Interferons, interferon-like cytokines, and their receptors

Feasibility of Using a Type I IFN-Based Non-Animal Approach to Predict Vaccine Efficacy and Safety Profiles

Animal-based tests are used for the control of vaccine quality. However, because highly purified and safe vaccines are now available, alternative approaches that can replace or reduce animal use for the assessment of vaccine outcomes must be established. In vitro tests for vaccine quality control exist and have already been implemented. However, these tests are specifically designed for some next-generation vaccines, and this makes them not readily available for testing other vaccines. Therefore, universal non-animal tests are still needed. Specific signatures of the innate immune response could represent a promising approach to predict the outcome of vaccines by non-animal methods. Type I interferons (IFNs) have multiple immunomodulatory activities, which are exerted through effectors called interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), and are one of the most important immune signatures that might provide potential candidate molecular biomarkers for this purpose. This paper will mainly examine if this idea might be feasible by analyzing all relevant published studies that have provided type I IFN-related biomarkers for evaluating the safety and efficacy profiles of vaccines using an advanced transcriptomic approach as an alternative to the animal methods. Results revealed that such an approach could potentially provide biomarkers predictive of vaccine outcomes after addressing some limitations.

Uncoupling interferons and the interferon signature explains clinical and transcriptional subsets in SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) displays a hallmark interferon (IFN) signature. Yet, clinical trials targeting type I IFN (IFN-I) have shown variable efficacy, and blocking IFN-II failed to treat SLE. Here, we show that IFN type levels in SLE vary significantly across clinical and transcriptional endotypes. Whereas skin involvement correlated with IFN-I alone, systemic features like nephritis associated with co-elevation of IFN-I, IFN-II, and IFN-III, indicating additive IFN effects in severe SLE. Notably, while high IFN-II/-III levels without IFN-I had a limited effect on disease activity, IFN-II was linked to IFN-I-independent transcriptional profiles (e.g., OXPHOS and CD8+GZMH+ cells), and IFN-III enhanced IFN-induced gene expression when co-elevated with IFN-I. Moreover, dysregulated IFNs do not explain the IFN signature in 64% of patients or clinical manifestations including cytopenia, serositis, and anti-phospholipid syndrome, implying IFN-independent endotypes in SLE. This study sheds light on mechanisms underlying SLE heterogeneity and the variable response to IFN-targeted therapies in clinical trials.

Harnessing the power of IFN for therapeutic approaches to COVID-19

Interferons (IFNs) are essential for defense against viral infections but also drive recruitment of inflammatory cells to sites of infection, a key feature of severe COVID-19. Here, we explore the complexity of the IFN response in COVID-19, examine the effects of manipulating IFN on SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and pathogenesis, and highlight pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of IFN in limiting COVID-19 severity.

Endometrial Proliferative Phase-Centered View of Transcriptome Dynamics across the Menstrual Cycle

The endometrium, the inner mucosal lining of the uterus, undergoes complex molecular and cellular changes across the menstrual cycle in preparation for embryo implantation. Transcriptome-wide analyses have mainly been utilized to study endometrial receptivity, the prerequisite for successful implantation, with most studies, so far, comparing the endometrial transcriptomes between (i) secretory and proliferative endometrium or (ii) mid-secretory and early secretory endometrium. In the current study, we provide a complete transcriptome description of the endometrium across the entire menstrual cycle and, for the first time, comprehensively characterize the proliferative phase of the endometrium. Our temporal transcriptome analysis includes five time points including the mid-proliferative, late proliferative (peri-ovulatory phase), early secretory, mid-secretory, and late secretory phases. Thus, we unveil exhaustively the transitions between the consecutive proliferative and secretory phases, highlighting their unique gene expression profiles and possible distinct biological functions. The transcriptome analysis reveals many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the menstrual cycle, most of which are phase-specific. As an example of coordinated gene activity, the expression profile of histone-encoding genes within the HIST cluster on chromosome 6 shows an increase in cluster activity during the late proliferative and a decline during the mid-secretory phase. Moreover, numerous DEGs are shared among all phases. In conclusion, in the current study, we delineate the endometrial proliferative phase-centered view of transcriptome dynamics across the menstrual cycle. Our data analysis highlights significant transcriptomic and functional changes occurring during the late proliferative phase-an essential transition point from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase. Future studies should explore how the biology of the late proliferative phase endometrium impacts the achievement of mid-secretory endometrial receptivity or contributes to molecular aberrations leading to embryo implantation failure.

Cloning and functional characterization of novel human neutralizing anti-interferon-alpha and anti-interferon-beta antibodies

Type I interferons (IFNs) play a pivotal role in immune response modulation, yet dysregulation is implicated in various disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to develop tools that facilitate the understanding of their mechanism of action and enable the development of more effective anti-IFN therapeutic strategies. In this study, we isolated, cloned, and characterized anti-IFN-α and anti-IFN-β antibodies (Abs) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of individuals treated with IFN-α or IFN-β, harboring confirmed neutralizing Abs. Clones AH07856 and AH07857 were identified as neutralizing anti-IFN-α-specific with inhibition against IFN-α2a, -α2b, and -αK subtypes. Clones AH07859 and AH07866 were identified as neutralizing anti-IFN-β1a-specific signaling, and able to block Lipopolysaccharide or S100 calcium binding protein A14-induced IFN-β signaling effects. Cloned Abs bind rhesus but not murine IFNs. The specificity of inhibition between IFN-α and IFN-β suggests potential for diverse research and clinical applications.

Structural basis for the recognition of IFNAR1 by the humanized therapeutic monoclonal antibody QX006N for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

Interferon (IFN) alpha/beta receptor 1 (IFNAR1) is indispensable for antiviral responses and the immune regulation. Dysregulation of the IFNAR1-mediaetd signaling pathways leads to deleterious autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). QX006N, a humanized therapeutic monoclonal antibody, specifically targets human IFNAR1 and is in the clinical trial phase for treating SLE, but the molecular mechanism underlying the QX006N-mediated recognition of IFNAR1 remains unclear. Here, we report the high neutralization activities of QX006N against IFNAR1-mediated signal transduction. Meanwhile, we determine the structures of the fragment antigen-binding domain (Fab) of QX006N (QX006N-Fab) and QX006N-Fab in complex with the subdomains 1-3 of IFNAR1 (IFNAR1-SD123) at 2.87 Å and 2.68 Å resolutions, respectively. In the structure of the QX006N-Fab/IFNAR1-SD123 complex, QX006N-Fab only recognizes the SD3 subdomain of IFNAR1 by the hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding and electrostatic interactions. Compared with the structure of the IFN/IFNAR1/IFNAR2 complex, the binding of QX006N-Fab to IFNAR1-SD3 blocks its association with IFN due to steric hindrance, which inhibits the IFN/IFNAR1/IFNAR2 complex formation for signal transduction. The results of this study provide the structural evidence for the specific targeting of IFNAR1 by the therapeutic antibody QX006N and pave the way for the rational design of antibody drugs to combat IFNAR1-related autoimmune diseases.

STAT2 negatively regulates RIG-I in the antiviral innate immunity of black carp

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2), a downstream factor of type I interferons (IFNs), is a key component of the cellular antiviral immunity response. However, the role of STAT2 in the upstream of IFN signaling, such as the regulation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), remains unknown. In this study, STAT2 homologue of black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) has been cloned and characterized. The open reading frame (ORF) of bcSTAT2 comprises 2523 nucleotides and encodes 841 amino acids, which presents the conserved structure to that of mammalian STAT2. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and the plaque assay showed that bcSTAT2 possessed certain IFN-inducing ability and antiviral ability against both spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) and grass carp reovirus (GCRV). Interestingly, we detected the association between bcSTAT2 and bcRIG-I through co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay. Moreover, when bcSTAT2 was co-expressed with bcRIG-I, bcSTAT2 obviously suppressed bcRIG-I-induced IFN expression and antiviral activity. The subsequent co-IP assay and immunoblotting (IB) assay further demonstrated that bcSTAT2 inhibited K63-linked polyubiquitination but not K48-linked polyubiquitination of bcRIG-I, however, did not affect the oligomerization of bcRIG-I. Thus, our data conclude that black carp STAT2 negatively regulates RIG-I through attenuates its K63-linked ubiquitination, which sheds a new light on the regulation of the antiviral innate immunity cascade in vertebrates.

Maternal recognition of pregnancy in the pig: A servomechanism involving sex steroids, cytokines and prostaglandins

Maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) is a term utilized in mammals to describe pathways in which the conceptus alters the endometrial environment to prevent regression of corpora lutea to ensure continued production of progesterone (P4) required for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. For nearly 40 years after publication of the endocrine/exocrine theory, conceptus estrogen (E2) was considered the primary maternal recognition signal in the pig. Conceptus production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was also considered to be a major factor in preventing luteolysis. An addition to E2 and PGE2, pig conceptuses produce interleukin 1B2 (IL1B2) and interferons (IFN) delta (IFND) and gamma (IFNG). The present review provides brief history of the discovery of E2, PGs and IFNS which led to research investigating the role of these conceptus secreted factors in establishing and maintaining pregnancy in the pig. The recent utilization of gene editing technology allowed a more direct approach to investigate the in vivo roles of IL1B2, E2, PGE2, AND IFNG for establishment of pregnancy. These studies revealed unknown functions for IFNG and ILB2 in addition to PGE2 and E2. Thus, pregnancy recognition signal is via a servomechanism in requiring sequential effects of P4, E2, IL1B2, PGE2 and IFNG. Results indicate that the original established dogma for the role of conceptus E2 and PGs in MRP is a far too simplified model that involves the interplay of numerous mechanisms for inhibiting luteolysis, inducing critical elongation of the conceptuses and resolution of inflammation in pigs.

Porcine HERC6 acts as major E3 ligase for ISGylation and is auto-ISGylated for effective ISGylation in porcine

Interferon-stimulated gene product 15 (ISG15) can be conjugated to substrates through ISGylation. Currently, the E3 ligase for porcine ISGylation remains unclear. Here, we identified porcine HERC5 and HERC6 (pHERC5/6) as ISGylation E3 ligases with pHERC6 acting as a major one by reconstitution of porcine ISGylation system in HEK-293 T cell via co-transfecting E1, E2 and porcine ISG15(pISG15) genes. Meanwhile, our data demonstrated that co-transfection of pISG15 and pHERC5/6 was sufficient to confer ISGylation, suggesting E1 and E2 of ISGylation are interchangeable between human and porcine. Using an immunoprecipitation based ISGylation analysis, our data revealed pHERC6 was a substrate for ISGylation and confirmed that K707 and K993 of pHERC6 were auto-ISGylation sites. Mutation of these sites reduced pHERC6 half-life and inhibited ISGylation, suggesting that auto-ISGylation of pHERC6 was required for effective ISGylation. Conversely, sustained ISGylation induced by overexpression of pISG15 and pHERC6 could be inhibited by a well-defined porcine ISGylation antagonist, the ovarian tumor (OTU) protease domain of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)-nsp2 and PRRSV-nsp1β, further indicating such method could be used for identification of virus-encoded ISG15 antagonist. In conclusion, our study contributes new insights towards porcine ISGylation system and provides a novel tool for screening viral-encoded ISG15 antagonist.

Promising Cytokine Adjuvants for Enhancing Tuberculosis Vaccine Immunity

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), remains a formidable global health challenge, affecting a substantial portion of the world's population. The current tuberculosis vaccine, bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), offers limited protection against pulmonary tuberculosis in adults, underscoring the critical need for innovative vaccination strategies. Cytokines are pivotal in modulating immune responses and have been explored as potential adjuvants to enhance vaccine efficacy. The strategic inclusion of cytokines as adjuvants in tuberculosis vaccines holds significant promise for augmenting vaccine-induced immune responses and strengthening protection against M. tuberculosis. This review delves into promising cytokines, such as Type I interferons (IFNs), Type II IFN, interleukins such as IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-12, and IL-21, alongside the use of a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as an adjuvant, which has shown effectiveness in boosting immune responses and enhancing vaccine efficacy in tuberculosis models.

Interleukin 27, like interferons, activates JAK-STAT signaling and promotes pro-inflammatory and antiviral states that interfere with dengue and chikungunya viruses replication in human macrophages

Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines that activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway to induce an antiviral state in cells. Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is a member of the IL-6 and/or IL-12 family that elicits both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Recent studies have reported that IL-27 also induces a robust antiviral response against diverse viruses, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that IFNs and IL-27 share many similarities at the functional level. However, it is still unknown how similar or different IFN- and IL-27-dependent signaling pathways are. To address this question, we conducted a comparative analysis of the transcriptomic profiles of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) exposed to IL-27 and those exposed to recombinant human IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IFN-λ. We utilized bioinformatics approaches to identify common differentially expressed genes between the different transcriptomes. To verify the accuracy of this approach, we used RT-qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, and microarrays data. We found that IFNs and IL-27 induce transcriptional changes in several genes, including those involved in JAK-STAT signaling, and induce shared pro-inflammatory and antiviral pathways in MDMs, leading to the common and unique expression of inflammatory factors and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs)Importantly, the ability of IL-27 to induce those responses is independent of IFN induction and cellular lineage. Additionally, functional analysis demonstrated that like IFNs, IL-27-mediated response reduced chikungunya and dengue viruses replication in MDMs. In summary, IL-27 exhibits properties similar to those of all three types of human IFN, including the ability to stimulate a protective antiviral response. Given this similarity, we propose that IL-27 could be classified as a distinct type of IFN, possibly categorized as IFN-pi (IFN-π), the type V IFN (IFN-V).

Signaling by Type I Interferons in Immune Cells: Disease Consequences

This review addresses interferon (IFN) signaling in immune cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and examines how this affects cancer progression. The data reveal that IFNs exert dual roles in cancers, dependent on the TME, exhibiting both anti-tumor activity and promoting cancer progression. We discuss the abnormal IFN signaling induced by cancerous cells that alters immune responses to permit their survival and proliferation.

Type I gamma phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5-kinase i5 controls cell sensitivity to interferon

The interferon signaling pathway is critical for host defense by serving diverse functions in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Here, we show that type I gamma phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5-kinase i5 (PIPKIγi5), an enzyme that synthesizes phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P2), controls the sensitivity to interferon in both human and mouse cells. PIPKIγi5 directly binds to the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) downstream effector signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), which suppresses the STAT1 dimerization, IFN-γ-induced STAT1 nuclear translocation, and transcription of IFN-γ-responsive genes. Depletion of PIPKIγi5 significantly enhances IFN-γ signaling and strengthens an antiviral response. In addition, PIPKIγi5-synthesized PI4,5P2 can bind to STAT1 and promote the PIPKIγi5-STAT1 interaction. Similar to its interaction with STAT1, PIPKIγi5 is capable of interacting with other members of the STAT family, including STAT2 and STAT3, thereby suppressing the expression of genes mediated by these transcription factors. These findings identify the function of PIPKIγi5 in immune regulation.

Interferons and interferon-related pathways in heart disease

Interferons (IFNs) and IFN-related pathways play key roles in the defence against microbial infection. However, these processes may also be activated during the pathogenesis of non-infectious diseases, where they may contribute to organ injury, or function in a compensatory manner. In this review, we explore the roles of IFNs and IFN-related pathways in heart disease. We consider the cardiac effects of type I IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs); the emerging role of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway; the seemingly paradoxical effects of the type II IFN, IFN-γ; and the varied actions of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family of transcription factors. Recombinant IFNs and small molecule inhibitors of mediators of IFN receptor signaling are already employed in the clinic for the treatment of some autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancers. There has also been renewed interest in IFNs and IFN-related pathways because of their involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection, and because of the relatively recent emergence of cGAS-STING as a pattern recognition receptor-activated pathway. Whether these advances will ultimately result in improvements in the care of those experiencing heart disease remains to be determined.

Regulation of host/pathogen interactions in the gastrointestinal tract by type I and III interferons

Interferons (IFNs) are an integral component of the host innate immune response during viral infection. Recent advances in the study of type I and III IFNs suggest that though both types counteract viral infection, type III IFNs act predominantly at epithelial barrier sites, while type I IFNs drive systemic responses. The dynamics and specific roles of type I versus III IFNs have been studied in the context of infection by a variety of enteric pathogens, including reovirus, rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, and intestinal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, revealing shared patterns of regulatory influence. An important role for the gut microbiota, including the virome, in regulating homeostasis and priming of intestinal IFN responses has also recently emerged.

In search of a function for human type III interferons: insights from inherited and acquired deficits

The essential and redundant functions of human type I and II interferons (IFNs) have been delineated over the last three decades by studies of patients with inborn errors of immunity or their autoimmune phenocopies, but much less is known about type III IFNs. Patients with cells that do not respond to type III IFNs due to inherited IL10RB deficiency display no overt viral disease, and their inflammatory disease phenotypes can be explained by defective signaling via other interleukine10RB-dependent pathways. Moreover, patients with inherited deficiencies of interferon-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF-3) (STAT1, STAT2, IRF9) present viral diseases also seen in patients with inherited deficiencies of the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR1/2). Finally, patients with autoantibodies neutralizing type III IFNs have no obvious predisposition to viral disease. Current findings thus suggest that type III IFNs are largely redundant in humans. The essential functions of human type III IFNs, particularly in antiviral defenses, remain to be discovered.

Structural and Functional Characterization of a Fish Type I Subgroup d IFN Reveals Its Binding to Receptors

Teleost fish type I IFNs and the associated receptors from the cytokine receptor family B (CRFB) are characterized by remarkable diversity and complexity. How the fish type I IFNs bind to their receptors is still not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that CRFB1 and CRFB5 constitute the receptor pair through which type I subgroup d IFN (IFNd) from large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea, activates the conserved JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a part of the antiviral response. Our data suggest that L. crocea IFNd (LcIFNd) has a higher binding affinity with L. crocea CRFB5 (LcCRFB5) than with LcCRFB1. Furthermore, we report the crystal structure of LcIFNd at a 1.49-Å resolution and construct structural models of LcIFNd in binary complexes with predicted structures of extracellular regions of LcCRFB1 and LcCRFB5, respectively. Despite striking similarities in overall architectures of LcIFNd and its ortholog human IFN-ω, the receptor binding patterns between LcIFNd and its receptors show that teleost and mammalian type I IFNs may have differentially selected helices that bind to their homologous receptors. Correspondingly, key residues mediating binding of LcIFNd to LcCRFB1 and LcCRFB5 are largely distinct from the receptor-interacting residues in other fish and mammalian type I IFNs. Our findings reveal a ligand/receptor complex binding mechanism of IFNd in teleost fish, thus providing new insights into the function and evolution of type I IFNs.

Characterization of type II IFNs and their receptors in a cyprinid fish, the blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala

Type II interferons (IFNs) are a key class of molecules regulating innate and adaptive immunity in vertebrates. In the present study, two members of the type II IFNs, IFN-γ and IFNγ-rel, were identified in the blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala). The open reading frame (ORF) of IFN-γ and IFNγ-rel was found to have 564 bp and 492 bp, encoding 187 and 163 amino acids, with the first 26 and 24 amino acids being the signal peptide, respectively. IFN-γ and IFNγ-rel genes showed a high degree of similarity to their zebrafish homologues, being 76.9 % and 58.9 %, respectively. In the phylogenetic tree, IFN-γ and IFNγ-rel were clustered with homologous genes in cyprinids. In blunt snout bream, IFN-γ and IFNγ-rel were constitutively expressed in trunk kidney, head kidney, spleen, liver, heart, muscle, gill, intestine and brain and were significantly up-regulated by poly (I:C) induction in head kidney, spleen, liver, gill and intestine. Using recombinant proteins of IFN-γ and IFNγ-rel, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results showed that IFN-γ was bound to CRFB6, CRFB13 and CRFB17, but mainly to CRFB6 and CRFB13, whereas IFN-γrel bound mainly to CRFB17 and had no affinity with CRFB6. These results contribute to a better understanding on type II IFNs and their receptor usage in teleost fish.

Distinct antiviral activities of IFNφ1 and IFNφ4 in zebrafish

Interferons (IFNs) are a group of secreted cytokines that play a crucial role in antiviral immunity. Type I IFNs display functional disparities. In teleosts, type I IFNs are categorized into two subgroups containing one or two pairs of disulfide bonds. However, their functional differences have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we comparatively characterized the antiviral activities of zebrafish IFNφ1 and IFNφ4 belonging to the group I type I IFNs. It was found that ifnφ1 and ifnφ4 were differentially modulated during viral infection. Although both IFNφ1 and IFNφ4 activated JAK-STAT signaling pathway via CRFB1/CRFB5 receptor complex, IFNφ4 was less potent in inducing phosphorylation of STAT1a, STAT1b and STAT2 and the expression of antiviral genes than IFNφ1, thereby conferring weaker antiviral resistance of target cells. Taken together, our results provide insights into the functional divergence of type I IFNs in lower vertebrates.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms implicated in the pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum infection outcome

Cytokines play a critical role in the immune mechanisms involved in fighting infections including malaria. Polymorphisms in cytokine genes may affect immune responses during an infection with Plasmodium parasites and immunization outcomes during routine administration of malaria vaccines. These polymorphisms can increase or reduce susceptibility to this deadly infection, and this may affect the physiologically needed balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the effect of selected cytokine gene polymorphisms on immune responses against malaria.

Combined intravenous ribavirin and recombinant human interferon α1b aerosol inhalation for adenovirus pneumonia with plastic bronchitis in children: a case report and review of literature

Background

Human adenovirus (HAdV) infections in children can lead to profound pulmonary injury and are frequently associated with severe complications, particularly in cases concomitant with plastic bronchitis. Managing this condition presents significant challenges and carries an exceptionally high fatality rate. Regrettably, there are currently no specific antiviral agents that have demonstrated efficacy in treating severe adenovirus pneumonia in children.

Case presentation

We report a 10-month-old infant suffering from severe adenovirus pneumonia combined with plastic bronchitis (PB). He received intravenous ribavirin combined with recombinant human interferon α1b (INFα1b) aerosol inhalation and his condition eventually improved. No side effects occurred during the treatment, and the long-term prognosis was favorable.

Conclusion

In this case, the combination therapy of intravenous ribavirin and INFα1b seems to have contributed to the resolution of illness and may be considered for similar cases until stronger evidence is generated.

Chicken Interferon-Alpha and -Lambda Exhibit Antiviral Effects against Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 in Leghorn Male Hepatocellular Cells

Hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (HHS) is primarily caused by fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4), causing high mortality in chickens. Although vaccination strategies against FAdV-4 have been adopted, HHS still occurs sporadically. Furthermore, no effective drugs are available for controlling FAdV-4 infection. However, type I and III interferon (IFN) are crucial therapeutic agents against viral infection. The following experiments were conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of chicken IFN against FadV-4. We expressed recombinant chicken type I IFN-α (ChIFN-α) and type III IFN-λ (ChIFN-λ) in Escherichia coli and systemically investigated their antiviral activity against FAdV-4 infection in Leghorn male hepatocellular (LMH) cells. ChIFN-α and ChIFN-λ dose dependently inhibited FAdV-4 replication in LMH cells. Compared with ChIFN-λ, ChIFN-α more significantly inhibited viral genome transcription but less significantly suppressed FAdV-4 release. ChIFN-α- and ChIFN-λ-induced IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, such as PKR, ZAP, IRF7, MX1, Viperin, IFIT5, OASL, and IFI6, in LMH cells; however, ChIFN-α induced a stronger expression level than ChIFN-λ. Thus, our data revealed that ChIFN-α and ChIFN-λ might trigger different ISG expression levels, inhibiting FAdV-4 replication via different steps of the FAdV-4 lifecycle, which furthers the potential applications of IFN antiviral drugs in chickens.

Controlling the Quality of Nanodrugs According to Their New Property-Radiothermal Emission

Previous studies have shown that complexly shaped nanoparticles (NPs) have their intrinsic radiothermal emission in the millimeter range. This article presents a method for controlling the quality of nanodrugs-immunobiological preparations (IBPs)-based on the detection of their intrinsic radiothermal emissions. The emissivity of interferon (IFN) medicals, determined without opening the primary package, is as follows (µW/m2): IFN-α2b-80 ± 9 (105 IU per package), IFN-β1a-40 ± 5 (24 × 106 IU per package), IFN-γ-30 ± 4 (105 IU per package). The emissivity of virus-like particles (VLP), determined using vaccines Gam-VLP-multivac (120 μg) in an injection bottle (crimp cap vials), was as follows: 12 ± 1 µW/m2, Gam-VLP-rota vaccines-9 ± 1 µW/m2. This study shows the reproducibility of emissivity over the course of a year, subject to the storage conditions of the immunobiological products. It has been shown that accelerated aging and a longer shelf life are accompanied by the coagulation of active NPs, and lead to a manyfold drop in emissivity. The dependence of radiothermal emission on temperature has a complex, non-monotonic nature. The emission intensity depends on the form of dosage, but remains within the order of magnitude for IFN-α2b for intranasal aqueous solution, ointments, and suppositories. The possibility of the remote quantitative control of the first phases of the immune response (increased synthesis of IFNs) to the intranasal administration of VLP vaccines has been demonstrated in experimental animals.

MicroRNA-218-5p-Ddx41 axis restrains microglia-mediated neuroinflammation through downregulating type I interferon response in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been largely considered one of main factors to the PD pathology. MicroRNA-218-5p (miR-218-5p) is a microRNA that plays a role in neurodevelopment and function, while its potential function in PD and neuroinflammation remains unclear.

METHODS

We explore the involvement of miR-218-5p in the PD in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model. The miR-218-5p agomir used for overexpression was delivered into the substantia nigra (SN) by bilateral stereotaxic infusions. The loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and microglial inflammation in the SN was determined using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Motor function was assessed using the rotarod test. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to explore the pathways regulated by miR-218-5p. The target genes of miR-218-5p were predicted using TargetScan and confirmed using dual luciferase reporter assays. The effects of miR-218-5p on microglial inflammation and related pathways were verified in murine microglia-like BV2 cells. To stimulate BV2 cells, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and the conditioned media (CM) were collected.

RESULTS

MiR-218-5p expression was reduced in both the SN of MPTP-induced mice and MPP+-treated BV2 cells. MiR-218-5p overexpression significantly alleviated MPTP-induced microglial inflammation, loss of DA neurons, and motor dysfunction. RNA sequence and gene set enrichment analysis showed that type I interferon (IFN-I) pathways were upregulated in MPTP-induced mice, while this upregulation was reversed by miR-218-5p overexpression. A luciferase reporter assay verified that Ddx41 was a target gene of miR-218-5p. In vitro, miR-218-5p overexpression or Ddx41 knockdown inhibited the IFN-I response and expression of inflammatory cytokines in BV2 cells stimulated with MPP+-CM.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-218-5p suppresses microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and preserves DA neurons via Ddx41/IFN-I. Hence, miR-218-5p-Ddx41 is a promising therapeutic target for PD.

Role of interferons in the antiviral battle: from virus-host crosstalk to prophylactic and therapeutic potential in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Mammalians sense antigenic messages from infectious agents that penetrate the respiratory and digestive epithelium, as well as signals from damaged host cells through membrane and cytosolic receptors. The transduction of these signals triggers a personalized response, depending on the nature of the stimulus and the host's genetics, physiological condition, and comorbidities. Interferons (IFNs) are the primary effectors of the innate immune response, and their synthesis is activated in most cells within a few hours after pathogen invasion. IFNs are primarily synthesized in infected cells, but their anti-infective effect is extended to the neighboring cells by autocrine and paracrine action. The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in 2019 was a stark reminder of the potential threat posed by newly emerging viruses. This pandemic has also triggered an overwhelming influx of research studies aiming to unveil the mechanisms of protective versus pathogenic host immune responses induced by SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of IFNs as vital players in the battle against SARS-CoV-2 infection. We will briefly characterize and classify IFNs, present the inductors of IFN synthesis, their sensors, and signaling pathways, and then discuss the role of IFNs in controlling the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its clinical outcome. Finally, we will present the perspectives and controversies regarding the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of IFNs in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A TLR4/TRAF6-dependent signaling pathway mediates NCoR coactivator complex formation for inflammatory gene activation

The nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR) forms a complex with histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) that mediates repressive functions of unliganded nuclear receptors and other transcriptional repressors by deacetylation of histone substrates. Recent studies provide evidence that NCoR/HDAC3 complexes can also exert coactivator functions in brown adipocytes by deacetylating and activating PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) and that signaling via receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) promotes the formation of a stable NCoR/HDAC3/PGC1β complex that coactivates nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB)- and activator protein 1 (AP-1)-dependent genes required for osteoclast differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, but not TLR3, the interleukin 4 (IL4) receptor nor the Type I interferon receptor, also promotes assembly of an NCoR/HDAC3/PGC1β coactivator complex. Receptor-specific utilization of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and downstream activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) accounts for the common ability of RANK and TLR4 to drive assembly of an NCoR/HDAC3/PGC1β complex in macrophages. ERK1, the p65 component of NFκB, and the p300 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) are also components of the induced complex and are associated with local histone acetylation and transcriptional activation of TLR4-dependent enhancers and promoters. These observations identify a TLR4/TRAF6-dependent signaling pathway that converts NCoR from a corepressor of nuclear receptors to a coactivator of NFκB and AP-1 that may be relevant to functions of NCoR in other developmental and homeostatic processes.

Neurodevelopmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

This chapter will focus on microglial involvement in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). We will describe the neuroimmune risk factors that contribute to the etiopathology of these disorders across the lifespan, including both in early life and adulthood. Microglia, being the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, could play a key role in triggering and determining the outcome of these disorders. This chapter will review preclinical and clinical findings where microglial morphology and function were examined in the contexts of ASD, schizophrenia and MDD. Clinical evidence points out to altered microglial morphology and reactivity, as well as increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, supporting the idea that microglial abnormalities are involved in these disorders. Indeed, animal models for these disorders found altered microglial morphology and homeostatic functions which resulted in behaviours related to these disorders. Additionally, as microglia have emerged as promising therapeutic targets, we will also address in this chapter therapies involving microglial mechanisms for the treatment of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Identification, functional characterization and expression pattern of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interferon-gamma receptor 1 (IFNGR1) in Nibea albiflora

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is an inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating both innate and cell-mediated immune responses by binding to a receptor complex made up of IFNGR1 and IFNGR2. In this study, the complete cDNA of IFN-γ and IFNGR1 from Nibea albiflora were cloned and functionally characterized (named NaIFN-γ and NaIFNGR1), whose complete cDNA sequences were 1593 bp and 2792 bp, encoding 201 and 399 amino acids, respectively. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that the concluded amino acids sequences of NaIFN-γ and NaIFNGR1 shared high identity with their teleost orthologues including the IFN-γ signature and nuclear localization signal (NLS) motif in NaIFN-γ and FN Ⅲ domain in NaIFNGR1. Real-time PCR showed that NaIFN-γ and NaIFNGR1 constitutively expressed in all tested tissues, such as the head-kidney, spleen, liver, kidney, gill, muscle, blood, and intestine with the highest expression of NaIFN-γ and NaIFNGR1 appearing in the liver and gill, respectively. After experiencing stimulation with Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)), Vibrio alginolyticus (V. alginolyticus) or Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus), NaIFN-γ and NaIFNGR1 mRNA were up-regulated with the time-dependent model. Due to the presence of a nuclear localization signal (NLS), the subcellular localization revealed that NaIFN-γ dispersed throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus. NaIFNGR1, as a member of Cytokine receptor family B, was primarily expressed on the cell membrane. When NaIFN-γ and NaIFNGR1 were co-transfected, their fluorescence signals overlapped on the membrane of HEK 293T cells indicating the potential interaction between IFN-γ and IFNGR1. The GST-pull-down results further showed that NaIFN-γ could directly interact with the extracellular region of NaIFNGR1, further confirming the affinity between IFN-γ and IFNGR1. Taken together, the results firstly demonstrated that the NaIFN-γ ligand-receptor system existed in N.albiflora and played a pivotal part in N.albiflora's immune response against pathogenic bacterial infections, which contributed to the better understanding of the role of IFN-γ in the immunomodulatory mechanisms of teleost.

Cancer stem cells and angiogenesis

Cancer remains the primary cause of mortality in developed nations. Although localized tumors can be effectively addressed through surgery, radiotherapy, and other targeted methods, drug efficacy often wanes in the context of metastatic diseases. As a result, significant efforts are being made to develop drugs capable of not only inhibiting tumor growth but also impeding the metastasis of malignant tumors, with a focus on hindering their migration to adjacent organs. Cancer stem cells metastasize via blood and lymphatic vessels, exhibiting a high mutation rate, significant variability, and a predisposition to drug resistance. In contrast, endothelial cells, being less prone to mutation, are less likely to give rise to drug-resistant clones. Furthermore, the direct contact of circulating anti-angiogenic drugs with vascular endothelial cells expedites their therapeutic impact. Hence, anti-angiogenesis targeted therapy assumes a pivotal role in cancer treatment. This paper provides a succinct overview of the molecular mechanisms governing the interaction between cancer stem cells and angiogenesis.

Dictionary of immune responses to cytokines at single-cell resolution

Cytokines mediate cell-cell communication in the immune system and represent important therapeutic targets1-3. A myriad of studies have highlighted their central role in immune function4-13, yet we lack a global view of the cellular responses of each immune cell type to each cytokine. To address this gap, we created the Immune Dictionary, a compendium of single-cell transcriptomic profiles of more than 17 immune cell types in response to each of 86 cytokines (>1,400 cytokine-cell type combinations) in mouse lymph nodes in vivo. A cytokine-centric view of the dictionary revealed that most cytokines induce highly cell-type-specific responses. For example, the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β induces distinct gene programmes in almost every cell type. A cell-type-centric view of the dictionary identified more than 66 cytokine-driven cellular polarization states across immune cell types, including previously uncharacterized states such as an interleukin-18-induced polyfunctional natural killer cell state. Based on this dictionary, we developed companion software, Immune Response Enrichment Analysis, for assessing cytokine activities and immune cell polarization from gene expression data, and applied it to reveal cytokine networks in tumours following immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Our dictionary generates new hypotheses for cytokine functions, illuminates pleiotropic effects of cytokines, expands our knowledge of activation states of each immune cell type, and provides a framework to deduce the roles of specific cytokines and cell-cell communication networks in any immune response.

Angiotensin II Is Involved in MLKL Activation During the Development of Heart Failure Following Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Several reports assume that myocardial necroptotic cell death is induced during the development of chronic heart failure. Although it is well accepted that angiotensin II induces apoptotic cell death of cardiac myocytes, the involvement of angiotensin II in the induction of myocardial necroptosis during the development of heart failure is still unknown. Therefore, we examined the role of angiotensin II in myocardial necroptosis using rat failing hearts following myocardial infarction and cultured cardiomyocytes. We found that administration of azilsartan, an angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker, or trandolapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, to rats from the 2nd to the 8th week after myocardial infarction resulted in preservation of cardiac function and attenuation of mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) activation. Furthermore, the ratio of necroptotic cell death was increased in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes cultured with conditioned medium from rat cardiac fibroblasts in the presence of angiotensin II. This increase in necroptotic cells was attenuated by pretreatment with azilsartan. Furthermore, activated MLKL was increased in cardiomyocytes cultured in conditioned medium. Pretreatment with azilsartan also prevented the conditioned medium-induced increase in activated MLKL. These results suggest that angiotensin II contributes to the induction of myocardial necroptosis during the development of heart failure.

Selected Cytokines and Metalloproteinases in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a collective term for two diseases: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). There are many factors, e.g., genetic, environmental and immunological, that increase the likelihood of these diseases. Indicators of IBDs include extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The aim of this review is to present data on the role of selected cytokines and metalloproteinases in IBD. In recent years, more and more transcriptomic studies are emerging. These studies are improving the characterization of the cytokine microenvironment inside inflamed tissue. It is observed that the levels of several cytokines are consistently increased in inflamed tissue in IBD, both in UC and CD. This review shows that MMPs play a major role in the pathology of inflammatory processes, cancer, and IBD. IBD-associated inflammation is associated with increased expression of MMPs and reduced ability of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) to inhibit their action. In IBD patients in tissues that are inflamed, MMPs are produced in excess and TIMP activity is not sufficient to block MMPs. This review is based on our personal selection of the literature that was retrieved by a selective search in PubMed using the terms "Inflammatory bowel disease" and "pathogenesis of Inflammatory bowel diseases" that includes systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials. The involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of IBD is reviewed in terms of the role of the cytokines and metalloproteinases involved.

Testosterone affects type I/type II interferon response of neutrophils during hepatic amebiasis

Differences in immune response between men and women may influence the outcome of infectious diseases. Intestinal infection with Entamoeba histolytica leads to hepatic amebiasis, which is more common in males. Previously, we reported that innate immune cells contribute to liver damage in males in the murine model for hepatic amebiasis. Here, we focused on the influences of sex and androgens on neutrophils in particular. Infection associated with neutrophil accumulation in the liver was higher in male than in female mice and further increased after testosterone treatment in both sexes. Compared with female neutrophils, male neutrophils exhibit a more immature and less activated status, as evidenced by a lower proinflammatory N1-like phenotype and deconvolution, decreased gene expression of type I and type II interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) as well as downregulation of signaling pathways related to neutrophil activation. Neutrophils from females showed higher protein expression of the type I ISG viperin/RSAD2 during infection, which decreased by testosterone substitution. Moreover, ex vivo stimulation of human neutrophils revealed lower production of RSAD2 in neutrophils from men compared with women. These findings indicate that sex-specific effects on neutrophil physiology associated with maturation and type I IFN responsiveness might be important in the outcome of hepatic amebiasis.

The crucial regulatory role of type I interferon in inflammatory diseases

Type I interferon (IFN-I) plays crucial roles in the regulation of inflammation and it is associated with various inflammatory diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and periodontitis, impacting people's health and quality of life. It is well-established that IFN-Is affect immune responses and inflammatory factors by regulating some signaling. However, currently, there is no comprehensive overview of the crucial regulatory role of IFN-I in distinctive pathways as well as associated inflammatory diseases. This review aims to provide a narrative of the involvement of IFN-I in different signaling pathways, mainly mediating the related key factors with specific targets in the pathways and signaling cascades to influence the progression of inflammatory diseases. As such, we suggested that IFN-Is induce inflammatory regulation through the stimulation of certain factors in signaling pathways, which displays possible efficient treatment methods and provides a reference for the precise control of inflammatory diseases.

Targeted mutations in IFNα2 improve its antiviral activity against various viruses

IMPORTANCE

The potency of interferon (IFN)α to restrict viruses was already discovered in 1957. However, until today, only IFNα2 out of the 12 distinct human IFNα subtypes has been therapeutically used against chronic viral infections. There is convincing evidence that other IFNα subtypes are far more efficient than IFNα2 against many viruses. In order to identify critical antiviral residues within the IFNα subtype sequence, we designed hybrid molecules based on the IFNα2 backbone with individual sequence motifs from the more potent subtypes IFNα6 and IFNα14. In different antiviral assays with HIV or HBV, residues binding to IFNAR1 as well as combinations of residues in the IFNAR1 binding region, the putative tunable anchor, and residues outside these regions were identified to be crucial for the antiviral activity of IFNα. Thus, we designed artificial IFNα molecules, based on the clinically approved IFNα2 backbone, but with highly improved antiviral activity against several viruses.

Pretreatment of UC-MSCs with IFN-α2 improves treatment of liver fibrosis by recruiting neutrophils

BACKGROUND

The use of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) is a burgeoning method for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. However, the secretory phenotype and regulatory ability of UC-MSCs are easily affected by their microenvironment. Ensuring a specific microenvironment to enhance the UC-MSCs phenotype is a potential strategy for improving their therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this study was to explore therapeutic UC-MSCs phenotypes for improving liver fibrosis.

METHODS

RNA-sequencing was used to analyze the response pattern of UC-MSCs after exposure to the serum of cirrhotic patients with HBV. Using immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence techniques, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of UC-MSCs pretreated with interferon alpha 2 (IFN-α2) (pre-MSCs) in an animal model of cirrhosis. Immunoblotting, ELISA, and other techniques were used to analyze the signaling pathways underlying the IFN-induced changes in UC-MSCs.

RESULTS

UC-MSCs exposed to the serum of patients with hepatitis B-induced cirrhosis showed an enhanced response to type I IFN. The activated type I IFN signal induced the highest secretion of colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF-3), interleukin (IL)-8, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) by the UC-MSCs. Pre-MSCs showed a higher therapeutic efficacy than untreated UC-MSCs in an animal model of liver fibrosis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that pre-MSCs could recruit neutrophils resulting in an increase in the secretion of matrix metalloprotease 8 that alleviated fibrosis. When neutrophils in animals were depleted, the therapeutic effect of pre-MSCs on fibrosis was inhibited. IFN-α2 altered the secretory phenotype of UC-MSCs by activating phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 2 (p-STAT1 and p-STAT2).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-MSCs exhibited enhanced secretion of CSF-3, IL-8, and CCL20 and recruited neutrophils to alleviate fibrosis. This new strategy can improve cell therapy for liver cirrhosis.

The role and application of three IFN-related reactions in psoriasis

The pathophysiology of psoriasis is a highly complicated one. Due to the disease's specificity, it not only affects the patient's skin negatively but also manifests systemic pathological changes. These clinical symptoms seriously harm the patient's physical and mental health. IFN, a common immunomodulatory factor, has been increasingly demonstrated to have a significant role in the development of psoriatic skin disease. Psoriasis is connected with a variety of immunological responses. New targets for the therapy of autoimmune skin diseases may emerge from further research on the mechanics of the associated IFN upstream and downstream pathways. Different forms of IFNs do not behave in the same manner in psoriasis, and understanding how different types of IFNs are involved in psoriasis may provide a better notion for future research. This review focuses on the involvement of three types of IFNs in psoriasis and related therapeutic investigations, briefly describing the three IFNs' production and signaling, as well as the dual effects of IFNs on the skin. It is intended that it would serve as a model for future research.

NLRC5 potentiates anti-tumor CD8+ T cells responses by activating interferon-β in endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVES

NLR family CARD domain containing 5 (NLRC5) could promote major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-dependent CD8+ T cell-mediated anticancer immunity. In this study, the immunosurveillance role and underlying mechanisms of NLRC5 in endometrial cancer (EC) were characterized.

METHODS

CD8+ T cells were separated from healthy women's peripheral blood by using magnetic beads. The effect of NLRC5 and interferon-β (IFN-β) on immunosurveillance of EC were examined through a mouse tumor model and a CD8+ T cell-EC cell coculture system after NLRC5 overexpression and IFN-β overexpression or depletion. The effect of NLRC5 on IFN-β expression was examined with gain- and loss-of-function experiments.

RESULTS

NLRC5 overexpression in the EC cell and CD8+ T cell coculture system inhibited EC cell proliferation and migration and promoted EC cell apoptosis and CD8+ T cell proliferation. In vivo, NLRC5 overexpression increased the proportion of CD8+ T cells and inhibited EC progression. Furthermore, IFN-β overexpression in the EC cell and CD8+ T cell coculture system activated CD8+ T cell proliferation; however, genetic depletion of IFN-β exerted the opposite effects. In addition, NLRC5 could negatively regulate IFN-β expression in EC cells. Mechanistically, NLRC5 potentiated the antitumor responses of CD8+ T cells to EC by activating IFN-β.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our findings demonstrated that NLRC5 potentiates anti-tumor CD8+ T cells responses by activating interferon-β in EC, suggesting that genetically escalated NLRC5 and IFN-β may act as potential candidates for the clinical translation of adjuvant immunotherapies to patients with EC.

DNA-Dependent Interferon Induction and Lung Inflammation in Bordetella pertussis Infection

Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a resurgent respiratory disease but the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis are poorly understood. We recently showed the importance of type I and type III interferon (IFN) induction and signaling for the development of lung inflammation in B. pertussis-infected mouse models. Classically, these IFNs are induced by signaling through a variety of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on host cells. Here, we found that the PRR signaling adaptor molecules MyD88 and TRIF contribute to IFN induction and lung inflammatory pathology during B. pertussis infection. However, the PRRs Toll-like receptors (TLR) 3 and TLR4, which signal through TRIF and MyD88, respectively, played no role in IFN induction. Instead, the DNA-sensing PRRs, TLR9 and STING, were important for induction of type I/III IFN and promotion of inflammatory pathology, indicating that DNA is a major inducer of lung IFN responses in B. pertussis infection. These results increase our understanding of this host-pathogen interaction and identify potential targets for host-directed therapies to reduce B. pertussis-mediated pathology.

Interferon-β decreases LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment to cardiac fibroblasts

Introduction: Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) are crucial cells in damaged heart tissues, expressing TLR4, IFN-receptor and responding to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-β (IFN-β) respectively. While CF interact with immune cells; however, their relationship with neutrophils remains understudied. Additionally, theimpact of LPS and IFN-β on CF-neutrophil interaction is poorly understood. Methods: Isolated CF from adult rats were treated with LPS, with or without IFN-β. This study examined IL-8 secretion, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, and neutrophil recruitment, as well as their effects on MMPs activity. Results: LPS triggered increased IL-8 expression and secretion, along with elevated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, all of which were blocked by TAK-242. Pre-treatment with IFN-β countered these LPS effects. LPS treated CF showed higher neutrophil recruitment (migration and adhesion) compared to unstimulated CF, an effect prevented by IFN-β. Ruxolitinib blocked these IFN-β anti-inflammatory effects, implicating JAK signaling. Analysis of culture medium zymograms from CF alone, and CF-neutrophils interaction, revealed that MMP2 was mainly originated from CF, while MMP9 could come from neutrophils. LPS and IFN-β boosted MMP2 secretion by CF. MMP9 activity in CF was low, and LPS or IFN-β had no significant impact. Pre-treating CF with LPS, IFN-β, or both before co-culture with neutrophils increased MMP2. Neutrophil co-culture increased MMP9 activity, with IFN-β pre-treatment reducing MMP9 compared to unstimulated CF. Conclusion: In CF, LPS induces the secretion of IL-8 favoring neutrophils recruitment and these effects were blocked by IFN-. The results highlight that CF-neutrophil interaction appears to influence the extracellular matrix through MMPs activity modulation.

The Glycosaminoglycan Side Chains and Modular Core Proteins of Heparan Sulphate Proteoglycans and the Varied Ways They Provide Tissue Protection by Regulating Physiological Processes and Cellular Behaviour

This review examines the roles of HS-proteoglycans (HS-PGs) in general, and, in particular, perlecan and syndecan as representative examples and their interactive ligands, which regulate physiological processes and cellular behavior in health and disease. HS-PGs are essential for the functional properties of tissues both in development and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling that occurs in response to trauma or disease. HS-PGs interact with a biodiverse range of chemokines, chemokine receptors, protease inhibitors, and growth factors in immune regulation, inflammation, ECM stabilization, and tissue protection. Some cell regulatory proteoglycan receptors are dually modified hybrid HS/CS proteoglycans (betaglycan, CD47). Neurexins provide synaptic stabilization, plasticity, and specificity of interaction, promoting neurotransduction, neurogenesis, and differentiation. Ternary complexes of glypican-1 and Robbo-Slit neuroregulatory proteins direct axonogenesis and neural network formation. Specific neurexin-neuroligin complexes stabilize synaptic interactions and neural activity. Disruption in these interactions leads to neurological deficits in disorders of functional cognitive decline. Interactions with HS-PGs also promote or inhibit tumor development. Thus, HS-PGs have complex and diverse regulatory roles in the physiological processes that regulate cellular behavior and the functional properties of normal and pathological tissues. Specialized HS-PGs, such as the neurexins, pikachurin, and Eyes-shut, provide synaptic stabilization and specificity of neural transduction and also stabilize the axenome primary cilium of phototoreceptors and ribbon synapse interactions with bipolar neurons of retinal neural networks, which are essential in ocular vision. Pikachurin and Eyes-Shut interactions with an α-dystroglycan stabilize the photoreceptor synapse. Novel regulatory roles for HS-PGs controlling cell behavior and tissue function are expected to continue to be uncovered in this fascinating class of proteoglycan.

Disruption of type I interferon pathway and reduced production of IFN-α by parabens in virus-infected dendritic cells

BACKGROUND

Parabens are widely used preservatives commonly found in foods, cosmetics, and industrial products. Several studies have examined the effects of parabens on human health owing to widespread and continuous exposure to them in daily life. However, little is known about their immune-regulatory effects.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we aimed to investigate whether methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben affect the function of dendritic cells (DCs) as the most potent antigen-presenting cells that play a critical role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses.

METHODS

Bone-marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) were treated with three types of parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben) for 12 h. Subsequently, the transcriptomic profile was analyzed using RNA sequencing with further gene set enrichment analysis based on commonly regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To test whether parabens suppress the production of type-I interferons (IFN-I) in BMDCs during viral infection, BMDCs or paraben-treated BMDCs were infected with Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) at 10 multiplicity of infection (MOI) and measured the production of IFN-α1.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analyses revealed that all three types of parabens reduced the transcription levels of genes in virus infection-associated pathways, such as IFN-I responses in BMDCs. Furthermore, parabens considerably reduced IFN-α1 production in the virus-infected BMDCs.

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to show that parabens may modulate anti-viral immune responses by regulating DCs.

Roles and Effects of Interferon Lambda Signaling in the Context of Bacterial Infections

Type III interferon, or interferon lambda (IFNλ), was discovered 20 years ago and has been studied primarily for its role in combatting viral infections. However, it is also induced in response to certain bacterial infections but its roles and effects in this context are relatively poorly understood. In this mini review, we discuss the roles of IFNλ signaling in bacterial infections, highlighting its deleterious or protective effects for different infections. We also discuss a couple of recent studies showing that some bacteria possess defense mechanisms against the effects of IFNλ. We hope that this review will spur further investigation into the roles of IFNλ in the context of bacterial infections and will promote considerations of its therapeutic potential for these infections.

Ubiquitination network in the type I IFN-induced antiviral signaling pathway

Type I IFN (IFN-I) is the body's first line of defense against pathogen infection. IFN-I can induce cellular antiviral responses and therefore plays a key role in driving antiviral innate and adaptive immunity. Canonical IFN-I signaling activates the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, which induces the expression of IFN-stimulated genes and eventually establishes a complex antiviral state in the cells. Ubiquitin is a ubiquitous cellular molecule for protein modifications, and the ubiquitination modifications of protein have been recognized as one of the key modifications that regulate protein levels and/or signaling activation. Despite great advances in understanding the ubiquitination regulation of many signaling pathways, the mechanisms by which protein ubiquitination regulates IFN-I-induced antiviral signaling have not been explored until very recently. This review details the current understanding of the regulatory network of ubiquitination that critically controls the IFN-I-induced antiviral signaling pathway from three main levels, including IFN-I receptors, IFN-I-induced cascade signals, and effector IFN-stimulated genes.

Antiviral functions of IFNd against ISKNV and interaction analysis of IFNd and its receptors in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus)

Type I interferons (IFNs) play a significant role in antiviral innate immunity. But, the antiviral function of IFNd is controversial in teleosts. Here, we identified three IFNd receptors belonging to cytokine receptor family B (LmCRFB1, LmCRFB2, and LmCRFB5) in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus). LmIFNd and its receptors were highly expressed in gill, spleen and head kidney tissues. Additionally, LmIFNd, its receptors, and their downstream signal genes (LmTYK2, LmJAK1, LmSTAT1, and LmSTAT2) were induced by infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) infection. Injection of recombinant protein (LmIFNd-His) in vivo and incubation with the LmIFNd-His in vitro both induced expressions of IFN-stimulated genes (LmISGs). IFNd-His had a dose-dependent protective effect on the activity of brain cells infected by ISKNV and reduced the number of ISNKV copies. LmIFNd-His also bound to extracellular domains of the three receptors in vitro in the pull-down assay. LmIFNd-His preferentially induced ISG expression through receptor complex LmCRFB1 and LmCRFB5, followed by LmCRFB2 and LmCRFB5, to induce the expressions of LmISGs. Our results show that LmIFNd can enhance the antiviral immune response of spotted seabass, and it uses receptor complex LmCRFB1 and LmCRFB5 as well as LmCRFB2 and LmCRFB5 to induce LmISG expression. It is the first study about the antiviral function of LmIFNd and its receptor complex in spotted seabass, and it provides a reference for further studies of the controversial anti-viral function of IFNd in teleosts.

Uncoupling interferons and the interferon signature explain clinical and transcriptional subsets in SLE

Interferons (IFN) are thought to be key players in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The unique and interactive roles of the different IFN families in SLE pathogenesis, however, remain poorly understood. Using reporter cells engineered to precisely quantify IFN-I, IFN-II and IFN-III activity levels in serum/plasma, we found that while IFNs play essential role in SLE pathogenesis and disease activity, they are only significant in specific subsets of patients. Interestingly, whereas IFN-I is the main IFN that governs disease activity in SLE, clinical subsets are defined by the co-elevation of IFN-II and IFN-III. Thus, increased IFN-I alone was only associated with cutaneous lupus. In contrast, systemic features, such as nephritis, were linked to co-elevation of IFN-I plus IFN-II and IFN-III, implying a synergistic effect of IFNs in severe SLE. Intriguingly, while increased IFN-I levels were strongly associated with IFN-induced gene expression (93.5%), in up to 64% of cases, the IFN signature was not associated with IFN-I. Importantly, neither IFN-II nor IFN-III explained IFN-induced gene expression in patients with normal IFN-I levels, and not every feature in SLE was associated with elevated IFNs, suggesting IFN-independent subsets in SLE. Together, the data suggest that, unlike the IFN signature, direct quantification of bioactive IFNs can identify pathogenic and clinically relevant SLE subsets amenable for precise anti-IFN therapies. Since IFN-I is only elevated in a subset of SLE patients expressing the IFN signature, this study explains the heterogeneous response in clinical trials targeting IFN-I, where patients were selected based on IFN-induced gene expression rather than IFN-I levels.

Heterogeneity and functions of the 13 IFN-α subtypes - lucky for some?

Type I IFNs are critical for host responses to viral infection and are also implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases. Multiple subtypes exist within the type I IFN family, in particular 13 distinct IFN-α genes, which signal through the same heterodimer receptor that is ubiquitously expressed by mammalian cells. Both evolutionary genetic studies and functional antiviral assays strongly suggest differential functions and activity between the 13 IFN-α subtypes, yet we still lack a clear understanding of these different roles. This review summarizes the evidence from studies describing differential functions of IFN-α subtypes and highlights potential reasons for discrepancies between the reports. We examine both acute and chronic viral infection, as well as autoimmunity, and integrate a more recent awareness of the importance of anti-IFN-α autoantibodies in shaping the type I IFN responses in these different conditions.

Co-Activation of Human Whole Blood Cells with Lipopolysaccharides and an Allergen

The investigation of common inflammation mechanisms caused by exogenic compounds of microbial origin and allergens is one of the most important tasks in current biomedical science. The main manifestations of immune cell activation caused by pro-inflammatory agents are changes in receptor quantity on the surface of immune cells and the production of cytokines and chemokines by blood cells. The levels of expression of TLR4, CD14, and CD11b in the monocytes and neutrophils of human whole blood in response to LPS E. coli, Der p 2 allergen, or their combination reflect different functional activities in these cells, while the composition and amount of produced cytokines reflect the biological activity of the studied agonists. The activity of Der p 2 allergen in ex vivo experiments on whole blood samples is significantly lower compared with its activity in vitro in isolated PBMC cells, which should be taken into account when transferring the results obtained for isolated cells to whole blood cells. LPS R. capsulatus PG significantly decreases the synthesis of MyD88-dependent NF-κB-regulated cytokines activated by LPS E. coli, Der p 2, or their combination. This indirectly indicates the general mechanisms of cell activation caused by these structures and the unified mechanism of the protective action of LPS R. capsulatus PG against both endotoxin and a combination of endotoxin and the allergen.

Association between High Interferon-Gamma Production in Avian Tuberculin-Stimulated Blood from Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis-Infected Cattle and Candidate Genes Implicated in Necroptosis

The mechanisms underlying host resistance to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection are largely unknown. In the current study, we hypothesize that cows with an ability to produce higher levels of interferon-gamma (IFNɣ) might control MAP infection more successfully. To test this hypothesis, IFNɣ production was measured using a specific IFNɣ ELISA kit in avian purified protein derivative (aPPD)-stimulated blood samples collected from 152 Holstein cattle. DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples of the animals included in the study was genotyped with the EuroG Medium-Density Bead Chip, and the genotypes were imputed to whole-genome sequencing. A genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) revealed that high levels of IFNɣ in response to the aPPD were associated with a specific genetic profile (heritability = 0.64) and allowed the identification of 71 SNPs, 40 quantitative trait loci (QTL), and 104 candidate genes. A functional analysis using the 104 candidate genes revealed a significant enrichment of genes involved in the innate immune response and, more specifically, in necroptosis. Taken together, our results define a heritable and distinct immunogenetic profile associated with the production of high IFNɣ levels and with the capacity of the host to lyse MAP-infected macrophages by necroptosis.

From the Bush to the Brain: Preclinical Stages of Ethnobotanical Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Drug Discovery-An Australian Example

The Australian rainforest is a rich source of medicinal plants that have evolved in the face of dramatic environmental challenges over a million years due to its prolonged geographical isolation from other continents. The rainforest consists of an inherent richness of plant secondary metabolites that are the most intense in the rainforest. The search for more potent and more bioavailable compounds from other plant sources is ongoing, and our short review will outline the pathways from the discovery of bioactive plants to the structural identification of active compounds, testing for potency, and then neuroprotection in a triculture system, and finally, the validation in an appropriate neuro-inflammatory mouse model, using some examples from our current research. We will focus on neuroinflammation as a potential treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) for these plant-derived, anti-inflammatory molecules and highlight cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs (CSAIDs) as a better alternative to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat neuroinflammatory disorders.