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Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Aug 2023Chronic pain is often associated with cognitive decline, which could influence the quality of the patient's life. Recent studies have suggested that Toll-like receptor 3...
Chronic pain is often associated with cognitive decline, which could influence the quality of the patient's life. Recent studies have suggested that Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is crucial for memory and learning. Nonetheless, the contribution of TLR3 to the pathogenesis of cognitive decline after chronic pain remains unclear. The level of TLR3 in hippocampal neurons increased in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) group than in the sham group in this study. Importantly, compared to the wild-type (WT) mice, TLR3 knockout (KO) mice and TLR3-specific neuronal knockdown mice both displayed improved cognitive function, reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines and neuronal apoptosis and attenuated injury to hippocampal neuroplasticity. Notably, extracellular RNAs (exRNAs), specifically double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), were increased in the sciatic nerve, serum, and hippocampus after CCI. The co-localization of dsRNA with TLR3 was also increased in hippocampal neurons. And the administration of poly (I:C), a dsRNA analog, elevated the levels of dsRNAs and TLR3 in the hippocampus, exacerbating hippocampus-dependent memory. In additon, the dsRNA/TLR3 inhibitor improved cognitive function after CCI. Together, our findings suggested that exRNAs, particularly dsRNAs, that were present in the condition of chronic neuropathic pain, activated TLR3, initiated downstream inflammatory and apoptotic signaling, caused damage to synaptic plasticity, and contributed to the etiology of cognitive impairment after chronic neuropathic pain.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Chronic Pain; Toll-Like Receptor 3; Neuralgia; Cognitive Dysfunction; Mice, Knockout; RNA, Double-Stranded
PubMed: 37544956
DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01543-z -
Nature Communications Sep 2023Inhibition of glycolysis in immune cells and cancer cells diminishes their activity, and thus combining immunotherapies with glycolytic inhibitors is challenging....
Inhibition of glycolysis in immune cells and cancer cells diminishes their activity, and thus combining immunotherapies with glycolytic inhibitors is challenging. Herein, a strategy is presented where glycolysis is inhibited in cancer cells using PFK15 (inhibitor of PFKFB3, rate-limiting step in glycolysis), while simultaneously glycolysis and function is rescued in DCs by delivery of fructose-1,6-biphosphate (F16BP, one-step downstream of PFKFB3). To demonstrate the feasibility of this strategy, vaccine formulations are generated using calcium-phosphate chemistry, that incorporate F16BP, poly(IC) as adjuvant, and phosphorylated-TRP2 peptide antigen and tested in challenging and established YUMM1.1 tumours in immunocompetent female mice. Furthermore, to test the versatility of this strategy, adoptive DC therapy is developed with formulations that incorporate F16BP, poly(IC) as adjuvant and mRNA derived from B16F10 cells as antigens in established B16F10 tumours in immunocompetent female mice. F16BP vaccine formulations rescue DCs in vitro and in vivo, significantly improve the survival of mice, and generate cytotoxic T cell (Tc) responses by elevating Tc1 and Tc17 cells within the tumour. Overall, these results demonstrate that rescuing glycolysis of DCs using metabolite-based formulations can be utilized to generate immunotherapy even in the presence of glycolytic inhibitor.
Topics: Female; Animals; Mice; Immunotherapy; Glycolysis; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Fructose; Poly I-C; Dendritic Cells; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37660049
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41016-z -
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis :... Sep 2023Respiratory failure is the primary cause of death in patients with COVID-19, whereas coagulopathy is associated with excessive inflammation and multiorgan failure.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Respiratory failure is the primary cause of death in patients with COVID-19, whereas coagulopathy is associated with excessive inflammation and multiorgan failure. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may exacerbate inflammation and provide a scaffold for thrombus formation.
OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study was to determine whether degradation of NETs by recombinant human DNase-I (rhDNase), a safe, Food and Drug Administration-approved drug, reduces excessive inflammation, reverses aberrant coagulation, and improves pulmonary perfusion after experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
METHODS
Intranasal poly(I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA, was administered to adult mice for 3 consecutive days to simulate a viral infection, and these subjects were randomized to treatment arms, which received either an intravenous placebo or rhDNase. The effects of rhDNase on immune activation, platelet aggregation, and coagulation were assessed in mice and donor human blood.
RESULTS
NETs were observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and within regions of hypoxic lung tissue after experimental ARDS. The administration of rhDNase mitigated peribronchiolar, perivascular, and interstitial inflammation induced by poly(I:C). In parallel, rhDNase degraded NETs, attenuated platelet-NET aggregates, reduced platelet activation, and normalized the clotting time to improve regional perfusion, as observed using gross morphology, histology, and microcomputed tomographic imaging in mice. Similarly, rhDNase reduced NETs and attenuated platelet activation in human blood.
CONCLUSION
NETs exacerbate inflammation and promote aberrant coagulation by providing a scaffold for aggregated platelets after experimental ARDS. Intravenous administration of rhDNase degrades NETs and attenuates coagulopathy in ARDS, providing a promising translational approach to improve pulmonary structure and function after ARDS.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Animals; Mice; Extracellular Traps; COVID-19; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Inflammation; Neutrophils
PubMed: 37196848
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.04.044 -
Oncoimmunology 2023Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonists such as polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) have immunostimulatory effects that can be taken advantage of to induce...
Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonists such as polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) have immunostimulatory effects that can be taken advantage of to induce anticancer immune responses in preclinical models. In addition, poly(I:C) has been introduced into clinical trials to demonstrate its efficacy as an adjuvant and to enhance the immunogenicity of locally injected tumors, thus reverting resistance to PD-L1 blockade in melanoma patients. Here, we report the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, mechanistic and toxicological profile of a novel TLR3 agonist, TL-532, a chemically synthesized double-stranded RNA that is composed by blocks of poly(I:C) and poly(A:U) (polyadenylic - polyuridylic acid). In preclinical models, we show that TL-532 is bioavailable after parenteral injection, has an acceptable toxicological profile, and stimulates the production of multiple chemokines and interleukins that constitute pharmacodynamic markers of its immunostimulatory action. When given at a high dose, TL-532 monotherapy reduced the growth of bladder cancers growing on mice. In addition, in immunodeficient mice lacking formylpeptide receptor-1 (FPR1), TL-532 was able to restore the response of orthotopic subcutaneous fibrosarcoma to immunogenic chemotherapy. Altogether, these findings may encourage further development of TL-532 as an immunotherapeutic anticancer agent.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Toll-Like Receptor 3; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Melanoma; Poly I-C
PubMed: 37389102
DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2023.2227510 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2023NMN is the direct precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and is considered as a key factor for increasing NAD+ levels and mitochondrial activity in...
NMN is the direct precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and is considered as a key factor for increasing NAD+ levels and mitochondrial activity in cells. In this study, based on transcriptome analysis, we showed that NMN alleviates the poly(I:C)-induced inflammatory response in cultures of two types of human primary cells, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Major inflammatory mediators, including IL6 and PARP family members, were grouped into coexpressed gene modules and significantly downregulated under NMN exposure in poly(I:C)-activated conditions in both cell types. The Bayesian network analysis of module hub genes predicted common genes, including eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (EIF4B), and distinct genes, such as platelet-derived growth factor binding molecules, in HCAECs, which potentially regulate the identified inflammation modules. These results suggest a robust regulatory mechanism by which NMN alleviates inflammatory pathway activation, which may open up the possibility of a new role for NMN replenishment in the treatment of chronic or acute inflammation.
Topics: Humans; Nicotinamide Mononucleotide; NAD; Endothelial Cells; Bayes Theorem; Primary Cell Culture; Inflammation
PubMed: 37474783
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38762-x -
The EMBO Journal Dec 2023Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder largely mediated by type I and II interferon (IFN). The potential contribution of innate immune...
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder largely mediated by type I and II interferon (IFN). The potential contribution of innate immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DC), to the pSS pathology remains understudied. Here, we identified an enriched CD16 CD56hi NK cell subset associated with higher cytotoxic function, as well as elevated proportions of inflammatory CD64 conventional dendritic cell (cDC2) subtype that expresses increased levels of MICa/b, the ligand for the activating receptor NKG2D, in pSS individuals. Circulating cDC2 from pSS patients efficiently induced activation of cytotoxic NK cells ex vivo and were found in proximity to CD56 NK cells in salivary glands (SG) from pSS patients. Interestingly, transcriptional activation of IFN signatures associated with the RIG-I/DDX60 pathway, IFN I receptor, and its target genes regulate the expression of NKG2D ligands on cDC2 from pSS patients. Finally, increased proportions of CD64hi RAE-1 cDC2 and NKG2D CD11b CD27 NK cells were present in vivo in the SG after poly I:C injection. Our study provides novel insight into the contribution and interplay of NK and cDC2 in pSS pathology and identifies new potential therapy targets.
Topics: Humans; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K; Autoimmunity; Killer Cells, Natural; Dendritic Cells
PubMed: 37916875
DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023113714 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Herpes virus infections are a major concern after solid organ transplantation and linked to the immune function of the recipient. We aimed to determine the incidence of...
INTRODUCTION
Herpes virus infections are a major concern after solid organ transplantation and linked to the immune function of the recipient. We aimed to determine the incidence of positive herpes virus (cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus type 1/2 (HSV-1/2), and varicella zoster virus (VZV)) PCR tests during the first year post-transplantation and assess whether a model including immune function pre-transplantation and three months post-transplantation could predict a subsequent positive herpes virus PCR.
METHODS
All participants were preemptively screened for CMV, and EBV IgG-negative participants were screened for EBV during the first year post-transplantation. Herpes virus PCR tests for all included herpes viruses (CMV, EBV, HSV-1/2, and VZV) were retrieved from the Danish Microbiology database containing nationwide PCR results from both hospitals and outpatient clinics. Immune function was assessed by whole blood stimulation with A) LPS, B) R848, C) Poly I:C, and D) a blank control. Cytokine concentrations (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17A, IFN-α, and IFN-γ) were measured using Luminex.
RESULTS
We included 123 liver (54%), kidney (26%), and lung (20%) transplant recipients. The cumulative incidence of positive herpes virus PCR tests was 36.6% (95% CI: 28.1-45.1) during the first year post-transplantation. The final prediction model included recipient age, type of transplantation, CMV serostatus, and change in Poly I:C-induced IL-12p40 from pre-transplantation to three months post-transplantation. The prediction model had an AUC of 77% (95% CI: 61-92). Risk scores were extracted from the prediction model, and the participants were divided into three risk groups. Participants with a risk score <5 (28% of the cohort), 5-10 (45% of the cohort), and >10 (27% of the cohort) had a cumulative incidence of having a positive herpes virus PCR test at 5.8%, 25%, and 73%, respectively (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the incidence of positive herpes virus PCR tests was high, and a risk model including immune function allowed the prediction of positive herpes virus PCR and may be used to identify recipients at higher risk.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Prospective Studies; Interleukin-12 Subunit p40; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Herpesviridae Infections; Organ Transplantation; Cytomegalovirus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Immunity; Poly I
PubMed: 37465673
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183703 -
Cell Reports. Medicine Jul 2023Recurrences frequently occur following surgical removal of primary tumors. In many cancers, adjuvant therapies have limited efficacy. Surgery provides access to the...
Recurrences frequently occur following surgical removal of primary tumors. In many cancers, adjuvant therapies have limited efficacy. Surgery provides access to the tumor microenvironment, creating an opportunity for local therapy, in particular immunotherapy, which can induce local and systemic anti-cancer effects. Here, we develop a surgically optimized biodegradable hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel for sustained intraoperative delivery of Toll-like receptor 3 agonist poly(I:C) and demonstrate that it significantly reduces tumor recurrence after surgery in multiple mouse models. Mechanistically, poly(I:C) induces a transient interferon alpha (IFNα) response, reshaping the tumor/wound microenvironment by attracting inflammatory monocytes and depleting regulatory T cells. We demonstrate that a pre-existing IFN signature predicts response to the poly(I:C) hydrogel, which sensitizes tumors to immune checkpoint therapy. The safety, immunogenicity, and surgical feasibility are confirmed in a veterinary trial in canine soft tissue tumors. The surgically optimized poly(I:C)-loaded hydrogel provides a safe and effective approach to prevent cancer recurrence.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Dogs; Hydrogels; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Immunotherapy; Disease Models, Animal; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37467718
DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101113 -
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 2024Neuroinflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, including viral infections. Viruses can directly invade the brain and infect neuronal cells or indirectly trigger...
Neuroinflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, including viral infections. Viruses can directly invade the brain and infect neuronal cells or indirectly trigger a "cytokine storm" in the periphery that eventually leads to microglial activation in the brain. While this initial activation of microglial cells is important for viral clearance, chronic activation leads to excessive inflammation and oxidative stress, which can be neurotoxic. Remarkebly, recent studies have shown that certain viruses such as influenza A virus, coronavirus, herpes virus and Epstein-Barr virus may be involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Therefore, it is important to find therapeutic strategies against chronic neuroinflammation triggered by viral infections. Here, we investigated the effects of urolithin A (UA) on microglial activation induced by a viral mimetic, poly I:C, in a triple co-culture system of neurons, astrocytes and microglial cells. Immunocytochemistry was used to perform a comprehensive single-cell analysis of the morphological changes of microglia as an indicator of their reactive state. Treatment with UA significantly prevented the poly I:C-induced reactive state of microglia, which was characterized by increased expression of the microglial activation markers CD68 and IBA-1. UA restored the poly I:C-induced morphology by restoring microglial ramification. In addition, UA was able to reduce the release of the pro-inflammatory mediators CCL2, TNF-α, and IL-1β and showed a trend toward attenuation of cellular ROS production in poly I:C-treated cultures. Overall, this study suggests that UA as a component of a healthy diet may help prevent virus-induced neuroinflammation and may have therapeutic potential for future studies to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the associated neuroinflammatory processes.
PubMed: 38577490
DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1343562 -
Viruses Nov 2023Type I and III interferons are among the most important antiviral mediators. Increased susceptibility to infections has been described as being associated with impaired...
Type I and III interferons are among the most important antiviral mediators. Increased susceptibility to infections has been described as being associated with impaired interferon response in asthmatic patients. In this work, we focused on the modulation of interferon dysfunction after the rhinovirus infection of airway epithelial cells. Therefore, we tested polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a TLR3 agonist, as a possible preventive pre-treatment to improve this anti-viral response. In our human study on asthma, we found a deficiency in interferon levels in the nasal epithelial cells (NEC) from asthmatics at homeostatic level and after RV infection, which might contribute to frequent airway infection seen in asthmatic patients compared to healthy controls. Finally, pre-treatment with the immunomodulatory substance poly I:C before RV infection restored IFN responses in airway epithelial cells. Altogether, we consider poly I:C pre-treatment as a promising strategy for the induction of interferon response prior to viral infections. These results might help to improve current therapeutic strategies for allergic asthma exacerbations.
Topics: Humans; Interferons; Asthma; Poly I-C; Epithelial Cells; Antiviral Agents; Rhinovirus; Picornaviridae Infections
PubMed: 38140569
DOI: 10.3390/v15122328