Regulation of immune cell metabolism in health and disease: Special focus on T and B cell subsets

Mechanisms associated with cuproptosis and implications for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer, a profoundly fatal gynecologic neoplasm, exerts a substantial economic strain on nations globally. The formidable challenge of its frequent relapse necessitates the exploration of novel cytotoxic agents, efficacious antineoplastic medications with minimal adverse effects, and strategies to surmount resistance to primary chemotherapeutic agents. These endeavors aim to supplement extant pharmacological interventions and elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying induced cytotoxicity, distinct from conventional therapeutic modalities. Recent scientific research has unveiled a novel form of cellular demise, known as copper-death, which is contingent upon the intracellular concentration of copper. Diverging from conventional mechanisms of cellular demise, copper-death exhibits a pronounced reliance on mitochondrial respiration, particularly the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Tumor cells manifest distinctive metabolic profiles and elevated copper levels in comparison to their normal counterparts. The advent of copper-death presents alluring possibilities for targeted therapeutic interventions within the realm of cancer treatment. Hence, the primary objective of this review is to present an overview of the proteins and intricate mechanisms associated with copper-induced cell death, while providing a comprehensive summary of the knowledge acquired regarding potential therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancer. These findings will serve as valuable references to facilitate the advancement of customized therapeutic interventions for ovarian cancer.

The dynamic shifts of IL-10-producing Th17 and IL-17-producing Treg in health and disease: a crosstalk between ancient "Yin-Yang" theory and modern immunology

The changes in T regulatory cell (Treg) and T helper cell (Th) 17 ratios holds paramount importance in ensuring internal homeostasis and disease progression. Recently, novel subsets of Treg and Th17, namely IL-17-producing Treg and IL-10-producing Th17 have been identified. IL-17-producing Treg and IL-10-producing Th17 are widely considered as the intermediates during Treg/Th17 transformation. These "bi-functional" cells exhibit plasticity and have been demonstrated with important roles in multiple physiological functions and disease processes. Yin and Yang represent opposing aspects of phenomena according to the ancient Chinese philosophy "Yin-Yang" theory. Furthermore, Yin can transform into Yang, and vice versa, under specific conditions. This theory has been widely used to describe the contrasting functions of immune cells and molecules. Therefore, immune-activating populations (Th17, M1 macrophage, etc.) and immune overreaction (inflammation, autoimmunity) can be considered Yang, while immunosuppressive populations (Treg, M2 macrophage, etc.) and immunosuppression (tumor, immunodeficiency) can be considered Yin. However, another important connotation of "Yin-Yang" theory, the conversion between Yin and Yang, has been rarely documented in immune studies. The discovery of IL-17-producing Treg and IL-10-producing Th17 enriches the meaning of "Yin-Yang" theory and further promotes the relationship between ancient "Yin-Yang" theory and modern immunology. Besides, illustrating the functions of IL-17-producing Treg and IL-10-producing Th17 and mechanisms governing their differentiation provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the dynamically changing statement of immune statement in health and diseases.

Glutaminolysis of CD4+ T Cells: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Viral Diseases

CD4+ T cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of viral diseases, which are activated by the internal metabolic pathways encountering with viral antigens. Glutaminolysis converts glutamine into tricarboxylic acid (TCA) circulating metabolites by α-ketoglutaric acid, which is essential for the proliferation and differentiation of CD4+ T cells and plays a central role in providing the energy and structural components needed for viral replication after the virus hijacks the host cell. Changes in glutaminolysis in CD4+ T cells are accompanied by changes in the viral status of the host cell due to competition for glutamine between immune cells and host cells. More recently, attempts have been made to treat tumours, autoimmune diseases, and viral diseases by altering the breakdown of glutamine in T cells. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge of glutaminolysis in the CD4+ T cell subsets from viral diseases, not only increasing our understanding of immunometabolism but also providing a new perspective for therapeutic target in viral diseases.

Unveiling the potential of HSPA4: a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of HSPA4 in diagnosis, prognosis, and immunotherapy

With the global rise in cancer incidence and mortality rates, research on the topic has become increasingly urgent. Among the significant players in this field are heat shock proteins (HSPs), particularly HSPA4 from the HSP70 subfamily, which has recently garnered considerable interest for its role in cancer progression. However, despite numerous studies on HSPA4 in specific cancer types, a comprehensive analysis across all cancer types is lacking. This study employs various bioinformatics techniques to delve into the role of HSPA4 in pan-cancer. Our objective is to assess its potential in clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and as a future molecular target for therapy. The research findings reveal significant differences in HSPA4 expression across different cancer types, suggesting its diagnostic value and close association with cancer staging and patient survival rates. Furthermore, genetic variations and methylation status of HSPA4 play critical roles in tumorigenesis. Lastly, the interaction of HSPA4 with immune cells is linked to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunotherapy. In summary, HSPA4 emerges as a promising cancer biomarker and a vital member of the HSPs family, holding potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and immunotherapy.

Metabolism configures immune response across multi-systems: Lessons from COVID-19

Several studies over the last decade demonstrate the recruitment of immune cells, increased inflammatory cytokines, and chemokine in patients with metabolic diseases, including heart failure, parenchymal inflammation, obesity, tuberculosis, and diabetes mellitus. Metabolic rewiring of immune cells is associated with the severity and prevalence of these diseases. The risk of developing COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 infection increases in patients with metabolic dysfunction (heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and obesity). Several etiologies, including fatigue, dyspnea, and dizziness, persist even months after COVID-19 infection, commonly known as Post-Acute Sequelae of CoV-2 (PASC) or long COVID. A chronic inflammatory state and metabolic dysfunction are the factors that contribute to long COVID. Here, this study explores the potential link between pathogenic metabolic and immune alterations across different organ systems that could underlie COVID-19 and PASC. These interactions could be utilized for targeted future therapeutic approaches.

Similarities and divergences in the metabolism of immune cells in cancer and helminthic infections

Energetic and nutritional requirements play a crucial role in shaping the immune cells that infiltrate tumor and parasite infection sites. The dynamic interaction between immune cells and the microenvironment, whether in the context of tumor or helminth infection, is essential for understanding the mechanisms of immunological polarization and developing strategies to manipulate them in order to promote a functional and efficient immune response that could aid in the treatment of these conditions. In this review, we present an overview of the immune response triggered during tumorigenesis and establishment of helminth infections, highlighting the transition to chronicity in both cases. We discuss the energetic demands of immune cells under normal conditions and in the presence of tumors and helminths. Additionally, we compare the metabolic changes that occur in the tumor microenvironment and the infection site, emphasizing the alterations that are induced to redirect the immune response, thereby promoting the survival of cancer cells or helminths. This emerging discipline provides valuable insights into disease pathogenesis. We also provide examples of novel strategies to enhance immune activity by targeting metabolic pathways that shape immune phenotypes, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes in cancer and helminth infections.

Blood T Helper Memory Cells: A Tool for Studying Skin Inflammation in HS?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful lesions on intertriginous body areas such as the axillary, inguinal, and perianal sites. Given the limited treatment options for HS, expanding our knowledge of its pathogenetic mechanisms is a prerequisite for novel therapeutic developments. T cells are assumed to play a crucial role in HS pathogenesis. However, it is currently unknown whether blood T cells show specific molecular alterations in HS. To address this, we studied the molecular profile of CD4⁺ memory T (Th_mem) cells purified from the blood of patients with HS and matched healthy participants. About 2.0% and 1.9% of protein-coding transcripts were found to be up- and down-regulated in blood HS Th_mem cells, respectively. These differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) are known to be involved in nucleoside triphosphate/nucleotide metabolic processes, mitochondrion organization, and oxidative phosphorylation. The detected down-regulation of transcripts involved in oxidative phosphorylation suggest a metabolic shift of HS Th_mem cells towards glycolysis. The inclusion of transcriptome data from skin from HS patients and healthy participants in the analyses revealed that in HS skin lesions, the expression pattern of transcripts identified as DETs in blood HS Th_mem cells was very similar to the expression pattern of the totality of protein-coding transcripts. Furthermore, there was no significant association between the extent of the expressional changes in the DETs of blood HS Th_mem cells and the extent of the expressional changes in these transcripts in HS skin lesions compared to healthy donor skin. Additionally, a gene ontology enrichment analysis did not demonstrate any association of the DETs of blood HS Th_mem cells with skin disorders. Instead, there were associations with different neurological diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and thermogenesis. The levels of most DETs linked to neurological diseases showed a positive correlation to each other, suggesting common regulatory mechanisms. In summary, the transcriptomic changes in blood Th_mem cells observed in patients with manifest cutaneous HS lesions do not appear to be characteristic of the molecular changes in the skin. Instead, they could be useful for studying comorbidities and identifying corresponding blood biomarkers in these patients.

A pan-cancer analysis of copper homeostasis-related gene lipoyltransferase 1: Its potential biological functions and prognosis values

As a key copper homeostasis-related molecule, lipoyltransferase 1 (LIPT1) is an essential enzyme for the activation of mitochondrial 2-ketoacid dehydrogenase, participating in fatty acylation. However, the biological significances of LIPT1 in the pan-cancer are unclear. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the functional characteristics of LIPT1 in human cancers and its roles in immune response. We found that LIPT1 was down-regulated in some cancers. And LIPT1 overexpression is associated with favorable prognosis in these patients, such as breast cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer and gastric cancer. We also explored the mutational status and methylation levels of LIPT1 in human cancers. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that abnormally expressed LIPT1 was significantly associated with immune cells infiltration, such as B cells, CD8⁺ T cells and cancer-associated fibroblast cells. The result from single cell sequencing reflected the important roles of LIPT1 in the regulation of several biological behaviors of cancer cells, such as DNA damage response and cell apoptosis. Taken together, our research could provide a comprehensive overview about the significances of LIPT1 in human pan-cancer progression, prognosis and immune.