Volume 2, 2023

ISSN 2817-6545

Online first articles

Long Non-coding RNA SNHG6 could Regulate Th17 Cells in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Junxia Yang, Linxuan Wang, Wenchao Gu

Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. SNHG6 is a notable long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), observed to be overexpressed in various diseases; its perturbation has been linked to immunity, inflammation, and tumor progression, emphasizing its significance in inflammatory disease. Th17 cells are previously shown to promote autoimmunity. Here, we found that the level of Th17-promoting cytokines, such as TNF and IL-6, was higher in COPD patients than in controls. Subsequently, we demonstrated that COPD patients presented upregulated, but quiescent, Th17 cells. Interestingly, compared to the Th17 cells from non-COPD subjects, the Th17 cells from COPD patients presented similar IL-17A production capacity, but significantly elevated IL-21 production capacity. Furthermore, data showed that the Th17 cells from COPD patients presented significantly enhanced potential to promote SNHG6 production than the Th17 cells from controls. Overall, results from this study suggested that Th17 cells from COPD patients presented elevated capacity to stimulate SNHG6 production.

Key words

Th17; SNHG6; COPD.

Pages: 1-6.

Online first articles

Role of Th22 Cells in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Francesco Ciccia, Kazuhisa Nakano

School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.

Abstract

T helper 22 (Th22) cells, a subset of CD4+ T cells, have been identified as key players in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Th22 cells secrete specific cytokines such as IL-22, IL-13, and TNF-α, which are implicated in inflammatory responses. Recent studies have highlighted the role of Th22 cells in RA, demonstrating their involvement in disease progression and severity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of Th22 cells, their effector mechanisms, and their role in the pathogenesis of RA. We will discuss the origin and characteristics of Th22 cells, their interaction with other immune cells, and the impact of their main effector cytokine, IL-22, on RA. The potential of Th22 cells as therapeutic targets for RA will also be explored. This review will contribute to the understanding of RA pathogenesis and may facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting Th22 cells.

Key words

Th22; rheumatoid arthritis; IL-22.

Pages: 1-4.

Online first articles

IL-10 from B cells Increases with the Treatment of Xuebijing and is Inversely Correlated with Haptoglobin in Sepsis

Song Chen, Weidong Song, Liyan Sun, Qian Zhang, Wei Song, Jian Wan  

Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, remains a significant global health challenge despite advancements in medical science. Novel therapeutic approaches are constantly being explored to improve clinical outcomes and reduce mortality rates. Xuebijing, a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, has gained attention in recent years for its potential in sepsis management. However, the therapeutic mechanism of Xuebijing remains unclear. In this study, we found that the frequency of IL-10+ B cells in sepsis rats was significantly increased after Xuebijing treatment. Also, B cells secreted higher level of IL-10 after Xuebijing treatment. Moreover, IL-10-producing B cells were enriched in CD27+B cells in sepsis rats. In addition, Xuebijing treatment decreased haptoglobin level in the sepsis rat model. Overall, these results that Xuebijing may treat sepsis by increasing IL-10 in B cells probably through haptoglobin.

Key words

IL-10; B cells; Xuebijing; haptoglobin; sepsis.

Pages: 1-6.

Online first articles

Potential Immune Checkpoints as Diagnostic Biomarkers in Lung Cancer

Frank Ehrenstein, Kieran Jordan 

Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Abstract

Lung cancer has been the main cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Because there is no biomarker for early detection, it is frequently detected late, at an advanced state. The introduction of multiple lines of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and NTRK mutations has modified the therapy of lung cancer. Immunotherapy advances have resulted in substantial improvements in overall survival and disease-free survival, making immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) a potential option for lung cancer treatment. Current PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 immunotherapies have resulted in important response and survival rates. However, existing medicines only function in around 20% of unselected, advanced NSCLC patients, and primary and acquired resistance remain unsolved obstacles. Understanding the tumor immune response and the search for new therapeutic targets leads to the improvement of therapeutic pathways directed at the tumor microenvironment. The present review aims to analyze potential immune checkpoints as diagnostic, prognostic, and response biomarkers in lung cancer, considering its results evidenced in the current literature.

Key words

Lung cancer; immune checkpoint; PD-1.

Pages: 1-5.

Online first articles

PMMA causes osteolysis by activating immune cell subset and dynamic nanoassembly prodrug binding PMMA may regulate osteolysis and osteosarcoma

Xingpeng Zhang, Kai Li, Shuai Han, Jian Wang 

Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong New Area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

PMMA has been extensively used in orthopedic surgery due to its excellent mechanical properties. However, PMMA can cause osteolysis and even osteosarcoma with the reason unidentified. In this study, we evaluated the mechanism of PMMA affecting osteolysis through immunity and the correlation between nanoassembly prodrug binding PMMA and osteolysis as well as osteosarcoma. Data showed that PMMA could stimulate cytokine production from CD4 T cells less effectively than anti-CD3/CD28 and in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, PMMA presented a direct cytotoxic effect on isolated CD4 T cells. Furthermore, dynamic nanoassembly prodrug binding PMMA could increase CD4 T cells in the osteolysis model and osteosarcoma model. Overall, these results suggest that PMMA causes osteolysis by activating immune cell subset and dynamic nanoassembly prodrug binding PMMA may regulate osteolysis and osteosarcoma.

Key words

PMMA; osteolysis; immune cell; nanoassembly prodrug; osteosarcoma.

Pages: 1-7.

Online first articles

CXCR3-CCR6+ T cells affect MMPs by expressing TNF-alpha and are associated with the prognosis of intracranial aneurysms

Jinxuan Wang

Department of Neurosurgery, Jining No. 2 People’s Hospital, Jining, Shandong, China.

Abstract

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are indolent conditions in the majority of affected individuals. However some IAs may rupture and result in subarachnoid hemorrhage, a critical and potentially fatal condition. There is an urgent need to identify individuals at risk of IA rupture. In this study, we found that both IFN-γ-expressing cells and TNF-α-expressing cells were elevated in CD4 T cells from patients with IA rupture. Interestingly, the relative abundance of TNF-α-expressing CD4 T cells, but not of the IFN-γ-expressing CD4 T cells, was significantly higher in IA patients. The former cell type was enriched in CXCR3-CCR6+ CD4 T cells while the latter was enriched in CXCR3+CCR6- CD4 T cells. Subsequently, we found that CXCR3-CCR6+ CD4 T cells, but not CXCR3+CCR6- CD4 T cells, could markedly upregulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression in a TNF-α-dependent manner. In addition, we found that patients who survived subarachnoid hemorrhage presented significantly lower levels of TNF-α-expressing CD4 T cells than patients who deceased. The level of IFN-γ-expressing CD4 T cells, on the other hand, was slightly lower in survived patients than in deceased patients. Overall, these studies demonstrate that IA patients with recent subarachnoid hemorrhage were enriched with TNF-α-producing CD4 T cells, which presented enhanced capacity to induce MMP expression and were positively associated with patient prognosis. 

Key words

CXCR3-CCR6+ T cell; intracranial aneurysm; matrix metalloproteinase.

Pages: 1-8.

ISSN 2817-6545

Recent Advances in the Management of Gastric Cancer

Zhenyu Song

Department of Immunology, DICAT Biomedical Computation Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Abstract

Gastric cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge, with its high incidence and mortality rates. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of gastric cancer, resulting in innovative diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic strategies. This comprehensive review article delves into the recent breakthroughs in gastric cancer research, spanning the spectrum from early detection and risk assessment to novel treatment approaches, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Moreover, we underscore the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in optimizing patient outcomes and shaping the future of gastric cancer management. 

Key words

Gastric cancer; treatment; management.

Pages: 1-4.

Pathological Insights into Parkinson's Disease: Unraveling the Intricacies of Neurodegeneration

Yuqing Wang

Department of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan. 

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms resulting from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of intracellular protein aggregates, including alpha-synuclein. This review article delves into the intricate pathology of PD, exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms, pathological hallmarks, and emerging therapeutic targets. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of PD and highlight the potential avenues for disease-modifying interventions.

Key words

Parkinson's disease; neurodegeneration; pathology.

Pages: 5-7.

Type 2 Diabetes and Immunity Exploring the Complex Interplay and Therapeutic Prospects

Yihui Rong

Department of Internal Medicine, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with profound implications for global health. Recent research has unveiled the intricate connection between T2DM and the immune system, highlighting bidirectional interactions that impact disease development and progression. This review article delves into the complex interplay between T2DM and immunity, examining the roles of chronic low-grade inflammation, immune cell dysregulation, and immunometabolism. Moreover, it explores emerging immunotherapeutic approaches that hold promise for ameliorating T2DM and its associated complications.

Key words

Type 2 Diabetes; immunity; treatment.

Pages: 8-9.

Advances in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Xiaoyan Li

Department of Oncology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy with significant global impact. Over the past few decades, there have been substantial advancements in the understanding of CRC pathogenesis, which have led to the development of diverse treatment strategies. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of CRC treatment, encompassing surgical approaches, adjuvant therapies, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and emerging therapeutic avenues. Additionally, it highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in optimizing patient outcomes.

Key words

Colorectal cancer; treatment; surgery.

Pages: 10-12.

CAR-T Cell Therapy: Transforming the Landscape of Cancer Treatment

Zhenyu Song

Department of Immunology, DICAT Biomedical Computation Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Abstract 

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach in cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients with refractory and relapsed malignancies. This review article comprehensively explores the science, development, clinical applications, challenges, and future prospects of CAR-T cell therapy. The paper delves into the intricate process of engineering CAR-T cells, the clinical successes achieved in hematological malignancies, the expansion to solid tumors, management of adverse events, and the ongoing efforts to refine and extend the therapeutic potential of CAR-T cell therapy.

Key words

CAR-T therapy; tumor; T cell.

Pages: 13-14.

PD-1 Pathway Blockade A Paradigm Shift in Cancer Immunotherapy

Xiaoyan Li

Department of Oncology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China.

Abstract

Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) pathway blockade has emerged as a groundbreaking therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. This review article delves into the intricate biology of the PD-1 pathway, highlighting its role in immune regulation and tumor immune evasion. The clinical development of PD-1 pathway inhibitors, including pembrolizumab and nivolumab, is explored, focusing on their remarkable successes in various malignancies. Additionally, the challenges, biomarkers, combination strategies, and future directions in PD-1 pathway blockade are discussed. As a transformative approach, PD-1 pathway blockade has redefined the landscape of cancer immunotherapy.

Key words

PD-1; cancer; immunotherapy; immune checkpoint.

Pages: 15-17.

The Global Burden of Stroke Current Status and Implications for Public Health

Yihui Rong

Department of Internal Medicine, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China.

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems and society. This comprehensive review article examines the current status of stroke on a global scale, encompassing epidemiology, risk factors, prevention strategies, treatment advances, and the socioeconomic impact of stroke. By analyzing regional disparities, emerging trends, and innovative interventions, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the global burden of stroke and inform strategies for effective stroke management and prevention.

Key words

Stroke; public health; management.

Pages: 18-19.