Intelligent MoS2-CuO heterostructures with multiplexed imaging and remarkably enhanced antitumor efficacy via synergetic photothermal therapy/ chemodynamic therapy/ immunotherapy

Rational design of biocompatible nanoplatforms simultaneously realizing multimodal imaging and therapeutic functions is meaningful to cancer treatment. Herein, the MoS₂-CuO heteronanocomposites are designed by integrating semiconductor CuO and flower-like MoS₂ via a two-step hydrothermal method. After loading bovine serum albumin (BSA) and immunoadjuvant imiquimod (R837), the obtained MoS₂-CuO@BSA/R837 (MCBR) nanoplatforms realize the excellent computed tomography/infrared thermal/magnetic resonance multi-mode bioimaging as well as significantly enhanced antitumor efficacy of synergetic photothermal therapy (PTT)/chemodynamic therapy (CDT)/immunotherapy. In this nanoplatform, the semiconductor CuO exhibits peroxidase-like activity, which can react with over-expressed H₂O₂ in tumor microenvironment (TME) to generate OH for CDT via Haber-Weiss and Fenton-like reactions. And this process can be further accelerated by the generated heat of MoS₂ under 808 nm laser irradiation. More importantly, the obtained multifunctional MCBR nanoplatforms under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation would destroy tumor cells to generate tumor associated antigens (TAAs), which combine with R837 as an adjuvant to trigger strong antitumor immune responses for effectively eliminating primary tumors and metastatic tumors.

Inflammation, Immunity, and Hypertension

The immune system, inflammation and hypertension are related to each other. Innate and adaptive immunity system triggers an inflammatory process, in which blood pressure may increase, stimulating organ damage. Cells in innate immune system produce ROS, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, which aimed at killing pathogens. Long-term inflammation process increases ROS production, causing oxidative stress which leads to endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial function is to regulate blood vessel tone and structure. When inflammation lasts, NO bioavailability decreases, disrupting its main function as vasodilator, so that blood vessels relaxation and vasodilatation are absent. Effector T cells and regulatory lymphocytes, part of the adaptive immune system, plays role in blood vessels constriction in hypertension. Signals from central nervous system and APC activates effector T lymphocyte differentiation and accelerate through Th-1 and Th-17 phenotypes. Th-1 and Th-17 effectors participate in inflammation which leads to increased blood pressure. One part of CD4+ is the regulatory T cells (Tregs) that suppress immune response activation as they produce immunosuppressive cytokines, such as TGF-β and IL-10. Adoptive transfer of Tregs cells can reduce oxidative stress in blood vessels, endothelial dysfunction, infiltration of aortic macrophages and T cells as well as proinflammatory cytokine levels in plasma circulation.

Immune system activation in the pathogenesis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiological syndrome characterized by a variable combination of headaches, seizures, altered mental status, visual impairment, focal neurological signs and symmetric vasogenic edema in bilateral posterior cerebral circulation territory. The pathogenesis of PRES is still controversial. Most of the clinical conditions associated with PRES involve a systemic toxicity response in the entire organism with activation of the cells of the immune system and cytokines. These PRES related conditions induce T cell activation, cytokine release, and subsequent leukocyte adhesion and activation, resulting in endothelial damage and fluid leakage. This potential mechanism of immune system activation and endothelial dysfunction may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of PRES. In this review, the role of immune system activation and endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PRES is discussed, with the aim to improve our understanding of this disorder.

Syntheses, biological evaluation and SAR of ingenol mebutate analogues for treatment of actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer

Ingenol mebutate is the active ingredient in Picato® a new drug for the treatment of actinic keratosis. A number of derivatives related to ingenol mebutate were prepared by chemical synthesis from ingenol with the purpose of investigating the SAR and potency in assays relating to pro-inflammatory effects (induction of PMN oxidative burst and keratinocyte cytokine release), the potential of cell death induction, as well as the chemical stability. By modifications of the ingenol scaffold several prerequisites for activity were identified. The chemical stability of the compounds could be linked to an acyl migration mechanism. We were able to find analogues of ingenol mebutate with comparable in vitro properties. Some key features for potent and more stable ingenol derivatives have been identified.