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Syk inhibitor attenuates lupus in FcγRIIb−/− mice through the Inhibition of DNA extracellular traps from macrophages and neutrophils via p38MAPK-dependent pathway
Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), an important hub of immune signaling, is activated by several signalings in active lupus which could be interfered by Syk inhibitor but is still not completely evaluated in innate immune cells associated with lupus activity. Hence, a Syk inhibitor (fostamatinib; R788) was tested in vivo using Fc gamma receptor-deficient (FcγRIIb−/−) lupus mice and in vitro (macrophages and neutrophils). After 4 weeks of oral Syk inhibitor, 40 week-old FcγRIIb−/− mice (a full-blown lupus model) demonstrated less prominent lupus parameters (serum anti-dsDNA, proteinuria, and glomerulonephritis), systemic inflammation, as evaluated by serum TNFa, IL-6, and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), gut permeability defect, as indicated by serum FITC dextran assay, serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and serum (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan (BG), extracellular traps (ETs) and immune complex deposition in spleens and kidneys (immunofluorescent staining of CitH3 and immunoglobulin G) than FcγRIIb−/− mice with placebo. Due to the spontaneous elevation of LPS and BG in serum, LPS plus BG (LPS + BG) was used to activate macrophages and neutrophils. After LPS + BG stimulation, FcγRIIb−/− macrophages and neutrophils demonstrated predominant abundance of phosphorylated Syk (Western blotting), and the pro-inflammatory responses (CD86 flow cytometry analysis, supernatant cytokines, ETs immunofluorescent, and flow cytometry-based apoptosis). With RNA sequencing analysis and western blotting, the Syk-p38MAPK-dependent pathway was suggested as downregulating several inflammatory pathways in LPS + BG-activated FcγRIIb−/− macrophages and neutrophils. Although both inhibitors against Syk and p38MAPK attenuated macrophage and neutrophil inflammatory responses against LPS + WGP, the apoptosis inhibition by p38MAPK inhibitor was not observed. These results suggested that Syk inhibitor (fostamatinib) improved the severity of lupus caused by FcγRIIb defect partly through Syk-p38MAPK anti-inflammation that inhibited both ET formation and cytokine production from innate immune cells.
Proteolysis of TAM receptors in autoimmune diseases and cancer: what does it say to us?
Proteolytic processing of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) leads to the release of ectodomains in the extracellular space. These soluble ectodomains often retain the ligand binding activity and dampen canonical pathways by acting as decoy receptors. On the other hand, shedding the ectodomains may initiate new molecular events and diversification of signalling. Members of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MER) family of RTKs undergo proteolytic cleavage, and their soluble forms are present in the extracellular space and biological fluids. TAM receptors are expressed in professional phagocytes, mediating apoptotic cell clearance, and suppressing innate immunity. Enhanced shedding of TAM ectodomains is documented in autoimmune and some inflammatory conditions. Also, soluble TAM receptors are present at high levels in the biological fluids of cancer patients and are associated with poor survival. We outline the biology of TAM receptors and discuss how their proteolytic processing impacts autoimmunity and tumorigenesis. In autoimmune diseases, proteolysis of TAM receptors likely reflects reduced canonical signalling in professional phagocytes. In cancer, TAM receptors are expressed in the immune cells of the tumour microenvironment, where they control pathways facilitating immune evasion. In tumour cells, ectodomain shedding activates non-canonical TAM pathways, leading to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and drug resistance.
Type 2 immunity in allergic diseases
Significant advancements have been made in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of type 2 immunity in allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), food and drug allergies, and atopic dermatitis (AD). Type 2 immunity has evolved to protect against parasitic diseases and toxins, plays a role in the expulsion of parasites and larvae from inner tissues to the lumen and outside the body, maintains microbe-rich skin and mucosal epithelial barriers and counterbalances the type 1 immune response and its destructive effects. During the development of a type 2 immune response, an innate immune response initiates starting from epithelial cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), including dendritic cells and macrophages, and translates to adaptive T and B-cell immunity, particularly IgE antibody production. Eosinophils, mast cells and basophils have effects on effector functions. Cytokines from ILC2s and CD4+ helper type 2 (Th2) cells, CD8 + T cells, and NK-T cells, along with myeloid cells, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, initiate and sustain allergic inflammation via T cell cells, eosinophils, and ILC2s; promote IgE class switching; and open the epithelial barrier. Epithelial cell activation, alarmin release and barrier dysfunction are key in the development of not only allergic diseases but also many other systemic diseases. Recent biologics targeting the pathways and effector functions of IL4/IL13, IL-5, and IgE have shown promising results for almost all ages, although some patients with severe allergic diseases do not respond to these therapies, highlighting the unmet need for a more detailed and personalized approach.
Iron homeostasis and ferroptosis in muscle diseases and disorders: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects
The muscular system plays a critical role in the human body by governing skeletal movement, cardiovascular function, and the activities of digestive organs. Additionally, muscle tissues serve an endocrine function by secreting myogenic cytokines, thereby regulating metabolism throughout the entire body. Maintaining muscle function requires iron homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that disruptions in iron metabolism and ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death, are essential contributors to the progression of a wide range of muscle diseases and disorders, including sarcopenia, cardiomyopathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thus, a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms regulating iron metabolism and ferroptosis in these conditions is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing new strategies for disease treatment and/or prevention. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in the context of muscle injury, as well as associated muscle diseases and disorders. Moreover, we discuss potential targets within the ferroptosis pathway and possible strategies for managing muscle disorders. Finally, we shed new light on current limitations and future prospects for therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis.
Exploring metabolic reprogramming in esophageal cancer: the role of key enzymes in glucose, amino acid, and nucleotide pathways and targeted therapies
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with the character of poor prognosis and high mortality. Despite significant advancements have been achieved in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of EC, for example, in the discovery of new biomarkers and metabolic pathways, effective treatment options for patients with advanced EC are still limited. Metabolic heterogeneity in EC is a critical factor contributing to poor clinical outcomes. This heterogeneity arises from the complex interplay between the tumor microenvironment and genetic factors of tumor cells, which drives significant metabolic alterations in EC, a process known as metabolic reprogramming. Understanding the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming is essential for developing new antitumor therapies and improving treatment outcomes. Targeting the distinct metabolic alterations in EC could enable more precise and effective therapies. In this review, we explore the complex metabolic changes in glucose, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism during the progression of EC, and how these changes drive unique nutritional demands in cancer cells. We also evaluate potential therapies targeting key metabolic enzymes and their clinical applicability. Our work will contribute to enhancing knowledge of metabolic reprogramming in EC and provide new insights and approaches for the clinical treatment of EC.
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