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Parasites, Hosts and Diseases May 2024Malaria is a global disease affecting a large portion of the world's population. Although vaccines have recently become available, their efficacies are suboptimal. We...
Malaria is a global disease affecting a large portion of the world's population. Although vaccines have recently become available, their efficacies are suboptimal. We generated virus-like particles (VLPs) that expressed either apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) or microneme-associated antigen (MIC) of Plasmodium berghei and compared their efficacy in BALB/c mice. We found that immune sera acquired from AMA1 VLP- or MIC VLP-immunized mice specifically interacted with the antigen of choice and the whole P. berghei lysate antigen, indicating that the antibodies were highly parasite-specific. Both VLP vaccines significantly enhanced germinal center B cell frequencies in the inguinal lymph nodes of mice compared with the control, but only the mice that received MIC VLPs showed significantly enhanced CD4+ T cell responses in the blood following P. berghei challenge infection. AMA1 and MIC VLPs significantly suppressed TNF-α and interleukin-10 production but had a negligible effect on interferon-γ. Both VLPs prevented excessive parasitemia buildup in immunized mice, although parasite burden reduction induced by MIC VLPs was slightly more effective than that induced by AMA1. Both VLPs were equally effective at preventing body weight loss. Our findings demonstrated that the MIC VLP was an effective inducer of protection against murine experimental malaria and should be the focus of further development.
Topics: Animals; Plasmodium berghei; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle; Malaria Vaccines; Malaria; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Protozoan Proteins; Antigens, Protozoan; Female; Antibodies, Protozoan; Parasitemia; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; B-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 38835260
DOI: 10.3347/PHD.24017 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jul 2024The heavy metals and bioreactivity properties of endotoxin in personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) were characterized in the analysis. The average personal...
The heavy metals and bioreactivity properties of endotoxin in personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) were characterized in the analysis. The average personal exposure concentrations to PM were ranged from 6.8 to 96.6 μg/m. The mean personal PM concentrations in spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 32.1±15.8, 22.4±11.8, 35.3±11.9, and 50.2±19.9 μg/m, respectively. There were 85 % of study targets exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) PM threshold (24 hours). The mean endotoxin concentrations ranged from 1.086 ± 0.384-1.912 ± 0.419 EU/m, with a geometric mean (GM) varied from 1.034 to 1.869. The concentration of iron (Fe) (0.008-1.16 μg/m) was one of the most abundant transition metals in the samples that could affect endotoxin toxicity under Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) stimulation. In summer, the interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels showed statistically significant differences compared to other seasons. Spearman correlation analysis showed endotoxin concentrations were positively correlated with chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni), implying possible roles as nutrients and further transport via adhering to the surface of fine inorganic particles. Mixed-effects model analysis demonstrated that Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production was positively associated with endotoxin concentration and Cr as a combined exposure factor. The Cr contained the highest combined effect (0.205-0.262), suggesting that Cr can potentially exacerbate the effect of endotoxin on inflammation and oxidative stress. The findings will be useful for practical policies for mitigating air pollution to protect the public health of the citizens.
Topics: Particulate Matter; Endotoxins; Humans; Hong Kong; Air Pollutants; Seasons; Aged; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Exposure; Metals, Heavy; Interleukin-6; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Particle Size; Female; Male
PubMed: 38833976
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116530 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Alternol is a small molecular compound isolated from the fermentation of a mutant fungus obtained from Taxus brevifolia bark. Our previous studies showed that Alternol...
Alternol is a small molecular compound isolated from the fermentation of a mutant fungus obtained from Taxus brevifolia bark. Our previous studies showed that Alternol treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent immunogenic cell death. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation to explore the mechanisms involved in Alternol-induced immunogenic cell death. Prostate cancer PC-3, C4-2, and 22RV1 were used in this study. Alternol interaction with heat shock proteins (HSP) was determined using CETSA assay. Alternol-regulated ER stress proteins were assessed with Western blot assay. Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured using ATPlite Luminescence Assay System. Our results showed that Alternol interacted with multiple cellular chaperone proteins and increased their expression levels, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone hypoxia up-regulated 1 (HYOU1) and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class B member 1 (HSP90AB1), as well as cytosolic chaperone heat shock protein family A member 8 (HSPA8). These data represented a potential cause of unfolded protein response (UPR) after Alternol treatment. Further investigation revealed that Alternol treatment triggered ROS-dependent (ER) stress responses via R-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α). The double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) but not activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) cascades, leading to ATF-3/ATF-4 activation, C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) overexpression, and X-box binding protein XBP1 splicing induction. In addition, inhibition of these ER stress responses cascades blunted Alternol-induced extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release, one of the classical hallmarks of immunogenic cell death. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Alternol treatment triggered multiple ER stress cascades, leading to immunogenic cell death.
PubMed: 38831880
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1397116 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Jun 2024Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) relies on chemical affinity or active targeting using radioimmunoconjugates as strategies to deliver α-emitting radionuclides to cancerous...
Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) relies on chemical affinity or active targeting using radioimmunoconjugates as strategies to deliver α-emitting radionuclides to cancerous tissue. These strategies can be affected by transmetalation of the parent radionuclide by competing ions in vivo and the bond-breaking recoil energy of decay daughters. The retention of α-emitting radionuclides and the dose delivered to cancer cells are influenced by these processes. Encapsulating α-emitting radionuclides within nanoparticles can help overcome many of these challenges. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles are a biodegradable and biocompatible delivery platform that has been used for drug delivery. In this study, PLGA nanoparticles are utilized for encapsulation and retention of actinium-225 ([Ac]Ac). Encapsulation of [Ac]Ac within PLGA nanoparticles (Z = 155.3 nm) was achieved by adapting a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The encapsulation efficiency was affected by both the solvent conditions and the chelation of [Ac]Ac. Chelation of [Ac]Ac to a lipophilic 2,9-bis-lactam-1,10-phenanthroline ligand ([Ac]AcBLPhen) significantly decreased its release (< 2%) and that of its decay daughters (< 50%) from PLGA nanoparticles. PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating [Ac]AcBLPhen significantly increased the delivery of [Ac]Ac to murine (E0771) and human (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells with a concomitant increase in cell death over free [Ac]Ac in solution. These results demonstrate that PLGA nanoparticles have potential as radionuclide delivery platforms for TAT to advance precision radiotherapy for cancer. In addition, this technology offers an alternative use for ligands with poor aqueous solubility, low stability, or low affinity, allowing them to be repurposed for TAT by encapsulation within PLGA nanoparticles.
Topics: Nanoparticles; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Actinium; Humans; Cell Line, Tumor; Animals; Alpha Particles; Mice; Female; Biocompatible Materials; Breast Neoplasms; Radioimmunotherapy
PubMed: 38825717
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02520-6 -
Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Jun 2024Radiotherapy combined with immune checkpoint blockade holds great promise for synergistic antitumor efficacy. Targeted radionuclide therapy delivers radiation directly...
Radiotherapy combined with immune checkpoint blockade holds great promise for synergistic antitumor efficacy. Targeted radionuclide therapy delivers radiation directly to tumor sites. LNC1004 is a fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeting radiopharmaceutical, conjugated with the albumin binder Evans Blue, which has demonstrated enhanced tumor uptake and retention in previous preclinical and clinical studies. Herein, we demonstrate that Ga/Lu-labeled LNC1004 exhibits increased uptake and prolonged retention in MC38/NIH3T3-FAP and CT26/NIH3T3-FAP tumor xenografts. Radionuclide therapy with Lu-LNC1004 induced a transient upregulation of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. The combination of Lu-LNC1004 and anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy led to complete eradication of all tumors in MC38/NIH3T3-FAP tumor-bearing mice, with mice showing 100% tumor rejection upon rechallenge. Immunohistochemistry, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and TCR sequencing revealed that combination therapy reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment in mice to foster antitumor immunity by suppressing malignant progression and increasing cell-to-cell communication, CD8 T-cell activation and expansion, M1 macrophage counts, antitumor activity of neutrophils, and T-cell receptor diversity. A preliminary clinical study demonstrated that Lu-LNC1004 was well-tolerated and effective in patients with refractory cancers. Further, scRNA-seq of peripheral blood mononuclear cells underscored the importance of addressing immune evasion through immune checkpoint blockade treatment. This was emphasized by the observed increase in antigen processing and presentation juxtaposed with T cell inactivation. In conclusion, our data supported the efficacy of immunotherapy combined with Lu-LNC1004 for cancer patients with FAP-positive tumors.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Humans; Membrane Proteins; Tumor Microenvironment; Endopeptidases; NIH 3T3 Cells; Radiopharmaceuticals; Serine Endopeptidases; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Immunotherapy; Gelatinases; Lutetium; Cell Line, Tumor
PubMed: 38825657
DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01853-w -
Oral Oncology Jul 2024To compare the changes in the sinonasal mucosa microbiome in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) before and after radiotherapy (RT), and to explore the...
OBJECTIVE
To compare the changes in the sinonasal mucosa microbiome in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) before and after radiotherapy (RT), and to explore the pathogenesis of post-irradiation chronic rhinosinusitis (PI-CRS) and its association with dysbiosis.
STUDY DESIGN
Prospective cohort study.
SETTING
Unicenter, Tertiary referral hospital.
METHODS
Included patients newly diagnosed with NPC. Samples of ostiomeatal complex mucosa were collected before and after RT. Microbiome analysis was conducted using 16S rRNA sequencing, and statistical analysis was performed. Subgroup analyses based on RT modality (proton therapy or photon therapy) RESULTS: Total of 18 patients were enrolled in the study, with 62.1% receiving intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Corynebacterium was the most dominant genus identified in both the pre- and post-RT groups, with a visible increase in Staphylococcus and a decrease in Fusobacterium genus in post-RT group. Alpha-diversity did not significantly differ between groups, although the beta-diversity analysis revealed a dispersed microbiota in the post-RT group. The functional prediction indicated a higher relative abundance of taxonomies associated with biofilm formation in the post-RT group. The subgroup analysis revealed the above changes to be more significant in patients who received photon therapy (Intensity modulated radiation therapy, IMRT).
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to analyze the microbiome of patients with NPC after IMPT. We identified similarities between the post-RT microenvironment and that reported in patients with CRS, with a more apparent change noted in patients treated with IMRT. Further investigation is required to further elucidate the pathogenesis of PI-CRS and its relationship to post-RT dysbiosis, particularly IMPT.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Dysbiosis; Middle Aged; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Adult; Aged; Microbiota; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated
PubMed: 38824812
DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106864 -
Nature Communications May 2024The major ampullate Spidroin 1 (MaSp1) is the main protein of the dragline spider silk. The C-terminal (CT) domain of MaSp1 is crucial for the self-assembly into fibers...
The major ampullate Spidroin 1 (MaSp1) is the main protein of the dragline spider silk. The C-terminal (CT) domain of MaSp1 is crucial for the self-assembly into fibers but the details of how it contributes to the fiber formation remain unsolved. Here we exploit the fact that the CT domain can form silk-like fibers by itself to gain knowledge about this transition. Structural investigations of fibers from recombinantly produced CT domain from E. australis MaSp1 reveal an α-helix to β-sheet transition upon fiber formation and highlight the helix N4 segment as most likely to initiate the structural conversion. This prediction is corroborated by the finding that a peptide corresponding to helix N4 has the ability of pH-induced conversion into β-sheets and self-assembly into nanofibrils. Our results provide structural information about the CT domain in fiber form and clues about its role in triggering the structural conversion of spidroins during fiber assembly.
Topics: Fibroins; Animals; Spiders; Silk; Protein Domains; Amino Acid Sequence; Protein Conformation, beta-Strand; Recombinant Proteins; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Protein Conformation, alpha-Helical; Protein Structure, Secondary
PubMed: 38821983
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49111-5 -
NanoImpact May 2024Nanoplastics are anticipated to be ubiquitous in various environmental compartments. However, challenges in analytical methods hinder our understanding of risks related...
Nanoplastics are anticipated to be ubiquitous in various environmental compartments. However, challenges in analytical methods hinder our understanding of risks related to specific nanplastics characteristics such as size and chemical compositions, and interactions between nanoplastics and microorganisms. In this study, we applied fit-for-purpose analytical methods and techniques to understand how nanoplastic chemical composition influences their interaction with bacteria collected from activated sludge. When exposed to polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoplastics for 5 days, the nanoplastics attached to the bacteria. Specifically, on day 1, there was a significant predominance of PS nanoplastics over PVC ones of similar size and shape, possibly due to differences in their chemical composition. After 5 days, there is a substantial decrease in nanoplastics attached to bacteria, suggesting bacterial defence mechanisms may reduce particles attachment over time. The overall bacterial community structure demonstrated a high degree of resilience. This resilience highlights the ability of microbial communities to maintain their structure despite nanoplastic stressors, as evidenced by consistent alpha diversity, PCoA, and PERMANOVA results. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for assessing nanoplastic fate and thus environmental impacts.
PubMed: 38821169
DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100514 -
RSC Advances May 2024The synthesis techniques used for metal oxide semiconductors strongly influence their chemical, physical and gas sensing characteristics. In this context, hematite...
The synthesis techniques used for metal oxide semiconductors strongly influence their chemical, physical and gas sensing characteristics. In this context, hematite (α-FeO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using two different techniques, namely, sol-gel (named H) and Pechini sol-gel (named H). The average crystallite size and surface area were 15 nm and 76 m g and 20 nm and 57 m g for H and H, respectively. Morphological studies showed that the H material was composed of ellipsoid-shaped particles, while the H material had peanut-shaped particles with open pores and channels. The comparison between the sensing performances of H and H toward ethanol indicated H to be a better sensing material for ethanol detection. The H sensor exhibited a response of 12 toward 500 ppm ethanol at 250 °C, a fast response time of 5 s and excellent selectivity. The enhanced characteristics were mainly related to the peculiar morphology with a porous nature, which led to more gas adsorption and diffusion. In addition to shape influence, the size of NPs also has an effect on the gas sensing performance. In fact, a decrease in the crystallite size led to an increase in the surface area of the material where the gas molecule-sensing layer interaction took place. The increase in the surface area created more interaction sites, and thus the sensitivity was improved. From these results, the H sensor can be regarded as a promising candidate for ethanol detection.
PubMed: 38818359
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02338b -
World Journal of Stem Cells May 2024Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels, is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are capable of...
BACKGROUND
Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels, is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are capable of exerting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by secreting cytokines and exosomes and are widely used to treat autoimmune and inflammation-related diseases. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
AIM
To modify DPSCs with HGF (DPSC-HGF) and evaluate the therapeutic effect of DPSC-HGF on AS using an apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE) mouse model and an cellular model.
METHODS
ApoE mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 wk and injected with DPSC-HGF or Ad-Null modified DPSCs (DPSC-Null) through tail vein at weeks 4, 7, and 11, respectively, and the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms were analyzed by histopathology, flow cytometry, lipid and glucose measurements, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the different time points of the experiment. An inflammatory cell model was established by using RAW264.7 cells and human aortic endothelial cells (HAOECs), and indirect co-cultured with supernatant of DPSC-Null (DPSC-Null-CM) or DPSC-HGF-CM, and the effect and mechanisms were analyzed by flow cytometry, RT-PCR and western blot. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activators and inhibitors were also used to validate the related signaling pathways.
RESULTS
DPSC-Null and DPSC-HGF treatments decreased the area of atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, and the percentage of macrophages in the aorta, and DPSC-HGF treatment had more pronounced effects. DPSCs treatment had no effect on serum lipoprotein levels. The FACS results showed that DPSCs treatment reduced the percentages of monocytes, neutrophils, and M1 macrophages in the peripheral blood and spleen. DPSC-Null-CM and DPSC-HGF-CM reduced adhesion molecule expression in tumor necrosis factor-α stimulated HAOECs and regulated M1 polarization and inflammatory factor expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
This study suggested that DPSC-HGF could more effectively ameliorate AS in ApoE mice on a HFD, and could be of greater value in stem cell-based treatments for AS.
PubMed: 38817328
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i5.575