技术资料

IntroductionRecently,more and more research illustrated the importance of inducing CD4+ T helper type (Th)-1 dominant immunity for the success of tumor immunotherapy. Our prior studies revealed the crucial role of CD4+ Th1 cells in orchestrating systemic and durable antitumor immunity,which contributes to the satisfactory outcomes of the novel cryo-thermal therapy in the B16F10 tumor model. However,the mechanism for maintaining the cryo-thermal therapy-mediated durable CD4+ Th1-dominant response remains uncovered. Additionally,cryo-thermal-induced early-stage CD4+ Th1-dominant T cell response showed a correlation with the favorable prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). We hypothesized that CD4+ Th1-dominant differentiation induced during the early stage post cryo-thermal therapy would affect the balance of CD4+ subsets at the late phase.MethodsTo understand the role of interferon (IFN)-γ,the major effector of Th1 subsets,in maintaining long-term CD4+ Th1-prone polarization,B16F10 melanoma model was established in this study and a monoclonal antibody was used at the early stage post cryo-thermal therapy for interferon (IFN)-γ signaling blockade,and the influence on the phenotypic and functional change of immune cells was evaluated.ResultsIFNγ at the early stage after cryo-thermal therapy maintained long-lasting CD4+ Th1-prone immunity by directly controlling Th17,Tfh,and Tregs polarization,leading to the hyperactivation of Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represented by abundant interleukin (IL)-1β generation,and thereby further amplifying Th1 response.DiscussionOur finding emphasized the key role of early-phase IFNγ abundance post cryo-thermal therapy,which could be a biomarker for better prognosis after cryo-thermal therapy. View Publication

Comparative genomics has revealed the rapid expansion of multiple gene families involved in immunity. Members within each gene family often evolved distinct roles in immunity. However,less is known about the evolution of their epigenome and cis-regulation. Here we systematically profile the epigenome of the recently expanded murine Ly49 gene family that mainly encode either inhibitory or activating surface receptors on natural killer cells. We identify a set of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) for activating Ly49 genes. In addition,we show that in mice,inhibitory and activating Ly49 genes are regulated by two separate sets of proximal CREs,likely resulting from lineage-specific losses of CRE activity. Furthermore,we find that some Ly49 genes are cross-regulated by the CREs of other Ly49 genes,suggesting that the Ly49 family has begun to evolve a concerted cis-regulatory mechanism. Collectively,we demonstrate the different modes of cis-regulatory evolution for a rapidly expanding gene family. The Ly49 gene family mainly encodes inhibitory or activating surface receptors on natural killer cells. Here the authors show that in mice,inhibitory and activating Ly49 genes are regulated by two distinct sets of cis-regulatory elements,and that different Ly49 genes can be cross-regulated. View Publication

SUMMARY Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNAs present in cell-free RNA,which may comprise cellular debris and pathogen genomes. Here we investigate the phenomenon and mechanism of cellular uptake and intracellular fate of exogenous circRNAs. Human myeloid cells and B cells selectively internalize extracellular circRNAs. Macrophage uptake of circRNA is rapid,energy-dependent,and saturable. CircRNA uptake can lead to translation of encoded sequences and antigen presentation. The route of internalization influences immune activation after circRNA uptake,with distinct gene expression programs depending on the route of RNA delivery. Genome-scale CRISPR screens and chemical inhibitor studies nominate macrophage scavenger receptor MSR1,toll-like receptors,and mTOR signaling as key regulators of receptor-mediated phagocytosis of circRNAs,a dominant pathway to internalize circRNAs in parallel to macropinocytosis. These results suggest that cell-free circRNA serves as an “eat me” signal and danger-associated molecular pattern,indicating orderly pathways of recognition and disposal. eTOC Blurb: Amaya et. al. explores how cells take up extracellular circular RNAs (CircRNAs) and their impact on immune signaling. Macrophages readily internalize circRNAs,and this study identifies the specific receptors and signaling pathways governing circRNA internalization,highlighting their role as signaling molecules for immune recognition and disposal. Graphical Abstract View Publication

Presepsin (P-SEP) is a specific biomarker for sepsis. Monocytes produce P-SEP by phagocytosing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Herein,we investigated whether M1 macrophages (M1 MΦs) are the primary producers of P-SEP after NET phagocytosis. We co-cultured M1 MΦs and NETs from healthy participants,measured P-SEP levels in the culture medium supernatant,and detected P-SEP using western blotting. When NETs were co-cultured with M1 MΦs,the P-SEP level of the culture supernatant was high. Notably,we demonstrated,for the first time,the intracellular kinetics of P-SEP production by M1 MΦs via NET phagocytosis: M1 MΦs produced P-SEP intracellularly 15 min after NET phagocytosis and then released it extracellularly. In a sepsis mouse model,the blood NET ratio and P-SEP levels,detected using ELISA,were significantly increased (p < 0.0001). Intracellular P-SEP analysis via flow cytometry demonstrated that lung,liver,and kidney MΦs produced large amounts of P-SEP. Therefore,we identified these organs as the origin of M1 MΦs that produce P-SEP during sepsis. Our data indicate that the P-SEP level reflects the trend of NETs,suggesting that monitoring P-SEP can be used to both assess NET-induced organ damage in the lungs,liver,and kidneys during sepsis and determine treatment efficacy. View Publication

Platelets are key mediators of atherothrombosis,yet,limited tools exist to identify individuals with a hyperreactive platelet phenotype. In this study,we investigate the association of platelet hyperreactivity and cardiovascular events,and introduce a tool,the Platelet Reactivity ExpreSsion Score (PRESS),which integrates platelet aggregation responses and RNA sequencing. Among patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD),those with a hyperreactive platelet response (>60% aggregation) to 0.4 µM epinephrine had a higher incidence of the 30 day primary cardiovascular endpoint (37.2% vs. 15.3% in those without hyperreactivity,adjusted HR 2.76,95% CI 1.5–5.1,p = 0.002). PRESS performs well in identifying a hyperreactive phenotype in patients with PAD (AUC [cross-validation] 0.81,95% CI 0.68 –0.94,n = 84) and in an independent cohort of healthy participants (AUC [validation] 0.77,95% CI 0.75 –0.79,n = 35). Following multivariable adjustment,PAD individuals with a PRESS score above the median are at higher risk for a future cardiovascular event (adjusted HR 1.90,CI 1.07–3.36; p = 0.027,n = 129,NCT02106429). This study derives and validates the ability of PRESS to discriminate platelet hyperreactivity and identify those at increased cardiovascular risk. Future studies in a larger independent cohort are warranted for further validation. The development of a platelet reactivity expression score opens the possibility for a personalized approach to antithrombotic therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction. Platelet hyperreactivity is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with PAD. Here the authors derive and validate a circulating platelet genetic signature to discriminate platelet hyperreactivity and cardiovascular risk. View Publication

IntroductionChronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tissues underlies gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders,leading to tissue damage and a constellation of painful and debilitating symptoms. These disorders include inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis),and eosinophilic disorders (eosinophilic esophagitis and eosinophilic duodenitis). Gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders can often present with overlapping symptoms necessitating the use of invasive procedures to give an accurate diagnosis.MethodsThis study used peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals with Crohn’s disease,ulcerative colitis,eosinophilic esophagitis,and eosinophilic duodenitis to better understand the alterations to the transcriptome of individuals with these diseases and identify potential markers of active inflammation within the peripheral blood of patients that may be useful in diagnosis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from the blood samples of pediatric patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal disorders,including Crohn’s disease,ulcerative colitis,eosinophilic esophagitis,eosinophilic duodenitis,and controls with histologically healthy gastrointestinal tracts.ResultsWe identified 730 (FDR < 0.05) differentially expressed genes between individuals with gastrointestinal disorders and controls across eight immune cell types.DiscussionThere were common patterns among GI disorders,such as the widespread upregulation of MTRNR2L8 across cell types,and many differentially expressed genes showed distinct patterns of dysregulation among the different gastrointestinal diseases compared to controls,including upregulation of XIST across cell types among individuals with ulcerative colitis and upregulation of Th2-associated genes in eosinophilic disorders. These findings indicate both overlapping and distinct alterations to the transcriptome of individuals with gastrointestinal disorders compared to controls,which provide insight as to which genes may be useful as markers for disease in the peripheral blood of patients. View Publication

Background: The complex aetiology of type 1 diabetes (T1D),characterised by a detrimental cross-talk between the immune system and insulin-producing beta cells,has hindered the development of effective disease-modifying therapies. The discovery that the pharmacological activation of LRH-1/NR5A2 can reverse hyperglycaemia in mouse models of T1D by attenuating the autoimmune attack coupled to beta cell survival/regeneration prompted us to investigate whether immune tolerisation could be translated to individuals with T1D by LRH-1/NR5A2 activation and improve islet survival. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from individuals with and without T1D and derived into various immune cells,including macrophages and dendritic cells. Cell subpopulations were then treated or not with BL001,a pharmacological agonist of LRH-1/NR5A2,and processed for: (1) Cell surface marker profiling,(2) cytokine secretome profiling,(3) autologous T-cell proliferation,(4) RNAseq and (5) proteomic analysis. BL001-target gene expression levels were confirmed by quantitative PCR. Mitochondrial function was evaluated through the measurement of oxygen consumption rate using a Seahorse XF analyser. Co-cultures of PBMCs and iPSCs-derived islet organoids were performed to assess the impact of BL001 on beta cell viability. Results: LRH-1/NR5A2 activation induced a genetic and immunometabolic reprogramming of T1D immune cells,marked by reduced pro-inflammatory markers and cytokine secretion,along with enhanced mitohormesis in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and mitochondrial turnover in mature dendritic cells. These changes induced a shift from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory/tolerogenic state,resulting in the inhibition of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation. BL001 treatment also increased CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ regulatory T-cells and Th2 cells within PBMCs while decreasing CD8+ T-cell proliferation. Additionally,BL001 alleviated PBMC-induced apoptosis and maintained insulin expression in human iPSC-derived islet organoids. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the potential of LRH-1/NR5A2 activation to modulate immune responses and support beta cell viability in T1D,suggesting a new therapeutic approach. Key points: LRH-1/NR5A2 activation in inflammatory cells of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) reduces pro-inflammatory cell surface markers and cytokine release. LRH-1/NR5A2 promotes a mitohormesis-induced immuno-resistant phenotype to pro-inflammatory macrophages. Mature dendritic cells acquire a tolerogenic phenotype via LRH-1/NR5A2-stimulated mitochondria turnover. LRH-1/NR5A2 agonistic activation expands a CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ T-cell subpopulation. Pharmacological activation of LRH-1/NR5A2 improves the survival iPSC-islets-like organoids co-cultured with PBMCs from individuals with T1D. View Publication

BackgroundLung cancer,particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),has high recurrence rates and remains a leading cause of cancer-related death,despite recent advances in its treatment. Emerging therapies,such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy,have shown promise but face significant challenges in targeting solid tumors. This study investigated the potential of combining receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1)-targeting CAR-T cells with ferroptosis inducers to promote ferroptosis of tumor cells and enhance anti-tumor efficacy.MethodsRNA-seq data and immunofluorescence analysis of relapsed NSCLC patient samples were used to explore ROR1 expression. In addition,ROR1-targeting CAR-T cells were developed to assess cytotoxic activity against ROR1+ tumor cells,and the effect of cytokine stimulation on their efficacy was evaluated. Lipidomics,immunofluorescent histochemistry,and western blotting were used to explore the observed effects. Ferroptosis indicators,including levels of reactive oxygen species,were used to detect the combined effect of CAR-T cells and ferroptosis-inducing drugs. Finally,tumor-bearing mice were used to validate the in vivo efficacy of the combination therapy strategy.ResultsTumor cells treated with ferroptosis inducers showed increased sensitivity to Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) secreted by ROR1 CAR-T cells. Furthermore,ROR1 CAR-T cells enhanced the production of phosphatidylcholine with diacyl-polyunsaturated fatty acid tails (PC-PUFA2) by working in tandem with IFN-γ. This enhancement promoted the expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4),which in turn strengthened the overall anti-tumor response.ConclusionsCombining ROR1 CAR-T cells with ferroptosis inducers enhanced anti-tumor efficacy in NSCLC by promoting ferroptosis through increased lipid peroxidation.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40364-025-00730-0. View Publication

Tissue-repair regulatory T cells (trTregs) comprise a specialized cell subset essential for tissue homeostasis and repair. While well-studied in sterile injury models,their role in infection-induced tissue damage and antimicrobial immunity is less understood. We investigated trTreg dynamics during acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection,marked by extensive tissue damage and strong CD8+ immunity. Unlike sterile injury models,trTregs significantly declined in secondary lymphoid organs and non-lymphoid target tissues during infection,correlating with systemic and local tissue damage,and downregulation of function-associated genes in skeletal muscle. This decline was linked to decreased systemic IL-33 levels,a key trTreg growth factor,and promoted by the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ. Early recombinant IL-33 treatment increased trTregs,type 2 innate lymphoid cells,and parasite-specific CD8+ cells at specific time points after infection,leading to reduced tissue damage,lower parasite burden,and improved disease outcome. Our findings not only provide novel insights into trTregs during infection but also highlight the potential of optimizing immune balance by modulating trTreg responses to promote tissue repair while maintaining effective pathogen control during infection-induced injury. Author summaryDuring Chagas’ disease,caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi,severe organ damage is generated by the interplay between the parasite and the immune response. In our investigation,we examined the role of tissue-repair regulatory T cells (trTregs) during the acute phase of T. cruzi infection in mice. Surprisingly,we observed a reduction in trTregs at the peak of tissue damage,contrary to their usual accumulation after injury in other contexts. This decline aligned with decreased levels of interleukin-33,a critical factor for trTreg survival,and was promoted by the effector cytokine IFN-γ. Administering interleukin-33 at early infection times not only boosted trTregs but also expanded other reparative and antiparasitic immune cells. Consequently,these treated mice exhibited reduced damage and lower parasite levels in tissues. Our findings provide new insights into how trTreg function during infection-related injury,paving the way for strategies that balance the immune response to support tissue repair without weakening the body’s ability to fight the infection. This approach could have broader implications for treating infectious diseases and conditions involving tissue damage. View Publication

Background and aimsMortality rates for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain high,while multimodal treatment approaches offer new perspectives. Here,we investigated the association of extracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (eNAD+) on ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (CD203a,ENPP1 or PC-1) on Th17 cells in relation to the likelihood of HCC recurrence following liver resection.MethodThe study compared heparinized blood plasma samples from 95 patients who underwent liver resection,including 25 patients with HCC and 24 control patients without liver disease. Plasma eNAD+ concentrations were determined using a heat-based dichotomous pH extraction method,followed by enzymatic cycling and a colorimetric assay for quantification. Fibrosis was graded histologically using the Desmet score (F0–F4). Surface expression analysis was performed using flow cytometry.ResultsWith increasing grades of liver fibrosis predominant in HCC patients,a significant reduction in plasma eNAD+ concentrations was measured (p < 0.05). Further,a significant correlation was found between HCC patients and CD203a expression on CD4+,CCR4+ as well as CCR6+ T cells (p < 0.05). Patients who exhibited high proportions of CD203a expressing Th17 cells (CD4+,CCR6+ CCR4+) post surgery were found to be at a sixfold increased risk (HR 6.38,95% Cl 1.51–27.00) of HCC recurrence and had a median recurrence-free survival of 233 days (p < 0.05),compared to patients with low CD203a expressing Th17 cells (CD4+ CCR6+ CCR4+). Similarly,patients who had a high proportion of CD203a expressing Th17 cells (CD4+ CCR6+) following surgery had a fivefold increased risk (HR 5.56,95% Cl 1.58–19.59) of HCC recurrence and a median recurrence-free survival of 334 days (p < 0.05) compared to those with low CD203a expressing Th17 cells (CCR6+).ConclusionThe data indicates that eNAD+ levels are decreased in patients with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Strikingly,patients with high CD203a expression on Th17 cells had a significantly increased likelihood of recurrence,highlighting its potential as a valuable prognostic marker and a possible therapeutic target.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-025-06155-4. View Publication

BackgroundTriple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype characterized with poor prognosis and high metastatic potential. Although traditional chemotherapy,radiation,and surgical resection remain the standard treatment options for TNBC,bispecific antibody-based immunotherapy is emerging as new strategy in TNBC treatment. Here,we found that the receptor tyrosine kinase-like Orphan Receptor 1 (ROR1) was highly expressed in TNBC but minimally expressed in normal tissue. A bispecific ROR1-targeted CD3 T cell engager (TCE) was designed in IgG-based format with extended half-life.MethodThe expression of ROR1 in TNBC was detected by RT-qPCR and immunohistology analysis. The killing of ROR1/CD3 antibody on TNBC cells was determined by the in vitro cytotoxicity assay and in vivo PBMC reconstituted mouse model. The activation of ROR1/CD3 on T cells was analyzed by the flow cytometry and ELISA assay. Pharmacokinetics study of ROR1/CD3 was performed in mouse.ResultsThe ROR1/CD3 TCE triggered T cell activation and proliferation,which showed potent and specific killing to TNBC cells in ROR1-depedent manner. In vivo mouse model indicated that ROR1/CD3 TCE redirected the cytotoxic activity of T cells to lyse TNBC cells and induced significant tumor regression. Additionally,the ROR1/CD3 bispecific antibody exhibited an extended half-life in mouse,which may enable intermittent administration in clinic.ConclusionsCollectively,these results demonstrated that ROR1/CD3 TCE has a promising efficacy profile in preclinical studies,which suggested it as a possible option for the treatment of ROR1-expressing TNBC.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-025-02005-w. View Publication

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are multifunctional immune cells with roles in both the innate and adaptive immune system. Their hallmark function is production of large amounts of type I interferons in response to viral infections,but they are also capable of producing a range of other cytokines,antigen presentation,and cytotoxicity. Their potential as an immunotherapy for cancer and infectious disease is being explored,but broad application of these cells is challenged by low frequency in the blood and low viability during ex vivo culturing. We have previously developed an effective in vitro differentiation protocol for producing pDCs from CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC-pDCs),which provides an attainable and large source of pDCs. HSPC-pDCs present pDC characteristics and functions,and like naturally occurring pDCs they exhibit large phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. Here,we characterize different cell subsets from in vitro pDC differentiation and identify a distinct population,which is the major producer of IFNα in response to TLR9 stimulation and display a transcriptomic profile similar to what is seen for pDCs circulating in the blood. We also investigate the possibility of rerouting subset specification during HSPCs-to-pDC differentiation by controlling gene expression of key master transcription factors (TFs). We identify TFs associated with the pDC differentiation trajectory that are essential for the development of TLR9-responsive HSPC-pDCs,and we also identify TFs that increase their frequency. In conclusion,we phenotypically and functionally characterize different cell subsets and modulate their relative frequencies by manipulating TF expression during pDC differentiation. These findings provide a deeper understanding of in vitro-differentiated pDC cultures that may spur further developments in their use as an immunomodulatory cell therapy. View Publication