CD64 as novel molecular imaging marker for the characterization of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis

FCGR1A(CD64) expression on monocyte subsets and FIL1Z(IL-37) serum level as biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis activity: A case controlled study and in silico analysis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common chronic autoimmune diseases. Chronic joint inflammation and bone destruction were shown to be caused by expanded monocytes in RA affected individuals. Interleukin-37 which known as FIL1Z(IL-37) is a well-known anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays a negative regulatory role of inflammation in RA. A total of 48 RA patients were divided equally into active RA group and stable RA group using the Disease Activity score (DAS)-28 score. Twenty-four age-and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled as controls. The expression level of Fc gamma receptor IA (FCGR1A(CD64)) on monocytes and their subsets in peripheral blood were assessed by flow cytometry (FC) and serum levels of FIL1Z(IL-37) were measured by ELISA. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of FCGR1A(CD64) expressing classical and intermediate monocyte subsets and serum levels of FIL1Z(IL-37) were significantly elevated in RA patients compared to the control and positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and DAS-28 scores. The MFI of FCGR1A(CD64) expressing classical monocyte and serum levels of FIL1Z(IL-37) were significantly elevated in the active RA group compared to the stable RA group. The serum concentration of FIL1Z(IL-37) revealed very high specificity but limited sensitivity in discriminating between active and stable RA patients. Our results demonstrate a strong correlation between serum levels of FIL1Z(IL-37) and FCGR1A(CD64) expression on activated monocytes and their subsets in peripheral blood of RA patients. The results also depict that activated monocytes and their subsets may contribute to the elevated levels of FIL1Z(IL-37) during an active disease status to counter-act the inflammatory process.

Identification of aging-related biomarkers for intervertebral disc degeneration in whole blood samples based on bioinformatics and machine learning

Introduction

Aging is characterized by gradual structural and functional changes in the body over time, with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) representing a key manifestation of spinal aging and a major contributor to low back pain (LBP).

Methods

This study utilized bioinformatics and machine learning approaches to identify aging-related biomarkers associated with IVDD in whole blood samples. By analyzing GEO datasets alongside aging-related databases such as GeneCards, HAGR, and AgeAnno, we identified 15 aging-related differentially expressed genes (AIDEGs). Correlation and immune infiltration analyses were conducted on these AIDEGs, and diagnostic models were developed using WGCNA, logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors, and LASSO regression to identify key genes.

Results

Among these, FCGR1A, CBS, and FASLG emerged as significant biomarkers with strong predictive capabilities for IVDD. Further exploration of biological pathways involving AIDEGs provided insights into their potential roles in IVDD pathogenesis. To further validate these findings, we collected human blood specimens and conducted in vitro experiments. ELISA assays confirmed that CBS and FASLG are crucial biomarkers of IVDD, with distinct expression patterns in patients with moderate versus severe degeneration.

Discussion

These results highlight the diagnostic potential of AIDEGs and provide a new perspective for early intervention and treatment strategies in IVDD.

Application of Nanomaterials Targeting Immune Cells in the Treatment of Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a common characteristic of all kinds of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases, and tumors. It is distinguished by the presence of low concentrations of inflammatory factors stimulating the body for an extended period, resulting in a persistent state of infection. This condition is manifested by the aggregation and infiltration of mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, and other immune cells, leading to tissue hyperplasia and lesions. Although various anti-inflammatory medications, including glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have shown strong therapeutic effects, they lack specificity and targeting ability, and require high dosages, which can lead to severe adverse reactions. Nanoparticle drug delivery mechanisms possess the capacity to minimize the effect on healthy cells or tissues due to their targeting capabilities and sustained drug release properties. However, most nanosystems can only target the inflammatory sites rather than specific types of immune cells, leaving room for further improvement in the therapeutic effects of nanomaterials. This article reviews the current research progress on the role of diverse immune cells in inflammation, focusing on the functions of neutrophils and macrophages during inflammation. It provides an overview of the domestic and international applications of nanomaterials in targeted therapy for inflammation, aiming to establish a conceptual foundation for the utilization of nanomaterials targeting immune cells in the treatment of chronic inflammation and offer new perspectives for the avoidance and management of inflammation.

Bispecific antibodies tethering innate receptors induce human tolerant-dendritic cells and regulatory T cells

There is an urgent need for alternative therapies targeting human dendritic cells (DCs) that could reverse inflammatory syndromes in many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and organ transplantations. Here, we describe a bispecific antibody (bsAb) strategy tethering two pathogen-recognition receptors at the surface of human DCs. This cross-linking switches DCs into a tolerant profile able to induce regulatory T-cell differentiation. The bsAbs, not parental Abs, induced interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor β1 secretion in monocyte-derived DCs and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In addition, they induced interleukin 10 secretion by synovial fluid cells in rheumatoid arthritis and gout patients. This concept of bsAb-induced tethering of surface pathogen-recognition receptors switching cell properties opens a new therapeutic avenue for controlling inflammation and restoring immune tolerance.