The Molecular Role of IL-35 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

IL35 modulates HBV-related HCC progression via IL6-STAT3 signaling

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with incidences reported worldwide along with high mortality rates. It is a significant public health concern as hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of HCC. IL35, a novel heterodimeric cytokine belonging to the IL-12 family, comprises two subunits, namely IL-12p35 and Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3). They are crucial in regulating immune responses to tumors and infectious diseases. However, their function in HBV-related HCC is unclear. The objective of this study was to identify the regulatory role of IL35 in the occurrence of HBV-related HCC and its underlying molecular mechanisms. The expression of IL35 was enhanced in human HBV-related HCC tissues. HBV induction, particularly HBx, enhanced the expression of IL-35 in hepatoma cell lines. Silencing IL-35 promoted apoptosis and suppressed proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion of HBx-induced hepatoma cells. Mechanistically, silencing IL-35 effectively inhibited the activation of the IL-6-STAT3 signaling pathway by suppressing the expression of IL-6 and nuclear import and phosphorylation of STAT3 in HBx-induced hepatoma cells. Therefore, inhibiting the IL6-STAT3 signaling pathway by silencing IL35 effectively alleviated the progression of HBV-related HCC. IL35 is a potential target for treating HBV-related HCC.

Targeting CXCR4 impaired T regulatory function through PTEN in renal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Tregs trafficking is controlled by CXCR4. In Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), the effect of the new CXCR4 antagonist, R54, was explored in peripheral blood (PB)-Tregs isolated from primary RCC patients.

METHODS

PB-Tregs were isolated from 77 RCC patients and 38 healthy donors (HDs). CFSE-T effector-Tregs suppression assay, IL-35, IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β1 secretion, and Nrp-1+Tregs frequency were evaluated. Tregs were characterised for CTLA-4, PD-1, CD40L, PTEN, CD25, TGF-β1, FOXP3, DNMT1 transcriptional profile. PTEN-pAKT signalling was evaluated in the presence of R54 and/or triciribine (TCB), an AKT inhibitor. Methylation of TSDR (Treg-Specific-Demethylated-Region) was conducted.

RESULTS

R54 impaired PB-RCC-Tregs function, reduced Nrp-1+Tregs frequency, the release of IL-35, IL-10, and TGF-β1, while increased IFN-γ Teff-secretion. The CXCR4 ligand, CXCL12, recruited CD25+PTEN+Tregs in RCC while R54 significantly reduced it. IL-2/PMA activates Tregs reducing pAKT+Tregs while R54 increases it. The AKT inhibitor, TCB, prevented the increase in pAKT+Tregs R54-mediated. Moreover, R54 significantly reduced FOXP3-TSDR demethylation with DNMT1 and FOXP3 downregulation.

CONCLUSION

R54 impairs Tregs function in primary RCC patients targeting PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, reducing TSDR demethylation and FOXP3 and DNMT1 expression. Thus, CXCR4 targeting is a strategy to inhibit Tregs activity in the RCC tumour microenvironment.

A glance on the role of IL-35 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

It is well known that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an auto-inflammatory disease that is characterized by chronic and widespread inflammation. The exact pathogenesis of SLE is still a matter of debate. However, it has been suggested that the binding of autoantibodies to autoantigens forms immune complexes (ICs), activators of the immune response, in SLE patients. Ultimately, all of these responses lead to an imbalance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in cumulative inflammation. IL-35, the newest member of the IL-12 family, is an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory cytokine secreted mainly by regulatory cells. Structurally, IL-35 is a heterodimeric cytokine, composed of Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) and p35. IL-35 appears to hold therapeutic and diagnostic potential in cancer and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarized the most recent associations between IL and 35 and SLE. Unfortunately, the comparative review of IL-35 in SLE indicates many differences and contradictions, which make it difficult to generalize the use of IL-35 in the treatment of SLE. With the available information, it is not possible to talk about targeting this cytokine for the lupus treatment. So, further studies would be needed to establish the clear and exact levels of this cytokine and its related receptors in people with lupus to provide IL-35 as a preferential therapeutic or diagnostic candidate in SLE management.

Regulatory T cells in lung disease and transplantation

Pulmonary disease can refer to the disease of the lung itself or the pulmonary manifestations of systemic diseases, which are often connected to the malfunction of the immune system. Regulatory T (Treg) cells have been shown to be important in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing inflammatory damage, including lung diseases. Given the increasing amount of evidence linking Treg cells to various pulmonary conditions, Treg cells might serve as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of lung diseases and potentially promote lung transplant tolerance. The most potent and well-defined Treg cells are Foxp3-expressing CD4+ Treg cells, which contribute to the prevention of autoimmune lung diseases and the promotion of lung transplant rejection. The protective mechanisms of Treg cells in lung disease and transplantation involve multiple immune suppression mechanisms. This review summarizes the development, phenotype and function of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells. Then, we focus on the therapeutic potential of Treg cells in preventing lung disease and limiting lung transplant rejection. Furthermore, we discussed the possibility of Treg cell utilization in clinical applications. This will provide an overview of current research advances in Treg cells and their relevant application in clinics.

Biomolecules Involved in Both Metastasis and Placenta Accreta Spectrum-Does the Common Pathophysiological Pathway Exist?

The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial in the implantation of the blastocyst and subsequent placental development. The trophoblast, consisting of villous and extravillous zones, plays different roles in these processes. Pathological states, such as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), can arise due to dysfunction of the trophoblast or defective decidualization, leading to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Studies have drawn parallels between placentation and carcinogenesis, with both processes involving EMT and the establishment of a microenvironment that facilitates invasion and infiltration. This article presents a review of molecular biomarkers involved in both the microenvironment of tumors and placental cells, including placental growth factor (PlGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E-cadherin (CDH1), laminin γ2 (LAMC2), the zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB) proteins, αVβ3 integrin, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), β-catenin, cofilin-1 (CFL-1), and interleukin-35 (IL-35). Understanding the similarities and differences in these processes may provide insights into the development of therapeutic options for both PAS and metastatic cancer.