Immunological Functions Research Articles

Association of gut dysbiosis with first‑episode psychosis (Review).

The gut‑microbiota‑brain axis is a complex bidirectional communication system linking the gastrointestinal tract to the brain. Changes in the balance, composition and diversity of the gut‑microbiota (gut dysbiosis) have been found to be associated with the development of psychosis. Early‑life stress, along with various stressors encountered in different developmental phases, have been shown to be associated with the abnormal composition of the gut microbiota, leading to irregular immunological and neuroendocrine functions, which are potentially responsible for the occurrence of first‑episode psychosis (FEP). The aim of the present narrative review was to summarize the significant differences of the altered microbiome composition in patients suffering from FEP vs. healthy controls, and to discuss its effects on the occurrence and intensity of symptoms in FEP.

#2932 Our experience in combined and simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation: recipient and kidney graft survival

Abstract Background and Aims Simultaneous combined liver-kidney transplantation is a definitive treatment in patients with terminal failure of both organs, but sometimes, assessing the indication for said combined transplantation can be difficult. The liver from the same donor as the kidney graft protects the kidney immunologically and this provides long-term follow-up with a lower risk of rejection. No such protection is observed when both organs come from different cadaveric donors. There are no differences in graft survival in simultaneous or isolated transplants (liver or kidney), being prolonged in both cases. However, patient survival is lower, due to the complexity of this procedure and the clinical characteristics of the patients. The main aim is to analyze the evolution of patients with combined and simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation in our center in terms of graft survival and overall survival of the recipient. Method It is a retrospective observational study. The computerized clinical history of 50 patients with combined liver-kidney transplantation was reviewed from August 1998 to November 2023. The data were recorded in an Excell-type database. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed for the analysis. Results 50 combined liver-kidney transplants have been performed, of which 28 (56%) died, and 23 of them (82%) with the kidney graft functioning. The main causes of death were neoplasms (11 patients) and infections (7 patients). The survival of the patients at 5 years was approximately 70%. There were 5 cases of kidney graft loss, excluding death. Chronic rejection was the main cause (70-80%) of kidney graft loss. 60% received a kidney transplant again and died with the graft functioning; 20% died while on hemodialysis; and the remaining 20% are awaiting hemodialysis and are being studied for another kidney transplant. Conclusion Simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation is a good therapeutic option for patients with terminal disease of both organs. However, it is a complex procedure in patients with multiple comorbidities, which affects overall survival. In contrast, kidney graft survival is prolonged and many recipients die with functioning grafts. It seems to be related to the immunological protective function of the liver. Consequently, there are few rejections and, the vast majority are chronic rejection.

Immunotherapy in the context of sepsis-induced immunological dysregulation

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome caused by uncontrollable immune dysregulation triggered by pathogen infection, characterized by high incidence, mortality rates, and disease burden. Current treatments primarily focus on symptomatic relief, lacking specific therapeutic interventions. The core mechanism of sepsis is believed to be an imbalance in the host’s immune response, characterized by early excessive inflammation followed by late immune suppression, triggered by pathogen invasion. This suggests that we can develop immunotherapeutic treatment strategies by targeting and modulating the components and immunological functions of the host’s innate and adaptive immune systems. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms of immune dysregulation in sepsis and, based on this foundation, discusses the current state of immunotherapy applications in sepsis animal models and clinical trials.

The IL-12 family of heterodimeric cytokines in polycystic ovarian syndrome: biological role in induction, regulation, and treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a diverse endocrine disorder widely recognized as the prevailing metabolic condition among women in their reproductive years. The precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PCOS remain incompletely understood. However, existing evidence suggests that the development of PCOS may be linked to factors such as abdominal obesity, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance (IR). Excessive central adiposity in women with PCOS may lead to the development of a chronic, low-grade inflammation characterized by the activation of proinflammatory cytokines. The cytokines that belong to the IL-12 family are a collection of distinct heterodimeric cytokines that include IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, and IL-35. Recent research has provided further evidence regarding the significance of IL-12 cytokines in influencing both innate and adaptive immune responses in different diseases. Additionally, these studies have discovered diverse roles for certain members of the IL-12 family, encompassing multiple immunological functions that can either act as effectors or regulators. In this discourse, we examine the distinctive and atypical structural and functional attributes of this particular cytokine family. This study aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological significance of the IL-12 family cytokines in PCOS patients. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of the cytokines as novel approaches for PCOS treatment will be proposed.

An ovine model for investigation of the microenvironment of the male mammary gland.

The specific biology of the male breast remains relatively unexplored in spite of the increasing global prevalence of male breast cancer. Delineation of the microenvironment of the male breast is restricted by the low availability of human samples and a lack of characterisation of appropriate animal models. Unlike the mouse, the male ovine gland persists postnatally. We suggest that the male ovine mammary gland constitutes a promising adjunctive model for the male breast. In this study, we evaluate the male ovine mammary gland microenvironment, comparing intact and neutered males. Assessment of the glandular histo-anatomy highlights the resemblance of the male gland to that of neonatal female sheep and confirms the presence of rudimentary terminal duct lobular units. Irrespective of neutered status, cell proliferation in epithelial and stromal compartments is similarly low in males, and cell proliferation in epithelial cells and in the intralobular stroma is significantly lower than in pubertal female sheep. Between 42% and 72% of the luminal mammary epithelial cells in the male gland express the androgen receptor and expression is significantly reduced by neutering. Luminal epithelial cells within the intact and neutered male gland also express oestrogen receptor alpha, but minimal progesterone receptor expression is observed. The distribution of leukocytes within the ducts and stroma is similar to the mammary gland of female sheep and females of other species. Both macrophages and T lymphocytes are intercalated in the epithelial bilayer and are more abundant in the intralobular stroma than the interlobular stroma, suggesting that they may have a protective immunological function within the vestigial glandular tissue of the male sheep. Mast cells are also observed within the stroma. These cells cluster near the glandular tissue and are frequently located adjacent to blood vessels. The abundance of mast cells is significantly higher in intact males compared to neutered males, suggesting that hormone signalling may impact mast cell recruitment. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of the male ovine mammary gland as a model for furthering our knowledge of postnatal male mammary biology.

The special adaptation to hypoxia facilitated the expansion of the Asian house rat (Rattus tanezumi) into Tibet but not other Rattus species.

Rattus species are thought to live only at altitudes less than 2500 m, but the Asian house rat (R. tanezumi) (RT) has recently expanded to altitudes greater than 3500 m in China. Other Rattus species, especially brown rats (R. norvegicus) (RN), still reach only low altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau. Comparative genomics revealed the positive selection of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors 1 and 2 (HIFs) in RT, with the rapid evolution of HIF pathway genes in RT and Mus musculus (MM) but not RN or R. rattus. Population genomics revealed that genes associated with energy metabolism and oxygen transport were positively selected in RT compared with the other four Rattus species, and two specific substitutions (arginine 31 serine and leucine 33 methionine) were identified in the hemoglobin subunit beta (HBB) in RT. The above results suggested that RT possesses unique genetic adaptations to hypoxia, which was further confirmed by behavioral experiments on RT and RN. Normobaric hypoxia significantly reduced locomotion in RN but not in RT. Moreover, through intraspecific transcriptome analysis, the expression of Hbb and genes related to angiogenesis, oxygen transport, and glycolysis was upregulated, and the expression of genes associated with immunological functions in the liver, lungs, and/or sperm was downregulated in RT compared to those in RN. Interspecific transcriptome analysis further revealed that HIF-1α plays a role in modulating the hypoxic adaptation of RT rather than RN. Our work provides genomic, behavioral, and physiological insights into why RT, but not other Rattus species, could invade the Tibetan Plateau.

A cuproptosis-based prognostic model for predicting survival in low-grade glioma.

It is unknown what variables contribute to the formation and multiplication of low-grade gliomas (LGG). An emerging process of cell death is called cuproptosis. Our research aims to increase therapeutic options and gain a better understanding of the role that cuproptosis-related genes play in the physical characteristics of low-grade gliomas. The TCGA database was utilized to find cuproptosis genes that may be used to develop LGG risk model. Cox analysis in three different formats: univariate, multivariate, and LASSO. The gene signature's independent predictive ability was assessed using ROC curves and Cox regression analysis based on overall survival. Use of CGGA data and nomogram model for external validation Immunohistochemistry, gene mutation, and functional enrichment analysis are also employed to clarify risk models' involvement. Next, we analyzed changes in the immunological microenvironment in the risk model and forecasted possible chemotherapeutic drugs to target each group. Finally, we validated the protein expression levels of cuproptosis-related genes using LGG and adjacent normal tissues in a small self-case-control study. This study developed a glioma predictive model based on five cuproptosis-associated genes. Compared to the high-risk group, the low-risk group's OS was significantly longer. The ROC curves showed high genetic signature performance in both groups. The signature-based categorisation was also linked to clinical characteristics and molecular subgroups. The prognosis of individuals with grade 2 or 3 glioma is also influenced by our risk model. Immunological testing revealed that the high-risk group had more immune cells and immunological function. The risk model also predicted immunotherapy and chemotherapy medication results. Also, this study confirmed that the expression of cuproptosis-related genes by Western blot. We developed a prediction model for LGG patients using genes associated with cuproptosis. With acceptable prediction performance, this risk model may effectively stratify the prognosis of glioma patients.

Unswitched memory B cell deficiency in children with sickle cell disease and response to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

Early mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD) is attributed to increased infections due to loss of splenic function. Marginal zone B cells are important for initial opsonization of pathogens and can be absent in spleen histopathology in SCD. The frequency of unswitched memory B cells (UMBC), the circulating correlate of marginal zone B cells, reflects the immunologic function of the spleen. We hypothesized that asplenia in SCD is associated with alterations in the peripheral blood lymphocyte population and explored whether UMBC deficiency was associated with a clinical phenotype. We analyzed B cell subsets and clinical history for 238 children with SCD and 63 controls. The median proportion of UMBCs was lower in children with SCD compared with controls (4.7% vs. 6.6%, p < .001). Naïve B cells were higher in SCD compared with controls (80.6 vs. 76.3%, respectively, p = .02). UMBC frequency declined by 3.4% per year increase in age in SCD (95% CI: 2%, 4.7%, p < .001), but not in controls. A majority of children in all cohorts had an IgM concentration in the normal range for age and there were no differences between groups (p = .13). Subjects developed titers adequate for long-term protection to fewer serotypes in the polysaccharide vaccine than controls (14.7 vs. 19.4, p < .001). In this cohort, bacteremia was rare and specific clinical complications were not associated with UMBC proportion. In summary, UMBC deficiency occurs in SCD and is associated with age. Future studies should investigate B cell subsets prospectively and identify the mechanism of B cell loss in the spleen.

The translational aspects of glucocorticoid biorhythmicity in modern therapeutics

Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones, vital for mammalian life. They have a plethora of biological effects, mainly supporting metabolic, cognitive, and immunological functions. The pharmacological use of glucocorticoids makes them one of the most frequently prescribed drugs across all continents, and in all types of forms. Nevertheless, a number of serious adverse effects accompany the prolonged treatment with high doses of glucocorticoids. Research developments over the last 20 years have gradually reshaped the way we think about glucocorticoid-based therapeu¬tics. Aside their circadian rhythm and their delayed regulatory influence over an extensive number of sensitive genes, glucocorticoids also possess an underlying, ultradian rhythm, and also exert rapid, non-genomic effects. The notion that chronicity of glucocorticoid stimulation may differentially modulate the type of biological effects of the hormone brings various chronopharmacological concepts on the table of modern glucocorticoid-based therapeutics.

Rutin Nanoparticles Alleviate Cadmium-Induced Oxidative and Immune Damage in Broilers' Bursa of Fabricius via Modulating Hsp70/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Cadmium (Cd) is a serious environmental pollutant affecting various tissues/organs in broilers and compromising their immunological function and productivity. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate Cd-induced immunotoxicity and potential immunoprotective effect of rutin nanoparticles (RNPs) in the bursal tissue of broilers. A total number of 150 chicks from the Hubbard breed were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group I was fed on standard basal diet (SD) with normal drinking water (DW), Group II received SD containing RNPs (50mg/kg feed) with DW, Group III fed on SD and DW containing Cd (150mg/L), Group IV co-treated with rutin-enforced SD (50mg/kg diet) and DW containing Cd (150mg/L), and finally, Group V co-supplemented with RNP-enhanced SD (50mg/kg diet) DW containing Cd (150mg/L). Productive performance, economic efficiency, oxidative biomarkers, histopathological changes, and the expression level of TLR-4, HSP-70, caspase 3, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and Bax were assessed in the BF tissue. Cd led to severe production and economic losses in exposed birds with a marked surge of oxidative biomarkers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological changes in the bursal tissue which could be explained through upregulation of the Hsp70/TLR4/NF-κB molecular pathway in the BF tissue. Meanwhile, RNPs could alleviate most of these changes and prevail optimistic immunomodulatory properties which subsequently could enhance broilers' productivity when incorporated in their diets.

Abstract PO1-24-12: Investigating the immunological function of alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, zinc-binding in regulating tumor response in the breast cancer microenvironment

Abstract Purpose: Tumor immunology has attracted considerable attention as an innovative therapeutic strategy for various types of cancer. Elucidating the unique immunoregulatory mechanisms in the breast cancer microenvironment will assist in the development of novel treatment strategies. Recently, we and other researchers have found that androgen receptor (AR) expression is associated with the immunosuppressive phenotype in the breast cancer microenvironment, suggesting some immunoregulatory function in breast cancer; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we focused on AR-dependent secreted protein, alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, zinc-binding (ZAG) encoded by the AZGP1 gene in breast cancer, which is structurally similar to HLA class I and is implicated in immune regulation. In this study, we investigated the immunological function of AZGP1/ZAG in the breast cancer microenvironment. Methods: We performed a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to screen the biological processes associated with AZGP1 expression using a gene expression profile dataset of the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC). Subsequently, we analyzed the correlation between AZGP1 expression and the immune cell composition in breast cancer tissues estimated with the CIBERSORTx using METABRIC and another dataset of The Sweden Cancerome Analysis Network-Breast. In our previous study of 45 breast cancer tissue samples, we evaluated the infiltration of 11 types of immune cells using flow cytometry (FCM). ZAG expression was further evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between ZAG expression and the immune cell composition in breast cancer tissue was analyzed. Based on the results of this analysis (shown in the results section) we hypothesized that ZAG has some effect on the macrophage (Mφ). The action of ZAG in M1/M2 polarization models constructed using primary culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)-derived Mφ was assessed based on the expression of M1/M2 differentiation markers (CD86, CD80/CD163, MRC1) and HLA class I/II expression evaluated by FCM (n=15 each). Results: GSEA demonstrated that AZGP1 expression was negatively correlated with multiple gene sets representing immunological processes, including inflammatory response, allograft rejection, interferon gamma response, IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling, complement, and IL2/STAT5 signaling. Analysis by CIBERSORTx showed that AZGP1 expression was negatively correlated with the absolute score (the absolute abundance of total immune cell infiltration), Mφ M1, NK cells activated, CD4+ T memory activated, and CD8+ T (r&amp;lt;-3 and p&amp;lt; 0.05). Analyses of our in-house dataset using breast cancer tissue showed that ZAG expression was associated with decreased infiltration of monocytes/macrophages, non-classical monocytes, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in breast cancer tissues assessed by FCM. In the in vitro analyses, ZAG decreased the expression of CD80, CD163, MRC1, and HLA classes I and II in the M1 polarization model and the expression of CD163 and MRC1 in the M2 polarization model. Conclusion: AZGP1/ZAG was associated with an immunosuppressive phenotype and reduced infiltration of specific immune cell subsets, particularly Mφ, into breast cancer tissues. In the in vitro analysis, ZAG demonstrated some regulatory effects on the phenotypic change of Mφ. Our findings strongly suggest ZAG is a novel mediator of AR-dependent immunomodulation in the breast cancer microenvironment, laying the foundation for future studies to elucidate the immunological role of ZAG in breast cancer. Citation Format: Toru Hanamura, Kozue Yokoyama, Shigehisa Kitano, Hiroshi Kagamu, Makiko Yamashita, Mayako Terao, Takuho Okamura, Nobue Kumaki, Katsuto Hozumi, Takayuki Iwamoto, Chikako Honda, Sasagu Kurozumi, Jennifer Richer, Naoki Niikura. Investigating the immunological function of alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, zinc-binding in regulating tumor response in the breast cancer microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-24-12.

Selective production of IL-33-neutralizing autoantibody ameliorates asthma responses and severity

BackgroundNatural anti-cytokine autoantibodies can regulate homeostasis of infectious and inflammatory diseases. The anti-cytokine autoantibody profile and relevance to the pathogenesis of asthma are unknown. We aim to identify key anti-cytokine autoantibodies in asthma patients, and reveal their immunological function and clinical significance. MethodsA Luciferase Immunoprecipitation System was used to screen serum autoantibodies against 11 key cytokines in patients with allergic asthma and healthy donors. The antigen-specificity, immunomodulatory functions and clinical significance of anti-cytokine autoantibodies were determined by ELISA, qPCR, neutralization assays and statistical analysis, respectively. Potential conditions for autoantibody induction were revealed by in vitro immunization. ResultsOf 11 cytokines tested, only anti-IL-33 autoantibody was significantly increased in asthma, compare to healthy controls, and the proportion positive was higher in patients with mild-to-moderate than severe allergic asthma. In allergic asthma patients, the anti-IL-33 autoantibody level correlated negatively with serum concentration of pathogenic cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-13, IL-25 and IL-33), IgE, and blood eosinophil count, but positively with mid-expiratory flow FEF25–75%. The autoantibodies were predominantly IgG isotype, polyclonal and could neutralize IL-33-induced pathogenic responses in vitro and in vivo. The induction of the anti-IL-33 autoantibody in blood B-cells in vitro required peptide IL-33 antigen along with a stimulation cocktail of TLR9 agonist and cytokines IL-2, IL-4 or IL-21. ConclusionsSerum natural anti-IL-33 autoantibodies are selectively induced in some asthma patients. They ameliorate key asthma inflammatory responses, and may improve lung function of allergic asthma.

Construction of an immune-related prognostic model and potential drugs screening for esophageal cancer based on bioinformatics analyses and network pharmacology.

Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is a highly invasive malignant tumor with poor prognosis. This study aimed to discover a generalized and high-sensitivity immune prognostic signature that could stratify ESCA patients and predict their overall survival, and to discover potential therapeutic drugs by the connectivity map. The key gene modules significantly related to clinical traits (survival time and state) of ESCA patients were selected by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WCGNA), then the univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses were used to construct a 15-immune-related geneprognostic signature. The immune-related risk model was related to clinical and pathologic factors and remained an effective independent prognostic factor. Enrichment analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the high- and low-risk groups were associated with tumor cell proliferation and immune mechanisms. Based on the gathered data, a small molecule drug named perphenazine (PPZ) was elected. The pharmacological analysis indicates that PPZ could help in adjuvant therapy of ESCA through regulation of metabolic process and cellular proliferation, enhancement of immunologic functions, and inhibition of inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to explore and verify the PPZ-core target interactions. We succeed in structuring the immune-related prognostic model, which could be used to distinguish and predict patients' survival outcome, and screening a small molecule drug named PPZ. Prospective studies also are needed to further validate its analytical accuracy for estimating prognoses and confirm the potential use of PPZ for treating ESCA.

Comprehensive analysis of human monocyte subsets using full-spectrum flow cytometry and hierarchical marker clustering.

Exploring monocytes' roles within the tumor microenvironment is crucial for crafting targeted cancer treatments. This study unveils a novel methodology utilizing four 20-color flow cytometry panels for comprehensive peripheral immune system phenotyping, specifically targeting classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocyte subsets. By applying advanced dimensionality reduction techniques like t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (tSNE) and FlowSom analysis, we performed an extensive profiling of monocytes, assessing 50 unique cell surface markers related to a wide range of immunological functions, including activation, differentiation, and immune checkpoint regulation. This in-depth approach significantly refines the identification of monocyte subsets, directly supporting the development of personalized immunotherapies and enhancing diagnostic precision. Our pioneering panel for monocyte phenotyping marks a substantial leap in understanding monocyte biology, with profound implications for the accuracy of disease diagnostics and the success of checkpoint-inhibitor therapies. Key findings include revealing distinct marker expression patterns linked to tumor progression and providing new avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Potent Immunomodulators Developed from an Unstable Bacterial Metabolite of Vitamin B2 Biosynthesis

Bacterial synthesis of vitamin B2 generates a by‐product, 5‐(2‐oxopropylideneamino)‐d‐ribityl‐aminouracil (5‐OP‐RU), with potent immunological properties in mammals, but rapid inactivation in water limits practical uses. This natural product covalently bonds to immunological protein MR1 in antigen presenting cells (APCs), enabling MR1 to traffic to the cell surface, where it interacts with T cell receptors (TCRs) on mucosal associated invariant T lymphocytes (MAIT cells), activating their immunological and antimicrobial properties. Here, we develop several new series of water‐stable compounds tailored for powerful and distinctive immunological functions. We report their water stability, capacity to bind MR1 and traffic it to the cell surface (EC50 17 nM), potent activation (EC50 56 pM) or inhibition (IC50 80 nM) of interacting MAIT cells, and develop compounds with diazirine‐alkyne, biotin, or fluorophore labels for studying cellular MR1. Computer modelling casts new light on the molecular mechanism of activation, revealing that activators are first captured in MR1 via pi‐interactions and H‐bonds, before tighter covalent bonding to Lys43 in MR1. This chemical study advances our molecular understanding of how bacterial metabolites are captured by MR1, influence cell surface expression of MR1, interact and modify human T cells; offering new clues for developing novel vaccine adjuvants, immunotherapeutics, and cancer drugs.

Potent Immunomodulators Developed from an Unstable Bacterial Metabolite of Vitamin B2 Biosynthesis.

Bacterial synthesis of vitamin B2 generates a by-product, 5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-d-ribityl-aminouracil (5-OP-RU), with potent immunological properties in mammals, but rapid inactivation in water limits practical uses. This natural product covalently bonds to immunological protein MR1 in antigen presenting cells (APCs), enabling MR1 to traffic to the cell surface, where it interacts with T cell receptors (TCRs) on mucosal associated invariant T lymphocytes (MAIT cells), activating their immunological and antimicrobial properties. Here, we develop several new series of water-stable compounds tailored for powerful and distinctive immunological functions. We report their water stability, capacity to bind MR1 and traffic it to the cell surface (EC50 17 nM), potent activation (EC50 56 pM) or inhibition (IC50 80 nM) of interacting MAIT cells,and develop compounds with diazirine-alkyne, biotin, or fluorophore labels for studying cellular MR1. Computer modelling casts new light on the molecular mechanismof activation, revealing that activators are first captured in MR1 via pi-interactions and H-bonds, before tightercovalent bonding to Lys43 in MR1. This chemical study advances our molecular understanding of how bacterial metabolites are captured by MR1, influence cell surface expression of MR1, interact and modify human T cells;offeringnew clues for developing novel vaccine adjuvants, immunotherapeutics, and cancer drugs.

Prognostic value and immunological function of cuproptosis-related genes in lung adenocarcinoma

BackgroundLung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and fatality rates worldwide. The overall survival (OS) of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is poor. Cuproptosis is a copper-triggered modality of mitochondrial cell death, however, its contribution to the emergence of lung cancer is unknown. The clinical implication and immunological function of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in LUAD has yet to be established. MethodsTCGA, HPA, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier, TIMER and CancerSEA database were used to explore the prognostic value and biological function of CRGs in LUAD. ResultsCRGs are primarily involved in copper ion transport, the citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and central carbon metabolism in LUAD. The mRNA expression of COA6, UBE2D1, DLAT, SLC25A3, and DBH was significantly increased. The expression of COA6, DLAT, SLC25A3, DBH, and LOXL2 were all strongly associated with the clinicopathological stages in LUAD. Moreover, high expression of COA6, UBE2D1, DLAT, SLC25A3 and LOXL2 was related to poor OS. The expression of SLC25A3 and LOXL2 showed different association with immune cell infiltration. The single cell sequencing demonstrated that CRGs play important roles in the regulation of DNA damage response, inflammation and metastasis in LUAD. ConclusionsIn summary, this study comprehensively uncovered that CRGs could be identified as potential prognostic and immunological biomarkers in LUAD. Our current research could provide a solid theoretical basis for LUAD survival research and clinical decision-making.

Receptor-recognition and antiviral mechanisms of retrovirus-derived human proteins.

Human syncytin-1 and suppressyn are cellular proteins of retroviral origin involved in cell-cell fusion events to establish the maternal-fetal interface in the placenta. In cell culture, they restrict infections from members of the largest interference group of vertebrate retroviruses, and are regarded as host immunity factors expressed during development. At the core of the syncytin-1 and suppressyn functions are poorly understood mechanisms to recognize a common cellular receptor, the membrane transporter ASCT2. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of human ASCT2 in complexes with the receptor-binding domains of syncytin-1 and suppressyn. Despite their evolutionary divergence, the two placental proteins occupy similar positions in ASCT2, and are stabilized by the formation of a hybrid β-sheet or 'clamp' with the receptor. Structural predictions of the receptor-binding domains of extant retroviruses indicate overlapping binding interfaces and clamping sites with ASCT2, revealing a competition mechanism between the placental proteins and the retroviruses. Our work uncovers a common ASCT2 recognition mechanism by a large group of endogenous and disease-causing retroviruses, and provides high-resolution views on how placental human proteins exert morphological and immunological functions.

Comparative analysis of endometrial, vaginal, and gut microbiota in patients with and without adenomyosis.

Alterations in microbiota composition have been implicated in a variety of human diseases. Patients with adenomyosis present immune dysregulation leading to a persistent chronic inflammatory response. In this context, the hypothesis that alterations in the microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, by affecting the epigenetic, immunologic, and biochemical functions of the host, has recently been postulated. The aim of the present study was to compare the microbiota composition in the vagina, endometrium, and gut of individuals with and without adenomyosis. Cross-sectional study including 38 adenomyosis patients and 46 controls, performed between September 2021 and October 2022 in a university hospital-based research center. The diagnosis of adenomyosis was based on sonographic criteria. Fecal, vaginal, and endometrial samples were collected. Study of the microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Patients with adenomyosis exhibited a significant reduction in the gut microbial alpha diversity compared with healthy controls (Chao1 p = 0.012, Fisher p = 0.005, Observed species p = 0.005). Beta-diversity analysis showed significant differences in the compositions of both gut and vaginal microbiota between adenomyosis patients and the control group (Adonis p-value = 0.001; R2 = 0.03 and Adonis p-value = 0.034; R2 = 0.04 respectively). Specific bacterial taxa were found to be either overrepresented (Rhodospirillales, Ruminococcus gauvreauii group, Ruminococcaceae, and Actinomyces) or underrepresented in the gut and endometrial microbiota of adenomyosis patients compared with controls. Distinct microbiota profiles were identified among patients with internal and external adenomyosis phenotypes. The study revealed reduced gut microbiota diversity in adenomyosis patients, accompanied by distinct compositions in gut and vaginal microbiota compared with controls. Overrepresented or underrepresented bacterial taxa were noted in the gut and endometrial microbiota of adenomyosis patients, with variations in microbiota profiles among those with internal and external adenomyosis phenotypes. These findings suggest a potential association between microbiota and adenomyosis, indicating the need for further research to comprehensively understand the implications of these differences.

Inborn errors of immunity with susceptibility to S. aureus infections.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a significant human pathogen, in particular in patients with an underlying medical condition. It is equipped with a large variety of virulence factors enabling both colonization and invasive disease. The spectrum of manifestation is broad, ranging from superficial skin infections to life-threatening conditions like pneumonia and sepsis. As a major cause of healthcare-associated infections, there is a great need in understanding staphylococcal immunity and defense mechanisms. Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) frequently present with pathological infection susceptibility, however, not all of them are prone to S. aureus infection. Thus, enhanced frequency or severity of S. aureus infections can serve as a clinical indicator of a specific underlying immunological impairment. In addition, the analysis of immunological functions in patients with susceptibility to S. aureus provides a unique opportunity of understanding the complex interplay between staphylococcal virulence and host immune predisposition. While the importance of quantitatively and qualitatively normal neutrophils is widely known, less awareness exists about the role of specific cytokines such as functional interleukin (IL)-6 signaling. This review categorizes well-known IEI in light of their susceptibility to S. aureus and discusses the relevant associated pathomechanisms. Understanding host-pathogen-interactions in S. aureus infections in susceptible individuals can pave the way for more effective management and preventive treatment options. Moreover, these insights might help to identify patients who should be screened for an underlying IEI. Ultimately, enhanced understanding of pathogenesis and immune responses in S. aureus infections may also be of relevance for the general population.