IL-3 in the development and function of basophils

The β common chain (βc) cytokine family includes granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3) and IL-5, all of which use βc as key signaling receptor subunit. GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 have specific roles as hematopoietic growth factors. IL-3 binds with high affinity to the IL-3 receptor α (IL-3Rα/CD123) and then associates with the βc subunit. IL-3 is mainly synthesized by different subsets of T cells, but is also produced by several other immune [basophils, dendritic cells (DCs), mast cells, etc.] and non-immune cells (microglia and astrocytes). The IL-3Rα is also expressed by immune (basophils, eosinophils, mast cells, DCs, monocytes, and megacaryocytes) and non-immune cells (endothelial cells and neuronal cells). IL-3 is the most important growth and activating factor for human and mouse basophils, primary effector cells of allergic disorders. IL-3-activated basophils and mast cells are also involved in different chronic inflammatory disorders, infections, and several types of cancer. IL-3 induces the release of cytokines (i.e., IL-4, IL-13, CXCL8) from human basophils and preincubation of basophils with IL-3 potentiates the release of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines from IgE- and C5a-activated basophils. IL-3 synergistically potentiates IL-33-induced mediator release from human basophils. IL-3 plays a pathogenic role in several hematologic cancers and may contribute to autoimmune and cardiac disorders. Several IL-3Rα/CD123 targeting molecules have shown some efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies.     

基于网络药理学和临床试验探讨前列消汤对ⅢA型前列腺炎IL-17与Foxp3表达影响研究＊

目的 基于网络药理学进行前列消汤治疗慢性前列腺炎的预测，同时采用临床试验进行验证，证明前列消汤对ⅢA型前列腺炎患者的临床疗效及对前列腺液（Expressed Prostatic Secretion， EPS）中白细胞介素17（interleukin 17， IL-17）及双头叉转录因子p3（Forkhead box p3， Foxp3）表达的影响。方法 采用网络信息学分析方法，筛选出前列消汤在ⅢA型前列腺炎治疗中发挥疗效的主要作用靶点，采用临床随机非盲法，将符合纳入标准的80例ⅢA型前列腺炎湿热下注证患者随机分为观察组和对照组各40例，观察组口服自拟前列消汤，对照组口服银花泌炎灵片。观察治疗前后两组的症状及证候评分情况、前列腺按摩液以及其IL17、Foxp3表达的差异。取40例正常男性前列腺液为正常对照。结果 网络药理学分析结果提示IL17信号通路为前列消汤治疗慢性前列腺炎的重要通路之一，临床试验结果提示经治疗后观察组有效率达89.19%，较对照组的73.68%为优（P < 0.05）。两组患者服药后的临床表现、前列腺按摩液WBC、症状及证候评分均存在明显改善。观察组和对照组IL-17水平较治疗前下降，Foxp3表达较治疗前升高（P < 0.05）。观察组对降低IL-17表达和提升Foxp3表达上较对照组差异更大（P < 0.05）。观察组治疗后与正常组IL-17和Foxp3水平比较差异较小（P > 0.05）。结论 网络药理学能一定程度上预测中药作用于疾病的相应靶点，前列消汤对ⅢA型前列腺炎湿热下注证患者的临床症状有明显改善作用，并能降低IL-17表达，对Foxp3表达有提升作用，在总有效率和对细胞因子的影响上较银花泌炎灵片组明显。     

头颈部鳞癌相关生物标志物与免疫治疗预后的关系

头颈部鳞癌(HNSCC)是世界上第六大常见的恶性肿瘤,每年发病超过55万,死亡超过30万人,吸烟和饮酒是其主要危险因素。HNSCC的治疗方案主要是基于TNM分期、以外科手术为主的综合疗法(放疗、化疗及生物治疗)。对于HNSCC的治疗,其5年生存率近年来一直没有改善,因此,需要新的治疗方法提高患者生存率,改善患者生活质量。当今研究热点是以免疫治疗为主的生物靶向治疗在HNSCC的广泛应用,本研究旨在探讨HNSCC相关生物标志物与免疫治疗预后的关系。     

Partial trisomy 16q and partial monosomy 7p of a fetus derivated from paternal balanced translocation: A case report

Introduction:Subchromosomal deletions and duplications could currently be detected by noninvasive preliminary screening (NIPS). However, NIPS is a screening test that requires further diagnosis. Here we report a fetus with an autosomal abnormality revealed by NIPS and conventional karyotype combined with copy number variations sequencing (CNV-seq) confirmed the fetus with an unbalanced translocation.Patient concern:This was the fourth pregnancy of a 30-year-old woman who underwent 2 spontaneous abortions and gave birth to a child with a normal phenotype. The woman and her husband were healthy and nonconsanguineous. NIPS indicated a repeat of about 19-Mb fragment at the region of 16q22.1-q22.4 at 17-week gestation.Diagnoses:The combination of traditional karyotype and CNV-seq could better locate the abnormal chromosomal region and further identify the source of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Simultaneously, we evaluated the fetal morphology by ultrasound examination. The karyotype of the fetus was 46,XX,der(7)t(7;16)(p22;q23) and CNV-seq results showed an approximately 20.96-Mb duplication in 16q22.1-q24.3 (69200001-90160000) and an approximately 3.86-Mb deletion in 7p22.3-p22.2 (40001-3900000). Prenatal ultrasound revealed the fetal micrognathia. The paternal karyotype was 46,XY, t (7;16) (p22;q23), while the maternal was normal. The fetus inherited an abnormal chromosome 7 from its father.Interventions:No treatment for the fetus.Outcomes:Pregnancy was terminated.Conclusions:To our knowledge, the occurrence of de novo partial trisomy 16q (16q22.1-qter) and partial monosomy 7p (7p22.2-pter) has not previously been reported up to now. Here, we present the perinatal findings of such a case and a review of the literatures. CNV-seq combined with karyotype is a useful tool for chromosomal abnormalities indicated by NIPS.     

王琦教授新冠肺炎预防方预防新型冠状病毒肺炎机制的网络药理学探讨＊

目的 借助网络药理学的方法，探究两组王琦教授新冠肺炎预防方（简称预防方）预防新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）的分子靶点和机制。方法 通过TCMSP数据库检索并筛选其活性成分及其作用靶点，通过Uniprot数据库进行蛋白标准化处理。从Genecards数据库中以“Novel coronavirus pneumonia”为关键词搜索获取COVID-19的靶标，构建相交靶点韦恩图。通过cytoscape3.7.2构建PPI蛋白互作网络，寻找富集数目最多的靶点。通过R语言对预防方治疗COVID-19的靶点进行GO和KEGG富集分析，并绘制气泡图。结果 预防方与新冠肺炎相关靶点涉IL-6、TNF、CXCL8、VEGFA、MMP9；GO功能富集分析分别获得53、57条通路；27、29条KEGG相关信号通路。结论 王琦教授新冠肺炎预防方中的主要活性成分为槲皮素、山奈酚、木犀草素、β-谷甾醇、植物甾醇等，可能通过作用于IL-6、TNF、CXCL8、VEGFA、MMP9、CXCL8、IL10、CCL2、IL1B等靶点和介导TNF信号通路、T细胞受体信号通路、Toll样受体信号通路等发挥作用，从而促进免疫反应、炎症反应及细菌防御反应，预防COVID-19。     

Sexual dimorphism in Th17/Treg axis in lymph nodes draining inflamed joints in rats with collagen-induced arthritis

Collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA) in Dark Agouti rats, a model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), reproduces sexual dimorphism in the incidence and severity of the human disease. Th17 cells are central in the induction/propagation of autoimmune inflammation in CIA and RA. To assess mechanisms underlying this dimorphism in CIA rats, in lymph nodes draining inflamed joints and adjacent tissues (dLNs) from CIA rats of both sexes Th17/CD25+Foxp3+CD4+ T-regulatory cell (Treg) ratio, Th17 cell redifferentiation in functionally distinct subsets and Treg transdifferentiation into IL-17-producing cells (exTregs) were examined. In female rats (developing more severe CIA than their male counterparts) the higher frequency of all Th17 cells (reflecting partly their greater proliferation), followed by the higher frequency of highly pathogenic IFN-γ/GM-CSF-co-producing cells, but lower frequency of less pathogenic/immunoregulatory IL-10-producing cells among them was found. Additionally, compared with male rats, in female rats the lower frequency of Tregs was observed. Moreover, Tregs from female rats exhibited diminished proliferative and suppressive capacity (judging by PD-1 expression) and enhanced conversion into IL-17-producing cells. Given that TGF-β concentration was comparable in collagen-type II-stimulated dLN cell cultures from female and male rats, the shift in Th17/Treg ratio followed by augmented Th17 cell redifferentiation into IFN-γ/GM-CSF-co-producing cells and Treg transdifferentiation into IL-17-producing cells in female rats was associated with increased concentration of IL-6 in female rat dLN cell cultures, and the higher frequency of IL-1β- and IL-23-producing cells among their dLN cells. The lower frequency of IL-10-producing B cells, presumably B regulatory cells (Bregs) could also contribute to the shift in Th17/Treg ratio in female rat compared with male rat dLNs. Consistently, the lower expression of IL-35 (the cytokine promoting Treg expansion directly and indirectly, by favoring Breg expansion and conversion into IL-10/IL-35-producing cells) in female rat dLN cells was detected. Thus, the study identified putative cellular and molecular substrates of the sexual dimorphism in the immunopathogenesis and clinical outcome of CIA and suggested mechanisms to be targeted in females to improve control of Th17 response, and consequently clinical outcome of CIA, and possibly RA.     

Cryo-thermal therapy inducing MI macrophage polarization created CXCL10 and IL-6-rich pro-inflammatory environment for CD4+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity

Purpose: We previously developed a novel cryo-thermal therapy to treat malignant mammary carcinoma and melanoma in a mouse model; long-term survival and CD4⁺ T cell orchestrating anti-tumor immune memory response were achieved. Moreover, cryo-thermal-induced CD4⁺ T cell differentiation into Th1 and CD4⁺CTL sub-lineages, in which M1 macrophage polarization played a direct, important role. In particular, cryo-thermal therapy triggered M1 macrophage polarization with up-regulated expression of C–X–C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6). But whether CXCL10 and IL-6 contribute to CD4⁺ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity remains unclear. In this study, the role of cryo-thermal-induced CXCL10 and IL-6 in anti-tumor immunity was determined.

Methods: The level of CXCL10 and IL-6 in spleen and serum was determined by RT-PCR and ELISA on day 14 after cryo-thermal therapy. Splenic dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages were isolated from cryo-thermal-treated mice on day 5 and 14, and the level of CXCL10 and IL-6 in macrophages and DCs was determined by ELISA. The transwell migration assay was performed to study immune cell migration. In vivo neutralization of CXCL10 or IL-6 was performed to investigate the phenotypic changes of immune cells.

Results: Cryo-thermal therapy induced M1 macrophage polarization with up-regulation of CXCL10 and IL-6 expression in spleen. CXCL10 and IL-6 promoted DCs migration and maturation, and subsequently promoted CD4⁺ T cell migration and differentiation into Th1 and CD4⁺ CTL, moreover, reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulation.

Conclusions: Cryo-thermal-induced CXCL10 and IL-6 created acute inflammatory environment to initiate a systemically cascading innate and adaptive anti-tumor immunity, which was more permissive for tumor eradication.     

芪苈强心胶囊配合保元汤加减治疗慢性心力衰竭临床研究

目的:观察芪苈强心胶囊配合保元汤加减用于慢性心力衰竭的治疗效果。方法:选取收治的慢性心力衰竭患者104例作为研究对象,运用随机数字表法将其分为观察组(52例)和对照组(52例),两组患者均接受常规治疗,对照组采用保元汤治疗,观察组同时应用芪苈强心胶囊联合保元汤治疗。观察患者治疗前及治疗后6个月的6 min步行试验的步行距离(6MWD)及纽约心脏病学会心功能分级(NYHA)、血清学指标N末端B型利尿钠肽原(NT-proBNP)、半乳糖凝集素3(Galectin-3)及白介素6(IL-6)、超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、心脏指数(CI)、左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左室重量指数(LVMI)和室壁运动指数(WMI)、左室间隔厚度(IVST)变化情况。结果:治疗前后,两组患者比较心功能指标、Galectin-3、炎性因子指标、心室重构指标差异有统计学意义(P<0.05); 观察组与对照组患者相比,6 min步行距离、CI、LVEF、升高更为显著(P<0.05); 观察组患者NYHA分级、NT-proBNP、Galectin-3、IL-6、hs-CRP、TNF-α、LVEDD、LVESD、LVMI、WMI、IVST降低更为显著(P<0.05)。结论:芪苈强心胶囊辅助保元汤加减能够有效改善慢性心力衰竭患者心脏功能,有利于患者体内炎性因子及Galectin-3水平降低,抑制心室重构进展,患者心脏舒缩功能改善效果更佳。     

穴位埋线治疗卒中后肩关节半脱位疗效及对血清TNF-α、IL-6的影响

目的观察穴位埋线治疗卒中后肩关节半脱位临床疗效及对血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)因子水平的影响,探讨抑制炎症反应的相关机制。方法将92例卒中后肩关节半脱位患者按1:1:1随机分3组,共剔除2例,最终每组30例。埋康组采用康复训练加穴位埋线;针康组采用康复训练加针刺治疗;康复组采用单纯康复治疗。分别于治疗前后采用Fugl-Meyer(FMA)上肢运动能力、视觉模拟评分(VAS)及血清TNF-α、IL-6炎性因子水平进行评价。结果治疗后3组患者Fugl-Meyer及VAS评分比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);血清TNF-α、IL-6炎性因子水平降低(P<0.05);3组中埋康组疗效最优;且3组治疗前后组内比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论穴位埋线能改善卒中肩关节半脱位患者上肢肩痛及运动功能,降低机体炎症性应激反应。     

基于计算机辅助药物设计的清肺排毒汤多靶点系统治疗新型冠状病毒肺炎(COVID-19)物质基础探究

目的通过对清肺排毒汤功效和新型冠状病毒肺炎(COVID-19)病机的分析,基于计算机辅助药物设计(CADD)从多靶点结构出发系统探索清肺排毒汤排毒、抑制炎症风暴、利水渗湿3个方面的物质基础和分子机制。方法 TCMSP下载清肺排毒汤成分,基于血管紧张素转化酶II(ACE2)、白细胞介素-6受体(IL-6R)和水通道蛋白(AQP)分别进行分子对接虚拟筛选并对其结合模式进行分析。对利水药白术、茯苓、猪苓、泽泻进行反向靶点预测和GO分析和KEGG通路富集分析,预测其作用机制。结果阻断病毒作用最突出的前3位中药为甘草、麻黄、枳实,抑制炎症作用最突出的前3位中药是甘草、柴胡、紫菀;清肺排毒汤4个子方中,小柴胡汤阻断病毒、抑制炎症风暴的潜在活性化合物数均排第1。槲皮素及其衍生物对ACE2和IL-6R2个靶点均具有较强结合能力,是潜在的双靶点活性化合物。ACE2的Lys353残基是化合物与ACE2结合的关键位点。白术、茯苓、猪苓、泽泻缺乏阻断病毒、抑制炎症风暴的化合物,分子对接结果显示,这4味药材中含有的东莨菪内酯、去氢齿孔酸、α-D-半乳糖、环氧泽泻烯具有与水通道蛋白4(AQP4)的潜在结合能力。结论清肺排毒汤可通过多种化合物分别与ACE2、IL-6R、AQP4结合,发挥排毒、抑制炎症风暴、利水渗湿的作用;各组成子医方配伍合理,通过多点协同、优势互补发挥防治作用;得到了中药阻断新型冠状病毒(SARS-Co V-2)成分关键的结合位点Lys353,为清肺排毒汤药效机制的多角度挖掘和单体成分的现代化开发提供线索。