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International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2023Sphingolipids are involved in cell signaling and metabolic pathways, and their metabolites play a critical role in host defense against intracellular pathogens. Here, we... (Review)
Review
Sphingolipids are involved in cell signaling and metabolic pathways, and their metabolites play a critical role in host defense against intracellular pathogens. Here, we review the known mechanisms of sphingolipids in viral infections and discuss the potential implication of the study of sphingolipid metabolism in vaccine and therapeutic development.
Topics: Humans; Sphingolipids; Virus Diseases; Signal Transduction; Lipid Metabolism; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Sphingosine
PubMed: 38139132
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417303 -
International Immunopharmacology Sep 2023The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical for the initiation, progression, and metastasis of tumours, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most dominant... (Review)
Review
The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical for the initiation, progression, and metastasis of tumours, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most dominant cells and have attracted interest as targets for cancer therapy among the stromal components within the TME. Currently, most of the identified CAF subpopulations are believed to exhibit suppressive effects on antitumour immunity. However, accumulating evidence indicates the presence of immunostimulatory CAF subpopulations, which play an important role in the maintenance and amplification of antitumour immunity, in the TME. Undoubtedly, these findings provide novel insights into CAF heterogeneity. Herein, we focus on summarizing CAF subpopulations that promote antitumour immunity, the surface markers of these populations, and possible immunostimulatory mechanisms in the context of recent advances in research on CAF subpopulations. In addition, we discuss the possibility of new therapies targeting CAF subpopulations and conclude with a brief description of some prospective avenues for CAF research.
Topics: Humans; Antigen Presentation; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts; Immune Tolerance; Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37418988
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110601 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jul 2023Gut microbiota can interact with the immune system through its metabolites. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as one of the most abundant metabolites of the resident gut... (Review)
Review
Gut microbiota can interact with the immune system through its metabolites. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as one of the most abundant metabolites of the resident gut microbiota play an important role in this crosstalk. SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) regulate nearly every type of immune cell in the gut's immune cell repertoire regarding their development and function. SCFAs work through several pathways to impose protection towards colonic health and against local or systemic inflammation. Additionally, SCFAs play a role in the regulation of immune or non-immune pathways that can slow the development of autoimmunity either systematically or in situ. The present study aims to summarize the current knowledge on the immunomodulatory roles of SCFAs and the association between the SCFAs and autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D) and other immune-mediated diseases, uncovering a brand-new therapeutic possibility to prevent or treat autoimmunity.
Topics: Humans; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Autoimmune Diseases; Butyrates; Propionates; Acetates
PubMed: 37105078
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114763 -
Heliyon Sep 2023Spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by damage resulting in dysfunction of the spinal cord. Hydrogels are common biomaterials that play an important role in the... (Review)
Review
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by damage resulting in dysfunction of the spinal cord. Hydrogels are common biomaterials that play an important role in the treatment of SCI. Hydrogels are biocompatible, and some have electrical conductivity that are compatible with spinal cord tissues. Hydrogels have a high drug-carrying capacity, allowing them to be used for SCI treatment through the loading of various types of active substances, drugs, or cells. We first discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the human spinal cord and briefly discuss SCI and its treatment. Then, we describe different treatment strategies for SCI. We further discuss the crosslinking methods and classification of hydrogels and detail hydrogel biomaterials prepared using different processing methods for the treatment of SCI. Finally, we analyze the future applications and limitations of hydrogels for SCI. The development of biomaterials opens up new possibilities and options for the treatment of SCI. Thus, our findings will inspire scholars in related fields and promote the development of hydrogel therapy for SCI.
PubMed: 37809859
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19933 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Recurrent glioma treatment is challenging due to molecular heterogeneity and treatment resistance commonly observed in these tumors. Researchers are actively pursuing... (Review)
Review
Recurrent glioma treatment is challenging due to molecular heterogeneity and treatment resistance commonly observed in these tumors. Researchers are actively pursuing new therapeutic strategies. Oncolytic viruses have emerged as a promising option. Oncolytic viruses selectively replicate within tumor cells, destroying them and stimulating the immune system for an enhanced anticancer response. Among Oncolytic viruses investigated for recurrent gliomas, oncolytic herpes simplex virus and oncolytic adenovirus show notable potential. Genetic modifications play a crucial role in optimizing their therapeutic efficacy. Different generations of replicative conditioned oncolytic human adenovirus and oncolytic HSV have been developed, incorporating specific modifications to enhance tumor selectivity, replication efficiency, and immune activation. This review article summarizes these genetic modifications, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms of Oncolytic viruses' therapy. It also aims to identify strategies for further enhancing the therapeutic benefits of Oncolytic viruses. However, it is important to acknowledge that additional research and clinical trials are necessary to establish the safety, efficacy, and optimal utilization of Oncolytic viruses in treating recurrent glioblastoma.
Topics: Humans; Simplexvirus; Adenoviridae; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Glioma; Oncolytic Viruses; Adenoviridae Infections
PubMed: 38022620
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285113 -
Molecular Therapy. Nucleic Acids Sep 2023Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA transcripts more than 200 nucleotides in length that play crucial roles in cancer development and progression. With the... (Review)
Review
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA transcripts more than 200 nucleotides in length that play crucial roles in cancer development and progression. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technology, a considerable number of lncRNAs have been identified as novel biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of cancer patients and/or therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs are closely associated with their subcellular localization. More importantly, based on the important roles of lncRNAs in regulating cancer progression (e.g., growth, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis) and the specific ability of nucleic acids (e.g., siRNA, mRNA, and DNA) to regulate the expression of any target genes, much effort has been exerted recently to develop nanoparticle (NP)-based nucleic acid delivery systems for regulation of lncRNA expression and cancer therapy. In this review, we introduce the subcellular localization and regulatory mechanisms of various functional lncRNAs in cancer and systemically summarize the recent development of NP-mediated nucleic acid delivery for targeted regulation of lncRNA expression and effective cancer therapy.
PubMed: 37655045
DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.009 -
WIREs Mechanisms of Disease 2023Cannabis sativa (cannabis) has been used as a therapeutic treatment for centuries treating various diseases and disorders. However, racial propaganda led to the... (Review)
Review
Cannabis sativa (cannabis) has been used as a therapeutic treatment for centuries treating various diseases and disorders. However, racial propaganda led to the criminalization of cannabis in the 1930s preventing opportunities to explore marijuana in therapeutic development. The increase in recreational use of cannabis further grew concern about abuse, and lead to further restrictions and distribution of cannabis in the 1970s when it was declared to be a Schedule I drug in the USA. In the late 1990s in some states, legislation assisted in legalizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes under physician supervision. As it has been proven that cannabinoids and their receptors play an essential role in the regulation of the physiological and biological processes in our bodies. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the complex that regulates the cell-signaling system consisting of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids. The ECS along with phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids serves to be a beneficial therapeutic target in treating diseases as they play roles in cell homeostasis, cell motility, inflammation, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. Cannabinoids have been shown to inhibit proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis and even restore homeostasis in a variety of models of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cannabis and its receptors have evolved into a therapeutic treatment for cancers. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
Topics: Humans; Receptors, Cannabinoid; Endocannabinoids; Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; Neoplasms; Hallucinogens
PubMed: 36750231
DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1602 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Protein post-translational modification (PTM) is a regulatory mechanism for protein activity modulation, localization, expression, and interactions with other cellular... (Review)
Review
Protein post-translational modification (PTM) is a regulatory mechanism for protein activity modulation, localization, expression, and interactions with other cellular molecules. It involves the addition or removal of specific chemical groups on the amino acid residues of proteins. Its common forms include phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, methylation, and acetylation. Emerging research has highlighted lactylation, succinylation, and glycosylation. PTMs are involved in vital biological processes. The occurrence and development of diseases depends on protein abundance and is regulated by various PTMs. In addition, advancements in tumor immunotherapy have revealed that protein PTM is also involved in the proliferation, activation, and metabolic reprogramming of immune cells in tumor microenvironment. These PTMs play an important role in tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the role of several types of PTMs in tumor immunotherapy. This review could provide new insights and future research directions for tumor immunotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Glycosylation; Phosphorylation; Immunotherapy; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37675097
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1229397 -
Pharmaceutics Aug 2023Tumor neoantigens are widely used in cancer immunotherapy, and a growing body of research suggests that microbes play an important role in these neoantigen-based... (Review)
Review
Tumor neoantigens are widely used in cancer immunotherapy, and a growing body of research suggests that microbes play an important role in these neoantigen-based immunotherapeutic processes. The human body and its surrounding environment are filled with a large number of microbes that are in long-term interaction with the organism. The microbiota can modulate our immune system, help activate neoantigen-reactive T cells, and play a great role in the process of targeting tumor neoantigens for therapy. Recent studies have revealed the interconnection between microbes and neoantigens, which can cross-react with each other through molecular mimicry, providing theoretical guidance for more relevant studies. The current applications of microbes in immunotherapy against tumor neoantigens are mainly focused on cancer vaccine development and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This article summarizes the related fields and suggests the importance of microbes in immunotherapy against neoantigens.
PubMed: 37631352
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082138 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Macrophages are the main component of the tumor microenvironment, which are differentiated from monocytes in the blood and play an important role in cancer development.... (Review)
Review
Macrophages are the main component of the tumor microenvironment, which are differentiated from monocytes in the blood and play an important role in cancer development. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can promote tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to anti-programmed death receptor 1 therapy by regulating programmed cell death ligand 1 expression and interacting with other immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. However, when activated properly, macrophages can also play an anti-tumor role by enhancing the phagocytosis and cytotoxicity of tumor cells. TAM is associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance in patients treated with immunotherapy, indicating that macrophages are attractive targets for combined therapy in cancer treatment. Combination of targeting TAMs and immunotherapy overcomes the drug resistance and achieved excellent results in some cancers, which may be a promising strategy for cancer treatment in the future. Herein, we review the recent findings on the role of macrophages in tumor development, metastasis, and immunotherapy. We focus mainly on macrophage≥centered therapy, including strategies to deplete and reprogram TAMs, which represent the potential targets for improving tumor immunotherapy efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Macrophages; Neoplasms; Immunotherapy; Phagocytosis; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 38605951
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1381225