Dichotomous outcomes of TNFR1 and TNFR2 signaling in NK cell-mediated immune responses during inflammation

Physical and inflammatory aspects associated to respiratory sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women

To investigate the relationship between respiratory sarcopenia with physical tests and a set of inflammatory biomarkers, seventy-one older women from the community with age 75 ± 7 years and BMI 26 ± 4 kg/m² were evaluated for appendicular lean mass using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry, respiratory muscle strength using an analog manuvacuometer, physical tests using handgrip strength, timed up and go and sit to stand in chair tests, and a panel of inflammatory biomarkers was measured, containing Adiponectin, BNDF, IFN, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, Leptin, Resistin, TNF and their soluble receptors sTNFr-1 and sTNFr-2. The analyzes suggest that older women with respiratory sarcopenia also had significantly low physical function and higher concentrations of sTNFr-2 (> 2241pg/ml), additionally respiratory muscle strength was inversely associated with sTNFr-2 concentrations (MIP: β = -0.48; R² = 0.24; p < 0.001; MEP: β = -0.35; R² = 0.12; p = 0.003). These results contribute to the discussion about the pathophysiology and to the strategies for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in the treatment of systemic autoinflammatory diseases: the responses of innate immune cells

Systemic autoinflammatory diseases are rare conditions resulting from dysregulation of the innate immune system, culminating in repetitive bouts of systemic inflammation without the presence of external or self-antigens. Most systemic autoinflammatory diseases are associated with mutations in genes affecting the innate immune response. Tumor necrosis factor is a central player in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic inflammatory disorders, and anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy is widely used in the clinical management of systemic autoinflammatory diseases. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors block the interaction of tumor necrosis factor with its 2 receptors, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2. These inhibitors primarily target soluble tumor necrosis factor, which mainly binds to tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Interestingly, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors also affect transmembrane tumor necrosis factor, which engages tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 to initiate reverse signaling. This reverse signaling can activate innate immune cells, prevent apoptosis, or paradoxically inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors also promote the release of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2, which neutralizes circulating tumor necrosis factor. Some agents targeting tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 can even act as agonists, triggering reverse signaling by binding to transmembrane tumor necrosis factor. While effective, prolonged use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors may cause significant side effects due to the widespread expression and pleiotropic functions of tumor necrosis factor receptors. A more thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying the action of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors is required to develop a more effective and safer treatment for systemic autoinflammatory diseases. This article reviews current studies on the role of the innate immune system in systemic autoinflammatory disease pathogenesis, the impact of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy on innate immune cells, and perspectives on developing improved agents targeting tumor necrosis factor or its receptors.

Soluble B7 and TNF family in colorectal cancer: Serum level, prognostic and treatment value

Soluble immune checkpoints (sIC) are crucial factors in the immune system. They regulate immune responses by transforming intercellular signals via binding to their membrane-bound receptor or ligand. Moreover, soluble ICs are vital in immune regulation, cancer development, and prognosis. They can be identified and measured in various tumor microenvironments. Recently, sICs have become increasingly important in clinically assessing malignancies like colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This review explores the evolving role of the soluble B7 family and soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily members in predicting disease progression, treatment response, and overall patient outcomes in CRC. We comprehensively analyze the diagnostic and prognostic potential of soluble immune checkpoints in CRC. Understanding the role of these soluble immune checkpoints in CRC management and their potential as targets for precision medicine approaches can be critical for improving outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer.