Tumor Cell-Associated IL-1α Affects Breast Cancer Progression and Metastasis in Mice through Manipulation of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment

IL-1α is a dual function cytokine that affects inflammatory and immune responses and plays a pivotal role in cancer. The effects of intracellular IL-1α on the development of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in mice were assessed using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to suppress IL-1α expression in 4T1 breast cancer cells. Knockout of IL-1α in 4T1 cells modified expression of multiple genes, including downregulation of cytokines and chemokines involved in the recruitment of tumor-associated pro-inflammatory cells. Orthotopical injection of IL-1α knockout (KO) 4T1 cells into BALB/c mice led to a significant decrease in local tumor growth and lung metastases, compared to injection of wild-type 4T1 (4T1/WT) cells. Neutrophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cells were abundant in tumors developing after injection of 4T1/WT cells, whereas more antigen-presenting cells were observed in the tumor microenvironment after injection of IL-1α KO 4T1 cells. This switch correlated with increased infiltration of CD3+CD8+ and NKp46+cells. Engraftment of IL-1α knockout 4T1 cells into immunodeficient NOD.SCID mice resulted in more rapid tumor growth, with increased lung metastasis in comparison to engraftment of 4T1/WT cells. Our results suggest that tumor-associated IL-1α is involved in TNBC progression in mice by modulating the interplay between immunosuppressive pro-inflammatory cells vs. antigen-presenting and cytotoxic cells.

Salmonella manipulates the host to drive pathogenicity via induction of interleukin 1β

Acute gastrointestinal infection with intracellular pathogens like Salmonella Typhimurium triggers the release of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β). However, the role of IL-1β in intestinal defense against Salmonella remains unclear. Here, we show that IL-1β production is detrimental during Salmonella infection. Mice lacking IL-1β (IL-1β -/-) failed to recruit neutrophils to the gut during infection, which reduced tissue damage and prevented depletion of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing commensals. Changes in epithelial cell metabolism that typically support pathogen expansion, such as switching energy production from fatty acid oxidation to fermentation, were absent in infected IL-1β -/- mice which inhibited Salmonella expansion. Additionally, we found that IL-1β induces expression of complement anaphylatoxins and suppresses the complement-inactivator carboxypeptidase N (CPN1). Disrupting this process via IL-1β loss prevented mortality in Salmonella-infected IL-1β -/- mice. Finally, we found that IL-1β expression correlates with expression of the complement receptor in patients suffering from sepsis, but not uninfected patients and healthy individuals. Thus, Salmonella exploits IL-1β signaling to outcompete commensal microbes and establish gut colonization. Moreover, our findings identify the intersection of IL-1β signaling and the complement system as key host factors involved in controlling mortality during invasive Salmonellosis.

Tryptophol Acetate and Tyrosol Acetate, Small-Molecule Metabolites Identified in a Probiotic Mixture, Inhibit Hyperinflammation

Probiotic fermented foods are perceived as contributing to human health; however, solid evidence for their presumptive therapeutic systemic benefits is generally lacking. Here we report that tryptophol acetate and tyrosol acetate, small-molecule metabolites secreted by the probiotic milk-fermented yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus, inhibit hyperinflammation (e.g., "cytokine storm"). Comprehensive in vivo and in vitro analyses, employing LPS-induced hyperinflammation models, reveal dramatic effects of the molecules, added in tandem, on mice morbidity, laboratory parameters, and mortality. Specifically, we observed attenuated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α and reduced reactive oxygen species. Importantly, tryptophol acetate and tyrosol acetate did not completely suppress proinflammatory cytokine generation, rather brought their concentrations back to baseline levels, thus maintaining core immune functions, including phagocytosis. The anti-inflammatory effects of tryptophol acetate and tyrosol acetate were mediated through downregulation of TLR4, IL-1R, and TNFR signaling pathways and increased A20 expression, leading to NF-kB inhibition. Overall, this work illuminates phenomenological and molecular details underscoring anti-inflammatory properties of small molecules identified in a probiotic mixture, pointing to potential therapeutic avenues against severe inflammation.

Bis(benzo-15-crown-5-κ5 O)barium tetrakis(isothiocyanato-κN)cobaltate(II)

The title compound, [Ba(C14H20O5)2][Co(NCS)4], is formed by discrete anions and cations. The molecular packing is controlled by weak C—H...π interactions.

Detection of mutations in TERT, the genes for telomerase reverse transcriptase, in Indian patients of aplastic anaemia: a pilot study

AIM

Detection of mutations in the genes for telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in patients of apparently acquired aplastic anaemia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five patients with apparently acquired aplastic anaemia and six unrelated healthy individuals were recruited for this study. The genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood of subjects (patients and controls) and amplified by Polymerase chain reaction. The amplified products were sequenced and analysed in an automated genetic-sequence analyser to identify mutations in genes encoding telomerase complex - namely DKC1, NOP10, NHP2, and TERT.

RESULT

In this study, mutations were observed in both coding and non-coding regions of TERTgene. Out of five patients, four patients had novel nonsynonymous mutation in TERT. Another substitution mutation was found in DKC1 gene in a healthy control. There was an important observation that two healthy controls had mutations in the coding region of TERTand DKC1 genes, but no symptoms or haematological abnormalities were expressed in both controls.There was no significant difference observed (Z = 0.666; P = 0.506) between two groups (controls and patients) with respect to no. of individuals having mutations.

CONCLUSION

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the mutation spectrum in the genes implicated in aplastic anaemia, i.e. TERT, DKC1, NOP10, and NHP2 in small case-control group (5 + 6). We have been successful in finding mutations in TERTand DKC1 while no population specific mutations were found in NOP10 and NHP2. The statistical significance of these mutations is difficult to establish as the sample size was too low. None of the patients with TERT mutations had a response to immunosuppressive therapy.