Post-translational modifications(PTMs)regulate the occurrence and development of cancer,and lactylation modification is a new form of PTMs.Recent studies have found that lactic acid modification can regulate the immun...Post-translational modifications(PTMs)regulate the occurrence and development of cancer,and lactylation modification is a new form of PTMs.Recent studies have found that lactic acid modification can regulate the immune tolerance of cancer cells.The classical theory holds that prostate apoptosis response-4(PAR-4)is a tumor suppressor protein.However,our recent research has found that PAR-4 has a biological function of promoting cancer in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and our analysis shows that PAR-4 can be modified of lactic acid.These research evidences suggest that PAR-4 lactylation modification may drive immune tolerance in HCC.Therefore,inhibiting PAR-4 lactylation modification is very likely to increase the sensitivity of HCC to immunotherapy.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma presents with three distinct immune phenotypes,including immune-desert,immune-excluded,and immune-inflamed,indicating various treatment responses and prognostic outcomes.The clinical applicati...Hepatocellular carcinoma presents with three distinct immune phenotypes,including immune-desert,immune-excluded,and immune-inflamed,indicating various treatment responses and prognostic outcomes.The clinical application of multi-omics parameters is still restricted by the expensive and less accessible assays,although they accurately reflect immune status.A comprehensive evaluation framework based on“easy-to-obtain”multi-model clinical parameters is urgently required,incorporating clinical features to establish baseline patient profiles and disease staging;routine blood tests assessing systemic metabolic and functional status;immune cell subsets quantifying subcluster dynamics;imaging features delineating tumor morphology,spatial configuration,and perilesional anatomical relationships;immunohistochemical markers positioning qualitative and quantitative detection of tumor antigens from the cellular and molecular level.This integrated phenomic approach aims to improve prognostic stratification and clinical decision-making in hepatocellular carcinoma management conveniently and practically.展开更多
Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system.They act as the first line of defense against pathogens and play essential roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair after brain insult or in neu...Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system.They act as the first line of defense against pathogens and play essential roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair after brain insult or in neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases(Borst et al.,2021).Together with infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages,microglia also play a critical role for brain tumor development,since immunosuppressive interactions between tumor cells and tumor-associated microglia and macrophages(TAM)are linked to malignant progression.This mechanism is of particular relevance in glioblastoma(GB),the deadliest form of brain cancer with a median overall survival of less than 15 months(Khan et al.,2023).Therefore,targeting microglia and macrophage activation is a promising strategy for therapeutic interference in brain disease.展开更多
AIM:To identify metastasis-associated prognostic genes and construct a robust molecular signature for survival prediction in uveal melanoma(UVM)patients.METHODS:Transcriptomic data and clinical information from 80 UVM...AIM:To identify metastasis-associated prognostic genes and construct a robust molecular signature for survival prediction in uveal melanoma(UVM)patients.METHODS:Transcriptomic data and clinical information from 80 UVM patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)-UVM cohort and an external Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)microarray dataset(GSE73652;8 non-metastatic vs 5 metastatic cases)were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Functional enrichment,proteinprotein interaction(PPI)network construction,and survival analyses identified seven metastasis-and prognosisrelated genes.Their expression was further examined using public single-cell RNA-seq data(GSE139829;11 tumors).Experimental validation was performed in UVM cell lines(92.1,OMM1,MEL270)and adult retinal pigment epithelial(ARPE-19)cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting to confirm transcriptomic trends.A LASSO Cox model was applied to construct a metastasis-related risk Score signature.Tumor immune microenvironment characteristics were evaluated via single-sample gene set enrichment analysis(ssGSEA)and ESTIMATE.Somatic mutation and copy number variation(CNV)profiles were also examined.RESULTS:Seven key genes(UBE2T,KIF20A,DLGAP5,KLC3,TPX2,UBE2C,AURKA)were significantly associated with overall survival and used to construct a metastasisrelated riskScore signature,which effectively stratified patients into high-and low-risk groups and served as an independent prognostic factor.qRT-PCR and Western blot results confirmed that the expression levels of selected key genes in UVM cell lines showed significant differences compared to ARPE-19 cells,which were largely consistent with the transcriptomic findings.The high-risk group exhibited reduced immune infiltration and stromal activity.Single-cell analysis revealed these genes were predominantly expressed in a tumor cell cluster characterized by BAP1 loss and high metastatic potential.Mutation and CNV analyses further supported the relevance of these genes to UVM progression.CONCLUSION:This study establishes and validates a seven-gene signature associated with metastasis and prognosis in UVM.The findings provide a framework for understanding molecular determinants of tumor progression and immune microenvironment alterations,and may offer guidance for future mechanistic studies and therapeutic exploration.展开更多
Small intestinal villi are essential for nutrient absorption,and their impairment can lead to malabsorption.Small intestinal villous atrophy(VA)encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders,including immune-mediated ...Small intestinal villi are essential for nutrient absorption,and their impairment can lead to malabsorption.Small intestinal villous atrophy(VA)encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders,including immune-mediated conditions(e.g.,celiac disease,autoimmune enteropathy,inborn errors of immunity),lymphoproliferative disorders(e.g.,enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma),infectious causes(e.g.,tropical sprue,Whipple’s disease),iatrogenic factors(e.g.,Olmesartanassociated enteropathy,graft-vs-host disease),as well as inflammatory and idiopathic types.These disorders are often rare and challenging to distinguish due to overlapping clinical,serological,endoscopic,and histopathological features.Through a systematic literature search using keywords such as small intestinal VA,malabsorption,and specific enteropathies,this review provides a comprehensive overview of diagnostic clues for VA and malabsorption.We systematically summarize the pathological characteristics of each condition to assist pathologists and clinicians in accurately identifying the underlying etiologies.Current studies still have many limitations and lack broader and deeper investigations into these diseases.Therefore,future research should focus on the development of novel diagnostic tools,predictive models,therapeutic targets,and mechanistic molecular studies to refine both diagnosis and management strategies.展开更多
A clone selection algorithm for computer immune system is presented. Clone selection principles in biological immune system are applied to the domain of computer virus detection. Based on the negative selection algori...A clone selection algorithm for computer immune system is presented. Clone selection principles in biological immune system are applied to the domain of computer virus detection. Based on the negative selection algorithm proposed by Stephanie Forrest, combining mutation operator in genetic algorithms and niching strategy in biology is adopted, the number of detectors is decreased effectively and the ability on self-nonself discrimination is improved. Simulation experiment shows that the algorithm is simple, practical and is adapted to the discrimination for long files.展开更多
The primary mechanism of secondary injury after cerebral ischemia may be the brain inflammation that emerges after an ischemic stroke,which promotes neuronal death and inhibits nerve tissue regeneration.As the first i...The primary mechanism of secondary injury after cerebral ischemia may be the brain inflammation that emerges after an ischemic stroke,which promotes neuronal death and inhibits nerve tissue regeneration.As the first immune cells to be activated after an ischemic stroke,microglia play an important immunomodulatory role in the progression of the condition.After an ischemic stroke,peripheral blood immune cells(mainly T cells)are recruited to the central nervous system by chemokines secreted by immune cells in the brain,where they interact with central nervous system cells(mainly microglia)to trigger a secondary neuroimmune response.This review summarizes the interactions between T cells and microglia in the immune-inflammatory processes of ischemic stroke.We found that,during ischemic stroke,T cells and microglia demonstrate a more pronounced synergistic effect.Th1,Th17,and M1 microglia can co-secrete proinflammatory factors,such as interferon-γ,tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-1β,to promote neuroinflammation and exacerbate brain injury.Th2,Treg,and M2 microglia jointly secrete anti-inflammatory factors,such as interleukin-4,interleukin-10,and transforming growth factor-β,to inhibit the progression of neuroinflammation,as well as growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor to promote nerve regeneration and repair brain injury.Immune interactions between microglia and T cells influence the direction of the subsequent neuroinflammation,which in turn determines the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients.Clinical trials have been conducted on the ways to modulate the interactions between T cells and microglia toward anti-inflammatory communication using the immunosuppressant fingolimod or overdosing with Treg cells to promote neural tissue repair and reduce the damage caused by ischemic stroke.However,such studies have been relatively infrequent,and clinical experience is still insufficient.In summary,in ischemic stroke,T cell subsets and activated microglia act synergistically to regulate inflammatory progression,mainly by secreting inflammatory factors.In the future,a key research direction for ischemic stroke treatment could be rooted in the enhancement of anti-inflammatory factor secretion by promoting the generation of Th2 and Treg cells,along with the activation of M2-type microglia.These approaches may alleviate neuroinflammation and facilitate the repair of neural tissues.展开更多
Meningeal lymphatic vessels form a relationship between the nervous system and periphery, which is relevant in both health and disease. Meningeal lymphatic vessels not only play a key role in the drainage of brain met...Meningeal lymphatic vessels form a relationship between the nervous system and periphery, which is relevant in both health and disease. Meningeal lymphatic vessels not only play a key role in the drainage of brain metabolites but also contribute to antigen delivery and immune cell activation. The advent of novel genomic technologies has enabled rapid progress in the characterization of myeloid and lymphoid cells and their interactions with meningeal lymphatic vessels within the central nervous system. In this review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted roles of meningeal lymphatic vessels within the context of the central nervous system immune network, highlighting recent discoveries on the immunological niche provided by meningeal lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, we delve into the mechanisms of crosstalk between meningeal lymphatic vessels and immune cells in the central nervous system under both homeostatic conditions and neurodegenerative diseases, discussing how these interactions shape the pathological outcomes. Regulation of meningeal lymphatic vessel function and structure can influence lymphatic drainage, cerebrospinal fluid-borne immune modulators, and immune cell populations in aging and neurodegenerative disorders, thereby playing a key role in shaping meningeal and brain parenchyma immunity.展开更多
BACKGROUND In recent years,numerous reports have been published regarding the relationship between the gut microbiota and the tumor immune microenvironment(TIME).However,to date,no systematic study has been conducted ...BACKGROUND In recent years,numerous reports have been published regarding the relationship between the gut microbiota and the tumor immune microenvironment(TIME).However,to date,no systematic study has been conducted on the relationship between gut microbiota and the TIME using bibliometric methods.AIM To describe the current global research status on the correlation between gut microbiota and the TIME,and to identify the most influential countries,research institutions,researchers,and research hotspots related to this topic.METHODS We searched for all literature related to gut microbiota and TIME published from January 1,2014,to May 28,2024,in the Web of Science Core Collection database.We then conducted a bibliometric analysis and created visual maps of the published literature on countries,institutions,authors,keywords,references,etc.,using CiteSpace(6.2R6),VOSviewer(1.6.20),and bibliometrics(based on R 4.3.2).RESULTS In total,491 documents were included,with a rapid increase in the number of publications starting in 2019.The country with the highest number of publications was China,followed by the United States.Germany has the highest number of citations in literature.From a centrality perspective,the United States has the highest influence in this field.The institutions with the highest number of publications were Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Zhejiang University.However,the institution with the most citations was the United States National Cancer Institute.Among authors,Professor Giorgio Trinchieri from the National Institutes of Health has the most local impact in this field.The most cited author was Fan XZ.The results of journal publications showed that the top three journals with the highest number of published papers were Frontiers in Immunology,Cancers,and Frontiers in Oncology.The three most frequently used keywords were gut microbiota,tumor microenvironment,and immunotherapy.CONCLUSION This study systematically elaborates on the research progress related to gut microbiota and TIME over the past decade.Research results indicate that the number of publications has rapidly increased since 2019,with research hotspots including“gut microbiota”,“tumor microenvironment”and“immunotherapy”.Exploring the effects of specific gut microbiota or derived metabolites on the behavior of immune cells in the TIME,regulating the secretion of immune molecules,and influencing immunotherapy are research hotspots and future research directions.展开更多
Drug delivery systems(DDS)have recently emerged as a promising approach for the unique advantages of drug protection and targeted delivery.However,the access of nanoparticles/drugs to the central nervous system(CNS)re...Drug delivery systems(DDS)have recently emerged as a promising approach for the unique advantages of drug protection and targeted delivery.However,the access of nanoparticles/drugs to the central nervous system(CNS)remains a challenge mainly due to the obstruction from brain barriers.Immune cells infiltrating the CNS in the pathological state have inspired the development of strategies for CNS foundation drug delivery.Herein,we outline the three major brain barriers in the CNS and the mechanisms by which immune cells migrate across the blood–brain barrier.We subsequently review biomimetic strategies utilizing immune cell-based nanoparticles for the delivery of nanoparticles/drugs to the CNS,as well as recent progress in rationally engineering immune cell-based DDS for CNS diseases.Finally,we discuss the challenges and opportunities of immune cell-based DDS in CNS diseases to promote their clinical development.展开更多
Dysfunction of anti-tumor immune responses is crucial for cancer progression. Immune checkpoint blockade(ICB), which can potentiate T cell responses, is an effective strategy for the normalization of host anti-tumor i...Dysfunction of anti-tumor immune responses is crucial for cancer progression. Immune checkpoint blockade(ICB), which can potentiate T cell responses, is an effective strategy for the normalization of host anti-tumor immunity. In recent years, immune checkpoints, expressed on both tumor cells and immune cells, have been identified;some of them have exhibited potential druggability and have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for clinical treatment. However, limited responses and immune-related adverse events(ir AEs) cannot be ignored. This review outlines the development and applications of ICBs, potential strategies for overcoming resistance, and future directions for ICB-based cancer immunotherapy.展开更多
BACKGROUND Patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)generally have good survival rates following surgical resection.However,a subset of these patients experience recurrence within five years post-surgery...BACKGROUND Patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)generally have good survival rates following surgical resection.However,a subset of these patients experience recurrence within five years post-surgery.AIM To develop predictive models utilizing machine learning(ML)methods to detect early-stage patients at a high risk of mortality.METHODS Eight hundred and eight patients with HCC at Beijing Ditan Hospital were randomly allocated to training and validation cohorts in a 2:1 ratio.Prognostic models were generated using random survival forests and artificial neural networks(ANNs).These ML models were compared with other classic HCC scoring systems.A decision-tree model was established to validate the contri-bution of immune-inflammatory indicators to the long-term outlook of patients with early-stage HCC.RESULTS Immune-inflammatory markers,albumin-bilirubin scores,alpha-fetoprotein,tumor size,and International Normalized Ratio were closely associated with the 5-year survival rates.Among various predictive models,the ANN model gene-rated using these indicators through ML algorithms exhibited superior perfor-mance,with a 5-year area under the curve(AUC)of 0.85(95%CI:0.82-0.88).In the validation cohort,the 5-year AUC was 0.82(95%CI:0.74-0.85).According to the ANN model,patients were classified into high-risk and low-risk groups,with an overall survival hazard ratio of 7.98(95%CI:5.85-10.93,P<0.0001)between the two cohorts.INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the six most prevalent cancers[1]and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality[2].China has some of the highest incidence and mortality rates for liver cancer,accounting for half of global cases[3,4].The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)Staging System is the most widely used framework for diagnosing and treating HCC[5].The optimal candidates for surgical treatment are those with early-stage HCC,classified as BCLC stage 0 or A.Patients with early-stage liver cancer typically have a better prognosis after surgical resection,achieving a 5-year survival rate of 60%-70%[6].However,the high postoperative recurrence rates of HCC remain a major obstacle to long-term efficacy.To improve the prognosis of patients with early-stage HCC,it is necessary to develop models that can identify those with poor prognoses,enabling stratified and personalized treatment and follow-up strategies.Chronic inflammation is linked to the development and advancement of tumors[7].Recently,peripheral blood immune indicators,such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio(LMR),have garnered extensive attention and have been used to predict survival in various tumors and inflammation-related diseases[8-10].However,the relationship between these combinations of immune markers and the outcomes in patients with early-stage HCC require further investigation.Machine learning(ML)algorithms are capable of handling large and complex datasets,generating more accurate and personalized predictions through unique training algorithms that better manage nonlinear statistical relationships than traditional analytical methods.Commonly used ML models include artificial neural networks(ANNs)and random survival forests(RSFs),which have shown satisfactory accuracy in prognostic predictions across various cancers and other diseases[11-13].ANNs have performed well in identifying the progression from liver cirrhosis to HCC and predicting overall survival(OS)in patients with HCC[14,15].However,no studies have confirmed the ability of ML models to predict post-surgical survival in patients with early-stage HCC.Through ML,a better understanding of the risk factors for early-stage HCC prognosis can be achieved.This aids in surgical decision-making,identifying patients at a high risk of mortality,and selecting subsequent treatment strategies.In this study,we aimed to establish a 5-year prognostic model for patients with early-stage HCC after surgical resection,based on ML and systemic immune-inflammatory indicators.This model seeks to improve the early monitoring of high-risk patients and provide personalized treatment plans.展开更多
The immune system is involved in many age-related pathological changes,also plays an important role in tissue regeneration after injury.But no immune involvement has been discussed regarding cataract since it is presu...The immune system is involved in many age-related pathological changes,also plays an important role in tissue regeneration after injury.But no immune involvement has been discussed regarding cataract since it is presumed that lens has no source of immune cells as an avascular zone.Latest research has challenged the longstanding view of the lens as an immune-privileged tissue,revealing the presence of resident immune cells and active immune responses within the lens.Thus,we summarized the immune involvement in maintaining lens homeostasis,which may be a deleterious role in the induction of lens opacification if inappropriately activated.Furthermore,bioengineer-based immunomodulatory therapies to fine-tune the micro immune environment within lens may be future strategies for in situ lens regeneration,as a novel treatment for cataract.展开更多
Mitochondria play a crucial role as organelles,managing several physiological processes such as redox balance,cell metabolism,and energy synthesis.Initially,the assumption was that mitochondria primarily resided in th...Mitochondria play a crucial role as organelles,managing several physiological processes such as redox balance,cell metabolism,and energy synthesis.Initially,the assumption was that mitochondria primarily resided in the host cells and could exclusively transmit from oocytes to offspring by a mechanism known as vertical inheritance of mitochondria.Recent scholarly works,however,suggest that certain cell types transmit their mitochondria to other developmental cell types via a mechanism referred to as intercellular or horizontal mitochondrial transfer.This review details the process of which mitochondria are transferred across cells and explains the impact of mitochondrial transfer between cells on the efficacy and functionality of cancer cells in various cancer forms.Specifically,we review the role of mitochondria transfer in regulating cellular metabolism restoration,excess reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation,proliferation,invasion,metastasis,mitophagy activation,mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)inheritance,immune system modulation and therapeutic resistance in cancer.Additionally,we highlight the possibility of using intercellular mitochondria transfer as a therapeutic approach to treat cancer and enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments.展开更多
In this article,we comment on the work published by Huang et al,which explores the mechanisms by which Calculus bovis(CB)modulates the liver cancer immune microenvironment via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.The...In this article,we comment on the work published by Huang et al,which explores the mechanisms by which Calculus bovis(CB)modulates the liver cancer immune microenvironment via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.The study demon-strates that active components in CB effectively inhibit the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,significantly reducing the polarization of M2 tumor-associated macrophages.Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have validated the anti-tumour effects of CB,revealing its complex mechanisms of action through the modulation of immune cell functions within the tumour microenvironment.This article highlights CB’s therapeutic potential in liver cancer treatment and calls for further investigations into its mechanisms and clinical applications to develop safer,more effective options for patients.The study also revealed that key com-ponents of CB,such as bilirubin and bile acids,inhibit tumour cell proliferation and promote apoptosis through multiple pathways.Future research should explore the mechanisms of action of CB and its potential integration with existing treatments to improve the therapeutic outcomes of liver cancer patients.With multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced research,CB could become a key component of comprehensive liver cancer treatment,offering new hope for patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has been a pervasive malignancy throughout the world with elevated mortality.Efficient therapeutic targets are beneficial to treat and predict the disease.Currently,the exact mo...BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has been a pervasive malignancy throughout the world with elevated mortality.Efficient therapeutic targets are beneficial to treat and predict the disease.Currently,the exact molecular mechanisms leading to the progression of HCC are still unclear.Research has shown that the microRNA-142-3p level decreases in HCC,whereas bioinformatics analysis of the cancer genome atlas database shows the ASH1L expression increased among liver tumor tissues.In this paper,we will explore the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L affect the prognosis of HCC patients and HCC cell bioactivity,and the association between them.AIM To investigate the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L on the HCC cell bioactivity and prognosis of HCC patients.METHODS In this study,we grouped HCC patients according to their immunohistochemistry results of ASH1L with pathological tissues,and retrospectively analyzed the prognosis of HCC patients.Furthermore,explored the roles and mechanisms of microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L by cellular and animal experiments,which involved the following experimental methods:Immunohistochemical staining,western blot,quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction,flow cytometric analysis,tumor xenografts in nude mice,etc.The statistical methods involved in this study contained t-test,one-way analysis of variance,theχ^(2)test,the Kaplan-Meier approach and the log-rank test.RESULTS In this study,we found that HCC patients with high expression of ASH1L possess a more recurrence rate as well as a decreased overall survival rate.ASH1L promotes the tumorigenicity of HCC and microRNA-142-3p exhibits reduced expression in HCC tissues and interacts with ASH1L through targeting the ASH1L 3′untranslated region.Furthermore,microRNA-142-3p promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation,invasion,and migration of HCC cell lines in vitro via ASH1L.For the exploration mechanism,we found ASH1L may promote an immunosuppressive microenvironment in HCC and ASH1L affects the expression of the cell junction protein zonula occludens-1,which is potentially relevant to the immune system.CONCLUSION Loss function of microRNA-142-3p induces cancer progression and immune evasion through upregulation of ASH1L in HCC.Both microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L can feature as new biomarker for HCC in the future.展开更多
Objective:Small cell lung cancer(SCLC)is commonly recognized as the most fatal lung cancer type.Despite substantial advances in immune checkpoint blockade therapies for treating solid cancers,their benefits are limite...Objective:Small cell lung cancer(SCLC)is commonly recognized as the most fatal lung cancer type.Despite substantial advances in immune checkpoint blockade therapies for treating solid cancers,their benefits are limited to a minority of patients with SCLC.In the present study,novel indicators for predicting the outcomes and molecular targets for SCLC treatment were elucidated.Methods:We conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in SCLC.The functional role of the key gene identified in SCLC was determined both in vitro and in vivo.Results:A significant correlation was observed between patient survival and CD56dim natural killer(NK)cell proportion.Furthermore,we noted that the hub gene ubiquitin-specific protease 1(USP1)is closely correlated with both CD56dim NK cells and overall survival in SCLC.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that USP1 is upregulated in SCLC.In addition,gene set enrichment analysis revealed that USP1 overexpression hinders NK cell-mediated immune responses.By co-cultivating NK-92 cells with SCLC cells,we demonstrated that NK cell cytotoxicity against SCLC could be improved either via USP1 knock-down or pharmacological inhibition.Furthermore,using a nude-mice xenograft tumor model,we noted that USP1 inhibition effectively suppressed tumor proliferation and increased the expression of NK cell-associated markers.Conclusions:Our study findings highlight the importance of NK cells in regulating SCLC.USP1 overexpression can inhibit NK cell-mediated immunity;therefore,USP1 may serve not only as a prognostic biomarker but also as a potential molecular target of SCLC therapy.展开更多
BACKGROUND Rheumatic immune diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory diseases charac-terized by joint and systemic multi-organ involvement,including rheumatoid arthritis,systemic lupus erythematosus,and Sjogren’s...BACKGROUND Rheumatic immune diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory diseases charac-terized by joint and systemic multi-organ involvement,including rheumatoid arthritis,systemic lupus erythematosus,and Sjogren’s syndrome,among others.The pathogenesis of these diseases is related to the abnormal activation and regulatory imbalance of the immune system.The prevalence and morbidity of rheumatic immune diseases are high,imposing a significant burden on patients'quality of life and socio-economic costs.Currently,the treatment of rheumatic immune diseases mainly relies on Western medicine,such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,glucocorticoids,disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs,and biologics.However,the therapeutic effects of Western medicine are not ideal,some patients poorly respond or are resistant to Western medicine,and long-term use often causes various adverse reactions.AIM To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii gly-cosides tablets combined with Western medicine in the treatment of patients with rheumatic immune diseases.METHODS This study conducted a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine for patients with rheumatic immune diseases.Chinese and English databases were searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the treatment of rheumatic immune diseases with Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.RESULTS The meta-analysis included 11 RCTs involving 1026 patients with rheumatic immune diseases.The combined treatment significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence(relative risk=1.07,95%confidence interval:1.01-1.15,P<0.05)and showed no significant heterogeneity(I2=0%,P=0.53),indicating that Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine is an effective method to reduce the possibility of postoperative recurrence in patients with rheumatic immune diseases.However,due to the limited number and quality of the studies included,these results should be interpreted with caution.CONCLUSION Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with rheumatic immune diseases and can be considered a clinical choice.However,more high-quality research is needed to validate this conclusion and provide more solid evidence for clinical practice.展开更多
Background:Aberrant expression of RNA-binding proteins(RBPs)has been linked to a variety of diseases,including hematological disorders,cardiovascular diseases,and multiple types of cancer.Heterogeneous nuclear ribonuc...Background:Aberrant expression of RNA-binding proteins(RBPs)has been linked to a variety of diseases,including hematological disorders,cardiovascular diseases,and multiple types of cancer.Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C(HNRNPC),a member belonging to the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein(hnRNP)family,plays a pivotal role in nucleic acid metabolism.Previous studies have underscored the significance of HNRNPC in tumorigenesis;however,its specific role in malignant tumor progression remains inadequately characterized.Methods:We leveraged publicly available databases,including The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA),to explore the potential involvement of HNRNPC across various cancers.Additionally,we performed experimental validation studies focused on liver cancer.Results:Our analysis revealed that HNRNPC is overexpressed in a wide range of common malignancies,including liver and lung cancers,and is strongly linked to unfavorable outcomes.Furthermore,HNRNPC was observed to be closely linked to tumor immunity.Through immune checkpoint analysis and immune cell infiltration assessment,HNRNPC emerged as a potential target for modulating tumor immunotherapy.Notably,silencing of HNRNPC markedly inhibited the proliferation,metastasis,and infiltration of liver cancer cells.Conclusion:In summary,our findings highlight HNRNPC as a prognostic marker in various cancers,including liver cancer,and suggest its involvement in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment.These insights offer potential avenues for improving clinical outcomes in tumors with elevated HNRNPC expression,particularly through immunotherapeutic strategies.展开更多
AIM:Regulatory T cells(Tregs)are a specialized subset of CD4^(+)T cells primarily involved in im⁃munosuppressive functions.AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)serves as a metabolic sensor that governs the differen⁃tiati...AIM:Regulatory T cells(Tregs)are a specialized subset of CD4^(+)T cells primarily involved in im⁃munosuppressive functions.AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)serves as a metabolic sensor that governs the differen⁃tiation,maturation,and immune functions of Tregs through metabolic reprogramming.However,the impact of AMPKα1(the catalytic subunit of AMPK)knockout specifically in Tregs on the host's immune microenvironment remains largely un⁃explored.METHODS:Histological changes in immune organs were assessed using HE staining.The types of immune cells and their relative population percentages in immune organs and blood were quantified through flow cytometry in both AMPKα1flox/flox(AMPKα1^(fl/fl))mice and Treg-specific AMPKα1 knockout mice(AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice).RESULTS:Compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice,the percentage of eosinophils in the bone marrow of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice was significant⁃ly reduced.Additionally,while the thymus of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice exhibited normal structure,both its size and the ratio of thymus weight to body weight were significantly decreased.The knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs led to a notable reduction in the total percentage of immature double-negative(DN)cells.Consequently,the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells derived from these DN cells also decreased,even though the percentages of DN1 and DN4 cells were higher in the thymus of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.Importantly,the proportion of Siglec-F+CD11b^(+)eosinophils in the thymus was significantly lower in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice.Knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs resulted in a marked increase in the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells in peripheral blood,alongside a decrease in the proportion of mature CD8^(+)T cells.Similarly,the proportion of CD4^(+)T cells in the spleen of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice was elevated compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.In contrast,the proportion of neutrophils significantly decreased,while mononuclear cell proportions increased in the spleen of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice.In lymph nodes,the medullary boundaries in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice were blurred,and the lymphoid follicles were missing,a feature not observed in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.Furthermore,the knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs reduced the CD3^(+)T cell population,particularly the CD8^(+)T cell population,in lymph nodes.Although the mature Treg cell population was significantly lower in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice,the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells was markedly in⁃creased.In contrast,there was no statistically significant difference in granulocyte populations between AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)and AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.CONCLUSION:The populations of mature Tregs,CD8^(+)T cells and eosinophils in various im⁃mune organs were significantly altered in mice with Treg-specific AMPKα1 knockout,suggesting a potential remodeling of the host immune microenvironment in response to inflammatory stimuli.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82573045,82460602,82560459)the Hainan Provincial Graduate Student Innovative Research Project(No.Qhys2024-440).
文摘Post-translational modifications(PTMs)regulate the occurrence and development of cancer,and lactylation modification is a new form of PTMs.Recent studies have found that lactic acid modification can regulate the immune tolerance of cancer cells.The classical theory holds that prostate apoptosis response-4(PAR-4)is a tumor suppressor protein.However,our recent research has found that PAR-4 has a biological function of promoting cancer in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and our analysis shows that PAR-4 can be modified of lactic acid.These research evidences suggest that PAR-4 lactylation modification may drive immune tolerance in HCC.Therefore,inhibiting PAR-4 lactylation modification is very likely to increase the sensitivity of HCC to immunotherapy.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma presents with three distinct immune phenotypes,including immune-desert,immune-excluded,and immune-inflamed,indicating various treatment responses and prognostic outcomes.The clinical application of multi-omics parameters is still restricted by the expensive and less accessible assays,although they accurately reflect immune status.A comprehensive evaluation framework based on“easy-to-obtain”multi-model clinical parameters is urgently required,incorporating clinical features to establish baseline patient profiles and disease staging;routine blood tests assessing systemic metabolic and functional status;immune cell subsets quantifying subcluster dynamics;imaging features delineating tumor morphology,spatial configuration,and perilesional anatomical relationships;immunohistochemical markers positioning qualitative and quantitative detection of tumor antigens from the cellular and molecular level.This integrated phenomic approach aims to improve prognostic stratification and clinical decision-making in hepatocellular carcinoma management conveniently and practically.
基金Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG,German Research Foundation),project numbers 324633948 and 409784463(DFG grants Hi 678/9-3 and Hi 678/10-2,FOR2953)to HHBundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung-BMBF,project number 16LW0463K to HT.
文摘Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system.They act as the first line of defense against pathogens and play essential roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair after brain insult or in neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases(Borst et al.,2021).Together with infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages,microglia also play a critical role for brain tumor development,since immunosuppressive interactions between tumor cells and tumor-associated microglia and macrophages(TAM)are linked to malignant progression.This mechanism is of particular relevance in glioblastoma(GB),the deadliest form of brain cancer with a median overall survival of less than 15 months(Khan et al.,2023).Therefore,targeting microglia and macrophage activation is a promising strategy for therapeutic interference in brain disease.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82460215)National Natural Science Foundation of China Pre-experimental Project(No.2025GZRYSY006)+4 种基金2025 Youth Training Project of the Xi’an Municipal Health Commission(No.2025qn05)Xi’an Medical Research-Discipline Capacity Building Project(No.23YXYJ0002)Key R&D Plan of Shaanxi Province:Key Industrial Innovation Chain(Cluster)-Social Development Field(No.2022ZDLSF03-10)Research Incubation Fund of Xi’an People’s Hospital(Xi’an Fourth HospitalNo.LH-13).
文摘AIM:To identify metastasis-associated prognostic genes and construct a robust molecular signature for survival prediction in uveal melanoma(UVM)patients.METHODS:Transcriptomic data and clinical information from 80 UVM patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)-UVM cohort and an external Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)microarray dataset(GSE73652;8 non-metastatic vs 5 metastatic cases)were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Functional enrichment,proteinprotein interaction(PPI)network construction,and survival analyses identified seven metastasis-and prognosisrelated genes.Their expression was further examined using public single-cell RNA-seq data(GSE139829;11 tumors).Experimental validation was performed in UVM cell lines(92.1,OMM1,MEL270)and adult retinal pigment epithelial(ARPE-19)cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting to confirm transcriptomic trends.A LASSO Cox model was applied to construct a metastasis-related risk Score signature.Tumor immune microenvironment characteristics were evaluated via single-sample gene set enrichment analysis(ssGSEA)and ESTIMATE.Somatic mutation and copy number variation(CNV)profiles were also examined.RESULTS:Seven key genes(UBE2T,KIF20A,DLGAP5,KLC3,TPX2,UBE2C,AURKA)were significantly associated with overall survival and used to construct a metastasisrelated riskScore signature,which effectively stratified patients into high-and low-risk groups and served as an independent prognostic factor.qRT-PCR and Western blot results confirmed that the expression levels of selected key genes in UVM cell lines showed significant differences compared to ARPE-19 cells,which were largely consistent with the transcriptomic findings.The high-risk group exhibited reduced immune infiltration and stromal activity.Single-cell analysis revealed these genes were predominantly expressed in a tumor cell cluster characterized by BAP1 loss and high metastatic potential.Mutation and CNV analyses further supported the relevance of these genes to UVM progression.CONCLUSION:This study establishes and validates a seven-gene signature associated with metastasis and prognosis in UVM.The findings provide a framework for understanding molecular determinants of tumor progression and immune microenvironment alterations,and may offer guidance for future mechanistic studies and therapeutic exploration.
基金Supported by National High-Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding,No.2022-PUMCH-B-022,and No.2022-PUMCH-D-002CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences,No.CIFMS 2021-1-I2M-003Undergraduate Innovation Program,No.2024dcxm025.
文摘Small intestinal villi are essential for nutrient absorption,and their impairment can lead to malabsorption.Small intestinal villous atrophy(VA)encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders,including immune-mediated conditions(e.g.,celiac disease,autoimmune enteropathy,inborn errors of immunity),lymphoproliferative disorders(e.g.,enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma),infectious causes(e.g.,tropical sprue,Whipple’s disease),iatrogenic factors(e.g.,Olmesartanassociated enteropathy,graft-vs-host disease),as well as inflammatory and idiopathic types.These disorders are often rare and challenging to distinguish due to overlapping clinical,serological,endoscopic,and histopathological features.Through a systematic literature search using keywords such as small intestinal VA,malabsorption,and specific enteropathies,this review provides a comprehensive overview of diagnostic clues for VA and malabsorption.We systematically summarize the pathological characteristics of each condition to assist pathologists and clinicians in accurately identifying the underlying etiologies.Current studies still have many limitations and lack broader and deeper investigations into these diseases.Therefore,future research should focus on the development of novel diagnostic tools,predictive models,therapeutic targets,and mechanistic molecular studies to refine both diagnosis and management strategies.
文摘A clone selection algorithm for computer immune system is presented. Clone selection principles in biological immune system are applied to the domain of computer virus detection. Based on the negative selection algorithm proposed by Stephanie Forrest, combining mutation operator in genetic algorithms and niching strategy in biology is adopted, the number of detectors is decreased effectively and the ability on self-nonself discrimination is improved. Simulation experiment shows that the algorithm is simple, practical and is adapted to the discrimination for long files.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82104560(to CL),U21A20400(to QW)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,No.7232279(to XW)the Project of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,No.2022-JYB-JBZR-004(to XW)。
文摘The primary mechanism of secondary injury after cerebral ischemia may be the brain inflammation that emerges after an ischemic stroke,which promotes neuronal death and inhibits nerve tissue regeneration.As the first immune cells to be activated after an ischemic stroke,microglia play an important immunomodulatory role in the progression of the condition.After an ischemic stroke,peripheral blood immune cells(mainly T cells)are recruited to the central nervous system by chemokines secreted by immune cells in the brain,where they interact with central nervous system cells(mainly microglia)to trigger a secondary neuroimmune response.This review summarizes the interactions between T cells and microglia in the immune-inflammatory processes of ischemic stroke.We found that,during ischemic stroke,T cells and microglia demonstrate a more pronounced synergistic effect.Th1,Th17,and M1 microglia can co-secrete proinflammatory factors,such as interferon-γ,tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-1β,to promote neuroinflammation and exacerbate brain injury.Th2,Treg,and M2 microglia jointly secrete anti-inflammatory factors,such as interleukin-4,interleukin-10,and transforming growth factor-β,to inhibit the progression of neuroinflammation,as well as growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor to promote nerve regeneration and repair brain injury.Immune interactions between microglia and T cells influence the direction of the subsequent neuroinflammation,which in turn determines the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients.Clinical trials have been conducted on the ways to modulate the interactions between T cells and microglia toward anti-inflammatory communication using the immunosuppressant fingolimod or overdosing with Treg cells to promote neural tissue repair and reduce the damage caused by ischemic stroke.However,such studies have been relatively infrequent,and clinical experience is still insufficient.In summary,in ischemic stroke,T cell subsets and activated microglia act synergistically to regulate inflammatory progression,mainly by secreting inflammatory factors.In the future,a key research direction for ischemic stroke treatment could be rooted in the enhancement of anti-inflammatory factor secretion by promoting the generation of Th2 and Treg cells,along with the activation of M2-type microglia.These approaches may alleviate neuroinflammation and facilitate the repair of neural tissues.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.82274616the Key Laboratory Project for General Universities in Guangdong Province, No.2019KSYS005Guangdong Province Science and Technology Plan International Cooperation Project, No.2020A0505100052 (all to QW)。
文摘Meningeal lymphatic vessels form a relationship between the nervous system and periphery, which is relevant in both health and disease. Meningeal lymphatic vessels not only play a key role in the drainage of brain metabolites but also contribute to antigen delivery and immune cell activation. The advent of novel genomic technologies has enabled rapid progress in the characterization of myeloid and lymphoid cells and their interactions with meningeal lymphatic vessels within the central nervous system. In this review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted roles of meningeal lymphatic vessels within the context of the central nervous system immune network, highlighting recent discoveries on the immunological niche provided by meningeal lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, we delve into the mechanisms of crosstalk between meningeal lymphatic vessels and immune cells in the central nervous system under both homeostatic conditions and neurodegenerative diseases, discussing how these interactions shape the pathological outcomes. Regulation of meningeal lymphatic vessel function and structure can influence lymphatic drainage, cerebrospinal fluid-borne immune modulators, and immune cell populations in aging and neurodegenerative disorders, thereby playing a key role in shaping meningeal and brain parenchyma immunity.
基金Supported by the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Project,No.21010504300Shanghai Jiading District Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Specialty Construction Project,No.2020-JDZYYZDZK-01.
文摘BACKGROUND In recent years,numerous reports have been published regarding the relationship between the gut microbiota and the tumor immune microenvironment(TIME).However,to date,no systematic study has been conducted on the relationship between gut microbiota and the TIME using bibliometric methods.AIM To describe the current global research status on the correlation between gut microbiota and the TIME,and to identify the most influential countries,research institutions,researchers,and research hotspots related to this topic.METHODS We searched for all literature related to gut microbiota and TIME published from January 1,2014,to May 28,2024,in the Web of Science Core Collection database.We then conducted a bibliometric analysis and created visual maps of the published literature on countries,institutions,authors,keywords,references,etc.,using CiteSpace(6.2R6),VOSviewer(1.6.20),and bibliometrics(based on R 4.3.2).RESULTS In total,491 documents were included,with a rapid increase in the number of publications starting in 2019.The country with the highest number of publications was China,followed by the United States.Germany has the highest number of citations in literature.From a centrality perspective,the United States has the highest influence in this field.The institutions with the highest number of publications were Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Zhejiang University.However,the institution with the most citations was the United States National Cancer Institute.Among authors,Professor Giorgio Trinchieri from the National Institutes of Health has the most local impact in this field.The most cited author was Fan XZ.The results of journal publications showed that the top three journals with the highest number of published papers were Frontiers in Immunology,Cancers,and Frontiers in Oncology.The three most frequently used keywords were gut microbiota,tumor microenvironment,and immunotherapy.CONCLUSION This study systematically elaborates on the research progress related to gut microbiota and TIME over the past decade.Research results indicate that the number of publications has rapidly increased since 2019,with research hotspots including“gut microbiota”,“tumor microenvironment”and“immunotherapy”.Exploring the effects of specific gut microbiota or derived metabolites on the behavior of immune cells in the TIME,regulating the secretion of immune molecules,and influencing immunotherapy are research hotspots and future research directions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82204634,82174047,81622051)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LQ22H280010)the Foundation of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University(2021ZR03).
文摘Drug delivery systems(DDS)have recently emerged as a promising approach for the unique advantages of drug protection and targeted delivery.However,the access of nanoparticles/drugs to the central nervous system(CNS)remains a challenge mainly due to the obstruction from brain barriers.Immune cells infiltrating the CNS in the pathological state have inspired the development of strategies for CNS foundation drug delivery.Herein,we outline the three major brain barriers in the CNS and the mechanisms by which immune cells migrate across the blood–brain barrier.We subsequently review biomimetic strategies utilizing immune cell-based nanoparticles for the delivery of nanoparticles/drugs to the CNS,as well as recent progress in rationally engineering immune cell-based DDS for CNS diseases.Finally,we discuss the challenges and opportunities of immune cell-based DDS in CNS diseases to promote their clinical development.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFE0102100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U22A20307 and 81930041)。
文摘Dysfunction of anti-tumor immune responses is crucial for cancer progression. Immune checkpoint blockade(ICB), which can potentiate T cell responses, is an effective strategy for the normalization of host anti-tumor immunity. In recent years, immune checkpoints, expressed on both tumor cells and immune cells, have been identified;some of them have exhibited potential druggability and have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for clinical treatment. However, limited responses and immune-related adverse events(ir AEs) cannot be ignored. This review outlines the development and applications of ICBs, potential strategies for overcoming resistance, and future directions for ICB-based cancer immunotherapy.
基金Supported by High-Level Chinese Medicine Key Discipline Construction Project,No.zyyzdxk-2023005Capital Health Development Research Project,No.2024-1-2173the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82474426 and No.82474419。
文摘BACKGROUND Patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)generally have good survival rates following surgical resection.However,a subset of these patients experience recurrence within five years post-surgery.AIM To develop predictive models utilizing machine learning(ML)methods to detect early-stage patients at a high risk of mortality.METHODS Eight hundred and eight patients with HCC at Beijing Ditan Hospital were randomly allocated to training and validation cohorts in a 2:1 ratio.Prognostic models were generated using random survival forests and artificial neural networks(ANNs).These ML models were compared with other classic HCC scoring systems.A decision-tree model was established to validate the contri-bution of immune-inflammatory indicators to the long-term outlook of patients with early-stage HCC.RESULTS Immune-inflammatory markers,albumin-bilirubin scores,alpha-fetoprotein,tumor size,and International Normalized Ratio were closely associated with the 5-year survival rates.Among various predictive models,the ANN model gene-rated using these indicators through ML algorithms exhibited superior perfor-mance,with a 5-year area under the curve(AUC)of 0.85(95%CI:0.82-0.88).In the validation cohort,the 5-year AUC was 0.82(95%CI:0.74-0.85).According to the ANN model,patients were classified into high-risk and low-risk groups,with an overall survival hazard ratio of 7.98(95%CI:5.85-10.93,P<0.0001)between the two cohorts.INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the six most prevalent cancers[1]and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality[2].China has some of the highest incidence and mortality rates for liver cancer,accounting for half of global cases[3,4].The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)Staging System is the most widely used framework for diagnosing and treating HCC[5].The optimal candidates for surgical treatment are those with early-stage HCC,classified as BCLC stage 0 or A.Patients with early-stage liver cancer typically have a better prognosis after surgical resection,achieving a 5-year survival rate of 60%-70%[6].However,the high postoperative recurrence rates of HCC remain a major obstacle to long-term efficacy.To improve the prognosis of patients with early-stage HCC,it is necessary to develop models that can identify those with poor prognoses,enabling stratified and personalized treatment and follow-up strategies.Chronic inflammation is linked to the development and advancement of tumors[7].Recently,peripheral blood immune indicators,such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio(LMR),have garnered extensive attention and have been used to predict survival in various tumors and inflammation-related diseases[8-10].However,the relationship between these combinations of immune markers and the outcomes in patients with early-stage HCC require further investigation.Machine learning(ML)algorithms are capable of handling large and complex datasets,generating more accurate and personalized predictions through unique training algorithms that better manage nonlinear statistical relationships than traditional analytical methods.Commonly used ML models include artificial neural networks(ANNs)and random survival forests(RSFs),which have shown satisfactory accuracy in prognostic predictions across various cancers and other diseases[11-13].ANNs have performed well in identifying the progression from liver cirrhosis to HCC and predicting overall survival(OS)in patients with HCC[14,15].However,no studies have confirmed the ability of ML models to predict post-surgical survival in patients with early-stage HCC.Through ML,a better understanding of the risk factors for early-stage HCC prognosis can be achieved.This aids in surgical decision-making,identifying patients at a high risk of mortality,and selecting subsequent treatment strategies.In this study,we aimed to establish a 5-year prognostic model for patients with early-stage HCC after surgical resection,based on ML and systemic immune-inflammatory indicators.This model seeks to improve the early monitoring of high-risk patients and provide personalized treatment plans.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82271063No.82471054)Central Guidance for Local Scientific and Technological Development Funding Projects(No.2024ZY01057).
文摘The immune system is involved in many age-related pathological changes,also plays an important role in tissue regeneration after injury.But no immune involvement has been discussed regarding cataract since it is presumed that lens has no source of immune cells as an avascular zone.Latest research has challenged the longstanding view of the lens as an immune-privileged tissue,revealing the presence of resident immune cells and active immune responses within the lens.Thus,we summarized the immune involvement in maintaining lens homeostasis,which may be a deleterious role in the induction of lens opacification if inappropriately activated.Furthermore,bioengineer-based immunomodulatory therapies to fine-tune the micro immune environment within lens may be future strategies for in situ lens regeneration,as a novel treatment for cataract.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.:82272749)the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province,China(Grant No.:2022-MS-190).
文摘Mitochondria play a crucial role as organelles,managing several physiological processes such as redox balance,cell metabolism,and energy synthesis.Initially,the assumption was that mitochondria primarily resided in the host cells and could exclusively transmit from oocytes to offspring by a mechanism known as vertical inheritance of mitochondria.Recent scholarly works,however,suggest that certain cell types transmit their mitochondria to other developmental cell types via a mechanism referred to as intercellular or horizontal mitochondrial transfer.This review details the process of which mitochondria are transferred across cells and explains the impact of mitochondrial transfer between cells on the efficacy and functionality of cancer cells in various cancer forms.Specifically,we review the role of mitochondria transfer in regulating cellular metabolism restoration,excess reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation,proliferation,invasion,metastasis,mitophagy activation,mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)inheritance,immune system modulation and therapeutic resistance in cancer.Additionally,we highlight the possibility of using intercellular mitochondria transfer as a therapeutic approach to treat cancer and enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments.
文摘In this article,we comment on the work published by Huang et al,which explores the mechanisms by which Calculus bovis(CB)modulates the liver cancer immune microenvironment via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.The study demon-strates that active components in CB effectively inhibit the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,significantly reducing the polarization of M2 tumor-associated macrophages.Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have validated the anti-tumour effects of CB,revealing its complex mechanisms of action through the modulation of immune cell functions within the tumour microenvironment.This article highlights CB’s therapeutic potential in liver cancer treatment and calls for further investigations into its mechanisms and clinical applications to develop safer,more effective options for patients.The study also revealed that key com-ponents of CB,such as bilirubin and bile acids,inhibit tumour cell proliferation and promote apoptosis through multiple pathways.Future research should explore the mechanisms of action of CB and its potential integration with existing treatments to improve the therapeutic outcomes of liver cancer patients.With multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced research,CB could become a key component of comprehensive liver cancer treatment,offering new hope for patients.
基金Supported by the Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem Innovation Fund,No.22HHXBJC00001the Key Discipline Special Project of Tianjin Municipal Health Commission,No.TJWJ2022XK016.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has been a pervasive malignancy throughout the world with elevated mortality.Efficient therapeutic targets are beneficial to treat and predict the disease.Currently,the exact molecular mechanisms leading to the progression of HCC are still unclear.Research has shown that the microRNA-142-3p level decreases in HCC,whereas bioinformatics analysis of the cancer genome atlas database shows the ASH1L expression increased among liver tumor tissues.In this paper,we will explore the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L affect the prognosis of HCC patients and HCC cell bioactivity,and the association between them.AIM To investigate the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L on the HCC cell bioactivity and prognosis of HCC patients.METHODS In this study,we grouped HCC patients according to their immunohistochemistry results of ASH1L with pathological tissues,and retrospectively analyzed the prognosis of HCC patients.Furthermore,explored the roles and mechanisms of microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L by cellular and animal experiments,which involved the following experimental methods:Immunohistochemical staining,western blot,quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction,flow cytometric analysis,tumor xenografts in nude mice,etc.The statistical methods involved in this study contained t-test,one-way analysis of variance,theχ^(2)test,the Kaplan-Meier approach and the log-rank test.RESULTS In this study,we found that HCC patients with high expression of ASH1L possess a more recurrence rate as well as a decreased overall survival rate.ASH1L promotes the tumorigenicity of HCC and microRNA-142-3p exhibits reduced expression in HCC tissues and interacts with ASH1L through targeting the ASH1L 3′untranslated region.Furthermore,microRNA-142-3p promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation,invasion,and migration of HCC cell lines in vitro via ASH1L.For the exploration mechanism,we found ASH1L may promote an immunosuppressive microenvironment in HCC and ASH1L affects the expression of the cell junction protein zonula occludens-1,which is potentially relevant to the immune system.CONCLUSION Loss function of microRNA-142-3p induces cancer progression and immune evasion through upregulation of ASH1L in HCC.Both microRNA-142-3p and ASH1L can feature as new biomarker for HCC in the future.
基金supported by grants from the Dongguan Science and Technology of Social Development Program(No.20231800940192)the Talent Development Foundation of the First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University(No.PU2023002).
文摘Objective:Small cell lung cancer(SCLC)is commonly recognized as the most fatal lung cancer type.Despite substantial advances in immune checkpoint blockade therapies for treating solid cancers,their benefits are limited to a minority of patients with SCLC.In the present study,novel indicators for predicting the outcomes and molecular targets for SCLC treatment were elucidated.Methods:We conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in SCLC.The functional role of the key gene identified in SCLC was determined both in vitro and in vivo.Results:A significant correlation was observed between patient survival and CD56dim natural killer(NK)cell proportion.Furthermore,we noted that the hub gene ubiquitin-specific protease 1(USP1)is closely correlated with both CD56dim NK cells and overall survival in SCLC.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that USP1 is upregulated in SCLC.In addition,gene set enrichment analysis revealed that USP1 overexpression hinders NK cell-mediated immune responses.By co-cultivating NK-92 cells with SCLC cells,we demonstrated that NK cell cytotoxicity against SCLC could be improved either via USP1 knock-down or pharmacological inhibition.Furthermore,using a nude-mice xenograft tumor model,we noted that USP1 inhibition effectively suppressed tumor proliferation and increased the expression of NK cell-associated markers.Conclusions:Our study findings highlight the importance of NK cells in regulating SCLC.USP1 overexpression can inhibit NK cell-mediated immunity;therefore,USP1 may serve not only as a prognostic biomarker but also as a potential molecular target of SCLC therapy.
文摘BACKGROUND Rheumatic immune diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory diseases charac-terized by joint and systemic multi-organ involvement,including rheumatoid arthritis,systemic lupus erythematosus,and Sjogren’s syndrome,among others.The pathogenesis of these diseases is related to the abnormal activation and regulatory imbalance of the immune system.The prevalence and morbidity of rheumatic immune diseases are high,imposing a significant burden on patients'quality of life and socio-economic costs.Currently,the treatment of rheumatic immune diseases mainly relies on Western medicine,such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,glucocorticoids,disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs,and biologics.However,the therapeutic effects of Western medicine are not ideal,some patients poorly respond or are resistant to Western medicine,and long-term use often causes various adverse reactions.AIM To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii gly-cosides tablets combined with Western medicine in the treatment of patients with rheumatic immune diseases.METHODS This study conducted a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine for patients with rheumatic immune diseases.Chinese and English databases were searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the treatment of rheumatic immune diseases with Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.RESULTS The meta-analysis included 11 RCTs involving 1026 patients with rheumatic immune diseases.The combined treatment significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence(relative risk=1.07,95%confidence interval:1.01-1.15,P<0.05)and showed no significant heterogeneity(I2=0%,P=0.53),indicating that Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine is an effective method to reduce the possibility of postoperative recurrence in patients with rheumatic immune diseases.However,due to the limited number and quality of the studies included,these results should be interpreted with caution.CONCLUSION Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with rheumatic immune diseases and can be considered a clinical choice.However,more high-quality research is needed to validate this conclusion and provide more solid evidence for clinical practice.
文摘Background:Aberrant expression of RNA-binding proteins(RBPs)has been linked to a variety of diseases,including hematological disorders,cardiovascular diseases,and multiple types of cancer.Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C(HNRNPC),a member belonging to the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein(hnRNP)family,plays a pivotal role in nucleic acid metabolism.Previous studies have underscored the significance of HNRNPC in tumorigenesis;however,its specific role in malignant tumor progression remains inadequately characterized.Methods:We leveraged publicly available databases,including The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA),to explore the potential involvement of HNRNPC across various cancers.Additionally,we performed experimental validation studies focused on liver cancer.Results:Our analysis revealed that HNRNPC is overexpressed in a wide range of common malignancies,including liver and lung cancers,and is strongly linked to unfavorable outcomes.Furthermore,HNRNPC was observed to be closely linked to tumor immunity.Through immune checkpoint analysis and immune cell infiltration assessment,HNRNPC emerged as a potential target for modulating tumor immunotherapy.Notably,silencing of HNRNPC markedly inhibited the proliferation,metastasis,and infiltration of liver cancer cells.Conclusion:In summary,our findings highlight HNRNPC as a prognostic marker in various cancers,including liver cancer,and suggest its involvement in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment.These insights offer potential avenues for improving clinical outcomes in tumors with elevated HNRNPC expression,particularly through immunotherapeutic strategies.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81800423)the Guangdong Medical Science and Technology Research project(No.B2022102)。
文摘AIM:Regulatory T cells(Tregs)are a specialized subset of CD4^(+)T cells primarily involved in im⁃munosuppressive functions.AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)serves as a metabolic sensor that governs the differen⁃tiation,maturation,and immune functions of Tregs through metabolic reprogramming.However,the impact of AMPKα1(the catalytic subunit of AMPK)knockout specifically in Tregs on the host's immune microenvironment remains largely un⁃explored.METHODS:Histological changes in immune organs were assessed using HE staining.The types of immune cells and their relative population percentages in immune organs and blood were quantified through flow cytometry in both AMPKα1flox/flox(AMPKα1^(fl/fl))mice and Treg-specific AMPKα1 knockout mice(AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice).RESULTS:Compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice,the percentage of eosinophils in the bone marrow of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice was significant⁃ly reduced.Additionally,while the thymus of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice exhibited normal structure,both its size and the ratio of thymus weight to body weight were significantly decreased.The knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs led to a notable reduction in the total percentage of immature double-negative(DN)cells.Consequently,the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells derived from these DN cells also decreased,even though the percentages of DN1 and DN4 cells were higher in the thymus of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.Importantly,the proportion of Siglec-F+CD11b^(+)eosinophils in the thymus was significantly lower in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice.Knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs resulted in a marked increase in the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells in peripheral blood,alongside a decrease in the proportion of mature CD8^(+)T cells.Similarly,the proportion of CD4^(+)T cells in the spleen of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice was elevated compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.In contrast,the proportion of neutrophils significantly decreased,while mononuclear cell proportions increased in the spleen of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice.In lymph nodes,the medullary boundaries in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice were blurred,and the lymphoid follicles were missing,a feature not observed in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.Furthermore,the knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs reduced the CD3^(+)T cell population,particularly the CD8^(+)T cell population,in lymph nodes.Although the mature Treg cell population was significantly lower in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice,the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells was markedly in⁃creased.In contrast,there was no statistically significant difference in granulocyte populations between AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)and AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.CONCLUSION:The populations of mature Tregs,CD8^(+)T cells and eosinophils in various im⁃mune organs were significantly altered in mice with Treg-specific AMPKα1 knockout,suggesting a potential remodeling of the host immune microenvironment in response to inflammatory stimuli.
