Soluble CD72, is a T-cell activator probably via binding to CD6 in homeostasis and autoimmunity

DBI as a Novel Immunotherapeutic Candidate in Colorectal Cancer: Dissecting Genetic Risk and the Immune Landscape via GWAS, eQTL, and pQTL

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Identifying drug targets associated with CRC is crucial for developing targeted therapies. Methods: MR (IVW, Wald ratio, weighted median, and MR-Egger) and SMR analyses were used to screen candidate genes associated with CRC risk. Further validation was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to assess gene expression patterns and prognostic significance. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis was conducted to characterize the tumor immune microenvironment. Drug prediction was performed to explore potential therapeutic interventions. Results: Eight genes were identified associated with CRC. IGFBP3, CD72, SERPINH1, CHRDL2, LRP11, and SPARCL1 were linked to an increased risk of CRC, whereas DBI and HYAL1 were associated with a decreased risk of CRC. Notably, DBI exhibited a potentially favorable immune profile, negatively correlated with Tregs and MDSCs while positively associated with activated CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Conclusions: Eight genes were identified as associated with CRC, among which DBI exhibited a potential protective role, correlating with improved patient survival, enhanced immune activation, and increased responsiveness to immunotherapy. The remaining proteins demonstrated diverse and complex functions within the tumor immune microenvironment, providing novel insights for the development of precision diagnostics and immunotherapeutic strategies.

Associations of 2923 plasma proteins with incident inflammatory bowel disease in a prospective cohort study and genetic analysis

The prospective relationship between proteomics and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains largely underexplored, presenting potential of therapeutic interventions. Using data from 48,800 IBD-free participants in the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP), we assessed associations between 2923 plasma proteins and incident IBD risk using Cox analysis. Mendelian randomization (MR) meta-analysis, integrating cis-protein quantitative trait loci data from the UKB-PPP with IBD genome-wide association study data from the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium and FinnGen studies, identified causal proteins. Colocalization analysis strengthened evidence of shared common causal variants. Cohort study revealed associations of 673, 295, and 125 proteins with the risk of IBD, Crohn's disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC), respectively. MR and colocalization analyses prioritized IL12B, CD6, MXRA8, CXCL9, IFNG, CCN3, RSPO3, and IL18 as having causal and high colocalization evidence with IBD or its subtypes. Our findings advance understanding of IBD's molecular etiology and highlight potential therapeutic targets.

The Roles of T cells in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Arthritis

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, a novel anti-tumor strategy, can specifically eliminate tumors by activating the immune system and inhibiting tumor immune escape. However, ICI therapy can lead to notable negative outcomes known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). ICI-induced arthritis, also known as ICI arthritis, stands as the prevailing form of irAEs. The purpose of this review is to highlight the crucial functions of T cells in the progression of ICI arthritis. Under the influence of different signaling molecules, T cells could gather in large numbers within the synovial membrane of joints, releasing inflammatory substances and enzymes that harm healthy tissues, ultimately causing ICI arthritis. Moreover, considering the functions of T cells in triggering ICI arthritis, this review suggests several treatments to prevent ICI arthritis, including inhibiting the overstimulation of T cells at the synovial sac of joints, enhancing the precision of ICI medications, and directing ICI drugs specifically towards tumor tissues instead of joints. Collectively, T lymphocytes play a vital role in the onset of ICI arthritis, offering a hopeful perspective on treating ICI arthritis through the specific targeting of T cells within the affected joints.