T follicular helper cells restricted by IRF8 contribute to T cell-mediated inflammation

Targeted delivery of Fc-fused PD-L1 for effective management of acute and chronic colitis

The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in mucosal immunity is currently actively explored and considered as a target for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment. However, systemic PD-L1 administration may cause unpredictable adverse effects due to immunosuppression. Here we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanoparticles enhance the efficacy and safety of PD-L1 in a mouse colitis model. The nanoparticles control the accumulation and release of PD-L1 fused to Fc (PD-L1-Fc) at inflammatory sites in the colon. The nanotherapeutics shows superiority in alleviating inflammatory symptoms over systemic PD-L1-Fc administration and mitigates the adverse effects of PD-L1-Fc administration. The nanoparticles-formulated PD-L1-Fc affects production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, attenuates the infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, increases the frequencies of Treg, Th1 and Tfh cells, reshapes the gut microbiota composition; and increases short-chain fatty acid production. In summary, PD-L1-Fc-decorated nanoparticles may provide an effective and safe strategy for the targeted treatment of IBD.

Unraveling the Link between Periodontitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Challenges and Outlook

Periodontitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions, characterized by microbial dysbiosis and hyper-immunoinflammatory responses. Growing evidence suggest an interconnection between periodontitis and IBD, implying a shift from the traditional concept of independent diseases to a complex, reciprocal cycle. This review outlines the evidence supporting an "Oral-Gut" axis, marked by a higher prevalence of periodontitis in IBD patients and vice versa. The specific mechanisms linking periodontitis and IBD remain to be fully elucidated, but emerging evidence points to the ectopic colonization of the gut by oral bacteria, which promote intestinal inflammation by activating host immune responses. This review presents an in-depth examination of the interconnection between periodontitis and IBD, highlighting the shared microbiological and immunological pathways, and proposing a "multi-hit" hypothesis in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-mediated intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, the review underscores the critical need for a collaborative approach between dentists and gastroenterologists to provide holistic oral-systemic healthcare.

Altered Phenotypes of Colonic and Peripheral Blood Follicular Helper and Follicular Cytotoxic T Cells in Mice with DSS-Induced Colitis

Background

Follicular helper T (Tfh), follicular regulatory T (Tfr), and follicular cytotoxic T (Tfc) cells play important roles in autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, their changes of functional phenotypes in ulcerative colitis (UC), most importantly, their changes in colon tissue as the target-organ, have not been explored.

Methods

DSS-colitis was induced in Balb/c mice and lymphocytes were collected from spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, peripheral blood and colon. Tfh, Tfr, and Tfc cells were analyzed using flow cytometry based on their CD4+CXCR5+FOXP3-Tfh, CD4+CXCR5+FOXP3+Tfr and CD8+CXCR5+Tfc expressions. Various functional characterization markers including CD44, CD62L, TIGIT, CD226, PD-1, ICOS, Helios, CTLA-4 and Bcl6 were analyzed in the T cell subsets of the organs.

Results

Tfh and Tfr cells in the colon were significantly increased in DSS-colitis mice. Additionally, the proportions of Tfr and Tfc cells in the peripheral blood were also increased, while Tfc cell proportions in the colon were decreased. The proportion of naïve cells in the Tfh, Tfr and Tfc cells in the colon and peripheral blood decreased, while the proportion of effector memory T cells increased. The TIGIT+CD226-Tfh and Tfc cells were upregulated in the colon of DSS-colitis mice. The PD-1+, ICOS+ and PD-1+ICOS+ Tfh cells were increased in both the colonic and peripheral blood Tfh and Tfc of DSS-colitis mice. The Bcl6+ proportions in the Tfh and Tfr were increased in the colon of DSS-colitis mice.

Conclusion

The colonic and peripheral blood Tfh and Tfc cells of DSS-colitis mice have a significantly activated T cell phenotype, which may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of UC.

Immune cells and their related genes provide a new perspective on the common pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel diseases

Background

The close relationship between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has been supported by many aspects, including but not limited to clinical manifestations, epidemiology and pathogenesis. Some evidence suggests that immune cells actively participated in the pathogenesis of both diseases. However, information on which cells are primarily involved in this process and how these cells mobilize, migrate and interact is still limited.

Methods

Datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Common differentially expressed genes (coDEGs) were identified by package “limma”. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) were used to analyze the interactions between coDEGs. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and inverse cumulative distribution function were applied to identify common differential pathways, while Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to confirm the significance. Correlation analysis between coDEGs and immune cells led to the identification of critical immune-cell-related coDEGs. The diagnostic models were established based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify the ability of the model. Validation datasets were imported to demonstrate the significant association of coDEGs with specific immune cells and the capabilities of the diagnostic model.

Results

In total, 67 genes were up-regulated and 185 genes were down-regulated in both diseases. Four down-regulated pathways and four up-regulated pathways were considered important. Up-regulated coDEGs were firmly associated with neutrophils, while down-regulated genes were significantly associated with CD8+ T−cells and CD4+ T−cells in both AS and IBD datasets. Five up-regulated and six down-regulated key immue-cell-related coDEGs were identified. Diagnostic models based on key immue-cell-related coDEGs were established and tested. Validation datasets confirmed the significance of the correlation between coDEGs and specific immune cells.

Conclusion

This study provides fresh insights into the co-pathogenesis of AS and IBD. It is proposed that neutrophils and T cells may be actively involved in this process, however, in opposite ways. The immue-cell-related coDEGs, revealed in this study, may be relevant to their regulation, although relevant research is still lacking.

T follicular helper cells in autoimmune diseases

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells with the phenotype of mainly expressing surface molecules C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5), inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), secreting cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) and requiring the transcription factor B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL-6) have been recently defined as a new subset of CD4⁺ T cells. They exist in germinal centers (GCs) of lymphoid organs and in peripheral blood. With the ability to promote B cell development, GC formation and antibody production, Tfh cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), etc. The aberrant proliferation and function of Tfh cells will cause the pathological process like autoantibody production and tissue injury. In this paper, we review the recent advances in Tfh cell biology and their roles in autoimmune diseases, with a mention of their use as therapeutic targets, which will shed more light on the pathogenesis and treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.

Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates ulcerative colitis by regulating the balance of Tfh/Treg cells

The immunomodulatory function of natural active ingredients has long been a focus of scientific research, with recent hotspots reporting targeted modulation of the follicular helper T cells (Tfh)/regulatory T cells (Treg) balance as an emerging strategy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, dextran sodium sulfate induced mice UC and Astragalus polysaccharide (APS, 200 mg/kg/day) was administered simultaneously. In this study, APS effectively alleviated colitis in mice by improving survival rate, disease activity index (DAI), the change rate of body weight, colonic length and weight, and histopathological injury of the colon. Moreover, APS regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-23, Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-ɑ, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in colonic tissues of colitis mice. Importantly, APS significantly downregulated Tfh cell and the expression of its related nuclear transcription factors Blimp-1 and Bcl-6, and cytokine IL-21. Meanwhile, APS regulated the differentiation of Tfh subpopulations in colitis mice, with Tfh10 and Tfr significantly upregulated while Tfh1, Tfh17, and Tfh21 significantly downregulated. In addition, APS significantly upregulated Treg cells and the levels of its associated nuclear transcription factor Foxp3, and cytokine IL-10 in colitis mice. In conclusion, APS effectively alleviated UC by reshaping the balance of Tfh/Treg cells.

MicroRNA expression profile of chicken cecum in different stages during Histomonas meleagridis infection

Background

Histomonas meleagridis is an anaerobic, intercellular parasite, which infects gallinaceous birds such as turkeys and chickens. In recent years, the reemergence of Histomoniasis has caused serious economic losses as drugs to treat the disease have been banned. At present, H. meleagridis research focuses on virulence, gene expression analysis, and the innate immunity of the host. However, there are no studies on the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) associated with the host inflammatory and immune responses induced by H. meleagridis. In this research, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the expression profile of cecum miRNA at 10 and 15 days post-infection (DPI) in chickens infected with Chinese JSYZ-F strain H. meleagridis.

Results

Compared with the controls, 94 and 127 DEMs were found in cecum of infected chickens at 10 DPI (CE vs CC) and 15 DPI (CEH vs CCH), respectively, of which 60 DEMs were shared at two-time points. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis of the target genes of DEMs indicated that 881 and 1027 GO terms were significantly enriched at 10 and 15 DPI, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG, www.kegg.jp/kegg/kegg1.html) pathway enrichment analysis of the target genes of DEMs demonstrated that 5 and 3 KEGG pathways were significantly enriched at 10 and 15 DPI, respectively. For previous uses, the Kanehisa laboratory have happily provided permission. The integrated analysis of miRNA–gene network revealed that the DEMs played important roles in the host inflammatory and immune responses to H. meleagridis infection by dynamically regulating expression levels of inflammation and immune-related cytokines.

Conclusion

This article not only suggested that host miRNA expression was dynamically altered by H. meleagridis and host but also revealed differences in the regulation of T cell involved in host responses to different times H. meleagridis infection.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03316-2.

Bupi Yichang Pill alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by regulating the homeostasis of follicular helper T cells

BACKGROUND

Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells-based therapy represents a new treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease. Bupi Yichang Pill (BPYCP), a traditional Chinese formula for the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea, exhibits potential anti-inflammatory activities in treating various kinds of inflammation. However, its anti-inflammatory effect on colitis and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

PURPOSE

To explore the protective role and underlying immunomodulatory effects of BPYCP in the treatment of UC.

METHODS

The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) free-drinking method induced UC in C57BL/6 mice, and BPYCP was orally administrated at a dosage of 1.5, 3.0, or 6.0 g/kg/day. Throughout the experimental period, the effects of BPYCP on DSS-induced clinical symptoms and disease activity index (DAI) were monitored and analyzed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological injury of the colon. Flow cytometry was used to detect the levels of Tfh cells, Tfh cell subpopulations, and memory Tfh cells. ELISA, Western blot, and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of inflammatory cytokines and Tfh cell-related biomarkers.

RESULTS

Medium and high dosages of BPYCP effectively alleviated DSS-induced experimental colitis with increased body weight, survival rate and colonic length, and decreased DAI, colonic weight, and colonic index, as well as less ulcer formation and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17A, IL-6, and TNF-ɑ. Moreover, BPYCP administration significantly decreased the percentage of Tfh cells and the expression of Tfh markers ICOS, PD-1 and Bcl-6 in the mesenteric lymph nodes of colitis mice. In addition, BPYCP treatment obviously decreased the percentages of Tfh1, Tfh17 and Tem-Tfh cells and upregulated Tfr cells in colitis mice. However, there were no significant regulatory effects of BPYCP on Tfh cell response in normal mice.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results demonstrated a protective effect of BPYCP against DSS-induced experimental colitis by regulating Tfh cell homeostasis.

The Role of the Lymphatic System in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Although the number of therapeutic options for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased in recent years, patients suffer from decreased quality of life due to non-response or loss of response to the currently available treatments. An increased understanding of the disease’s etiology could provide novel insights for treatment strategies in IBD. Lymphatic system components are generally linked to immune responses and presumably related to inflammatory diseases pathophysiology. This review aims to summarize findings on immune-mediated mechanisms in lymphoid tissues linked with IBD pathogenesis and (potential) novel treatments. Enhanced innate and adaptive immune responses were observed in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and other lymphoid structures, such as Peyer’s patches, in patients with IBD and in animal models. Furthermore, the phenomenon of lymphatic obstruction in the form of granulomas in MLNs and lymphatic vessels correlates with disease activity. There is also evidence that abnormalities in the lymphatic stromal components and lymph node microbiome are common in IBD and could be exploited therapeutically. Finally, novel agents targeting lymphocyte trafficking have been added to the treatment armamentarium in the field of IBD. Overall, gut-associated lymphoid tissue plays a key role in IBD immunopathogenesis, which could offer novel therapeutic targets.

The Role of T Follicular Helper Cells and Interleukin-21 in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells represent a novel subset of CD4⁺ T cells which can provide critical help for germinal center (GC) formation and antibody production. The Tfh cells are characterized by the expression of CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5), programmed death 1 (PD-1), inducible costimulatory molecule (ICOS), B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL-6), and the secretion of interleukin-21 (IL-21). Given the important role of Tfh cells in B cell activation and high-affinity antibody production, Tfh cells are involved in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are the most studied types of IBD. Dysregulated mucosal immune response plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD. In recent years, many studies have identified the critical role of Tfh cells and IL-21 in the pathogenic process IBD. In this paper, we will discuss the role of Tfh cells and IL-21 in IBD pathogenesis.

Single-cell lineage mapping of a diverse virus-specific naive CD4 T cell repertoire

Tracking how individual naive T cells from a natural TCR repertoire clonally expand, differentiate, and make lineage choices in response to an infection has not previously been possible. Here, using single-cell sequencing technology to identify clones by their unique TCR sequences, we were able to trace the clonal expansion, differentiation trajectory, and lineage commitment of individual virus-specific CD4 T cells during an acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. Notably, we found previously unappreciated clonal diversity and cellular heterogeneity among virus-specific helper T cells. Interestingly, although most naive CD4 T cells gave rise to multiple lineages at the clonal level, ∼28% of naive cells exhibited a preferred lineage choice toward either Th1 or TFH cells. Mechanistically, we found that TCR structure, in particular the CDR3 motif of the TCR α chain, skewed lineage decisions toward the TFH cell fate.

IRF/Type I IFN signaling serves as a valuable therapeutic target in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by unresolved colitis and epithelial injury. Intestinal microbiota and its interaction with immune system are critical etiologic factors. In response to gut virome and bacteria derived nucleic acid, interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are activated to promote the production of cytokines, including type I interferons (IFN-Is), to help maintain intestinal homeostasis under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. However, derailed IRF/IFN-I pathway other-wisely contributes to the progression of IBD with distinct IRF member exerting differential regulatory effect. Here, we summarize the recent advances regarding the role of IRF/IFN-I pathway in the development of IBD. We emphasize that IFN-I is a double-edged sword in IBD pathogenesis, as IFN-Is are protective in acute colitis while becoming pro-inflammatory during the chronic recovery phase. Besides, the functional outcome of IRFs is diverse and complex, which hinges on the cell types affected and the presence of other immune mediators. All in all, IRF/IFN-I pathway serves as a versatile regulator in IBD pathogenesis and holds the potential for therapeutic interventions.

Age-Specific Imbalance of Circulating Tfh Cell Subsets and Its Association With Gout-Targeted Kidney Impairment

Objective

Gout is a chronic disease characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in tissue. Study with a focus on adaptive immune response remains to be understood although innate immune response has been reported extensively in gout etiology. Our study attempted to investigate the association of gout-related immune cell imbalance with clinical features and comorbidity with renal impairment and the implicated pathogenesis via the assessment of T and B cell subsets in different activity phases or with immune effects combined with the analyses of clinical parameters.

Methods

Fifty-eight gout patients and 56 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled. To learn the roles of circulating T cells, a lymphocyte profile incorporating 32 T cell subsets was tested from isolated freshly peripheral blood monocyte cells (PBMCs) with multiple-color flow cytometry. Furthermore, the collected clinical features of participants were used to analyze the characteristics of these differential cell subsets. Stratified on the basis of the level of creatinine (Cr, enzymatic method), all patients were categorized into Cr^low (Cr ≤ 116 μmol/L) and Cr^hi (Cr > 116 μmol/L) groups to exploit whether these gout-associated T cell subsets were functional in gout-targeted kidney dysfunction. The differentiation of B cells was investigated in gout patients.

Results

Our results show that CD 4⁺ T cells, Th2 cells, and Tc2 cells were upregulated, whereas Tc17 cells were downregulated. Tfh cells skewed toward the polarization of Tfh2 cells. Specifically, Tfh2 cells increased, but Tfh1 cells decreased, accompanied with aging for gout patients, suggesting that age might trigger the skewing of Tfh1/Tfh2 cell subsets to influence gout development. Moreover, Tfh2 cells were connected to renal dysfunction as well. No alterations of B cell subsets were observed in patients when compared to controls.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate age-specific dysfunctions of Tfh1/2 cells in gout occurrence, and Tfh2 cell upregulation is associated with gout-targeted renal dysfunction. However, Tfh2 cells may function in auto-inflammatory gout independent of helping B differentiation, and an in-depth study remains to be conducted.

Mechanism of Follicular Helper T Cell Differentiation Regulated by Transcription Factors

Helping B cells and antibody responses is a major function of CD4⁺T helper cells. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are identified as a subset of CD4⁺T helper cells, which is specialized in helping B cells in the germinal center reaction. Tfh cells express high levels of CXCR5, PD-1, IL-21, and other characteristic markers. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the dysregulation of Tfh cells is involved in infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), Sjögren syndrome (SS), and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Activation of subset-specific transcription factors is the essential step for Tfh cell differentiation. The differentiation of Tfh cells is regulated by a complicated network of transcription factors, including positive factors (Bcl6, ATF-3, Batf, IRF4, c-Maf, and so on) and negative factors (Blimp-1, STAT5, IRF8, Bach2, and so on). The current knowledge underlying the molecular mechanisms of Tfh cell differentiation at the transcriptional level is summarized in this paper, which will provide many perspectives to explore the pathogenesis and treatment of the relevant immune diseases.

Regulatory Effect of Sishen Pill on Tfh Cells in Mice With Experimental Colitis

The T follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is regulated by the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway. Some studies have suggested that regulating activation of the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway should be an effective method to treat IBD. Sishen Pill (SSP) has been used frequently to treat chronic colitis. Its mechanism is related to the downstream proteins in the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway. However, it is unknown whether SSP regulates the function and differentiation of Tfh cells to treat IBD. In the present study, chronic colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate and treated with SSP for 7 days. SSP effectively treated chronic colitis, regulated the balance between Tfh10, Tfh17 and T follicular regulatory cells, while SSP increased the Blimp-1 level, inhibited expressions of Bcl-6, T-cell costimulator, programmed death (PD)-1 and PD-ligand 1 on the surface of Tfh cells. SSP inhibited activation of BcL-6, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p-STAT)3, signal lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)-associated protein but improved Blimp-1 and STAT3 expression in colonic tissues. The results indicated that SSP regulated the differentiation and function of Tfh cells to treat IBD, which was potentially related with inhibiting the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway.

Investigating the significance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells for the prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma

Objective

Increasing evidence has indicated an association between immune cells infiltration in LSCC and clinical outcome. The aim of this research was tantamount to comprehensively investigate the effect of 22 tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) on the prognosis of LSCC patients.

Methods

In our research, the CIBERSORT algorithm was utilized to calculate the proportion of 22 TIICs in 502 cases from the TCGA cohort. Cases with a CIBERSORT P-value of <0.05 were kept for further study. Using the CIBERSORT algorithm, we first investigated the difference of immune infiltration between normal tissue and LSCC in 22 subpopulations of immune cells. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the effect of 22 TIICs on the prognosis of LSCC. An immune risk score model was constructed based on TIICs correlated with LSCC-related recurrence. Multivariate cox regression analysis was used to investigate whether the immune risk score was an independent factor for prognosis prediction of LSCC. Nomogram was under construction to comprehensively predict the survival rate of LSCC.

Results

The results of the different analysis showed that except of memory B cells, naive CD4+T cells, T cells and activated NK cells, the remaining immune cells all had differential infiltration in normal tissues and LSCC (p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed two immune cells statistically related to LSCC-related recurrence, including activated mast cells and follicular helper T cells. Immune risk score model was constructed based on three immune cells including resting memory CD4+T cells, activated mast cells and follicular helper T cells retained by forward stepwise regression analysis. The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that patients in the high-risk group linked to poor outcome (P = 8.277e−03). ROC curve indicated that the immune risk score model was reliable in predicting recurrence risk (AUC = 0.614). Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that the immune risk score model was just an independent factor for prognosis prediction of LSCC (HR = 2.99, 95% CI [1.65–5.40]; P = 0.0002). The nomogram model combined immune risk score and clinicopathologic parameter score to predict 3-year survival in patients with LSCC.

Conclusions

Collectively, tumor-infiltrating immune cells play a major role in the prognosis of LSCC.

Gut Microbiota Modulation on Intestinal Mucosal Adaptive Immunity

The mammalian intestine harbors a remarkable number of microbes and their components and metabolites, which are fundamental for the instigation and development of the host immune system. The intestinal innate and adaptive immunity coordinate and interact with the symbionts contributing to the intestinal homeostasis through establishment of a mutually beneficial relationship by tolerating to symbiotic microbiota and retaining the ability to exert proinflammatory response towards invasive pathogens. Imbalance between the intestinal immune system and commensal organisms disrupts the intestinal microbiological homeostasis, leading to microbiota dysbiosis, compromised integrity of the intestinal barrier, and proinflammatory immune responses towards symbionts. This, in turn, exacerbates the degree of the imbalance. Intestinal adaptive immunity plays a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance towards symbionts and the integrity of intestinal barrier, while the innate immune system regulates the adaptive immune responses to intestinal commensal bacteria. In this review, we will summarize recent findings on the effects and mechanisms of gut microbiota on intestinal adaptive immunity and the plasticity of several immune cells under diverse microenvironmental settings.

Multiomics analysis profile acute liver injury module clusters to compare the therapeutic efficacy of bifendate and muaddil sapra

The pathogenesis of acute liver injury has been plagued by biologists and physicians. We know little about its therapeutic mechanism. Therefore, this study explored the mechanism of bifendate and muaddil sapra in the treatment of acute liver injury. Firstly, co-expression and cluster analysis of disease-related genes were carried out, and the Go function and KEGG pathway of modules and related genes were identified. Secondly, pivot analysis of modules can identify key regulators. On the other hand, based on the acute liver injury induced by CCl4, we use the combined analysis of proteomics and transcriptome to find therapeutic targets and related mechanisms of drugs. A total of 21 dysfunction modules were obtained, which were significantly involved in immune system, hepatitis and other related functions and pathways. Transcriptome analysis showed 117 targets for bifendate treatment, while 119 for muaddil sapra. Through exploring the mechanism, we found that the two drugs could modulate the module genes. Moreover, bifendate regulate the dysfunction module through ncRNA (SNORD43 and RNU11). Muaddil sapra can mediate dysfunction modules not only by regulating ncRNA (PRIM2 and PIP5K1B), but also by regulating TF (STAT1 and IRF8), thus having a wider therapeutic potential. On the other hand, proteome analysis showed that bifendate mainly regulated Rac2, Fermt3 and Plg, while muaddil sapra mainly regulated Sqle and Stat1. In addition, muaddil sapra regulates less metabolic related proteins to make them more effective. Overall, this study not only provides basic theory for further study of the complex pathogenesis of acute liver injury, but also provides valuable reference for clinical use of bifendate and muaddil sapra in the treatment of acute liver injury.