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Nature Immunology Jun 2024The immunological mechanisms underlying chronic colitis are poorly understood. T follicular helper (T) cells are critical in helping B cells during germinal center...
The immunological mechanisms underlying chronic colitis are poorly understood. T follicular helper (T) cells are critical in helping B cells during germinal center reactions. In a T cell transfer colitis model, a lymphoid structure composed of mature dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells was found within T cell zones of colonic lymphoid follicles. T cells were required for mature DC accumulation, the formation of DC-T cell clusters and colitis development. Moreover, DCs promoted T cell differentiation, contributing to colitis development. A lineage-tracing analysis showed that, following migration to the lamina propria, T cells transdifferentiated into long-lived pathogenic T1 cells, promoting colitis development. Our findings have therefore demonstrated the reciprocal regulation of T cells and DCs in colonic lymphoid follicles, which is critical in chronic colitis pathogenesis.
PubMed: 38942990
DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01882-1 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Cancer treatment continues to shift from utilizing traditional therapies to targeted ones, such as protein kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. Mobilizing dendritic...
Cancer treatment continues to shift from utilizing traditional therapies to targeted ones, such as protein kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. Mobilizing dendritic cells (DC) and other myeloid cells with antigen presenting and cancer cell killing capacities is an attractive but not fully exploited approach. Here, we show that PIKFYVE is a shared gene target of clinically relevant protein kinase inhibitors and high expression of this gene in DCs is associated with poor patient response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Genetic and pharmacological studies demonstrate that PIKfyve ablation enhances the function of CD11c cells (predominantly dendritic cells) via selectively altering the non-canonical NF-κB pathway. Both loss of Pikfyve in CD11c cells and treatment with apilimod, a potent and specific PIKfyve inhibitor, restrained tumor growth, enhanced DC-dependent T cell immunity, and potentiated ICB efficacy in tumor-bearing mouse models. Furthermore, the combination of a vaccine adjuvant and apilimod reduced tumor progression in vivo. Thus, PIKfyve negatively regulates the function of CD11c cells, and PIKfyve inhibition has promise for cancer immunotherapy and vaccine treatment strategies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Dendritic Cells; Mice; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; CD11c Antigen; Morpholines; Cell Line, Tumor; Immunotherapy; Neoplasms; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Female; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; NF-kappa B; T-Lymphocytes; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Hydrazones; Pyrimidines
PubMed: 38942798
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48931-9 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Jun 2024We have recently witnessed that considerable progresses have been made in the rapid detection and appropriate treatments of COVID-19, but still this virus remains one of...
We have recently witnessed that considerable progresses have been made in the rapid detection and appropriate treatments of COVID-19, but still this virus remains one of the main targets of world research. Based on the knowledge of the complex mechanism of viral infection we designed peptide-dendrimer inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2with the aim to block cell infection through interfering with the host-pathogen interactions. We used two different strategies: i) the first one aims at hindering the virus anchorage to the human cell; ii) the second -strategy points to interfere with the mechanism of virus-cell membrane fusion. We propose the use of different nanosized carriers, formed by several carbosilane dendritic wedges to deliver two different peptides designed to inhibit host interaction or virus entry. The antiviral activity of the peptide-dendrimers, as well as of free peptides and free dendrimers was evaluated through the use of SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus. The results obtained show that peptides designed to block host-pathogen interaction represent a valuable strategy for viral inhibition.
PubMed: 38942185
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124389 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jun 2024The traditional medicinal formulation, Qifu-yin (QFY), has been widely prescribed for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment in China, yet the comprehensive mechanisms...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
The traditional medicinal formulation, Qifu-yin (QFY), has been widely prescribed for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment in China, yet the comprehensive mechanisms through which QFY mitigates AD pathology remain to be fully delineated.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic implications of QFY on the synaptic injury and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice, with a concerted effort to elucidate the molecular mechanisms related to synaptic preservation and memory improvement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The components of QFY were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The neuroprotective effects of QFY was evaluated using six-month-old male APP/PS1 mice. Subsequent to a 15 days of QFY regimen, spatial memory was assessed utilizing the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation was detected via immunostaining, while the quantification of Aβ and Aβ was achieved through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to investigate the synaptic structure and mitochondrial morphology. Golgi staining was applied to examine dendritic spine density. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4-HNE) assays were employed to assess oxidative stress. The expression profiles of Aβ metabolism-associated enzymes and the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway were determined by Western blot.
RESULTS
A total of 20 principal compounds in QFY were identified. QFY mitigated memory deficits of APP/PS1 mice, including reducing escape latency and search distance and increasing the time and distance spent in the target quadrant. In addition, QFY increased platform crossings of APP/PS1 mice in the probe trial of MWM tests. TEM analysis showed that QFY increased synapse number in the CA1 region of APP/PS1 mice. Further studies indicated that QFY elevated the expression levels of Post synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin, and mitigated the loss of dendritic spine density in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. QFY has been shown to ameliorated the structural abnormalities of mitochondria, including mitochondrial dissolution and degradation, up-regulate ATP synthesis and membrane potential in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, QFY activated the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, which might contribute to the neuroprotective effects of QFY.
CONCLUSION
QFY activates the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling, and protects against synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice, proposing a potential alternative therapeutic strategy for AD management.
PubMed: 38942156
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118497 -
Journal of Controlled Release :... Jun 2024Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute 50-80% of stromal cells in most solid tumors with high mortality and poor prognosis. Tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells...
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute 50-80% of stromal cells in most solid tumors with high mortality and poor prognosis. Tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (TIDCs) and TAMs are key components mediating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Considering their refractory properties, simultaneous remodeling of TAMs and TIDCs is a potential strategy of boosting tumor immunity and restoring immunosurveillance. In this study, mannose-decorated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles loading with R848 (Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848) were prepared to dually target TAMs and TIDCs for efficient tumor immunotherapy. The three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model can simulate tumor growth as influenced by the TME and its 3D structural arrangement. Consequently, cancer spheroids enriched with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were fabricated to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848. In the TME, Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848 targeted both TAMs and TIDCs in a mannose receptor-mediated manner. Subsequently, Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848 released R848 to activate Toll-like receptors 7 and 8, following dual-reprograming of TIDCs and TAMs. Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848 could uniquely reprogram TAMs into antitumoral phenotypes, decrease angiogenesis, reprogram the immunosuppressive TME from "cold tumor" into "hot tumor", with high CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration, and consequently hinder tumor development in B16F10 tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, dual-reprograming of TIDCs and TAMs with the Man-pD-PLGA-NP@R848 is a promising cancer immunotherapy strategy.
PubMed: 38942083
DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.062 -
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38942034
DOI: 10.1055/a-2350-1122 -
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur... Jun 2024Corneal nerves and dendritic cells are increasingly being visualised to serve as clinical parameters in the diagnosis of ocular surface diseases using intravital... (Review)
Review
Corneal nerves and dendritic cells are increasingly being visualised to serve as clinical parameters in the diagnosis of ocular surface diseases using intravital confocal microscopy. In this review, different methods of image analysis are presented. The use of deep learning algorithms, which enable automated pattern recognition, is explained in detail using our own developments and compared with other established methods.
Topics: Cornea; Dendritic Cells; Humans; Microscopy, Confocal; Ophthalmic Nerve; Deep Learning; Corneal Diseases; Pattern Recognition, Automated; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Intravital Microscopy; Algorithms
PubMed: 38941998
DOI: 10.1055/a-2307-0313 -
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Jun 2024Self-assembly of nanoclusters (NCs) is an effective synthetic method for preparing functionalized nanomaterials. However, the assembly process and mechanisms in...
Self-assembly of nanoclusters (NCs) is an effective synthetic method for preparing functionalized nanomaterials. However, the assembly process and mechanisms in solutions still remain ambiguous owing to the limited strategies to monitor intermediate assembled states. Herein, the self-assembly process of amphiphilic molecule 4POSS-DL-POM (consisting of four polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, a dendritic linker, and one polyoxometalate) by evaporation of acetone in a mixed acetone/n-decane solution is monitored by time-resolved synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Scattering data assessments, including Kratky analysis, pair distance distribution function, and model fitting, track the self-assembly process of 4POSS-DL-POM from a fractal network to compact NCs, then to core-shell NCs, and finally to superlattice structure. The calculated average aggregation number of a core-shell NC is 11 according to the parameters obtained from core-shell model fitting, in agreement with electron microscopy. The fundamental understanding of the self-assembly dynamics from heterocluster into NCs provides principles to control building block shape and guide target aggregation, which can further promote the design and construction of highly ordered cluster-assembled functional nanomaterials.
PubMed: 38941936
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.156 -
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Jun 2024Aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) with the advantages of safety, low cost, and sustainability are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage devices. However, the...
Aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) with the advantages of safety, low cost, and sustainability are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage devices. However, the issues of interface side reactions and dendrite growth at the zinc metal anode (ZMA) significantly harm the cycling lifespan of AZBs. In this study, we designed a nano-molecular sieve additive, fullerenol (C(OH)), which possesses a surface rich in hydroxyl groups that can be uniformly dispersed in the aqueous solution, and captures free water in the electrolyte, thereby suppressing the occurrence of interfacial corrosion. Besides, fullerenol can be further reduced to fullerene (C) on the surface of ZMA, holding a unique self-smoothing effect that can inhibit the growth of dendritic Zn. With the synergistic action of these two effects, the fullerenol-contained electrolyte (FE) enables dendrite-free ZMAs. The Zn-Ti half-cell using FE exhibits stable cycling over 2500 times at 5 mA cm with an average Coulombic efficiency as high as 99.8 %. Additionally, the Zn-NaVO cell using this electrolyte displays a capacity retention rate of 100 % after 1000 cycles at -20 °C. This work provides important insights into the molecular design of multifunctional electrolyte additives.
PubMed: 38941928
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.182 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jun 2024Vaccines are an effective intervention for preventing infectious diseases. Currently many vaccine strategies are designed to improve vaccine efficacy by controlling...
Vaccines are an effective intervention for preventing infectious diseases. Currently many vaccine strategies are designed to improve vaccine efficacy by controlling antigen release, typically involving various approaches at the injection site. Yet, strategies for intracellular slow-release of antigens in vaccines are still unexplored. Our study showed that controlling the degradation of antigens in dendritic cells and slowing their transport from early endosomes to lysosomes markedly enhances both antigen-specific T-cell immune responses and germinal center B cell responses. This leads to the establishment of sustained humoral and cellular immunity in vivo imaging and flow cytometry indicated this method not only prolongs antigen retention at the injection site but also enhances antigen concentration in lymph nodes, surpassing traditional Aluminium (Alum) adjuvants. Additionally, we demonstrated that the slow antigen degradation induces stronger follicular helper T cell responses and increases proportions of long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells. Overall, these findings propose that controlling the speed of antigens transport in dendritic cells can significantly boost vaccine efficacy, offering an innovative avenue for developing highly immunogenic next-generation vaccines.
PubMed: 38941888
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117036