Interferons, interferon-like cytokines, and their receptors

The role of cytokines in shaping the future of Cancer immunotherapy

As essential immune system regulators, cytokines are essential for modulating both innate and adaptive immunological responses. They have become important tools in cancer immunotherapy, improving the immune system's capacity to identify and destroy tumor cells. This article examines the background, workings, and therapeutic uses of cytokines, such as interleukins, interferons, and granulocyte-macropHage colony-stimulating factors, in the management of cancer. It examines the many ways that cytokines affect immune cell activation, signaling pathways, tumor development, metastasis, and prognosis by modifying the tumor microenvironment. Despite the limited effectiveness of cytokine-based monotherapy, recent developments have concentrated on new fusion molecules such as immunocytokines, cytokine delivery improvements, and combination techniques to maximize treatment efficacy while reducing adverse effects. Current FDA-approved cytokine therapeutics and clinical trial results are also included in this study, which offers insights into how cytokines might be used with other therapies including checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to address cancer treatment obstacles. This study addresses the intricacies of cytokine interactions in the tumor microenvironment, highlighting the possibility for innovative treatment methods and suggesting fresh techniques for enhancing cytokine-based immunotherapies. PEGylation, viral vector-mediated cytokine gene transfer, antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines), and other innovative cytokine delivery techniques are among the novelties of this work, which focuses on the most recent developments in cytokine-based immunotherapy. Additionally, the study offers a thorough examination of the little-reviewed topic of cytokine usage in conjunction with other treatment techniques. It also discusses the most recent clinical studies and FDA-approved therapies, providing a modern perspective on the developing field of cancer immunotherapy and suggesting creative ways to improve treatment effectiveness while lowering toxicity. BACKGROUND: Cytokines are crucial in cancer immunotherapy for regulating immune responses and modifying the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, challenges with efficacy and safety have driven research into advanced delivery methods and combination therapies to enhance their therapeutic potential.

Microenvironment matters: insights from the FOSTER consortium on microenvironment-driven approaches to osteosarcoma therapy

Osteosarcoma (OS), a prevalent malignant bone tumor, has seen limited progress in treatment efficacy and patient outcomes over decades. Recent insights into the tumor microenvironment (TME) have revealed its crucial role in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance, particularly in OS. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of the OS microenvironment, meticulously dissecting its crucial components: the mesenchymal stromal TME, the immune microenvironment, hypoxia-induced adaptations, and the impact of the physical microenvironment. By demonstrating how these elements collectively drive tumor proliferation, immune evasion, and invasion, this review explores the intricate molecular and cellular dynamics at play. Furthermore, innovative approaches targeting the OS microenvironment, such as immunotherapies, are presented. This review highlights the importance of the TME in OS progression and its potential as a source of novel therapeutic strategies, offering new hope for improved patient outcomes.

The role of a hemoadsorption filter on cytokine levels during 1 hour of thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion for donation after circulatory death heart donation in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

Both global ischemia caused by circulatory arrest and extracorporeal circulation circuits have been shown to trigger cytokine release. We hypothesized that inserting a hemoadsorption device during thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP) in the donation after circulatory death setting would mitigate the inflammatory response, potentially resulting in improved cardiac allograft function.

METHODS

In 15 pigs, circulatory arrest was induced by hypoxia. After a 15-min no-touch-period, TA-NRP was performed for 60 min. Eight pigs had a hemoadsorption device incorporated in the ECC, while seven did not. Plasma concentrations of IFN-α, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12p40 were assessed by ELISA at baseline, immediately at start of TA-NRP, 60 min after start of TA-NRP (just before weaning from ECC), and at 30 and 60 min after weaning from ECC. Cardiac function was assessed with pressure-volume loop analysis.

RESULTS

Hemoadsorption had no relevant effects on systemic cytokine levels post TA-NRP. IL-6 plasma levels gradually rose throughout the procedure for both groups. Hemoadsorption did not affect systolic or diastolic left ventricular function, nor were global hemodynamics improved by hemoadsorption.

CONCLUSIONS

The insertion of a hemoadsorption device did not significantly affect plasma cytokine levels or cardiac function. Further research is necessary to assess the role of the inflammatory response in DCD heart transplantation and its modulation by TA-NRP.

Supersulfides: A Promising Therapeutic Approach for Autoinflammatory Diseases

Supersulfides are molecular species characterized by catenated sulfur moieties, including low-molecular-weight and protein-bound supersulfides. Emerging evidence suggests that these molecules, abundantly present in diverse organisms, play essential roles far beyond their chemical properties, such as functions in energy metabolism, protein stabilization, and antiviral defense. Recent studies highlight their regulatory effects on pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) and associated signaling pathways-such as nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor signaling, toll-like receptor signaling, and type I interferon receptor signaling-critical for innate immunity and inflammatory responses. Dysregulation of these pathways is implicated in a heterogeneous group of autoinflammatory diseases, including inflammasomopathies, relopathies, and type I interferonopathies, respectively. Notably, both endogenous and synthetic supersulfide donors have recently shown promising inhibitory effects on PRR signaling, offering their potential as targeted therapies for managing autoinflammatory conditions. This review summarizes the fundamental biology of supersulfides and typical autoinflammatory diseases, focusing on their roles in innate immune and inflammatory responses, while exploring their therapeutic potential in these diseases.

Interferon-I modulation and natural products: Unraveling mechanisms and therapeutic potential in severe COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to pose a significant global public health threat, particularly to older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying chronic conditions. Dysregulated immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection are believed to contribute to the progression of COVID-19 in severe cases. Previous studies indicates that a deficiency in type I interferon (IFN-I) immunity accounts for approximately 15 %-20 % of patients with severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19, highlighting the potential therapeutic importance of modulating IFN-I signals. Natural products and their derivatives, due to their structural diversity and novel scaffolds, play a crucial role in drug discovery. Some of these natural products targeting IFN-I have demonstrated applications in infectious diseases and inflammatory conditions. However, the immunomodulatory potential of IFN-I in critical COVID-19 pneumonia and the natural compounds regulating the related signal pathway remain not fully understood. In this review, we offer a comprehensive assessment of the association between IFN-I and severe COVID-19, exploring its mechanisms and integrating information on natural compounds effective for IFN-I regulation. Focusing on the primary targets of IFN-I, we also summarize the regulatory mechanisms of natural products, their impact on IFNs, and their therapeutic roles in viral infections. Collectively, by synthesizing these findings, our goal is to provide a valuable reference for future research and to inspire innovative treatment strategies for COVID-19.

Toward a personalized therapy of still's disease based on immunologic endotypes: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Accumulative evidence indicates that both innate and adaptive immunity are involved in pathogenesis of Still's disease, an autoinflammatory disease. With Increasing insights into the pathogenesis of Still's disease coupled with the availability of emerging targeted therapeutics, it may be the unmet need for personalizing therapy and achieving a treat-to-target goal. We aim to summarize the available evidence regarding immunopathogenesis of Still's disease and therapeutic strategies based on immunologic endotypes.

AREAS COVERED

We searched MEDLINE database using the PubMed interface and reviewed relevant English-language literature from 1971 to 2024. This review focuses on the existing evidence on pathophysiology and immunological endotypes of Still's disease and their implications for personalized strategies for patients with this disease.

EXPERT OPINION

Targeting the complex immunopathogenesis of Still's disease, emerging new agents are available for treatment, including biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) such as Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). According to the updated evidence, meta-analyses, and recommendations, we propose a flow chart emphasizing personalized therapeutic strategies based on immunological endotypes. Hopefully, the therapeutic strategy might help guide the optimal selection of b/tsDMARDs to achieve a 'treat-to-target' goal in Still's disease. This proposed flow chart will be updated as newer evidence emerges.

Asian elephant interferons alpha and beta and their anti-herpes viral activity

The type I interferons (IFNs) are a group of key cytokines of the vertebrate innate immune system that induce an antiviral state in uninfected cells. Experimental in-vitro and in-vivo data have proven the fundamental role these cytokines possess in the protective response to a wide variety of pathogens, including herpesviruses. In a clinical setting, IFNs have been an important treatment in humans for several decades and increasing evidence demonstrates their potential in controlling viral haemorrhagic fevers when administered early in disease. In juvenile Asian elephants, elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus haemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) often proves fatal when an effective adaptive immune response cannot be mounted in time, suggesting that an enhancement of the innate immune response could provide protection. This study sequenced six members of the Asian elephant type I IFNs, most closely related to sequences from the African elephant and Florida manatee. Subsequently, recombinant Asian elephant IFNα and IFNβ proteins were expressed and assessed for bioactivity in-vitro, relative to recombinant human IFNs, using a novel infection model incorporating primary Asian elephant fibroblasts and bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) as a surrogate for EEHV. In a dose-dependent manner, both Asian elephant IFNs and human IFNα2a protected cells from BoHV-1 infection in this proof-of-concept study, even if applied up to 24 hours post-infection in-vitro.

TPL2 kinase activity is required for Il1b transcription during LPS priming but dispensable for NLRP3 inflammasome activation

The NLRP3 inflammasome complex is an important mechanism for regulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18, in response to harmful pathogens. Overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines has been linked to cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. It has been previously shown that tumor progression locus 2, a serine-threonine kinase, promotes IL-1β synthesis in response to LPS stimulation; however, whether TPL2 kinase activity is required during inflammasome priming to promote Il1b mRNA transcription and/or during inflammasome activation for IL-1β secretion remained unknown. In addition, whether elevated type I interferons, a consequence of either Tpl2 genetic ablation or inhibition of TPL2 kinase activity, decreases IL-1β expression or inflammasome function has not been explored. Using LPS-stimulated primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, we determined that TPL2 kinase activity is required for transcription of Il1b, but not Nlrp3, Il18, caspase-1 (Casp1), or gasdermin-D (Gsdmd) during inflammasome priming. Both Casp1 and Gsdmd mRNA synthesis decreased in the absence of type I interferon signaling, evidence of crosstalk between type I interferons and the inflammasome. Our results demonstrate that TPL2 kinase activity is differentially required for the expression of inflammasome precursor cytokines and components but is dispensable for inflammasome activation. These data provide the foundation for the further exploration of TPL2 kinase inhibitor as a potential therapeutic in inflammatory diseases.

Activating Dectin-1/SOCS1 signaling attenuates pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced lung injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of Dectin-1 in alleviating Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA)-induced lung injury and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Wild-type and Dectin-1 knockout (KO) C57BL/6 mice were exposed to PAvia intratracheal instillation. PAO1 strains were cultured, inactivated, and quantified. MHS cells were used in vitro. Curdlan was employed to activate Dectin-1 signaling, and SOCS1 expression was modulated through genetic manipulation. Levels of Dectin-1, Syk, p-Syk, SOCS1, p-p65, and p65 were assessed. Lung injury was evaluated using H&E and TUNEL staining, cell counts and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the lung tissue wet/dry ratio, and seven-day survival rates. Bacterial burden in the lung was assessed by PA colony formation. Inflammatory responses were measured by TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in BALF, as well as the p-p65/p65 ratio in lung or cell lysates. Apoptosis rates in cells were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Dectin-1 expression was downregulated in the lungs and MHS cells following PA infection. Dectin-1 depletion exacerbated PA-induced lung injury. Activation of Dectin-1 by curdlan significantly alleviated PA-induced lung injury. PA infection reduced SOCS1 expression, and SOCS1 interference exacerbated the inflammatory response and apoptosis in MHS cells, nullifying the protective effects of curdlan. Overexpression of SOCS1 significantly reduced inflammation and apoptosis in both MHS cells and Dectin-1 KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of Dectin-1 significantly mitigates PA-induced lung injury, with SOCS1 playing a critical role in this process.

Proinflammatory Cytokines in Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Their Management

Pulmonary homeostasis can be agitated either by external environmental insults or endogenous factors produced during respiratory/pulmonary diseases. The lungs counter these insults by initiating mechanisms of inflammation as a localized, non-specific first-line defense response. Cytokines are small signaling glycoprotein molecules that control the immune response. They are formed by numerous categories of cell types and induce the movement, growth, differentiation, and death of cells. During respiratory diseases, multiple proinflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in orchestrating chronic inflammation and structural changes in the respiratory tract by recruiting inflammatory cells and maintaining the release of growth factors to maintain inflammation. The issue aggravates when the inflammatory response is exaggerated and/or cytokine production becomes dysregulated. In such instances, unresolving and chronic inflammatory reactions and cytokine production accelerate airway remodeling and maladaptive outcomes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines generate these deleterious consequences through interactions with receptors, which in turn initiate a signal in the cell, triggering a response. The cytokine profile and inflammatory cascade seen in different pulmonary diseases vary and have become fundamental targets for advancement in new therapeutic strategies for lung diseases. There are considerable therapeutic approaches that target cytokine-mediated inflammation in pulmonary diseases; however, blocking specific cytokines may not contribute to clinical benefit. Alternatively, broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory approaches are more likely to be clinically effective. Herein, this comprehensive review of the literature identifies various cytokines (e.g., interleukins, chemokines, and growth factors) involved in pulmonary inflammation and the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary, lung cancer, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis) and investigates targeted therapeutic treatment approaches.

Cell-type-specific requirement for TYK2 in murine immune cells under steady state and challenged conditions

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) deficiency and loss or inhibition of kinase activity in men and mice leads to similar immune compromised phenotypes, predominantly through impairment of interferon (IFN) and interleukin 12 family responses. Here we relate the transcriptome changes to phenotypical changes observed in TYK2-deficient (Tyk2-/-) and TYK2 kinase-inactive (Tyk2K923E) mice in naïve splenic immune cells and upon ex vivo IFN treatment or in vivo tumor transplant infiltration. The TYK2 activities under homeostatic and both challenged conditions are highly cell-type-specific with respect to quantity and quality of transcriptionally dependent genes. The major impact of loss of TYK2 protein or kinase activity in splenic homeostatic macrophages, NK and CD8+ T cells and tumor-derived cytolytic cells is on IFN responses. While reportedly TYK2 deficiency leads to partial impairment of IFN-I responses, we identified cell-type-specific IFN-I-repressed gene sets completely dependent on TYK2 kinase activity. Reported kinase-inactive functions of TYK2 relate to signaling crosstalk, metabolic functions and cell differentiation or maturation. None of these phenotypes relates to respective enriched gene sets in the TYK2 kinase-inactive cell types. Nonetheless, the scaffolding functions of TYK2 are capable to change transcriptional activities at single gene levels and chromatin accessibility at promoter-distal regions upon cytokine treatment most prominently in CD8+ T cells. The cell-type-specific transcriptomic and epigenetic effects of TYK2 shed new light on the biology of this JAK family member and are relevant for current and future treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with TYK2 inhibitors.

Types I to IV IFNs and their receptors in white spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum)

Interferons (IFNs) are a class of proteins with significant antiviral and antibacterial functions. To date, four distinct types of IFNs have been identified in vertebrates, including types I, II, III and IV IFNs. However, all these IFNs have not been reported together from any species of cartilaginous fish. In this study, types I, II, III and IV IFNs have been identified in white spotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum). Type I IFNs were distributed in a conserved locus as reported in amphibian and zebrafish with seven duplicated genes. IFN-γ and IFN-υ genes were located in conserved loci as reported in other vertebrates, but four copies of IFN-υ genes were found in the bamboo shark as compared with a single gene in other vertebrates. However, a single IFN-λ gene was found in the bamboo shark, but not in the conserved gene locus as reported in other vertebrates. It is obvious that all these IFN genes were constitutively expressed in examined organs/tissue, and were induced following poly(I:C) stimulation. The findings of four types of IFNs in bamboo shark fill up the gap in relation with the composition of IFNs in cartilaginous fish, and contributes to the understanding of IFN system from an evolutionary point of view.

Inflammation in cancer: therapeutic opportunities from new insights

As one part of the innate immune response to external stimuli, chronic inflammation increases the risk of various cancers, and tumor-promoting inflammation is considered one of the enabling characteristics of cancer development. Recently, there has been growing evidence on the role of anti-inflammation therapy in cancer prevention and treatment. And researchers have already achieved several noteworthy outcomes. In the review, we explored the underlying mechanisms by which inflammation affects the occurrence and development of cancer. The pro- or anti-tumor effects of these inflammatory factors such as interleukin, interferon, chemokine, inflammasome, and extracellular matrix are discussed. Since FDA-approved anti-inflammation drugs like aspirin show obvious anti-tumor effects, these drugs have unique advantages due to their relatively fewer side effects with long-term use compared to chemotherapy drugs. The characteristics make them promising candidates for cancer chemoprevention. Overall, this review discusses the role of these inflammatory molecules in carcinogenesis of cancer and new inflammation molecules-directed therapeutic opportunities, ranging from cytokine inhibitors/agonists, inflammasome inhibitors, some inhibitors that have already been or are expected to be applied in clinical practice, as well as recent discoveries of the anti-tumor effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The advantages and disadvantages of their application in cancer chemoprevention are also discussed.

Assessing the impact and risk of immunomodulatory compounds on pregnancy

There have been remarkable advancements in understanding the complex and dynamic immune biological processes engaged during all stages of pregnancy. Exquisite control of immune processes is critical to successful outcome in all stages of pregnancy from ovulation to birth. There are many immunomodulatory therapeutics that may offer beneficial treatment options for a variety of diseases (e.g., inflammation/autoimmunity, cancer) to patients that are or desire to become pregnant. It is important to understand the potential for these immunomodulatory therapeutics to alter the critical immune processes in pregnancy to inform clinical risk relative to successful pregnancy. The Health and Environmental Sciences Institute-Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology/Immuno-safety Technical Committee (HESI DART/ITC) conducted a survey on approaches to assess adverse pregnancy outcomes with immunomodulators. HESI DART/ITC also organized a workshop for an extended discussion on immune mechanisms during pregnancy, the adequacy of current tools/methodologies to identify concerns for potential pregnancy hazards from immunomodulatory therapies, ways to identify and address scientific gaps, and global regulatory considerations across various immunomodulatory modalities and indications. In this manuscript we summarize learnings from these efforts to characterize risk within this patient population, promote more informed treatment decisions, and enable safer pharmacological interventions during pregnancy.

The functions of herpesvirus shuttling proteins in the virus lifecycle

During viral infection, the transport of various proteins between the nucleus and cytoplasm plays an important role in the viral lifecycle. Shuttling proteins are key factors in the transmission of nucleocytoplasmic information within cells and usually contain nuclear localization signals and nuclear export signals to mediate correct positioning for themselves and other proteins. The nucleocytoplasmic transport process is carried out through the nuclear pore complex on the nuclear envelope and is mediated by specific protein carriers. The viral proteins that function through nucleocytoplasmic shuttling in herpesviruses have gradually been identified as research advances. This article provides an overview of how shuttling proteins utilize nucleocytoplasmic shuttling signals and nuclear transport receptors for nucleocytoplasmic transport, as well as discusses how herpesvirus shuttling proteins enhance the effective infection of viruses by affecting their lifecycle and participating in innate immunity, this review provides a reference for understanding the pathogenesis of herpesvirus infection and determining new antiviral strategies.

Interferon-driven Metabolic Reprogramming and Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling

IFNs play a critical role in cancer biology, including impacting tumor cell behavior and instructing the tumor microenvironment (TME). IFNs recently have been shown to reprogram tumor metabolism through distinct mechanisms. Furthermore, IFNs shape the TME by modulating immune cell infiltration and function, contributing to the intricate interaction between the tumor and stromal cells. This review summarizes the effects of IFNs on metabolic reprogramming and their impacts on the function of immune cells within the TME, with a particular focus on the dual roles of IFNs in mediating both anti-tumor and pro-tumor immune responses. Understanding the significance of IFNs-mediated processes aids to advise future therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.

Type I interferon (IFNd) enhanced the innate immune response and lipid droplets (LDs) formation in obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus

As one member of type I IFN, IFNd showed huge distinctive responses and activity during the viral or bacterial infection in various fish species. Our previous study identified IFNd from obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus (ToIFNd), and the function and regulation of ToIFNd was further investigated in the present study. The transcriptional levels of ToIFNd were significantly induced post bacteria Vibrio harveyi and virus simulator Poly (I:C) stimulation in the head kidney. In addition, recombinant ToIFNd (rToIFNd) treatment enhanced the expressions of numerous interferon stimulated genes (ISGs, such as Mx1, PKR1, and PKR2) and several immune effectors (such as Il1, faslg, and tnf14) both in the in vivo and in vitro experiments. The expression patterns of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) post rToIFNd stimulation suggesting that IRF3, 7, and 8 showed strong response and might play critical role during the ToIFNd mediated signal transduction. Remarkably, we firstly found that rToIFNd stimulation promoted lipid droplets (LDs) formation in liver, which was further confirmed by the increased number of LDs by TEM, up-regulated expressions of LDs marker PLIN3, as well as the transcripts of genes involved in the transport and synthesis of neutral lipids. These results corroborate the antibacterial and antiviral function of ToIFNd in obscure puffer, and revealed that ToIFNd might play immune regulatory role by medicating LDs formation, which will contribute to explore the functional characteristics of IFN system.

The underlying mechanism and therapeutic potential of IFNs in viral-associated cancers

Interferons (IFNs) are a diverse family of cytokines secreted by various cells, including immune cells, fibroblasts, and certain viral-parasitic cells. They are classified into three types and encompass 21 subtypes based on their sources and properties. The regulatory functions of IFNs closely involve cell surface receptors and several signal transduction pathways. Initially investigated for their antiviral properties, IFNs have shown promise in combating cancer-associated viruses, making them a potent therapeutic approach. Most IFNs have been identified for their role in inhibiting cancer; however, they have also demonstrated cancer-promoting effects under specific conditions. These mechanisms primarily rely on immune regulation and cytotoxic effects, significantly impacting cancer progression. Despite widespread use of IFN-based therapies in viral-related cancers, ongoing research aims to develop more effective treatments. This review synthesizes the signal transduction pathways and regulatory capabilities of IFNs, highlighting their connections with viruses, cancers, and emerging clinical treatments.

m5C methylation modification may be an accomplice in colorectal cancer escaping from anti-tumor effects of innate immunity-type I/III interferon

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors in the world, and its occurrence and development are closely related to the complex immune regulatory mechanisms. As the first barrier of the body's defense, innate immunity plays a key role in tumor immune surveillance and anti-tumor response, in which type I/III interferon (IFN) is an important mediator with significant antiviral and anti-tumor functions. 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification of RNA is a key epigenetic regulation that promotes the expression of CRC oncogenes and immune-related genes. It can enhance the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells by affecting mRNA stability, translation efficiency, and nuclear export. In addition, m5C modification modulates the activity of innate immune signaling pathways and inhibits interferon production and function, further helping tumor cells evade immune surveillance. However, there are insufficient elucidations on the interaction between m5C modification and innate immunity in CRC. In this study, the mechanism of interferon I/III in colorectal cancer was systematically reviewed and explored. This work focused on how m5C modification promotes tumor immune escape by affecting the interferon signaling pathway, thereby providing new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for clinical use, and enhancing the immunotherapy efficacy.

Specific plasma biomarker signatures associated with patients undergoing surgery for back pain

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) affects numerous people worldwide. The role of inflammation is increasingly recognized but remains incompletely resolved. Peripheral molecules could access neovascularized degenerated discs and contribute to the ongoing pathology.

PURPOSE

To assess a large array of plasma molecules in patients with IDD to identify biomarkers associated with specific spinal pathologies and prognostic biomarkers for the surgery outcome.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study combining clinical data and plasma measures.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Plasma samples were collected just before surgery. Extensive clinical data (age, sex, smoking status, Modic score, glomerular filtration rate, etc.) were extracted from clinical files from 83 patients with IDD undergoing spine surgery.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Recovery 2 months postsurgery as assessed by the treating neurosurgeon.

METHODS

Over 40 biological molecules were measured in patients' plasma using multiplex assays. Statistical analyses were performed to identify associations between biological and clinical characteristics (age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking status, herniated disc, radiculopathy, myelopathy, stenosis, MODIC score, etc.) and plasma levels of biological molecules.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of Neurofilament Light chain (NfL) were significantly elevated in patients with myelopathy and spinal stenosis compared to herniated disc. Plasma levels of C- reactive protein (CRP), Neurofilament Light chain (NfL), and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) were negatively associated, while CCL22 levels were positively associated with an efficient recovery 2 months postsurgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that CRP and CCL22 plasma levels combined with the age of the IDD patient can predict the 2-month postsurgery recovery (Area Under the Curve [AUC]=0.883). Moreover, NfL could become a valuable monitoring tool for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Porcine ISG15 fused IFN-λ3 as a novel antiviral agent for treating porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in vivo

IFN-λs hold promise as therapeutic candidates against mutable respiratory viruses, but their efficacy against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) remains unclear. In this study, we expressed a recombinant fusion protein consisting of porcine ISG15 linked porcine IFN-λ3 (ISG15-IFN-λ3) via a rigid protein linker in Escherichia coli (E. coli). In vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment of porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM)-derived CRL-2843 cells with ISG15-IFN-λ3 induced upregulation of several Interferon-stimulated Genes (ISGs) proteins, including ISG15, ISG56, and HERC5. CRL-2843 cells pretreated with ISG15-IFN-λ3 exhibited heightened resistance to Newcastle disease virus infection, while PRRSV-permissive cells treated with ISG15-IFN-λ3 before and during PRRSV exposure showed significantly inhibited PRRSV replication as well. In animal experiments, at 21 days post-infection, ISG15-IFN-λ3-treated piglets displayed milder lung tissue pathology and significantly reduced serum PRRSV-RNA, indicating enhanced viral clearance and faster recovery. Additionally, PAMs collected from ISG15-IFN-λ3-treated piglets showed significantly reduced mRNA expression of representative cytokines, chemokines, suggesting that ISG15-IFN-λ3 treatment may mitigate pneumonia severity by reducing the levels of these inflammatory mediators. These findings indicate that recombinant ISG15-IFN-λ3 expressed in E. coli may serve as a novel, effective, and affordable agent for treating severe PRRSV infection in piglets, potentially benefiting the pork industry.

Cholesterol restriction primes antiviral innate immunity via SREBP1-driven noncanonical type I IFNs

Cholesterol metabolism is associated with innate immune responses; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we perform chemical screening to isolate small molecules influencing RIG-I activity, a cytoplasmic viral RNA sensor. We find that statins, which inhibit cholesterol synthesis, dramatically enhance RIG-I-dependent antiviral responses in specific cell types. Since statins exhibit pleiotropic effects on type I interferon (IFN) responses, we further focus on their effects on RIG-I signaling. The restriction of cholesterol synthesis induces expression of noncanonical type I IFNs, such as IFN-ω, in an SREBP1 transcription factor-dependent manner. This pathway subsequently enhances RIG-I-mediated signaling following viral infection. Administration of statins augments RIG-I-dependent cytokine expression in the lungs of mice. Conversely, a mouse obesity model shows a diminished RIG-I response. Single-cell transcriptome analyses reveal a subset of alveolar macrophages that increase RIG-I expression in response to inhibited cholesterol synthesis in vivo. This study reveals SREBP1-mediated noncanonical type I IFN expression, linking cholesterol metabolism and RIG-I signaling.

The importance of type I interferon in orchestrating the cytotoxic T-cell response to cancer

Both type I interferon (IFN-I) and CD4+ T-cell help are required to generate effective CD8+ T-cell responses to cancer. We here outline based on existing literature how IFN-I signaling and CD4+ T-cell help are connected. Both impact on the functional state of dendritic cells (DCs), particularly conventional (c)DC1. The cDC1s are critical for crosspresentation of cell-associated antigens and for delivery of CD4+ T-cell help for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) effector and memory differentiation. In infection, production of IFN-I is prompted by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), while in cancer it relies on danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). IFN-I production by tumor cells and pDCs in the tumor micro-environment (TME) is often limited. IFN-I signals increase the ability of migratory cDC1s and cDC2s to transport tumor antigens to tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLNs). IFN-I also enables cDC1s to form and sustain the platform for help delivery by stimulating the production of chemokines that attract CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. IFN-I promotes delivery of help in concert with CD40 signals by additive and synergistic impact on cross-presentation and provision of critical costimulatory and cytokine signals for CTL effector and memory differentiation. The scenario of CD4+ T-cell help therefore depends on IFN-I signaling. This scenario can play out in tdLNs as well as in the TME, thereby contributing to the cancer immunity cycle. The collective observations may explain why both IFN-I and CD4+ T-cell help signatures in the TME correlate with good prognosis and response to PD-1 targeting immunotherapy in human cancer. They also may explain why a variety of tumor types in which IFN-I signaling is attenuated, remain devoid of functional CTLs.

Single-cell transcriptome profiling identifies the activation of type I interferon signaling in ossified posterior longitudinal ligament

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a condition comprising ectopic bone formation from spinal ligaments. This disease is a leading cause of myelopathy in the Asian population. However, the molecular mechanism underlying OPLL and efficient preventive interventions remain unclear. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing and revealed that type I interferon (IFN) signaling was activated in the ossified ligament of patients with OPLL. We also observed that IFN-β stimulation promoted the osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts in vitro and activated the ossification-related gene SPP1, thereby confirming the single-cell RNA sequencing findings. Further, blocking the IFN-α/β subunit 1 receptor (IFNAR1) using an anti-IFNAR1 neutralizing antibody markedly suppressed osteogenic differentiation. Together, these results demonstrated that the type I IFN signaling pathway facilitated ligament ossification, and the blockade of this signaling might provide a foundation for the prevention of OPLL.

Exploration of the Dual Role of Dectin-1 in Tumor Development and Its Therapeutic Potential

Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors like PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, the role of the innate immune system, especially pattern recognition receptors, in cancer development and immunity is gaining more and more attention. Dectin-1, a C-type lectin receptor primarily involved in antifungal immunity, has emerged as a significant player in cancer biology, exhibiting both pro-tumor and anti-tumor roles. This dual function largely depends on the tumor type and microenvironment. Dectin-1 can promote immune responses against tumors like melanoma and breast cancer by enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity. However, in tumors like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer, Dectin-1 activation suppresses T cell immunity, facilitating tumor progression. This review explores the complex mechanisms by which Dectin-1 modulates the tumor microenvironment and discusses its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

The Importance of Including Maternal Immune Activation in Animal Models of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a perinatal brain injury that is the leading cause of cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and poor cognitive outcomes in children born at term, occurring in about 1.5 out of 1000 births. The only proven therapy for HIE is therapeutic hypothermia. However, despite this treatment, many children ultimately suffer disability, brain injury, and even death. Barriers to implementation including late diagnosis and lack of resources also lead to poorer outcomes. This demonstrates a critical need for additional treatments for HIE, and to facilitate this, we need translational models that accurately reflect risk factors and interactions present in HIE. Maternal or amniotic infection is a significant risk factor and possible cause of HIE in humans. Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a well-established model of maternal infection and inflammation that has significant developmental consequences largely characterized within the context of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. MIA can also lead to long-lasting changes within the neuroimmune system, which lead to compounding negative outcomes following a second insult. This supports the importance of understanding the interaction of maternal inflammation and hypoxic-ischemic outcomes. Animal models have been invaluable to understanding the pathophysiology of this injury and to the development of therapeutic hypothermia. However, each model system has its own limitations. Large animal models such as pigs may more accurately represent the brain and organ development and complexity in humans, while rodent models are more cost-effective and offer more possible molecular techniques. Recent studies have utilized MIA or direct inflammation prior to HIE insult. Investigators should thoughtfully consider the risk factors they wish to include in their HIE animal models. In the incorporation of MIA, investigators should consider the type, timing, and dose of the inflammatory stimulus, as well as the timing, severity, and type of hypoxic insult. Using a variety of animal models that incorporate the maternal-placental-fetal system of inflammation will most likely lead to a more robust understanding of the mechanisms of this injury that can guide future clinical decisions and therapies.

A hybrid method for discovering interferon-gamma inducing peptides in human and mouse

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a versatile pleiotropic cytokine essential for both innate and adaptive immune responses. It exhibits both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for treating various infectious diseases and cancers. We present IFNepitope2, a host-specific technique to annotate IFN-γ inducing peptides, it is an updated version of IFNepitope introduced by Dhanda et al. In this study, dataset used for developing prediction method contain experimentally validated 25,492 and 7983 IFN-γ inducing peptides in human and mouse host, respectively. In initial phase, machine learning techniques have been exploited to develop classification model using wide range of peptide features. Further, to improve machine learning based models or alignment free models, we explore potential of similarity-based technique BLAST. Finally, a hybrid model has been developed that combine best machine learning based model with BLAST. In most of the case, models based on extra tree perform better than other machine learning techniques. In case of peptide features, compositional feature particularly dipeptide composition performs better than one-hot encoding or binary profile. Our best machine learning based models achieved AUROC 0.89 and 0.83 for human and mouse host, respectively. The hybrid model achieved the AUROC 0.90 and 0.85 for human and mouse host, respectively. All models have been evaluated on an independent/validation dataset not used for training or testing these models. Newly developed method performs better than existing method on independent dataset. The major objective of this study is to predict, design and scan IFN-γ inducing peptides, thus server/software have been developed ( https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/ifnepitope2/ ). This method is also available as standalone at https://github.com/raghavagps/ifnepitope2 and python package index at https://pypi.org/project/ifnepitope2/ .

Function of immune cells and effector molecules of the innate immune system in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals - A review

In mammalian species, pregnancy is a complex process that involves the maternal recognition of pregnancy, implantation, decidualization, placentation, and parturition. The innate immune system is composed of cellular components, such as natural killer cells, neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, and effector molecules, such as cytokines, interferons, antimicrobial peptides, and complement components. The innate immune system plays a critical role as the first line of defense against infection or inflammation to maintain homeostasis and activate the adaptive immunity. During pregnancy, innate immune cells and effector molecules act on the regulation of innate immunity for host defense and processes such as embryo development, implantation, and placentation at the maternal-conceptus interface. In this review, we describe the components of the innate immune system and their functions at the maternal-conceptus interface to establish and maintain pregnancy in animal species that form hemochorial- or epitheliochorial-type placentas, including humans, rodents, ruminants, and pigs.

Interference without interferon: interferon-independent induction of interferon-stimulated genes and its role in cellular innate immunity

Interferons (IFNs) are multifaceted proteins that play pivotal roles in orchestrating robust antiviral immune responses and modulating the intricate landscape of host immunity. The major signaling pathway activated by IFNs is the JAK/STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway, which leads to the transcription of a battery of genes, collectively known as IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). While the well-established role of IFNs in coordinating the innate immune response against viral infections is widely acknowledged, recent years have provided a more distinct comprehension of the functional significance attributed to non-canonical, IFN-independent induction of ISGs. In this review, we summarize the non-conventional signaling pathways of ISG induction. These alternative pathways offer new avenues for developing antiviral strategies or immunomodulation in various diseases.

Targeting IRE1α reprograms the tumor microenvironment and enhances anti-tumor immunity in prostate cancer

Unfolded protein response (UPR) is a central stress response pathway that is hijacked by tumor cells for their survival. Here, we find that IRE1α signaling, one of the canonical UPR arms, is increased in prostate cancer (PCa) patient tumors. Genetic or small molecule inhibition of IRE1α in syngeneic mouse PCa models and an orthotopic model decreases tumor growth. IRE1α ablation in cancer cells potentiates interferon responses and activates immune system related pathways in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis reveals that targeting IRE1α in cancer cells reduces tumor-associated macrophage abundance. Consistently, the small molecule IRE1α inhibitor MKC8866, currently in clinical trials, reprograms the TME and enhances anti-PD-1 therapy. Our findings show that IRE1α signaling not only promotes cancer cell growth and survival but also interferes with anti-tumor immunity in the TME. Thus, targeting IRE1α can be a promising approach for improving anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in PCa.

Inhibition of neutrophil swarming by type I interferon promotes intracellular bacterial evasion

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) possesses the ability to breach multiple barriers and elicit intricate immune responses. However, there remains a lack of explicit understanding regarding how LM evades innate immune surveillance within the body. Here, we utilized liver intravital imaging to elucidate the dynamic process of LM during infection in the liver. We discovered that LM can rapidly escape from Kupffer cells (KCs) through listeriolysin O (LLO) and proliferate within hepatocytes. Upon LM exposure to the hepatic sinusoids, neutrophils rapidly aggregate at the site of infection. Subsequently, LM can induce type I interferon (IFN-I) production primarily in the spleen, which acts systemically on neutrophils to hamper their swarming by deactivating the ERK pathway, thus evading neutrophil-mediated eradication. Furthermore, our findings suggest that virus-induced IFN-I suppresses neutrophil swarming, and COVID-19 patients exhibit impaired neutrophil aggregation function. In conclusion, our findings provide compelling evidence demonstrating that intracellular bacteria represented by LM can hijack host defense mechanisms against viral infections to evade immune surveillance. Additionally, impaired neutrophil swarming caused by IFN-I is one of the significant factors contributing to the increased susceptibility to bacterial infections following viral infections.

The importance of IFNα2A (Roferon-A) in HSV-1 latency and T cell exhaustion in ocularly infected mice

Published studies have generated compelling results indicating that type I IFN modulates function of HSV-1 latency-associated transcript (LAT). One member of type I IFN is IFNα2A also called Roferon-A). IFNα2A has been used in monotherapy or in combination therapy with other drugs to treat viral infections and different kinds of cancer in humans. The goal of this study was to determine whether the absence of IFNα2A affects primary and latent infections in ocularly infected mice. Therefore, we generated a mouse strain lacking IFNα2A expression (IFNα2A-/-). Ocular HSV-1 replication, IFN and immune cell expressions on days 3 and 5 post infection (PI), as well as eye disease, survival, latency-reactivation, and T cell exhaustion were evaluated in ocularly infected IFNα2A-/- and wild type (WT) control mice. Absence of IFNα2A did not affect other members of the IFNα family but it affected IFNβ and IFNγ expressions as well as some immune cells on day 5 PI compared to WT mice. Viral replication in the eye, eye disease, and survival amongst ocularly infected IFNα2A-/- mice were similar to that of WT infected mice. The absence of IFNα2A significantly reduced the levels of latency and T cell exhaustion but not time of reactivation compared with control mice. Our results suggest that blocking IFNα2A expression may be a useful tool in reducing latency and the subsequent side effects associated with higher levels of latency.

Resolution of chronic inflammation and cancer

Chronic inflammation poses challenges to effective cancer treatment. Although anti-inflammatory therapies have shown short-term benefits, their long-term implications may be unfavorable because they fail to initiate the necessary inflammatory responses. Recent research underscores the promise of specialized pro-resolving mediators, which play a role in modulating the cancer microenvironment by promoting the resolution of initiated inflammatory processes and restoring tissue hemostasis. This review addresses current insights into how inflammation contributes to cancer pathogenesis and explores recent strategies to resolve inflammation associated with cancer.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus: A review of detection, inhibition of host gene expression and evasion of host innate immune

As one of the most important swine enteropathogenic coronavirus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is the causative agent of an acute and devastating enteric disease that causes lethal watery diarrhea in suckling piglets. Recent progress in studying PEDV has revealed many intriguing findings on its prevalence and genetic evolution, rapid diagnosis, suppression of host gene expression, and suppression of the host innate immune system. Due to the continuous mutation of the PEDV genome, viral evasions from innate immune defenses and mixed infection with other coronaviruses, the spread of the virus is becoming wider and faster, making it even more necessary to prevent the infections caused by wild-type PEDV variants. It has also been reported that PEDV nsp1 is an essential virulence determinant and is critical for inhibiting host gene expression by structural and biochemical analyses. The inhibition of host protein synthesis employed by PEDV nsp1 may contribute to the regulation of host cell proliferation and immune evasion-related biological functions. In this review, we critically evaluate the recent studies on these aspects of PEDV and assess prospects in understanding the function of PEDV proteins in regulating host innate immune response and viral virulence.

Increased serum interferon activity in sarcoidosis compared to that in tuberculosis: Implication for diagnosis?

Objectives

In this study, we measured serum interferon (IFN) levels and activity in patients with sarcoidosis and tuberculosis (TB) with and without uveitis. We aimed to understand the role of IFN in the pathophysiology of both conditions and explore its potential as a discriminating marker for these clinically similar diseases.

Methods

Sera from an Indonesian TB and a Dutch sarcoidosis cohort were used in the analysis. IFNα2 and IFNγ concentrations were measured using Simoa® and Luminex assays, respectively. Serum IFN activity was assessed by incubating THP-1 cells with patient serum and measuring IFN-stimulated gene transcription using qPCR. Anti-IFNα2 and IFNγ autoantibodies were detected via Luminex assay and tested for neutralizing capacity using a flow cytometry-based signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 phosphorylation inhibition assay.

Results

IFNα2 was detected in 74 % and 64 % of patients with sarcoidosis and pulmonary TB, respectively, while IFNγ was found in 78 % and 23 % of patients with sarcoidosis and TB, respectively. For uveitis cases specifically, IFNα2 was detected in 85 % of sarcoid uveitis (SU) and 33 % of tubercular uveitis (TBU) cases. Similarly, IFNγ was detected in 69 % of SU and 17 % of TBU cases. IFNγ serum concentrations were higher in sarcoidosis than that in TB patients (p < 0.0001). Focusing on patients with uveitis, SU showed increased IFNα2 (p = 0.004) and IFNγ (p < 0.002) serum concentrations compared to that in TBU. Notably, TBU displayed significantly reduced IFNα2 concentrations compared to that in healthy controls (p = 0.006). These results align with the increased interferon stimulated gene (ISG) transcriptional upregulation observed in THP-1 cells stimulated with serum from patients with sarcoidosis. Elevated levels of non-neutralizing anti-IFN autoantibodies were observed in patients with TB; however, these levels were similar to those observed in geographically matched healthy Indonesian controls.

Conclusion

Our results suggest decreased serum levels and activity of type I and II IFN in TB compared to those in sarcoidosis. This is indicative of distinct pathophysiological processes in these highly clinically similar diseases. We propose that the assessment of serum IFN levels and IFN activity has the potential to distinguish between sarcoidosis/SU and TB/TBU.

How underappreciated autoinflammatory (innate immunity) mechanisms dominate disparate autoimmune disorders

Historically inflammation against self was considered autoimmune which stems back to the seminal observations by Ehrlich who described serum factors, now known to be autoantibodies produced by B lineage cells that mediate "horror autotoxicus". The 20th century elucidation of B- and T-cell adaptive immune responses cemented the understanding of the key role of adaptive immune responses in mediating pathology against self. However, Mechnikov shared the Nobel Prize for the discovery of phagocytosis, the most rudimentary aspect of innate immunity. Fast forward some 100 years and an immunogenetic understanding of innate immunity led to the categorising of innate immunopathology under the umbrella term 'auto inflammation' and terminology such as "horror autoinflammaticus" to highlight the schism from the classical adaptive immune understanding of autoimmunity. These concepts lead to calls for a two-tiered classification of inflammation against self, but just as innate and adaptive immunity are functionally integrated, so is immunopathology in many settings and the concept of an autoimmune to autoinflammation continuum emerged with overlaps between both. Herein we describe several historically designated disorders of adaptive immunity where innate immunity is key, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) where the immunopathology phenotype is strongly linked to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II associations and responds to drugs that target T-cells. We also consider MHC-I-opathies including psoriasis and Behcet's disease(BD) that are increasingly viewed as archetype CD8 T-cell related disorders. We also briefly review the key role of barrier dysfunction in eczema and ulcerative colitis (UC) where innate tissue permeability barrier dysfunction and microbial dysbiosis contributes to prominent adaptive immune pathological mechanisms. We also highlight the emerging roles of intermediate populations of lymphocytes including gamma delta (γδ) and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells that represent a blend of adaptive immune plasticity and innate immune rapid responders that may also determine site specific patterns of inflammation.

A comprehensive review of Sjögren's syndrome: Classification criteria, risk factors, and signaling pathways

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the exocrine glands and may lead to a range of systemic symptoms that impact various organs. Both innate and adaptive immune pathways might trigger the disease. Studying the signaling pathways underlying SS is crucial for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness. SS poses an ongoing challenge for medical professionals owing to the limited therapeutic options available. This review offers a comprehensive understanding of the intricate nature of SS, encompassing disease classification criteria, risk factors, and signaling pathways in immunity and inflammation. The advancements summarized herein have the potential to spark new avenues of research into SS.

Cloning and Functional Characterization of Novel Human Neutralizing Anti-IFN-α and Anti-IFN-β Antibodies

Type I 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 Abs from PBMCs 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.

Activation of the cGAS-STING-IRF3 Axis by Type I and II Interferons Contributes to Host Defense

Interferons (IFNs) activate JAK-STAT pathways to induce downstream effector genes for host defense against invaded pathogens and tumors. Here both type I (β) and II (γ) IFNs are shown that can activate the transcription factor IRF3 in parallel with STAT1. IRF3-deficiency impairs transcription of a subset of downstream effector genes induced by IFN-β and IFN-γ. Mechanistically, IFN-induced activation of IRF3 is dependent on the cGAS-STING-TBK1 axis. Both IFN-β and IFN-γ cause mitochondrial DNA release into the cytosol. In addition, IFNs induce JAK1-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of cGAS at Y214/Y215, which is essential for its DNA binding activity and signaling. Furthermore, deficiency of cGAS, STING, or IRF3 impairs IFN-β- or IFN-γ-mediated antiviral and antitumor activities. The findings reveal a novel IRF3 activation pathway parallel with the canonical STAT1/2 activation pathways triggered by IFNs and provide an explanation for the pleiotropic roles of the cGAS-STING-IRF3 axis in host defense.

Signaling molecules in the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major fatal cancer that is known for its high recurrence and metastasis. An increasing number of studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment is closely related to the metastasis and invasion of HCC. The HCC microenvironment is a complex integrated system composed of cellular components, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and signaling molecules such as chemokines, growth factors, and cytokines, which are generally regarded as crucial molecules that regulate a series of important processes, such as the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Considering the crucial role of signaling molecules, this review aims to elucidate the regulatory effects of chemokines, growth factors, and cytokines on HCC cells in their microenvironment to provide important references for clarifying the development of HCC and exploring effective therapeutic targets.

The JAK-STAT pathway: from structural biology to cytokine engineering

The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway serves as a paradigm for signal transduction from the extracellular environment to the nucleus. It plays a pivotal role in physiological functions, such as hematopoiesis, immune balance, tissue homeostasis, and surveillance against tumors. Dysregulation of this pathway may lead to various disease conditions such as immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, hematologic disorders, and cancer. Due to its critical role in maintaining human health and involvement in disease, extensive studies have been conducted on this pathway, ranging from basic research to medical applications. Advances in the structural biology of this pathway have enabled us to gain insights into how the signaling cascade operates at the molecular level, laying the groundwork for therapeutic development targeting this pathway. Various strategies have been developed to restore its normal function, with promising therapeutic potential. Enhanced comprehension of these molecular mechanisms, combined with advances in protein engineering methodologies, has allowed us to engineer cytokines with tailored properties for targeted therapeutic applications, thereby enhancing their efficiency and safety. In this review, we outline the structural basis that governs key nodes in this pathway, offering a comprehensive overview of the signal transduction process. Furthermore, we explore recent advances in cytokine engineering for therapeutic development in this pathway.

The Humoral Immune Response against Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Celiac Disease: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by disruptions of the small intestine. Factors such as viral and bacterial infections can trigger CD. Recently, the reactivation of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) has also been implicated, but little is known about their specific role in patients with celiac disease.

METHODS

The purpose of this study is to explore the humoral immune response mounted against epitopes derived from the envelope portion of three families of HERVs (HERV-K, HERV-H, and HERV-W) in CD patients. Reactivity against the HERV-K, HERV-H, and HERV-W env-su peptides was tested by indirect ELISAs in plasma of 40 patients with celiac disease and 41 age-matched healthy subjects (HCs).

RESULTS

HERV-K, HERV-H, and HERV-W env-su peptides triggered different antibody responses in CD patients compared to HCs, with a stronger reactivity (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Present results show, for the first time, that epitopes of HERV-K, HERV-H, and HERV-W are more recognized in patients with CD. Taking into consideration their proinflammatory and autoimmune features, this might suggest that HERVs may contribute to the development of CD or its exacerbation in genetically predisposed subjects. Finally, to elucidate the interplay between gut inflammation and HERVs during the inflammatory process, further studies are required. Those investigations should focus on the expression levels of HERVs and their relationship with the immune response, specifically examining anti-transglutaminase 2 (TG2) antibody levels under both gluten-free and gluten-containing dietary conditions.

Innate and adaptive immune response of Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) naturally infected with Yersinia ruckeri

Rainbow trout is an important fish species for Peruvian artisanal aquaculture, comprising over 60 % of the total aquaculture production. However, their industry has been highly affected by several bacterial agents such as Yersinia ruckeri. This pathogen is the causative agent of Enteric Redmouth Disease, and causes high mortality in fingerlings and chronic infection in adult rainbow trout. To date, the immune response of rainbow trout against Y. ruckeri has been well studied in laboratory-controlled infection studies (i.e. intraperitoneal infection, bath immersion), however, the immune response during natural infection has not been explored. To address this, in this study, 35 clinically healthy O. mykiss without evidence of lesions or changes in behavior and 32 rainbow trout naturally infected by Y. ruckeri, were collected from semi-intensive fish farms located in the Central Highlands of Peru. To evaluate the effect on the immune response, RT-qPCR, western blotting, and ELISA were conducted using head kidney, spleen, and skin tissues to evaluate the relative gene expression and protein levels. Our results show a significant increase in the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines il1b, tnfa, and il6, as well as ifng in all three tissues, as well as increases in IL-1β and IFN-γ protein levels. The endogenous pathway of antigen presentation showed to play a key role in defense against Y. ruckeri, due to the upregulation of mhc-I, tapasin, and b2m transcripts, and the significant increase of Tapasin protein levels in infected rainbow trout. None of the genes associated with the exogenous pathway of antigen presentation showed a significant increase in infected fish, suggesting that this pathway is not involved in the response against this intracellular pathogen. Finally, the transcripts of immunoglobulins IgM and IgT did not show a modulation, nor were the protein levels evaluated in this study.

Loss of RBM45 inhibits breast cancer progression by reducing the SUMOylation of IRF7 to promote IFNB1 transcription

Type I interferons exhibit anti-proliferative and anti-cancer activities, but their detailed regulatory mechanisms in cancer have not been fully elucidated yet. RNA binding proteins are master orchestrators of gene regulation, which are closely related to tumor progression. Here we show that the upregulated RNA binding protein RBM45 correlates with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Depletion of RBM45 suppresses breast cancer progression both in cultured cells and xenograft mouse models. Mechanistically, RBM45 ablation inhibits breast cancer progression through regulating type I interferon signaling, particularly by elevating IFN-β production. Importantly, RBM45 recruits TRIM28 to IRF7 and stimulates its SUMOylation, thereby repressing IFNB1 transcription. Loss of RBM45 reduced the SUMOylation of IRF7 by reducing the interaction between TRIM28 and IRF7 to promote IFNB1 transcription, leading to the inhibition of breast cancer progression. Taken together, our finding uncovers a vital role of RBM45 in modulating type I interferon signaling and cancer aggressive progression, implicating RBM45 as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Two cytokine receptor family B (CRFB) members in orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides, EcCRFB3 and EcCRFB4, negatively regulate interferon immune responses to assist nervous necrosis virus replication

Receptors of type I interferon (IFNR) play a vital role in the antiviral immune response. However, little is known about the negative regulatory role of the IFNR. Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) is one of the most significant viruses in cultured fish, resulting in great economic losses for the aquaculture industry. In this study, two orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) cytokine receptor family B (CRFB) members, EcCRFB3 and EcCRFB4 were cloned and characterized from NNV infected grouper brain (GB) cells. The open reading frame (ORF) of EcCRFB3 consists of 852 bp encoding 283 amino acids, while EcCRFB4 has an ORF of 990 bp encoding 329 amino acids. The mRNA levels of EcCRFB3 or EcCRFB4 were significantly upregulated after NNV infection and the stimulation of poly (I:C) or NNV-encoded Protein A. In addition, EcCRFB3 or EcCRFB4 overexpression facilitated NNV replication, whereas EcCRFB3 or EcCRFB4 silencing resisted NNV replication. Overexpressed EcCRFB3 or EcCRFB4 inhibited the expression of IFN-I-induced ISGs. Taken together, our research provides the first evidence in fish demonstrating the role of IFNRs to regulate the IFN signaling pathway negatively. Our findings enrich the understanding of the functions of IFNRs and reveal a novel escape mechanism of NNV.

LncRNA Nostrill promotes interferon-γ-stimulated gene transcription and facilitates intestinal epithelial cell-intrinsic anti-Cryptosporidium defense

Intestinal epithelial cells possess the requisite molecular machinery to initiate cell-intrinsic defensive responses against intracellular pathogens, including intracellular parasites. Interferons(IFNs) have been identified as cornerstones of epithelial cell-intrinsic defense against such pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts (>200 nt) not translated into protein and represent a critical regulatory component of mucosal defense. We report here that lncRNA Nostrill facilitates IFN-γ-stimulated intestinal epithelial cell-intrinsic defense against infection by Cryptosporidium, an important opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients and a common cause of diarrhea in young children. Nostrill promotes transcription of a panel of genes controlled by IFN-γ through facilitating Stat1 chromatin recruitment and thus, enhances expression of several genes associated with cell-intrinsic defense in intestinal epithelial cells in response to IFN-γ stimulation, including Igtp, iNos, and Gadd45g. Induction of Nostrill enhances IFN-γ-stimulated intestinal epithelial defense against Cryptosporidium infection, which is associated with an enhanced autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells. Our findings reveal that Nostrill enhances the transcription of a set of genes regulated by IFN-γ in intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, induction of Nostrill facilitates the IFN-γ-mediated epithelial cell-intrinsic defense against cryptosporidial infections.

The lack of either IRF9, or STAT2, has surprisingly little effect on human natural killer cell development and function

Analysis of genetically defined immunodeficient patients allows study of the effect of the absence of specific proteins on human immune function in real-world conditions. Here we have addressed the importance of type I interferon signalling for human NK cell development by studying the phenotype and function of circulating NK cells isolated from patients suffering primary immunodeficiency disease due to mutation of either the human interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) or the signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) genes. IRF9, together with phosphorylated STAT1 and STAT2, form a heterotrimer called interferon stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) which promotes the expression of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes that mediate antiviral function triggered by exposure to type I interferons. IRF9- and STAT2-deficient patients are unable to respond efficiently to stimulation by type I interferons and so our experiments provide insights into the importance of type I interferon signalling and the consequences of its impairment on human NK cell biology. Surprisingly, the NK cells of these patients display essentially normal phenotype and function.

Revealing the therapeutic properties of gut microbiota: transforming cancer immunotherapy from basic to clinical approaches

The immune system plays a pivotal role in the battle against cancer, serving as a formidable guardian in the ongoing fight against malignant cells. To combat these malignant cells, immunotherapy has emerged as a prevalent approach leveraging antibodies and peptides such as anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, and anti-CTLA-4 to inhibit immune checkpoints and activate T lymphocytes. The optimization of gut microbiota plays a significant role in modulating the defense system in the body. This study explores the potential of certain gut-resident bacteria to amplify the impact of immunotherapy. Contemporary antibiotic treatments, which can impair gut flora, may diminish the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockers. Conversely, probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation can help re-establish intestinal microflora equilibrium. Additionally, the gut microbiome has been implicated in various strategies to counteract immune resistance, thereby enhancing the success of cancer immunotherapy. This paper also acknowledges cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology, CAR-T therapy, ACT therapy, and oncolytic viruses in modulating gut microbiota. Thus, an exhaustive review of literature was performed to uncover the elusive link that could potentiate the gut microbiome's role in augmenting the success of cancer immunotherapy.

CircRNAs: Pivotal modulators of TGF-β signalling in cancer pathogenesis

The intricate molecular landscape of cancer pathogenesis continues to captivate researchers worldwide, with Circular RNAs (circRNAs) emerging as pivotal players in the dynamic regulation of biological functions. The study investigates the elusive link between circRNAs and the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway, exploring their collective influence on cancer progression and metastasis. Our comprehensive investigation begins by profiling circRNA expression patterns in diverse cancer types, revealing a repertoire of circRNAs intricately linked to the TGF-β pathway. Through integrated bioinformatics analyses and functional experiments, we elucidate the specific circRNA-mRNA interactions that modulate TGF-β signalling, unveiling the regulatory controls governing this crucial pathway. Furthermore, we provide compelling evidence of the impact of circRNA-mediated TGF-β modulation on key cellular processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and cell proliferation. In addition to their mechanistic roles, circRNAs have shown promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential molecular targets for cancer therapy. Their ability to modulate critical pathways, such as the TGF-β signalling axis, underscores their significance in cancer biology and clinical applications. The intricate interplay between circRNAs and TGF-β is dissected, uncovering novel regulatory circuits that contribute to the complexity of cancer biology. This review unravels a previously unexplored dimension of carcinogenesis, emphasizing the crucial role of circRNAs in shaping the TGF-β signalling landscape.

Innate Immunity in Protection and Pathogenesis During Coronavirus Infections and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by the recently emerged β-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 has had a catastrophic impact, resulting in nearly 7 million fatalities worldwide to date. The innate immune system is the first line of defense against infections, including the detection and response to SARS-CoV-2. Here, we discuss the innate immune mechanisms that sense coronaviruses, with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 infection and how these protective responses can become detrimental in severe cases of COVID-19, contributing to cytokine storm, inflammation, long-COVID, and other complications. We also highlight the complex cross talk among cytokines and the cellular components of the innate immune system, which can aid in viral clearance but also contribute to inflammatory cell death, cytokine storm, and organ damage in severe COVID-19 pathogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss how SARS-CoV-2 evades key protective innate immune mechanisms to enhance its virulence and pathogenicity, as well as how innate immunity can be therapeutically targeted as part of the vaccination and treatment strategy. Overall, we highlight how a comprehensive understanding of innate immune mechanisms has been crucial in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infections and the development of novel host-directed immunotherapeutic strategies for various diseases.