Decreased Breg/Th17 Ratio Improved the Prognosis of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Revealing the role of regulatory b cells in cancer: development, function and treatment significance

B cells are essential components of the immune response, primarily recognized for their ability to produce antibodies. However, emerging research reveals their important roles in regulating immune responses and influencing tumor development, independent of antibodies. The connection between tumor progression and alterations in the tumor microenvironment is well-established, as immune infiltrating cells can enhance the survival of tumor cells by modifying their surroundings. Despite this, the majority of studies have focused on T cells and macrophages, creating a gap in our understanding of B cells. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) represent a crucial subpopulation that plays a significant role in maintaining immune balance. They may have a substantial impact on tumor immunity by negatively regulating tumor-infiltrating immune cells. This paper reviews the existing literature on Bregs, examining their development, phenotypes, functions, and the mechanisms through which they exert their regulatory effects. Furthermore, we highlight their potential interventional roles and prognostic significance in cancer therapy. By addressing the current gaps in knowledge regarding Bregs within tumors, we hope to inspire further research that could lead to innovative cancer treatments and improved outcomes for patients.

Regulatory B cells in parasitic infections: roles and therapeutic potential

Parasitic infection is a complex process involving interactions among various immune cells. Regulatory B cells (Breg cells), a subset of B lymphocytes with immunosuppressive functions, play a role in modulating immune responses during infection to prevent excessive immune activation. This article reviews the origin, phenotype, and immunoregulatory mechanisms of Breg cells. We summarize the immunomodulatory roles of Breg cells in various parasitic infections. We also discuss the potential applications of activating Breg cells through parasitic infections and their derived molecules in the treatment of certain allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. The aim is to provide new perspectives for the future treatment of parasitic diseases and other related conditions.

The emerging role of regulatory cell-based therapy in autoimmune disease

Autoimmune disease, caused by unwanted immune responses to self-antigens, affects millions of people each year and poses a great social and economic burden to individuals and communities. In the course of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and multiple sclerosis, disturbances in the balance between the immune response against harmful agents and tolerance towards self-antigens lead to an immune response against self-tissues. In recent years, various regulatory immune cells have been identified. Disruptions in the quality, quantity, and function of these cells have been implicated in autoimmune disease development. Therefore, targeting or engineering these cells is a promising therapeutic for different autoimmune diseases. Regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells, regulatory dendritic cells, myeloid suppressor cells, and some subsets of innate lymphoid cells are arising as important players among this class of cells. Here, we review the roles of each suppressive cell type in the immune system during homeostasis and in the development of autoimmunity. Moreover, we discuss the current and future therapeutic potential of each one of these cell types for autoimmune diseases.

Treatment and mechanism of fecal microbiota transplantation in mice with experimentally induced ulcerative colitis

Restoring intestinal microbiota dysbiosis with fecal microbiota transplantation is considered as a promising treatment for ulcerative colitis. However, the mechanisms underlying its relieving effects remain unclear. Ulcerative colitis pathogenesis is associated with the involvement of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on T cell cytokines in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis mouse model. Five-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) was used as the positive control. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to control, model (UC), UC + FMT, and UC + 5-ASA groups. Each group consisted of five mice. The establishment of the mouse model was verified by fecal occult-blood screening and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results showed that fecal microbiota transplantation reduced colonic inflammation, significantly decreased T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cells, interferon-gamma, interleukin-2 and interleukin-17, as well as significantly increased Th2 and regulatory T (Treg) cells, interleukin-4, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-beta, and improved routine blood count. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene-sequencing analysis showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of genus Akkermansia and a significant decrease in the relative abundance of genus Helicobacter in the ulcerative colitis group. Fecal microbiota transplantation restored the profile of the intestinal microbiota to that of the control group. These findings demonstrated the capability of fecal microbiota transplantation in controlling experimentally induced ulcerative colitis by improving Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg imbalance through the regulation of intestinal microbiota.

The relationship between the clearance of HBsAg and the remodeling of B cell subsets in CHB patients treated with Peg-IFN-α

Background

The seroconversion of the hepatitis B antigen is the ideal outcome for long-acting interferon-pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFN-α) treatment among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). B-cell response plays an important role in the process of hepatitis B antigen clearance, but the specific mechanism by which B-cell improve hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still unclear.

Methods

A total of 103 CHB patients participated in this study. The patients received 24 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment. Flow cytometry was used to detect B-cell surface markers’ cluster of differentiation cluster of differentiation CD19, CD24, and CD27 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CHB patients before and after 24 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment.

Results

After 24 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment, the content of memory B cells (CD19⁺CD27⁺) and effector B cells (CD19⁺CD38⁺) increased significantly. Further analysis showed that the clearance of the hepatitis B antigen was correlated with the change value, ΔT, of plasma cells before and after treatment. The B-cell subsets (CD19⁺CD24⁺; CD19⁺CD40⁺; CD19⁺CD40⁺; CD19⁺CD80⁺), was also tested and the results showed that CD19⁺CD24⁺ and CD19⁺CD80⁺ content also increased significantly after treatment.

Conclusions

After Peg-IFN-α treatment, the B-cell subsets of CHB patients are remodeled. Thus, Peg-IFN-α treatment appears to play an important role in the remodeling of B cell subsets and the clearance of HBV antigens. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the clinical treatment of CHB.

Mass cytometry reveals systemic and local immune signatures that distinguish inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Each disease is characterized by a diverse set of potential manifestations, which determine patients' disease phenotype. Current understanding of phenotype determinants is limited, despite increasing prevalence and healthcare costs. Diagnosis and monitoring of disease requires invasive procedures, such as endoscopy and tissue biopsy. Here we report signatures of heterogeneity between disease diagnoses and phenotypes. Using mass cytometry, we analyze leukocyte subsets, characterize their function(s), and examine gut-homing molecule expression in blood and intestinal tissue from healthy and/or IBD subjects. Some signatures persist in IBD despite remission, and many signatures are highly represented by leukocytes that express gut trafficking molecules. Moreover, distinct systemic and local immune signatures suggest patterns of cell localization in disease. Our findings highlight the importance of gut tropic leukocytes in circulation and reveal that blood-based immune signatures differentiate clinically relevant subsets of IBD.