Nuclei Of Macrophages Research Articles

Macrophage Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Natamycin Exhibit Increased Antifungal and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Fungal Keratitis.

This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles for the delivery of natamycin (NAT) in the therapy of fungal keratitis (FK). Macrophage membranes were isolated and identified by immunofluorescence staining (IFS). NAT was encapsulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Fungal stimulated macrophage membranes (M1) or unstimulated membranes (M) were separately mixed and sonicated with PLGA nanoparticles. The biocompatible nanoparticles (PLGA-NAT, PLGA-NAT@M, and PLGA-NAT@M1) were characterized with zeta-sizer analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blot. Drug encapsulation and loading efficiency and the release of NAT in the nanoparticles were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The cytotoxicity, ocular surface toxicity and irritability, and systemic safety of nanoparticles with different concentrations were assessed. In vitro, we examined the antifungal properties of the nanoparticles. The eye surface retention time, drug release, and curative effects on FK were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. IFS results showed the separation of the macrophage membrane and nucleus. The prepared nanoparticles had a typical "core-shell" structure and uniform nanometer size, and the membrane proteins were retained on the membrane allowing to exert functional effects of macrophage. The loading efficiencies of PLGA-NAT@M and PLGA-NAT@M1 were 7.6 and 6.7%, respectively. The encapsulation efficiencies of PLGA-NAT@M and PLGA-NAT@M1 were 51.2 and 41.5%, respectively. PLGA-NAT@M and PLGA-NAT@M1 could gradually release NAT and reduce the clearance of the ocular surface. Macrophage membranes enhanced the antifungal activity of PLGA-NAT. Furthermore, the membrane coated with macrophage increased the biocompatibility and decreased the corneal toxicity of nanoparticles. In vivo, PLGA-NAT@M1 significantly alleviated the severity of FK. In vitro, PLGA@M and PLGA@M1 reduced the protein levels of inflammatory cytokines after fungal stimulation. The prepared PLGA-NAT@M1 has good physical properties and biosafety. It could evade ocular surface clearance, release NAT gradually, and achieve high antifungal and anti-inflammatory efficiencies to FK. Macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles clinically have high application potential to the treatment of FK.

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters.

Pulmonary macrophages exhibit a dose-dependent pattern in phagocytizing particles. Following engulfment, these macrophages are subsequently excreted with sputum, rendering macrophages and particles visible and quantifiable under light microscopy. Notably, elemental carbon within the mammalian body originates exclusively from external contaminants. Consequently, the carbon content in airway macrophages (CCAM) serves as a valid exposure biomarker, accurately estimating individual exposure to carbon-containing particulate matter (PM). This article delineates a protocol involving sputum collection, preservation, processing, slide preparation, and staining, as well as macrophage photo acquisition and analysis. After removing the macrophage nuclei, the proportion of cytoplasm area occupied by carbon particles (PCOC) was calculated to quantify carbon content in each macrophage. The results indicate an elevation in CCAM levels after exposure to carbon-containing PM. In summary, this non-invasive, precise, reliable, and standardized method enables the direct measurement of carbon particles within target cells and is utilized for large-scale quantification of individual CCAM through induced sputum.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin on Monosodium Urate-Induced Inflammation through IL-37/Smad3-Complex Activation in an In Vitro Study Using THP-1 Macrophages.

Objective: The pleiotropic effect of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) is responsible for potent defense against inflammatory response. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on the monosodium urate (MSU)-induced inflammatory response through the regulation of interleukin-37 (IL-37) expression. Methods: Serum was collected from patients with gout (n = 40) and from healthy controls (n = 30). The mRNA and protein expression of the target molecules IL-1β, IL-37, caspase-1, and Smad3 were measured in THP-1 macrophages stimulated with MSU, atorvastatin, or rosuvastatin using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. Transfection with IL-1β or Smad3 siRNA in THP-1 macrophages was used to verify the pharmaceutical effect of statins in uric-acid-induced inflammation. Results: Serum IL-37 levels in gout patients were significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.001) and was associated with the serum uric acid level (r = 0.382, p = 0.008). THP-1 cells stimulated with MSU markedly induced IL-37 mRNA expression and the transition of IL-37 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Recombinant IL-37 treatment dose-dependently inhibited activation of caspase-1 and IL-1β in MSU-induced inflammation. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin attenuated caspase-1 activation and mature IL-1β expression but augmented translocation of IL-37 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin induced phosphorylation of Smad3 in THP-1 cells treated with MSU crystals. Statins potently attenuated translocation of IL-37 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in THP-1 macrophages transfected with Smad3 siRNA compared to cells with negative control siRNA. Conclusions: This study revealed that statins inhibit the MSU-induced inflammatory response through phosphorylated Smad3-mediated IL-37 expression in THP-1 macrophages.

FOS+ Macrophages Promote Chronic Rejection of Cardiac Transplantation.

Chronic rejection remains the leading cause of progressive decline in graft function. Accumulating evidence indicates that macrophages participate in chronic rejection dependent on CD40-CD40L. The FOS family members are critical in inflammatory and immune responses. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of FOS family members in chronic rejection remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role and underlying mechanisms of FOS-positive macrophages regulated by CD40 that mediate chronic allograft rejection. We downloaded publicly accessible chronic rejection kidney transplant single-cell sequencing datasets from the gene expression omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes between the CD40hi and CD40low macrophage chronic rejection groups were analyzed. We established a chronic rejection mouse model by using CTLA-4-Ig. We treated bone marrow-derived macrophages with an anti-CD40 antibody. We assessed expression of the FOS family by flow cytometry, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. We identified altered signaling pathways by using RNA sequencing analysis. We detected DNA specifically bound to transcription factors by using ChIP-sequencing, with detection of the degree of graft fibrosis and survival. FOS was highly expressed on CD40hi macrophages in patients with chronic transplantrejection. Mechanistically, we showed that CD40 activated NF-κB2 translocation into the nucleus to upregulate c-Fos and FosB expression, thus promoting chronic rejection of cardiac transplant.We showed thatNF-κB2 regulated c-Fos and FosB expression by binding to the c-fos and fosb promoter regions. Inhibition of c-Fos/activator protein-1 decreased graft fibrosis and prolonged graft survival. CD40 may activate transcription factor NF-κB2 translocation into the nucleus of macrophages to upregulate c-Fos and FosB expression, thus promoting chronic rejection of cardiac transplant. Inhibition of c-Fos/activator protein-1 decreased grafts fibrosis and prolonged graft survival.

TurboID mapping reveals the exportome of secreted intrinsically disordered proteins in the transforming parasite Theileria annulata.

Theileria annulata is a tick-transmitted apicomplexan parasite that gained the unique ability among parasitic eukaryotes to transform its host cell, inducing a fatal cancer-like disease in cattle. Understanding the mechanistic interplay between the host cell and malignant Theileria species that drives this transformation requires the identification of responsible parasite effector proteins. In this study, we used TurboID-based proximity labeling, which unbiasedly identified secreted parasite proteins within host cell compartments. By fusing TurboID to nuclear export or localization signals, we biotinylated proteins in the vicinity of the ligase enzyme in the nucleus or cytoplasm of infected macrophages, followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Our approach revealed with high confidence nine nuclear and four cytosolic candidate parasite proteins within the host cell compartments, eight of which had no orthologs in non-transforming T. orientalis. Strikingly, all eight of these proteins are predicted to be highly intrinsically disordered proteins. We discovered a novel tandem arrayed protein family, nuclear intrinsically disordered proteins (NIDP) 1-4, featuring diverse functions predicted by conserved protein domains. Particularly, NIDP2 exhibited a biphasic host cell-cycle-dependent localization, interacting with the EB1/CD2AP/CLASP1 parasite membrane complex at the schizont surface and the tumor suppressor stromal antigen 2 (STAG2), a cohesion complex subunit, in the host nucleus. In addition to STAG2, numerous NIDP2-associated host nuclear proteins implicated in various cancers were identified, shedding light on the potential role of the T. annulata exported protein family NIDP in host cell transformation and cancer-related pathways.IMPORTANCETurboID proximity labeling was used to identify secreted proteins of Theileria annulata, an apicomplexan parasite responsible for a fatal, proliferative disorder in cattle that represents a significant socio-economic burden in North Africa, central Asia, and India. Our investigation has provided important insights into the unique host-parasite interaction, revealing secreted parasite proteins characterized by intrinsically disordered protein structures. Remarkably, these proteins are conspicuously absent in non-transforming Theileria species, strongly suggesting their central role in the transformative processes within host cells. Our study identified a novel tandem arrayed protein family, with nuclear intrinsically disordered protein 2 emerging as a central player interacting with established tumor genes. Significantly, this work represents the first unbiased screening for exported proteins in Theileria and contributes essential insights into the molecular intricacies behind the malignant transformation of immune cells.

Abstract 6882: Exploring aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression and distribution in the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on immune cells, in various solid cancer types

Abstract Background: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that performs various biological functions upon ligand activation. While there have been extensive studies and development of AhR-targeting anticancer therapies, including active clinical trials, research on the expression of AhR, a key biomarker, in the TME remain limited. Herein, we evaluated the nuclear and cytosolic AhR expression across five solid cancer types: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and image cytometry were employed to investigate the AhR expression and distribution in 513 patient samples, of which 292 were from patients with one of five solid cancer types. For quantification of AhR expression levels, FCS files were generated, and the resulting data was analyzed using the R program. Results: AhR expression was predominantly high in cancer cells, followed by T cells and macrophages across all cancer types. All 513 patient samples were categorized into three clusters based on distinct expression and localization patterns of AhR. Cluster 1 exhibited high AhR expression in the cancer cell nucleus, whereas cluster 3 showed the lowest. AhR expression in the stromal macrophage nucleus was the most pronounced in cluster 2. In cluster 1, NSCLC was entirely absent, with esophageal cancer representing the largest proportion. In contrast, cluster 2 was notably different from cluster 1, with a 5% prevalence of NSCLC and a relatively higher proportion of HNSCC and colorectal cancer. The AhR expression in macrophages within cluster 2 was noticeably higher than in cluster 1. Cluster 3, which had the highest NSCLC proportion, generally displayed low AhR expression compared to other clusters, but also exhibited AhR expression in regulatory T cells (Tregs), a pattern which was not observed in other cancer types. Notably, a positive correlation was observed between the nuclear and cytosolic expressions of AhR, suggesting that AhR expression as a biomarker is independent of its subcellular localization. Furthermore, there was no clear correlation between AhR expression levels and cancer stage, grade, and metastatic status. Conclusion: We elucidated the expression profile of AhR within the TME across five cancer types, then classified the patient samples into three clusters based on their distinct AhR expression patterns. By demonstrating different expression patterns of AhR in cancer cells and immune cells, our findings are anticipated to provide a fundamental basis for clinical and immunological research on AhR-targeting therapies. Citation Format: Dong Kwon Kim, Chai Young Lee, Yu Jin Han, So Young Park, Heekyung Han, Kwangmin Na, Mi Hyun Kim, Seung Min Yang, Sujeong Baek, Youngtaek Kim, Joon Yeon Hwang, Seul Lee, Seong-san Kang, Taedong Han, Hyounmie Doh, Jongho Cho, Dajeong Kim, Daewon Cha, Min Hee Hong, Sun Min Lim, Jii Bum Lee, Jae Hwan Kim, Kyoung-Ho Pyo, Byoung Chul Cho. Exploring aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression and distribution in the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on immune cells, in various solid cancer types [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6882.

Prediction of Tuberculosis From Lung Tissue Images of Diversity Outbred Mice Using Jump Knowledge Based Cell Graph Neural Network.

Tuberculosis (TB), primarily affecting the lungs, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and poses a significant health risk. Detecting acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in stained samples is critical for TB diagnosis. Whole Slide (WS) Imaging allows for digitally examining these stained samples. However, current deep-learning approaches to analyzing large-sized whole slide images (WSIs) often employ patch-wise analysis, potentially missing the complex spatial patterns observed in the granuloma essential for accurate TB classification. To address this limitation, we propose an approach that models cell characteristics and interactions as a graph, capturing both cell-level information and the overall tissue micro-architecture. This method differs from the strategies in related cell graph-based works that rely on edge thresholds based on sparsity/density in cell graph construction, emphasizing a biologically informed threshold determination instead. We introduce a cell graph-based jumping knowledge neural network (CG-JKNN) that operates on the cell graphs where the edge thresholds are selected based on the length of the mycobacteria's cords and the activated macrophage nucleus's size to reflect the actual biological interactions observed in the tissue. The primary process involves training a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to segment AFBs and macrophage nuclei, followed by converting large (42831*41159 pixels) lung histology images into cell graphs where an activated macrophage nucleus/AFB represents each node within the graph and their interactions are denoted as edges. To enhance the interpretability of our model, we employ Integrated Gradients and Shapely Additive Explanations (SHAP). Our analysis incorporated a combination of 33 graph metrics and 20 cell morphology features. In terms of traditional machine learning models, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) was the best performer, achieving an F1 score of 0.9813 and an Area under the Precision-Recall Curve (AUPRC) of 0.9848 on the test set. Among graph-based models, our CG-JKNN was the top performer, attaining an F1 score of 0.9549 and an AUPRC of 0.9846 on the held-out test set. The integration of graph-based and morphological features proved highly effective, with CG-JKNN and XGBoost showing promising results in classifying instances into AFB and activated macrophage nucleus. The features identified as significant by our models closely align with the criteria used by pathologists in practice, highlighting the clinical applicability of our approach. Future work will explore knowledge distillation techniques and graph-level classification into distinct TB progression categories.

A bacterial effector protein promotes nuclear translocation of Stat3 to induce IL-10

The multifunctional Yersinia effector YopM inhibits effector triggered immunity and increases production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10) to suppress the host immune response. Previously it was shown that YopM induces IL-10 gene expression by elevating phosphorylation of the serine-threonine kinase RSK1 in the nucleus of human macrophages. Using transcriptomics, we found that YopM strongly affects expression of genes belonging to the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Further analysis revealed that YopM mediates nuclear translocation of the transcription factor Stat3 in Y. enterocolitica infected macrophages and that knockdown of Stat3 inhibited YopM-induced IL-10 gene expression. YopM-induced Stat3 translocation did not depend on autocrine IL-10, activation of RSK1 or tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat3. Thus, besides activation of RSK1, stimulation of nuclear translocation of Stat3 is another mechanism by which YopM increases IL-10 gene expression in macrophages.

Suppression of LPS-activated inflammatory responses and chromosomal histone modifications in macrophages by micropattern-induced nuclear deformation.

Macrophages are important immune effector cells which participate various physiological and pathological conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated the regulation of macrophage phenotype by micropatterns. It is well accepted that micropatterns affect cellular behaviors through changing cell shape and modulating the associated mechanical sensors on the plasma membrane and cytoskeleton. However, the role of nucleus, which serves as a critical physical sensing device, is often ignored. Herein, we found the nuclear deformation and the subsequently increased chromosomal histone methylation (H3K36me2) may contribute to the micropattern-induced suppression of macrophage inflammatory responses. Specifically, macrophages on micropatterned surfaces expressed lower levels of key inflammatory genes, compared with those on flat surfaces. Further investigation on macrophage nuclei showed that micropatterned surfaces cause shrinkage of nucleus volume and compaction of chromatin. Moreover, micropatterned surfaces elevated the methylation level of H3K36me2 in macrophages, while decreased the methylation level of H3K4me3. Our study provides new mechanistic insight into how micropatterns affect macrophage phenotype and highlights the importance of nuclear shape and chromatin histone modification in mediating micropattern-induced change in cell behaviors.

TGS1/PIMT regulates pro-inflammatory macrophage mediated paracrine insulin resistance: Crosstalk between macrophages and skeletal muscle cells

Macrophage-driven chronic low-grade inflammatory response is intimately associated with pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the molecular basis for skewing of pro-inflammatory macrophage is still elusive. Here, we describe the mechanism and significance of TGS1/PIMT (PRIP-Interacting protein with Methyl Transferase domain) in regulating macrophage activation and polarization and its impact on the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells. We show altered expression of TGS1 in M1 polarized cultured macrophages, bone marrow-derived (BMDM) and adipose tissue macrophages. Moreover, in High Fat Diet (HFD)-fed mice enhanced TGS1 expression is predominantly localized to the nucleus of adipose tissue macrophages suggesting its potential functional role. Gain and loss of TGS1 expression in macrophage further established its role in the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. Mechanistically, TGS1 controls the transcription of numerous genes linked to inflammation by forming a complex with Histone Acetyl Transferase (HAT)-containing transcriptional co-activators CBP and p300. Functionally, TGS1 mediated macrophage inflammatory response induces the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes. Our findings thus demonstrate an unexpected contribution of TGS1 in the regulation of macrophage mediated inflammation and insulin resistance highlighting that TGS1 antagonism could be a promising therapeutic target for the management of inflammation and insulin resistance in T2D.

Detection of G-Quadruplex DNA Structures in Macrophages.

In addition to the canonical B-DNA conformation, DNA can fold into different secondary structures. Among them are G-quadruplex structures (G4s). G4 structures are very stable and can fold in specific guanine-rich regions in DNA and RNA. Different in silico, in vitro, and in cellulo experiments have shown that G4 structures form so far in all tested organisms. There are over 700,000 predicted G4s in higher eukaryotes, but it is so far assumed that not all will form at the same time. Their formation is dynamically regulated by proteins and is cell type-specific and even changes during the cell cycle or during different exogenous or endogenous stimuli (e.g., infection or developmental stages) can alter the G4 level. G4s have been shown to accumulate in cancer cells where they contribute to gene expression changes and the mutagenic burden of the tumor. Specific targeting of G4 structures to impact the expression of oncogenes is currently discussed as an anti-cancer treatment. In a tumor microenvironment, not only the tumor cells will be targeted by G4 stabilization but also immune cells such as macrophages. Although G4s were detected in multiple organisms and different cell types, only little is known about their role in immune cells. Here, we provide a detailed protocol to detect G4 formation in the nucleus of macrophages of vertebrates and invertebrates by microscopic imaging.

Prolyl endopeptidase remodels macrophage function as a novel transcriptional coregulator and inhibits fibrosis

Macrophages are immune cells crucial for host defense and homeostasis maintenance, and their dysregulation is involved in multiple pathological conditions, such as liver fibrosis. The transcriptional regulation in macrophage is indispensable for fine-tuning of macrophage functions, but the details have not been fully elucidated. Prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) is a dipeptidyl peptidase with both proteolytic and non-proteolytic functions. In this study, we found that Prep knockout significantly contributed to transcriptomic alterations in quiescent and M1/M2-polarized bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), as well as aggravated fibrosis in an experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model. Mechanistically, PREP predominantly localized to the macrophage nuclei and functioned as a transcriptional coregulator. Using CUT&Tag and co-immunoprecipitation, we found that PREP was mainly distributed in active cis-regulatory genomic regions and physically interacted with the transcription factor PU.1. Among PREP-regulated downstream genes, genes encoding profibrotic cathepsin B and D were overexpressed in BMDMs and fibrotic liver tissue. Our results indicate that PREP in macrophages functions as a transcriptional coregulator that finely tunes macrophage functions, and plays a protective role against liver fibrosis pathogenesis.

Macrophage PTEN controls STING-induced inflammation and necroptosis through NICD/NRF2 signaling in APAP-induced liver injury

BackgroundPhosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) signaling has been known to play a critical role in maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis, which also has an essential role in the inflammatory response. However, it remains unidentified whether and how the macrophage PTEN may govern the innate immune signaling stimulator of interferon genes (STING) mediated inflammation and hepatocyte necroptosis in APAP-induced liver injury (AILI).MethodsMyeloid-specific PTEN knockout (PTENM−KO) and floxed PTEN (PTENFL/FL) mice were treated with APAP (400 mg/kg) or PBS. In a parallel in vitro study, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were isolated from these conditional knockout mice and transfected with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Notch1 knockout (KO) or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated STING activation vector followed by LPS (100 ng/ml) stimulation.ResultsHere, we report that myeloid-specific PTEN knockout (PTENM−KO) mice were resistant to oxidative stress-induced hepatocellular injury with reduced macrophage/neutrophil accumulation and proinflammatory mediators in AILI. PTENM−KO increased the interaction of nuclear Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) in the macrophage nucleus, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Mechanistically, it is worth noting that macrophage NICD and NRF2 co-localize within the nucleus under inflammatory conditions. Additionally, Notch1 promotes the interaction of immunoglobulin kappa J region (RBPjκ) with NRF2. Disruption of the Notch1 signal in PTEN deletion macrophages, reduced RBPjκ and NRF2 binding, and activated STING signaling. Moreover, PTENM−KO macrophages with STING activated led to ROS generation and TNF-α release, resulting in hepatocyte necroptosis upon co-culture with primary hepatocytes.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that the macrophage PTEN-NICD/NRF2-STING axis is critical to regulating oxidative stress-induced liver inflammation and necroptosis in AILI and implies the therapeutic potential for managing sterile liver inflammation.-_SzJnLNvYmjVKnhJWJTYKVideo Graphical

Surficial nano-deposition locoregionally yielding bactericidal super CAR-macrophages expedites periprosthetic osseointegration.

Tracking and eradicating Staphylococcus aureus in the periprosthetic microenvironment are critical for preventing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), yet effective strategies remain elusive. Here, we report an implant nanoparticle coating that locoregionally yields bactericidal super chimeric antigen receptor macrophages (CAR-MΦs) to prevent PJI. We demonstrate that the plasmid-laden nanoparticle from the coating can introduce S. aureus-targeted CAR genes and caspase-11 short hairpin RNA (CASP11 shRNA) into macrophage nuclei to generate super CAR-MΦs in mouse models. CASP11 shRNA allowed mitochondria to be recruited around phagosomes containing phagocytosed bacteria to deliver mitochondria-generated bactericidal reactive oxygen species. These super CAR-MΦs targeted and eradicated S. aureus and conferred robust bactericidal immunologic activity at the bone-implant interface. Furthermore, the coating biodegradability precisely matched the bone regeneration process, achieving satisfactory osteogenesis. Overall, our work establishes a locoregional treatment strategy for priming macrophage-specific bactericidal immunity with broad application in patients suffering from multidrug-resistant bacterial infection.

3-Hydroxybutyrate ameliorates sepsis-associated acute lung injury by promoting autophagy through the activation of GPR109α in macrophages

BackgroundSepsis is a systemic inflammatory disease caused by multiple pathogens, with the most commonly affected organ being the lung. 3-Hydroxybutyrate plays a protective role in inflammatory diseases through autophagy promotion; however, the exact mechanism remains unexplored. MethodOur study used the MIMIC-III database to construct a cohort of ICU sepsis patients and figure out the correlation between the level of ketone bodies and clinical prognosis in septic patients. In vivo and in vitro models of sepsis were used to reveal the role and mechanism of 3-hydroxybutyrate in sepsis-associated acute lung injury (sepsis-associated ALI). ResultHerein, we observed a strong correlation between the levels of ketone bodies and clinical prognosis in patients with sepsis identified using the MIMIC- III database. In addition, exogenous 3-hydroxybutyrate supplementation improved the survival rate of CLP-induced sepsis in mice by promoting autophagy. Furthermore, 3-hydroxybutyrate treatment protected against sepsis-induced lung damage. We explored the mechanism underlying these effects. The results indicated that 3-hydroxybutyrate upregulates autophagy levels by promoting the transfer of transcription factor EB (TFEB) to the macrophage nucleus in a G-protein-coupled receptor 109 alpha (GPR109α) dependent manner, upregulating the transcriptional level of ultraviolet radiation resistant associated gene (UVRAG) and increasing the formation of autophagic lysosomes. Conclusion3-Hydroxybutyrate can serve as a beneficial therapy for sepsis-associated ALI through the upregulation of autophagy. These results may provide a basis for the development of promising therapeutic strategies for sepsis-associated ALI.

In situ MUC1-specific CAR engineering of tumor-supportive macrophages stimulates tumoricidal immunity against pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized intervention strategies for various primary malignancies. However, the implementation of this approach in solid tumors, including fatal gastrointestinal cancer pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), is limited. Given the endogenous functions of macrophages and their extensive infiltration in the solid tumor microenvironment (TME), liposomalized nanoporters (LNPs) are constructed for in situ genetic engineering of intratumoral macrophages with a mucin 1-specific CAR, which redirect the phagocytic activity of these cells to target cancerous PAAD cells and subsequently prime locoregional anti-PAAD immunity. When systemically administered, any LNPs that escape clearance by the reticuloendothelial system become passively enriched in tumor tissues and unshell upon triggering with legumain intratumorally. The liberated nanoporters in turn introduce the CAR gene into the nucleus of macrophages, thereby locoregionally yielding PAAD-targeted CAR macrophages, which significantly enhances the antigen-specific phagocytosis by macrophages, elevates the antigen presentation specificity, and serially boosts the population of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, thus reducing the tumor burden and prolonging survival in PAAD mouse models. Our technology provides a practical antitumor immunotherapy for PAAD patients and may be broadly applicable for patients suffering from other solid malignancies that dually overexpress mucin 1 and legumain.

PGEX2-T based β defensin primer designing and isolation of neutrophil, macrophage, bone marrow and mesenchymal stem cells

Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that act mainly by disrupting the structure of bacterial cell membranes and are found in many compartments of the body. Defensins play a central role in defense against pathogens and they are considered part of the innate immune response. Material and methods-Reagents: Animal cell culture media - Growth medium D-MEM, RPMI and alpha -MEM was purchased from gibco, CA, USA. Fetal bovine serum (FBS)was obtained from Invitrogen, CA, USA. DAPI, agarose was purchased from SRL, India. Penicillium streptomycin solution was obtained from himedia, Mumbai, India. Animal modal: In bred populations of Swiss albino mice of either sex and at 6-8 weeks of age were used. Mice obtained from the Animal House, All India Institute of Medical Science, NewDelhi-110029 and India Standardization, Isolation and purification and characterization of bone marrow from Swiss albino mice. Bone marrow is consisting of multiple type of stem cells such as -Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which are multipotent stem cells that have the potential to self-renew and differentiate into a variety of specialized cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and neurons. Result: Cells were harvested by adherence purification, the adherence of cells which is a symbol of macrophage and acentric nucleus is visible in DAPI stain. The extended cytoplasmic surface and CD14 positive staining show the purified macrophage as 98% purity. BM-MSC were harvested by adherence purification, the adherence of cells to the plastic culture dish surface is a symbol of Mesenchymal stem cell and nucleusis visible in DAPI stain. Conclusion: This procedure is widely used to study macrophage biology since moderate numbers of resident, unstimulated macrophages can easily be obtained fromthe peritonealcavity.

A systematic review evaluating the efficacy of autologous hematopoietic transplantation for diffuse large B cell lymphoma-type Richter syndrome.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can transform into fast growing lymphoma for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) called Richter's syndrome (RS), which is commonly related to an existence of large B-cells with equal or larger size than macrophage nuclei or more than twice those of normal lymphocyte. We conducted a systematic review of the existing literature to assess the clinical efficacy of auto-HCT for patients with RS. We searched 4 main databases; EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science and was done on December 26, 2021. All analyses in this study were performed by Stata software and this review was reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Data was extracted from 4 articles; the total number of patients was reported to be 110. Based on the meta-analysis findings, pooled overall survival rate was 56.36% (95%CI= (46.98-65.31). In figure 2, the forest plot of combined results is shown. Despite the use of common treatment regimens such as chemo immunotherapy and the availability of novel therapies including B-cell receptor inhibitors and rituximab-cyclophosphamide-hydroxydaunorubicin-Oncovin-prednisone (CHOP-R) regimen, the status of disease progression and recovery in RS cases is still not strong enough.

NONO regulates multiple cytokine production in sepsis via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway

The massive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a crucial step in triggering the inflammatory cascade in sepsis. Exploring the key molecules regulating the expression and release of multiple cytokines has important value for revealing the mechanism of the cytokine storm in sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the role of multifunctional nuclear protein non-POU domain containing octamer-binding protein (NONO) in the sepsis cytokine storm and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. We found that NONO expression in tissues and cells of sepsis mice was significantly upregulated. Downregulation of NONO expression inhibited the mRNA expression of multiple cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β in inflammatory cells from mice and human leukemic monocyte-THP1 cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and significantly decreased the level of these cytokines and TNF-α in the supernatant of THP1 cells challenged by LPS. Nono knockout also reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β in serum, alleviated hepatocyte edema, and improved the survival rate of sepsis mice. Reduced NONO expression decreased the phospho-ERK1/2 level in inflammatory cells from sepsis mice or THP1 cells challenged by LPS. Phospho-ERK1/2 inhibitor decreased the mRNA expression and concentration of cytokines in the culture supernatant of LPS-induced THP1 cells, similar to the effect of NONO knockdown. After LPS challenge, the levels of phospho-ERK1/2 and NONO were increased, with obvious colocalization in the nucleus and vesicular-like organelles in macrophages. NONO knockdown decreased nuclear translocation of phospho-ERK1/2 in LPS-challenged THP1 cells. These results suggest that NONO is a potentially critical molecule involved in multiple cytokine production in sepsis. Upregulated NONO in sepsis may promote the expression and release of multiple cytokines to participate in a sepsis cytokine storm by promoting ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Intracellular Quantum Sensing of Free-Radical Generation Induced by Acetaminophen (APAP) in the Cytosol, in Mitochondria and the Nucleus of Macrophages.

Acetaminophen overdoses cause cell injury in the liver. It is widely accepted that liver toxicity is initiated by the reactive N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP) metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which first depletes glutathione and then irreversibly binds to mitochondrial proteins and nuclear DNA. As a consequence, mitochondrial respiration is inhibited, and DNA strands break. NAPQI also promotes the oxidative stress since glutathione is one of the main free-radical scavengers in the cell. However, so far it is unknown where exactly free radicals are generated. In this study, we used relaxometry, a novel technique that allows nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging detection of free radicals. The method is based on fluorescent nanodiamonds, which change their optical properties based on their magnetic surrounding. To achieve subcellular resolution, these nanodiamonds were targeted to cellular locations, that is, the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and the nucleus. Since relaxometry is sensitive to spin noise from radicals, we were able to measure the radical load in these different organelles. For the first time, we measured APAP-induced free-radical production in an organelle-specific manner, which helps predict and better understand cellular toxicity.