Modulation Of Cytokine Responses Research Articles

Coexistent anemia modulates systemic inflammation and exacerbates disease severity and adverse treatment outcomes in tuberculosis

IntroductionAnemia has been shown to be an independent predictor of disease progression and death in tuberculosis (TB) patients, significantly impacting TB in several ways. This dual burden poses significant challenges for TB control efforts. However, the mechanism by which anemia influences disease severity, bacterial burden, and TB treatment outcomes remains poorly understood.MethodsIn this study, we aimed to compare bacterial burdens, disease severity, and TB treatment outcomes in TB patients with or without anemia. Participants were recruited from Chennai, South India, as part of the prospective Effect of Diabetes on Tuberculosis Severity (EDOTS) study conducted from February 2014 to August 2018. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) levels <13 g/dL and <12 g/dL for males and females, respectively. We employed chest X-rays to assess bilateral lung and cavitary diseases and sputum smear grades to measure bacterial loads in TB subjects. Treatment outcomes were defined as favorable or unfavorable. Cytokine profile was measured using multiplex ELISA.ResultsThe study comprised of 483 culture-confirmed TB individuals, with 288 positives for anemia {Median Hb was 11.0 [interquartile range (IQR)], 10.3–12.3} and 195 negatives [Median Hb was 14.3 (IQR), 13.5–15.2]. The study revealed that TB patients with anemia had significantly higher bacterial loads [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR), 4.01; 95% CI, 2.22–6.63; p < 0.001], cavitary lung lesions [aPR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.95–5.68; p < 0.001] and unfavorable treatment outcomes [aPR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.31–2.19; p = 0.046] compared to those without anemia. Our data also show that TB is associated with significantly lower levels of type-1 cytokines (IFNγ and IL-2) but significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFNα, and IFNβ) and pro-fibrotic factors (VEGF, EGF, FGF-2, and PDGF-AB/BB) in anemic individuals compared to those without anemia.ConclusionsThese findings highlight a clear association between anemia and increased TB severity, elevated bacterial loads, and poor treatment outcomes. Our data also suggest that anemia might be associated with the modulation of cytokine responses, which could impart a detrimental effect on TB pathogenesis.

A Comprehensive Review Exploring the Protective Role of Specific Commensal Gut Bacteria against Salmonella.

Gut microbiota is a diverse community of microorganisms that constantly work to protect the gut against pathogens. Salmonella stands out as a notorious foodborne pathogen that interacts with gut microbes, causing an imbalance in the overall composition of microbiota and leading to dysbiosis. This review focuses on the interactions between Salmonella and the key commensal bacteria such as E. coli, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Akkermansia, and Bacteroides. The review highlights the role of these gut bacteria and their synergy in combating Salmonella through several mechanistic interactions. These include the production of siderophores, which compete with Salmonella for essential iron; the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which exert antimicrobial effects and modulate the gut environment; the secretion of bacteriocins, which directly inhibit Salmonella growth; and the modulation of cytokine responses, which influences the host's immune reaction to infection. While much research has explored Salmonella, this review aims to better understand how specific gut bacteria engage with the pathogen, revealing distinct defense mechanisms tailored to each species and how their synergy may lead to enhanced protection against Salmonella. Furthermore, the combination of these commensal bacteria could offer promising avenues for bacteria-mediated therapy during Salmonella-induced gut infections in the future.

MicroRNAs in microglia: deciphering their role in neurodegenerative diseases.

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the role of microRNAs in microglia and their implications in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia, as the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are pivotal in maintaining neural homeostasis and responding to pathological changes. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of miRNAs, small non-coding RNA molecules, in regulating microglial functions. In neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), dysregulated miRNA expression in microglia contributes to disease progression through various mechanisms such regulation of gene expression, as modulation of cytokine response and phagocytosis. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how miRNAs influence microglial activation, cytokine production, and phagocytic activity. Specific miRNAs, such as miR-155, are explored for their roles in modulating microglial responses in the context of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The study also discusses the impact of miRNA dysregulation on the transition of microglia from a neuroprotective to a neurotoxic phenotype, a critical aspect in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Modulation of cytokine response in post-cardiac arrest syndrome through prehospital high-dose glucocorticoid treatment

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Novo Nordisk Foundation Research Foundation of Rigshospitalet. Background Post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a life-threatening condition, characterized by a cascade of pathological events, including the development of a severe cytokine response. This inflammatory response may be associated with secondary brain injury and multi-organ dysfunction. In the randomized STEROHCA trial, high-dose glucocorticoid was administered immediately following resuscitation in the prehospital setting. The intervention exhibited a significant decrease in interleukin (IL) 6 levels, but its effect on other cytokines has yet to be assessed. Purpose We aimed to investigate the effects of high-dose glucocorticoid treatment in mitigating the cytokine response observed in PCAS after OHCA. Methods The modified intention-to-treat population of the double-blind, randomized STEROHCA trial consisted of 137 OHCA patients, who were randomized to a single prehospital injection of methylprednisolone 250 mg or placebo. Of these, this sub-study included 112 patients who were comatose and admitted to an ICU. Cytokine profiling was performed with a 17-plex assay, including pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which were measured at 0, 24, 48, and 72h after admission. We applied mixed-model analyses to assess the effect of the intervention over time with log-transformed data. To maintain an exploratory approach, we chose not to correct for multiple testing. Results The intervention induced a reduction in the levels of several cytokines, with a significant treatment over time effect for IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 Beta (MIP-1β), and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), all p<0.01. These cytokines, except for IL-10, exhibited lower values in the glucocorticoid group after 24h, Figure 1. Higher levels of IL-10 were observed in the glucocorticoid group at 0h. We found no differences in cytokine levels after 48-, and 72h between the two groups. Conclusion High-dose glucocorticoid treatment administered promptly after resuscitation from OHCA reduced several pro-inflammatory cytokines after 24h. TNF-α has previously been associated with poor outcomes following OHCA, whereas the exact role of the other cytokines following OHCA is unclear.Cytokines at 0-, 24-, 48-, and 72 hours

Alendronate modulates cytokine responses in healthy young individuals after BCG vaccination

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination induces memory characteristics in innate immune cells and their progenitors, a process called trained immunity mediated by epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming. Cholesterol synthesis plays an amplifying role in trained immunity through mevalonate release. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs), such as alendronate, can inhibit cholesterol synthesis. We explored their effects on trained immunity induced by BCG in a placebo-controlled clinical study (NL74082.091.20) in young, healthy individuals. Participants receiving single-dose oral alendronate on the day of BCG vaccination had more neutrophils and plasma cells one month after treatment. Alendronate led to reduced proinflammatory cytokine production by PBMCs stimulated with heterologous bacterial and viral stimuli one month later. Furthermore, the addition of alendronate transcriptionally suppressed multiple immune response pathways in PBMCs upon stimulation. Our findings indicate that N-BPs modulate the long-lasting effects of BCG vaccination on the cytokine production capacity of innate immune cells.

Epstein-Barr virus infectious particles initiate B cell transformation and modulate cytokine response.

The Epstein-Barr virus efficiently infects and transforms B lymphocytes. During this process, infectious viral particles transport the viral genome to the nucleus of target cells. We show here that these complex viral structures serve additional crucial roles by activating transcription of the transforming genes encoded by the virus. We show that components of the infectious particle sequentially activate proinflammatory B lymphocyte signaling pathways that, in turn, activate viral gene expression but also cause cytokine release. However, virus infection activates expression of ZFP36L1, an RNA-binding stress protein that limits the length and the intensity of the cytokine response. Thus, the infectious particles can activate viral gene expression and initiate cellular transformation at the price of a limited immune response.

5-Fluoro/(trifluoromethoxy)-2-indolinone derivatives with anti-interleukin-1 activity.

The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) drives the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have revealed that 2-indolinones can modulate cytokine responses. Therefore, we screened several 2-indolinone derivatives in preliminary studies to develop agents with anti-IL-1 activity. First, the putative efficacies and binding interactions of 2-indolinones were evaluated by docking studies. Second, previously synthesized 5-fluoro/(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indole-2,3-dione 3-(4-phenylthiosemicarbazones) (compounds 47-69) which had the highest inhibitory effect in the screening were evaluated for inhibitory effects on the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R). Compounds 52 (IC50 = 0.09 µM) and 65 (IC50 = 0.07 µM) were selected as lead compounds for the subsequent synthesis of new derivatives. The novel 5-fluoro/(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indole-2,3-dione 3-(4-phenylthiosemicarbazones) (compounds 70-116) were designed, synthesized, and in vitro studies were completed. The compounds 76, 78, 81, 91, 100, 105, and 107 tested showed nontoxic inhibitory effects on IL-1R-dependent responses in the range of 0.01-0.06 µM and stronger than the lead compounds 52 and 65. In vitro and in silico findings showed that compounds 78 (IC50 = 0.01 µM) and 81 (IC50 = 0.02 µM) had the strongest IL-1R inhibitory effects and the most favorable drug-like properties. Molecular modeling studies of the compounds 78 and 81 were carried out to determine the possible binding interactions at the active site of the IL-1R.

Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity of Probiotics: The Mechanism and Role in Food and Gut Health.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism that occurs between inter- and intra-bacterial species and is regulated by signaling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). It has been suggested that probiotics can exert a QS inhibitory effect through their metabolites. To provide an overview of (1) the anti-QS activity of probiotics and its mechanism against foodborne pathogenic and spoilage bacteria; (2) the potential role of the QS of probiotics in gut health; and (3) the impact of microencapsulation on QS. Lactobacillus species have been extensively studied for their anti-QS activity and have been found to effectively disrupt QS in vitro. However, their effectiveness in a food matrix is yet to be determined as they interfere with the AI receptor or its synthesis. QS plays an important role in both the biofilm formation of probiotics and pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, in vitro and animal studies have shown that QS molecules can modulate cytokine responses and gut dysbiosis and maintain intestinal barrier function. In this scenario, microencapsulation was found to enhance AI activity. However, its impact on the anti-QS activity of probiotics and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Probiotics are potential candidates to block QS activity in foodborne pathogenic and food spoilage bacteria. Microencapsulation increases QS efficacy. However, more research is still needed for the identification of the QS inhibitory metabolites from probiotics and for the elucidation of the anti-QS mechanism of probiotics (microcapsules and free cells) in food and the human gut.

Extracellular membrane vesicles from Limosilactobacillus reuteri strengthen the intestinal epithelial integrity, modulate cytokine responses and antagonize activation of TRPV1.

Bacterial extracellular membrane vesicles (MV) are potent mediators of microbe-host signals, and they are not only important in host-pathogen interactions but also for the interactions between mutualistic bacteria and their hosts. Studies of MV derived from probiotics could enhance the understanding of these universal signal entities, and here we have studied MV derived from Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and BG-R46. The production of MV increased with cultivation time and after oxygen stress. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics analyses revealed that the MV carried a large number of bacterial cell surface proteins, several predicted to be involved in host-bacteria interactions. A 5'-nucleotidase, which catalyze the conversion of AMP into the signal molecule adenosine, was one of these and analysis of enzymatic activity showed that L. reuteri BG-R46 derived MV exhibited the highest activity. We also detected the TLR2 activator lipoteichoic acid on the MV. In models for host interactions, we first observed that L. reuteri MV were internalized by Caco-2/HT29-MTX epithelial cells, and in a dose-dependent manner decreased the leakage caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli by up to 65%. Furthermore, the MV upregulated IL-1β and IL-6 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), but also dampened IFN-γ and TNF-α responses in PBMC challenged with Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, we showed that MV from the L. reuteri strains have an antagonistic effect on the pain receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in a model with primary dorsal root ganglion cells from rats. In summary, we have shown that these mobile nanometer scale MV reproduce several biological effects of L. reuteri cells and that the production parameters and selection of strain have an impact on the activity of the MV. This could potentially provide key information for development of innovative and more efficient probiotic products.

Identification and structure-based drug design of cell-active inhibitors of interleukin 17A at a novel C-terminal site

Anti-IL17A therapies have proven effective for numerous inflammatory diseases including psoriasis, axial spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Modulating and/or antagonizing protein–protein interactions of IL17A cytokine binding to its cell surface receptors with oral therapies offers the promise to bring forward biologics-like efficacy in a pill to patients. We used an NMR-based fragment screen of recombinant IL17A to uncover starting points for small molecule IL17A antagonist discovery. By examining chemical shift perturbations in 2D [1H, 13C-HSQC] spectra of isotopically labeled IL17A, we discovered fragments binding the cytokine at a previously undescribed site near the IL17A C-terminal region, albeit with weak affinity (> 250 µM). Importantly this binding location was distinct from previously known chemical matter modulating cytokine responses. Subsequently through analog screening, we identified related compounds that bound symmetrically in this novel site with two copies. From this observation we employed a linking strategy via structure-based drug design and obtained compounds with increased binding affinity (< 50 nM) and showed functional inhibition of IL17A-induced cellular signaling (IC50~1 µM). We also describe a fluorescence-based probe molecule suitable to discern/screen for additional molecules binding in this C-terminal site.

P1293: COMBINING THE IAP ANTAGONIST, TOLINAPANT, WITH A DNA HYPOMETHYLATING AGENT ENHANCES ANTI-TUMOUR MECHANISMS IN PRECLINICAL MODELS OF T-CELL LYMPHOMA.

Background: Tolinapant is a potent, non-peptidomimetic antagonist of cIAP1, cIAP2 and XIAP. In a Phase 2 trial (NCT02503423), tolinapant has shown activity against highly pre-treated peripheral and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (Samaniego et al., Hematological Oncology, 2019). Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) have also shown clinical responses in some subsets of PTCL (Lemonnier et al., Blood, 2019). Both HMAs and IAP antagonists show immunomodulatory anti-cancer potential in preclinical studies. Aims: Here we have undertaken a biomarker-driven approach to understand the potential for induction of immunogenic forms of cell death, such as necroptosis, by rational combination of our clinical compounds in preclinical models of TCL. Methods: On-target effects of decitabine and tolinapant were measured by analysing levels of DNMT1 and cIAP1, respectively, by Western blotting in mouse and human cell lines. Levels of key necroptosis biomarkers (RIPK3, MLKL) were also monitored by Western blotting to provide evidence of lytic cell death contributing to a potential immune response. Karpas-299 cells genetically-manipulated to express RIPK3 were used to demonstrate involvement of necroptosis in drug-induced cell death (Cytotox NIR) in vitro. Cell death was monitored by viability (CellTiterGlo) or real-time microscopy (IncuCyte) assays. Levels of key immunomodulatory mediators or DAMPS were measured in tissue culture supernatants and mouse plasma. Levels of methylation in RIPK3 promoter regions were measured by pyrosequencing after bisulfite conversion. Comparative changes in gene expression were measured by RT-qPCR. Results: TCL cell lines treated with tolinapant, decitabine or both led to depletion of cIAP1 and DNMT1 in TCL cell lines, demonstrating target engagement of both agents. The combination of tolinapant and decitabine synergistically reduced viability of some human T-cell lymphoma cell lines. Some cell lines, including Karpas-299, were resistant to tolinapant treatment and showed low expression of RIPK3, which was found to be due to promoter methylation. Increased expression of RIPK3 in Karpas-299 by genetic manipulation or by decitabine treatment resulted in enhanced lytic cell death upon tolinapant treatment. Decitabine and tolinapant treatments resulted in expression of cytokines, chemokines and DAMPs, suggesting potential for immune activation and the effects were enhanced when combined. Furthermore, normally silenced cancer/testis antigen expression was increased by decitabine, potentially increasing the immunogenicity of the cells. Evaluation of the combination of agents in mouse models suggested that increased necroptosis signal and immune-potentiating biomarker modulation can be achieved in vivo. Summary/Conclusion: These data demonstrate that hypomethylating agents enhance immunogenic cell death induced by tolinapant through the re-expression of genes in the necroptotic pathway. In addition, modulation of cytokine response and cancer/testis antigen expression could enhance anti-tumour response. These findings provide a strong rationale to explore this combination clinically.

Strategies to Minimize Surgical Scarring: Translation of Lessons Learned from Bedside to Bench and Back.

Significance: An understanding of the physiology of wound healing and scarring is necessary to minimize surgical scar formation. By reducing tension across the healing wound, eliminating excess inflammation and infection, and encouraging perfusion to healing areas, surgeons can support healing and minimize scarring. Recent Advances: Preoperatively, newer techniques focused on incision placement to minimize tension, skin sterilization to minimize infection and inflammation, and control of comorbid factors to promote a healing process with minimal scarring are constantly evolving. Intraoperatively, measures like layered closure, undermining, and tissue expansion can be taken to relieve tension across the healing wound. Appropriate suture technique and selection should be considered, and finally, there are new surgical technologies available to reduce tension across the closure. Postoperatively, the healing process can be supported as proliferation and remodeling take place within the wound. A balance of moisture control, tension reduction, and infection prevention can be achieved with dressings, ointments, and silicone. Vitamins and corticosteroids can also affect the scarring process by modulating the cellular factors involved in healing. Critical Issues: Healing with no or minimal scarring is the ultimate goal of wound healing research. Understanding how mechanical tension, inflammation and infection, and perfusion and hypoxia impact profibrotic pathways allows for the development of therapies that can modulate cytokine response and the wound extracellular microenvironment to reduce fibrosis and scarring. Future Directions: New tension-off loading topical treatments, laser, and dermabrasion devices are under development, and small molecule therapeutics have demonstrated scarless wound healing in animal models, providing a promising new direction for future research aimed to minimize surgical scarring.

High-intensity intermittent exercise induces a potential anti-inflammatory response in healthy women across the menstrual cycle.

This observational study aimed to examine cytokine responses to high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Fourteen healthy women (24±2years; body mass index [BMI]: 22.8±1.9kg⋅m2; maximal oxygen consumption [V̇O2max]: 41.5±4.1mL⋅kg-1⋅min-1) with regular menstrual cycles were randomly assigned to 4 experimental sessions, 2 during the follicular and 2 during the luteal phase. V̇O2max and maximum aerobic velocity (MAV) were determined prior to the experimental sessions through a graded exercise test during both follicular and luteal phases. Seventy-two hours after having completed the graded exercise test, all participants performed a HIIE session (10 x 1-min sprints with 1min of rest) at 90% of their MAV. Serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 were measured before (Pre), immediately after (Post) and 1h after (1h Post) the HIIE sessions. Pre-exercise concentrations of TNF-α and IL-10 were significantly higher in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (P<0.01), with no differences seen on IL-6 and IL-17, demonstrating an altered inflammatory status in the luteal phase. There was a significant interaction for IL-10 concentration (P<0.01) with reductions in both luteal (Pre vs Post, 95%CI: 1.086 to 6.156; and Pre vs 1h Post, 95%CI: 1.720 to 9.013, P<0.01) and follicular phase (Pre vs 1h Post, 95%CI: 0.502 to 7.842, P<0.05). Despite no significant phase×time interaction for TNF-α concentration, its concentration at 1h Post was significantly lower compared to Pre in the luteal phase analysis (Pre vs 1h Post, 95%CI: 0.71 to 14.06; P<0.05). These results are in agreement with IL-10 responses, highlighting a reduction on the inflammatory status after exercise. Mostly during the luteal phase, high-intensity intermittent exercise modulates cytokine responses, thus impacting exercise recovery. In this scenario, high-intensity intermittent exercise emerges as a non-pharmacology strategy to regulate inflammatory responses on healthy women who were affected by an inflammatory state given their menstrual cycle.

Berberine Modulates Macrophage Activation by Inducing Glycolysis.

Classical activation of macrophage and monocyte differentiation induced by β-glucan is accompanied with metabolic change in glucose. However, the role of the metabolic rewiring in monocyte/macrophage activation remains elusive. In this study, we show that berberine induces aerobic glycolysis by blocking the tricarboxylic acid cycle and modulates cytokine responses in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from mice and human PBMC. 13-Methyberberine had activities on glucose metabolism and BMDM activation similar to those of berberine, whereas other tested derivatives lost both activities. Glucose transporter (GLUT)1 expression and total cellular hexokinase activity increased gradually in BMDMs in the presence of berberine. In the contrast, LPS upregulated GLUT1 and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) levels in 6 h. Extracellular glucose levels and replacing glucose with galactose in culture medium affected the cytokine secretion of BMDMs. Berberine alleviated enteritis of Salmonella typhimurium infection and protected mice against endotoxic shock. In mice i.p. injected with LPS, the increase of serum TNF-α and the drop of blood glucose were attenuated by berberine treatment. These data together demonstrated that macrophage activation was closely related with glucose metabolism.

A functional genomics approach in Tanzanian population identifies distinct genetic regulators of cytokine production compared to European population

Humans exhibit remarkable interindividual and interpopulation immune response variability upon microbial challenges. Cytokines play a vital role in regulating inflammation and immune responses, but dysregulation of cytokine responses has been implicated in different disease states. Host genetic factors were previously shown to significantly impact cytokine response heterogeneity mainly in European-based studies, but it is unclear whether these findings are transferable to non-European individuals. Here, we aimed to identify genetic variants modulating cytokine responses in healthy adults of East African ancestry from Tanzania. We leveraged both cytokine and genetic data and performed genome-wide cytokine quantitative trait loci (cQTLs) mapping. The results were compared with another cohort of healthy adults of Western European ancestry via direct overlap and functional enrichment analyses. We also performed meta-analyses to identify cQTLs with congruent effect direction in both populations. In the Tanzanians, cQTL mapping identified 80 independent suggestive loci and one genome-wide significant locus (TBC1D22A) at chromosome 22; SNP rs12169244 was associated with IL-1b release after Salmonella enteritidis stimulation. Remarkably, the identified cQTLs varied significantly when compared to the European cohort, and there was a very limited percentage of overlap (1.6% to 1.9%). We further observed ancestry-specific pathways regulating induced cytokine responses, and there was significant enrichment of the interferon pathway specifically in the Tanzanians. Furthermore, contrary to the Europeans, genetic variants in the TLR10-TLR1-TLR6 locus showed no effect on cytokine response. Our data reveal both ancestry-specific effects of genetic variants and pathways on cytokine response heterogeneity, hence arguing for the importance of initiatives to include diverse populations into genomics research.

Filarial Coinfection Is Associated With Higher Bacterial Burdens and Altered Plasma Cytokine and Chemokine Responses in Tuberculous Lymphadenitis.

Filarial infections are known to modulate cytokine responses in pulmonary tuberculosis by their propensity to induce Type 2 and regulatory cytokines. However, very little is known about the effect of filarial infections on extra-pulmonary forms of tuberculosis. Thus, we have examined the effect of filarial infections on the plasma levels of various families of (IL-1, IL-12, γC, and regulatory) cytokines and (CC and CXC) chemokines in tuberculous lymphadenitis coinfection. We also measured lymph node culture grades in order to assess the burden of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the two study groups [Fil+ (n = 67) and Fil– (n = 109)]. Our data reveal that bacterial burden was significantly higher in Fil+ compared to Fil– individuals. Plasma levels of IL-1 family (IL-1α, IL-β, IL-18) cytokines were significantly lower with the exception of IL-33 in Fil+ compared to Fil– individuals. Similarly, plasma levels of IL-12 family cytokines -IL-12 and IL-23 were significantly reduced, while IL-35 was significantly elevated in Fil+ compared to Fil– individuals. Filarial infection was also associated with diminished levels of IL-2, IL-9 and enhanced levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-1Ra. Similarly, the Fil+ individuals were linked to elevated levels of different CC (CCL-1, CCL-2, CCL-3, CCL-11) and CXC (CXCL-2, CXCL-8, CXCL-9, CXCL-11) chemokines. Therefore, we conclude that filarial infections exert powerful bystander effects on tuberculous lymphadenitis, effects including modulation of protective cytokines and chemokines with a direct impact on bacterial burdens.

Abstract B072: MEK inhibition modulates cytokine response to mediate therapeutic efficacy in lung cancer

Abstract Background: Activating mutations in BRAF, a key mediator of RAS signaling, are present in ~50% of melanoma patients. Pharmacological inhibition of BRAF or the downstream MAP kinase MEK are highly effective in treating BRAF-mutant melanoma. In contrast, RAS pathway inhibitors have been less effective in treating epithelial malignancies, such as lung cancer. Immunotherapeutics, especially those targeting checkpoint receptors on T cells, have revolutionized treatment of many cancer types. It has been proposed that MEK inhibitors(MEKi) may help generate a tumor microenvironment that enhances response to immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel cross-talk mechanism between MEKi and cytokine signaling response which could be used to enhance therapeutic efficacy against cancer types that are minimally responsive to MEKi. Methods: The association between MEK inhibition, NF-κB signaling and clinical response was analyzed using publicly available RNA-sequencing data from pre-treatment and on-treatment biopsies of patients (EGA S00001000992). To identify clinical and pre-clinical compounds that enhance cytokine response, we performed drug library screening for CCL5 and CXCL10 expression. 289 different agents (0.1 mM and 1 mM) were incubated with A549 cells in 96 well plates, with or without the presence of 0.2 ng/ml TNFα and 1 ng/ml IFNγ. Chemokine levels in supernatant were detected using Bead-Based Multiplex Assays. To investigate cytokine response modulatory mechanisms of MEKi, qPCR, Western Blot and flow cytometry were used to determine NF-κB activity and targeting gene expressions in lung cancer cells lines. The anti-tumor effect of MEKi in combination with TNFα and IFNγ was assessed using viable cell counting, cell cycle assay and apoptosis marker (cleaved caspase 3) expression in vitro. For in vivo studies, we performed combinatory therapies using MEKi plus intratumoral cytokine injection, MEKi plus PD-1 blockade in LKR subcutaneous tumor model. Results: We show that treatment of melanoma patients with BRAF and MEK inhibitors activated tumor NF-κB activity. MEKi potentiated the response to TNFα, a potent activator of NF-κB. MEKi increased cell surface expression of TNFα receptor 1 (TNFR1), which enhanced NF-κB activation and augmented expression of genes regulated by TNFα and IFNγ. Drug screening results demonstrated that this was a general activity of inhibitors of MEK and ERK kinases. Treatment with MEKi led to acquisition of a novel vulnerability to TNFα and IFNγ-induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells that were refractory to MEKi killing and augmented cell cycle arrest. Abolishing the expression of TNFR1 on lung cancer cells impaired the anti-tumor efficacy of MEKi while the administration of TNFα and IFNγ in MEKi-treated mice enhanced the anti-tumor response. Furthermore, immunotherapeutics known to induce expression of these cytokines synergized with MEKi in eradicating tumors. Conclusions:These findings define a novel cytokine response modulatory function of MEKi which can be therapeutically exploited. We show that lung cancer cells are rendered sensitive to MEKi by TNFα and IFNγ, providing strong mechanistic rationale for combining MEKi with immunotherapeutics, such as checkpoint blockers, in lung cancer. Citation Format: Mengyu Xie, Hong Zheng, Ranjna Madan-Lala, Wenjie Dai, Nicholas T. Gimbrone, Zhihua Chen, Fumi Kinose, Sarah A. Blackstone, Keiran S. M. Smalley, Douglas Cress, Eric B. Haura, Uwe Rix, Amer A. Beg. MEK inhibition modulates cytokine response to mediate therapeutic efficacy in lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B072. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-B072

MEK Inhibition Modulates Cytokine Response to Mediate Therapeutic Efficacy in Lung Cancer.

Activating mutations in BRAF, a key mediator of RAS signaling, are present in approximately 50% of melanoma patients. Pharmacologic inhibition of BRAF or the downstream MAP kinase MEK is highly effective in treating BRAF-mutant melanoma. In contrast, RAS pathway inhibitors have been less effective in treating epithelial malignancies, such as lung cancer. Here, we show that treatment of melanoma patients with BRAF and MEK inhibitors (MEKi) activated tumor NF-κB activity. MEKi potentiated the response to TNFα, a potent activator of NF-κB. In both melanoma and lung cancer cells, MEKi increased cell-surface expression of TNFα receptor 1 (TNFR1), which enhanced NF-κB activation and augmented expression of genes regulated by TNFα and IFNγ. Screening of 289 targeted agents for the ability to increase TNFα and IFNγ target gene expression demonstrated that this was a general activity of inhibitors of MEK and ERK kinases. Treatment with MEKi led to acquisition of a novel vulnerability to TNFα and IFNγ-induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells that were refractory to MEKi killing and augmented cell-cycle arrest. Abolishing the expression of TNFR1 on lung cancer cells impaired the antitumor efficacy of MEKi, whereas the administration of TNFα and IFNγ in MEKi-treated mice enhanced the antitumor response. Furthermore, immunotherapeutics known to induce expression of these cytokines synergized with MEKi in eradicating tumors. These findings define a novel cytokine response modulatory function of MEKi that can be therapeutically exploited. SIGNIFICANCE: Lung cancer cells are rendered sensitive to MEK inhibitors by TNFα and IFNγ, providing a strong mechanistic rationale for combining immunotherapeutics, such as checkpoint blockers, with MEK inhibitor therapy for lung cancer.See related commentary by Havel, p. 5699.

Ureaplasma Species Modulate Cytokine and Chemokine Responses in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells.

Ureaplasma species are common colonizers of the adult genitourinary tract and often considered as low-virulence commensals. Intraamniotic Ureaplasma infections, however, facilitate chorioamnionitis and preterm birth, and cases of Ureaplasma-induced neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis raise a growing awareness of their clinical relevance. In vitro studies are scarce but demonstrate distinct Ureaplasma-driven impacts on immune mechanisms. The current study addressed cytokine and chemokine responses upon exposure of native or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) co-stimulated human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) to Ureaplasma urealyticum or U. parvum, using qRT-PCR, RNA sequencing, multi-analyte immunoassay, and flow cytometry. Ureaplasma exposure in native HBMEC reduced monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-3 mRNA expression (p < 0.01, vs. broth). In co-stimulated HBMEC, Ureaplasma spp. attenuated LPS-evoked mRNA responses for C-X-C chemokine ligand 5, MCP-1, and MCP-3 (p < 0.05, vs. LPS) and mitigated LPS-driven interleukin (IL)-1α protein secretion, as well as IL-8 mRNA and protein responses (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Ureaplasma isolates increased C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 mRNA levels in native and LPS co-stimulated HBMEC (p < 0.05). The presented results may imply immunomodulatory capacities of Ureaplasma spp. which may ultimately promote chronic colonization and long-term neuroinflammation.

Helminth mediated modulation of the systemic and mycobacterial antigen - stimulated cytokine profiles in extra-pulmonary tuberculosis.

BackgroundHelminth infections are known to regulate cytokine responses in both pulmonary and latent tuberculosis infection. Whether helminth infections also modulate cytokine responses in extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, specifically tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBL), has not been examined thus far.MethodologyHence, to determine the cytokine profile in helminth-TBL coinfection, we measured the systemic and mycobacterial (TB)–antigen stimulated levels of Type 1, Type 2, Type 17, regulatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines in TBL individuals coinfected with or without Strongyloides stercoralis (Ss) infection.Significant findingsTBL-Ss+ individuals have significantly higher bacterial burdens in the affected lymph nodes in comparison to TBL-Ss- individuals. TBL-Ss+ individuals exhibit significantly enhanced plasma levels of Type 2 (IL-5 and IL-13), Type 17 (IL-17 and IL-22) and regulatory (IL-10) cytokines in comparison to TBL-Ss- individuals. In contrast, TBL-Ss+ individuals exhibit significantly diminished plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α and GM-CSF) in comparison to TBL-Ss- individuals. TBL-Ss+ individuals also exhibit significantly diminished unstimulated or mycobacterial—antigen stimulated levels of Type 1, Type 17 or IL-1 family cytokines in comparison to TBL-Ss- individuals but no differences in mitogen stimulated cytokine levels.ConclusionTherefore, our data reveal a profound influence of Ss infection on the bacteriological profile of TBL and suggesting that the underlying modulation of cytokine responses might be a mechanism by which this helminth infection could impart a detrimental effect on the pathogenesis of TBL disease.