis, and reduce intestinal inflammation and fibrosis. In conclusion, WNT2B high‑expressed fibroblasts activate NK cells by secreting wnt2b, which activates the WNT/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways to promote IL-33 expression and secretion, potentially culminating in the induction of colonic fibrosis in IBD. KEY MESSAGES: WNT2B high-expressed fibroblasts and NK cells are enriched in colitis tissue, promoting NK cells secreting IL-33. Wnt2b activates NF-κB and STAT3 pathways promotes IL-33 expression by activating p65 and not STAT3. syndrome TCF4 binds to p65 and upregulates the NF- κB pathway. Salinomycin reduces NK cell infiltration and IL-33 secretion in colitis. Knocking down WNT2B mitigates inflammation and fibrosis in chronic colitis.

SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 promotes IL-6 production by regulating the stabilization of HIF-1α

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe and fatal COVID-19 cases often display cytokine storm i.e. significant elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with systemic hypoxia. Understanding the mechanisms of these pathogenic manifestations would be essential for the prevention and especially treatment of COVID-19 patients. Here, using a dual luciferase reporter assay for hypoxia-response element (HRE), we initially identified SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 5 (NSP5), NSP16, and open reading frame 3a (ORF3a) to upregulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling. Further experiments showed NSP16 to have the most prominent effect on HIF-1α, thus contributing to the induction of COVID-19 associated pro-inflammatory response. We demonstrate that NSP16 interrupts von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein interaction with HIF-1α, thereby inhibiting ubiquitin-dependent degradation of HIF-1α and allowing it to bind HRE region in the IL-6 promoter region. Taken together, the findings imply that SARS-CoV-2 NSP16 induces HIF-1α expression, which in turn exacerbates the production of IL-6.

A specific GAGTT insertion/deletion variation in the IL-10 gene promoter alters the disease resistance of grass carp

IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, plays crucial roles in the context of infectious inflammatory diseases, whose gene variations and expression are tightly linked to disease resistance in animals. However, there is limited research on the genetic variations governing IL-10 expression and the underlying effects in fish. In this study, we identified a GAGTT insertion/deletion (Ins/Del) variation within the IL-10 gene promoter and analyzed the effects of this variation on IL-10 expression, inflammatory response and its association with disease resistance in grass carp. With dual luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that the GAGTT Ins/Del variation significantly altered the IL-10 promoter activity in grass carp. DNA pull-down combined with mass spectrometry revealed that the spectrum of transcription factors that bind to IL-10 promoter variants caused by GAGTT Ins/Del variation was quite different. Moreover, three representative transcription factors, JunD/AP-1, p50/NF-κB, and HMGB1, differentially transactivated grass carp IL-10 promoter variants, as confirmed by western blotting and dual luciferase reporter assays. Using the GAGTT/− genotype of the heterozygous grass carp parents, we obtained full-sib family offspring of the GAGTT/GAGTT, GAGTT/−, and −/− genotypes. During grass carp reovirus (GCRV) infection, these three IL-10 genotypes of grass carp offspring displayed different survival rates. Importantly, grass carp with the GAGTT/− genotype had greater survival than those with the other two genotypes after GCRV infection. Furthermore, the results indicated that the improved intestinal inflammation at 1 d post-GCRV infection and enhanced immunocompetence in the spleen at 5 d post-GCRV infection may contribute to the disease resistance of grass carp with the GAGTT/− genotype. Overall, this study offers new insight into the inflammatory and immune regulatory mechanisms specific to IL-10 from a genetic perspective in fish and may provide a valuable molecular marker for breeding disease-resistant grass carp.

NrCAM activates the NF-κB signalling pathway by competitively binding to SUMO-1 and promotes Th17 cell differentiation in Graves' disease.

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM) by regulating Th17 cell differentiation in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD). Naïve CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of GD patients and healthy control (HC) subjects. During the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells, NrCAM level in GD group was improved. Interference with NrCAM in CD4+ T cells of GD patients decreased the percentage of Th17 cells. NrCAM overexpression in CD4+ T cells of HC subjects increased the percentage of Th17 cells and upregulated p-IκBα, p50, p65, c-Rel protein expressions, and NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082 partially reversed NrCAM effect. NrCAM overexpression promoted the degradation of IκBα, and overexpression of small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (SUMO-1) inhibited IκBα degradation. NrCAM overexpression reduced IκBα binding to SUMO-1. During Th17 cell differentiation in HC group, NrCAM overexpression increased IL-21 levels and secretion, and IL-21 neutralizing antibody reversed this effect. IL-21 level was decreased after p65 interference in CD4+ T cells of HC subjects. p65 interacts with IL-21 promoter region. In conclusion, NrCAM binds to SUMO-1 and increases phosphorylation of IκBα, leading to activation of NF-κB pathway, which promotes Th17 cell differentiation.

Genetic variants of IL-10 promoter influence susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and disease progression in the Polish population: IL-10 polymorphisms and HIV-1

The risk of HIV-1 infection and the rate of disease progression vary considerably among individuals and the genetic makeup of the host may be one of the possible reasons for this. We aimed to determine association of functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), −1082A/G (rs1800896), −819C/T (rs1800871), and −592C/A (rs1800872) in IL-10 gene, with the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and clinical parameters expressed as a baseline CD4+ T cell count, CD8+ T cell count, and viral load. Therapy naïve HIV-1 infected individuals and HIV-1 seronegative controls from Poland were recruited for this study. Genotyping results revealed significantly higher frequency of −1082G/G genotype (28.1 % vs 16.1 %; p = 0.0019, OR=0.49) and −1082G allele (47.6 % vs 38.8 %; p = 0.0028, OR = 0.70) as well as lower frequency of −592 and −819 heterozygosity (45.0 % vs 34.4 %; p = 0.0266, OR = 1.47) in controls compared to seropositive subjects. High producing haplotype GCC was associated with increased risk of HIV-1 infection (p = 0.0018, OR = 1.52). Individuals possessing −592 and −819 minor allele had significantly higher CD8+ T cell count compared to the wild type allele carriers (p = 0.0303). Moreover, presence of −1082G allele was related with lower viral load as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells counts among patients infected with R5 HIV-1 variant. Thus, IL-10 gene promoter variants may be a risk factor for HIV-1 transmission and may modulate disease progression in the Polish population.

Chronic ethanol exposure decreases H3K27me3 in the Il6 promoter region of macrophages and generates persistent dysfunction on neutrophils during fungal infection.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanol exposure on epigenetic markers in bone marrow (BM) and their impact on inflammatory response during Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Chronic ethanol exposure decreased H3K27me3 enrichment in the Il6 promoter region while increased H3K4me3 enrichment in Tnf. Chimeric mice were generated by transplanting BM from mice exposed to ethanol or water. Infection of ethanol-chimeric mice culminated in higher clinical scores, although there was no effect on mortality. However, previous chronic exposure to ethanol affects persistently the inflammatory response in lung tissue, demonstrated by increased lung damage, neutrophil accumulation and IL-6, TNF and CXCL2 production in ethanol-chimeric mice, resulting in a decreased neutrophil infiltration into the alveolar space. Neutrophil killing and phagocytosis were also significantly lower. Moreover, BM derived macrophages (BMDM) from ethanol-chimeric mice stimulated with A. fumigatus conidia exhibited higher levels of TNF, CXCL2 and IL-6 release and a higher killing activity. The Il6 promoter of BMDM from ethanol-chimeric mice exhibited a reduction in H3K27me3 enrichment, a finding also observed in BM donors exposed to ethanol. These evidences demonstrate that prior chronic alcohol exposure of bone-marrow modify immune effector cells functions impairing the inflammatory response during A. fumigatus infection. These findings highlight the persistent impact of chronic ethanol exposure on infectious disease outcomes.

Calcitriol Impairs the Secretion of IL-4 and IL-13 in Th2 Cells via Modulating the VDR-Gata3-Gfi1 Axis.

Calcitriol, the bioactive form of vitamin D, exerts its biological functions by binding to its cognate receptor, the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The indicators of the severity of allergies and asthma have been linked to low vitamin D levels. However, the role of calcitriol in regulating IL-4 and IL-13, two cytokines pivotal to allergic inflammation, remained unclear. Our study observed diminished IL-4 and IL-13 secretion in murine and human Th2 cells treated with calcitriol. In murine Th2 cells, Gata3 expression was attenuated by calcitriol. However, the expression of the transcriptional repressor Gfi1, too, was attenuated in the presence of calcitriol. Ectopic expression of either Gfi1 or VDR impaired the secretion of IL-13 in Th2 cells. In murine Th2 cells, VDR interacted with Gata3 but not Gfi1. Gfi1 significantly impaired Il13 promoter activation, which calcitriol failed to restore. Conversely, calcitriol augmented Gfi1 recruitment to the Il13 promoter. Ecr, a conserved region between these two genes, which enhanced the transactivation of Il4 and Il13 promoters, is essential for calcitriol-mediated suppression of both the genes. Calcitriol augmented the recruitment of VDR to the Il13 promoter and Ecr regions. Gata3 recruitment was significantly impaired at the Il13 and Ecr loci in the presence of calcitriol but increased at the Il4 promoter. Furthermore, the recruitment of the histone deacetylase HDAC1 was universally increased at the promoters of Il4, Il13, and Ecr when calcitriol was present. Together, our data clearly elucidate that calcitriol modulates VDR, Gata3, and Gfi1 to suppress IL-4 and IL-13 production in Th2 cells.

Functional characteristics of the gene promoters of anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-b and IL-10 in B lymphocyte cell models

Functional characteristics of the gene promoters of anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-b and IL-10 in B lymphocyte cell models

IPSC-Derived Astrocytes and Neurons Replicate Brain Gene Expression, Epigenetic, Cell Morphology and Connectivity Alterations Found in Autism.

We used iPSC-derived neurons and astrocytes of patients with autism vs. controls (5/group) to examine whether they replicate the postmortem brain expression/epigenetic alterations of autism. Additionally, DNA methylation of 10 postmortem brain samples (5/group) was analyzed for genes affected in PSC-derived cells. We found hyperexpression of TGFB1, TGFB2, IL6 and IFI16 and decreased expression of HAP1, SIRT1, NURR1, RELN, GPX1, EN2, SLC1A2 and SLC1A3 in the astrocytes of patients with autism, along with DNA hypomethylation of TGFB2, IL6, TNFA and EN2 gene promoters and a decrease in HAP1 promoter 5-hydroxymethylation in the astrocytes of patients with autism. In neurons, HAP1 and IL6 expression trended alike. While HAP1 promoter was hypermethylated in neurons, IFI16 and SLC1A3 promoters were hypomethylated and TGFB2 exhibited increased promoter 5-hydroxymethlation. We also found a reduction in neuronal arborization, spine size, growth rate, and migration, but increased astrocyte size and a reduced growth rate in autism. In postmortem brain samples, we found DNA hypomethylation of TGFB2 and IFI16 promoter regions, but DNA hypermethylation of HAP1 and SLC1A2 promoters in autism. Autism-associated expression/epigenetic alterations in iPSC-derived cells replicated those reported in the literature, making them appropriate surrogates to study disease pathogenesis or patient-specific therapeutics.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Educate Endothelial Cells to Become IL-6-Producing, CLL-Supportive Cells.

We hypothesized that via extracellular vesicles (EVs), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells turn endothelial cells into CLL-supportive cells. To test this, we treated vein-derived (HUVECs) and artery-derived (HAOECs) endothelial cells with EVs isolated from the peripheral blood of 45 treatment-naïve patients. Endothelial cells took up CLL-EVs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. To test whether CLL-EVs turn endothelial cells into IL-6-producing cells, we exposed them to CLL-EVs and found a 50% increase in IL-6 levels. Subsequently, we filtered out the endothelial cells and added CLL cells to this IL-6-enriched medium. After 15 min, STAT3 became phosphorylated, and there was a 40% decrease in apoptosis rate, indicating that IL-6 activated the STAT3-dependent anti-apoptotic pathway. Phospho-proteomics analysis of CLL-EV-exposed endothelial cells revealed 23 phospho-proteins that were upregulated, and network analysis unraveled the central role of phospho-β-catenin. We transfected HUVECs with a β-catenin-containing plasmid and found by ELISA a 30% increase in the levels of IL-6 in the culture medium. By chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we observed an increased binding of three transcription factors to the IL-6 promoter. Importantly, patients with CLL possess significantly higher levels of peripheral blood IL-6 compared to normal individuals, suggesting that the inducers of endothelial IL-6 are the neoplastic EVs derived from the CLL cells versus those of healthy people. Taken together, we found that CLL cells communicate with endothelial cells through EVs that they release. Once they are taken up by endothelial cells, they turn them into IL-6-producing cells.

IL10 promoter variants are associated with gene expression but they are not markers of susceptibility to acute coronary syndrome

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an immunomodulatory cytokine that plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Here, we evaluated the role of IL10 promoter variants as markers for ACS susceptibility in Western Mexican patients as well as its association with IL10 mRNA and IL-10 plasma levels. Three promoter variants (− 1082 A > G, − 819 T > C and − 592 A > C) were analyzed in 300 ACS patients and 300 control group (CG) individuals. IL10 relative gene expression was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and IL-10 levels were quantified in plasma. The allelic, genotypic and haplotypic frequencies did not show significant differences between groups. ACS patients had sevenfold higher mRNA IL10 level compared to CG (p = 0.0013). Homozygous C/C carriers in both − 819 T > C and − 592 A > C variants had 0.4-fold higher IL10 mRNA expression than heterozygous and polymorphic allele homozygous genotypes (p = 0.0357) in ACS group. There were significant differences in plasma IL-10 levels in CG and ACS group (1.001 vs 1.777 pg/mL, p = 0.0051). The variants were not markers of susceptibility to ACS in Western Mexican individuals. ACS patients showed higher IL10 expression than CG individuals which could be mediated by − 819 T > C and − 592 A > C variants and pharmacotherapy.