Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8⁺ T cells play a central role in controlling HBV infection; however, their function is impaired during chronic HBV infection, manifesting as a state of dysfunction. Recent studies have revealed that CD8⁺ T cell dysfunction in chronic HBV infection differs from the classical exhaustion observed in other viral infections or tumors. In 2024, several pivotal studies further elucidated novel mechanisms underlying CD8⁺ T cell dysfunction in chronic HBV infection and identified new therapeutic targets, including 4-1BB and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). This review, while elucidating the dysfunction of CD8⁺ T cells in chronic HBV infection and its underlying mechanisms, focuses on summarizing the key findings from these latest studies and explores their translational value and clinical significance.
Humans ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology* ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Hepatitis B virus/physiology* ; Animals ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/immunology*

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum interleukin-1β(IL-1β),C-reactive pro-tein to albumin ratio(CAR)and heparin-binding protein(HBP)levels and secondary pulmonary Candida albi-cans infection during chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer.Methods A total of 175 patients with lung cancer admitted to this hospital from January 2018 to April 2022 were selected,and all patients were treated with chemotherapy.According to whether they had secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infection,they were divided into infection group(37 cases)and non-infection group(138 cases).The clinical data,serum levels of IL-1β,HBP and CAR were compared between the two groups.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infection in patients with lung cancer during chemotherapy.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the pre-dictive value of serum IL-1β,CAR and HBP for secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infection during chemo-therapy,and the prognosis of lung cancer patients with different serum IL-1β,HBP levels and CAR were com-pared.Results There were significant differences in smoking,pathological stage,diabetes mellitus,chemo-therapy cycle,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anatomical location between the infection group and the non-infection group(P＜0.05).The serum levels of IL-1β,HBP and CAR in the infection group were higher than those in the non-infection group(P＜0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking,diabetes,anatomical site,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,pathological stage,chemotherapy cycle and serum IL-1β,HBP,CAR were the influencing factors of secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infec-tion in patients with lung cancer during chemotherapy(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serumIL-1β,CAR and HBP in predicting pulmonary Candida albicans infection was 0.779,0.732 and 0.796,respec-tively.The AUC of the combination of the three was 0.931,and the sensitivity and specificity were 86.49％and 90.58％,respectively.The survival rate of lung cancer patients with high levels of IL-1β,CAR and HBP was sig-nificantly lower than that of patients with low levels of Il-1β,CAR and HBP(P＜0.05).Conclusion The in-crease of serum IL-1β,CAR and HBP levels in patients with lung cancer is related to secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infection during chemotherapy.Detection of these serum Il-1β,CAR and HBP levels is helpful to predict the risk of pulmonary Candida albicans infection and death.

Objective To investigate the effects of menaquinone-4(MK4)on the activation and function of CD8+T cells.Methods An in vitro culture system for primary mouse CD8+T cells was established by isolating these cells from the spleen using CD8a T cell isolation kit.The isolated CD8+T cells were then incubated and activated in a 96-well plate coated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies.The impact of MK4 on the activation and cytokine secretion of CD8+T cells was explored by quantifying the expression levels of CD8+T cell activation receptors and cytokines using flow cytometry.Additionally,the concentrations of these cytokines in the culture supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The influence of MK4 on the anti-tumor function of CD8+T cells was evaluated by co-culturing colorectal cancer MC38 cells of mice with CD8+T cells at different ratios,and the effect of MK4 was assessed by detecting tumor cell apoptosis.Results High-purity primary CD8+T cells of mice(97.5％)were isolated using the magnetic bead,which could be activated by pre-coated CD3/CD28 antibodies and showed proliferation.Compared with the control group,the MK4-treated group exhibited increased expressions of CD25,CD69 and CD44 on CD8+T cells,as well as higher production and secretion levels of interleukin-2(IL-2),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and granzyme B.In addition,CD8+T cells in the MK4-treated group induced a higher percentage of tumor cell apoptosis(36.7％)compared with the control group(29.1％).Conclusion MK4 can enhance the activation of CD8+T cells and promote anti-tumor functions.

Objective To investigate the regulatory effects of exosome microRNA-3614-5p(miR-3614-5p)derived from mesenchymal stem cells on the progression of preeclampsia(PE)in model rats and its related mechanisms.Methods Thirty-six SD rats(24 females and 12 males)were housed in cages at a female-to-male ratio of 2∶1 for natural conception.Twenty-four pregnant rats were randomly divided into sham group(sham group),PE model group(PE group)and exosome miR-3614-5p group(PE+exo group),with 8 rats in each group.The PE model was established by subcutaneous injection of 100 mg/kg NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in PE group.PE model was constructed in PE+exo group.Meanwhile,160 μ g/ml exosome suspension(0.5 ml/individual/day)was intraperitoneally injected on the 14th day for 6 consecutive days,and the experiment lasted for 21 days.Sham group was given an equal amount of normal saline.Blood pressure and urinary protein concentration were measured on days 0,7,14 and 21 of pregnancy.The levels of miR-3614-5p,B lymphoblastoma-2(Bcl-2)and Bcl-associated X protein(Bax)mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR.The activity of Caspase-3,the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and the content of malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH)and ferrous ion(Fe2+)were detected by ELISA.Western blot was used to analyze the protein levels of the iron death-related protein glutathione peroxidase 4(GPx4)and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11).Results Compared with the sham group,the expression of miR-3614-5p in the placental tissues(0.43±0.05 vs 1.01±0.07)and peripheral blood(0.51±0.07 vs 1.01±0.12)of rats in the PE group was down-regulated,with significant differences(t=19.070,10.180,all P＜0.01).Compared with supernatant liquid phase,miR-3614-5p in exosomes derived from MSCs was enriched.Compared with sham group,the diastolic blood pressure(175.43±6.02 mmHg vs 113.26±5.11 mmHg),systolic blood pressure(123.57±5.63 mmHg vs 82.63±5.26 mmHg)and urinary protein content(175.48±13.21 mg/ml vs 67.65±5.76 mg/ml)of rats in PE group were increased on the 21st day with statistical significante between groups(t=22.606,16.440,23.168,all P＜0.01).Compared with PE group,diastolic blood pressure(124.57±5.33 mmHg vs 175.43±6.02 mmHg),systolic blood pressure(89.76±3.88 mmHg vs 123.57±5.63 mmHg)and urinary protein content(97.69±7.23 mg/ml vs 175.48±13.21 mg/ml)in PE+exo group were decreased,and the differences between groups were significant(t=18.493,13.557,16.713,all P＜0.01).Compared with sham group,Caspase-3 activity(238.56％±13.22％vs 100.12％±5.93％),Bax level(3.18±0.71 vs 1.01±0.11),ROS level(387.65％±25.98％vs 100.51％±5.89％),MDA content(33.21±3.17 nmol/mg vs 14.83±2.69 nmol/mg)and Fe2+concentration(38.77±6.53 nmol/ml vs 17.51±3.15 nmol/ml)in placenta tissue of PE group were increased,while Bcl-2 level(0.47±0.08 vs 1.01±0.12),GSH content(4.12±1.22 nmol/mg vs 9.76±0.93 nmol/mg),GPX4 protein(0.48±0.06 vs 1.01±0.24)and SLC7A11 protein(0.51±0.11 vs 1.01±0.11)levels were decreased(t=6.459～32.863,all P＜0.01);Caspase-3 activity(117.35％±8.67％vs 238.56％±13.22％),Bax level(1.13±0.45 vs 3.18±0.71),ROS level(128.73％±14.37％vs 387.65％±25.98％),MDA content(18.13±3.89 nmol/mg vs 33.21±3.17 nmol/mg)and Fe2+concentration(19.05±3.45 nmol/ml vs 38.77±6.53 nmol/ml)in placental tissues of PE+exo group were decreased,while Bcl-2 level(1.04±0.11 vs 0.47±0.08),GSH content(7.86±1.07 nmol/mg vs 4.12±1.22 nmol/mg),GPX4 protein(0.98±0.14 vs 0.48±0.06)and SLC7A11 protein(1.11±0.09 vs 0.51±0.11)levels were increased compared with PE group,with significant differences between groups(t=6.093～29.633,all P＜0.01).Conclusion In the placental tissues and peripheral blood of PE rats,miR-3614-5p was down-regulated.Exosomes overexpressing miR-3614-5p derived from MSCs suppressed PE progression in rats by inhibiting ferroptosis.These results suggested that exosomes miR-3614-5p derived from MSCs may be a novel potential biomarker for PE treatment.

Objective:To analyze the clinical phenotypes and TSC1/TSC2 gene variations in 52 children with tuberous sclerosis complex. Methods:The clinical data of 59 children with tuberous sclerosis complex hospitalized in Linyi People′s Hospital between January 2017 and October 2022 were collected. The analysis of TSC1 and TSC2 gene variations on main family members was performed, and then bioinformatics analysis followed. The positive children were divided into TSC1 gene group and TSC2 gene group, and the difference of clinical characteristics between the two groups was analyzed. Results:Among 59 children, 52 cases were detected TSC1/ TSC2 gene variations (17 cases in the TSC1 gene group and 35 cases in the TSC2 gene group). Of the 52 children, 28 (53.8%) were male, 24 were female (46.2%); 17 (32.7%) were familial cases (10 with TSC1 gene variations and 7 with TSC2 gene variations), 35 (67.3%) were sporadic cases; 46 (88.5%) had hypomelanotic macules, 13 (25.0%) had facial angiofibromas, 5 (9.6%) had shagreen patches, 49 (94.2%) had subependymal nodules/calcifications, 47 (90.4%) had cortical nodules, 2 (3.8%) had subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, 39 (75.0%) had intellectual/developmental disabilities, 49 (94.2%) had epileptic seizures, 8 (15.4%) had cardiac rhabdomyomas, 9 (17.3%) had renal angiomyolipomas, and 4 (7.7%) had retinal hamartomas. Of the 52 children, 49 variations were detected, including 4 large fragment deletion/duplication variations, and 45 point variations; 41 pathogenic variations, 7 likely pathogenic variations, and 1 variation of uncertain significance. In this study, 16 point mutations and 1 large fragment duplication mutation which had not been reported at home and abroad, and 3 high-frequency mutation sites (p.Arg692 *, p.Arg228 *, and p.Arg1200Try) were found. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of familial cases [10/17 vs 7/35(20%), χ2=7.838, P=0.005], median onset age of epilepsy [38.0(0.5-134.0) months vs 8.0(0.1-63.0) months, Z=3.506 , P<0.001] and the incidence of developmental retardation/intellectual impairment [8/17 vs 31/35(88.6%), χadj2=8.423, P=0.004] between the TSC1 gene and TSC2 gene groups. Conclusions:Tuberous sclerosis compiex has widespread phenotypes, can affect every body system, especially the skin and nervous system. The pathogenic gene is TSC1/ TSC2. The TSC1 gene group has more familial cases. The TSC2 gene group has an earlier onset age of epilepsy and a higher incidence of developmental retardation/intellectual impairment. In this study, 16 novel point mutations, 1 novel large fragment duplication mutation, and 3 hotspot mutations were identified, expanding the gene variation spectrum of tuberous sclerosis complex.

Objective To discuss the effect of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway regulated by microRNA-155(miRNA-155)targeted protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 21(PTPN21)on the proliferation,migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells.Methods Lentivirus transfection was used to silence the expression of miRNA-155 in human Huh7 HCC cells,and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the silencing effect of miR-155.After obtaining stable cell lines,the cell lines were randomly divided into Blank group(normal Huh7 cells),shNC group(Huh7 cells+empty miR-155 vector),sh-miR-155(Huh7 cells+miR-155 silencing),sh-miR-155+Recilisib group(Huh7 cells+miR-155 silencing+PI3K-AKT agonist),shNC+Recilisib group(Huh7 cells+empty miR-155 vector+PI3K-AKT agonist).Dual luciferase assay was used to determine whether PTPN21 was the downstream of miR-155.The cell proliferation ability of cells in each group was detected by MTT assay.The apoptosis level of each group was tested by flow cytometry.The invasion and migration ability of cells was assessed by Transwell assay.Western blot analysis was used to observe the differences in protein expression of PTPN21,PI3K,P-PI3K,AKT,P-AKT,and apoptosis-related proteins including BAX,BCL-2 and caspase-3 in all groups.Results The expression level of miR-155 in sh-miR-155 group was lower than that in Blank group and shNC group(P＜0.000 1),and the difference in miR-155 expression level between Blank group and shNC group was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).MTT results showed that A values of Huh7 cells at 2,3,4 and 5 day in sh-miR-155 group were lower than those in Blank group and shNC group(P＜0.000 1),while these differences between Blank group and shNC group were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).In sh-miR-155 group the A values at 2,3,4 and 5 day were lower than those in sh-miR-155+Recilisib group and shNC+Recilisib group(P=0.0052 and P＜0.0001,respectively),while the A values at 2,3,4 and 5 day in sh-miR-155+Recilisib were lower than those in shNC+Recilisib group(P＜0.000 1).There was no significant differences in cell migration and number of invasion cells between the Blank group and shNC group(P＞0.05).After activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,the migration and invasion capacity of HCC cells in the shNC+Recilisib group were significantly enhanced when compared with the Blank group(P＜0.000 1).In contrast,the number of migrated and invaded Huh7 cells after miR-155 silencing was significantly lower than that in the Blank group and shNC group(P＜0.000 1)and this phenomenon became reversed by PI3K agonist.Compared with the sh-miR-155 group,in the sh-miR-155+Recilisib group the migration and invasion ability of HCC cells was enhanced(P=0.000 2).Lentiviral transfection of Huh7 human HCC cells to silence miR-155 and downregulate miR-155 inhibiting PTPN21 regulation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,thus inhibiting the invasion,migration and proliferation ability of HCC cells and promoting the apoptosis of HCC cells.Conclusion miR-155 inhibits the migration,invasion and proliferation of HCC cells through targeting PTPN21 regulation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.The miR-155 may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC in the future.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:44-51)

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of vibrating the abdomen on anorexia model rats,as well as its effects on cholecystokinin octapeptide(CCK-8)and motilin(MTL)in the peripheral blood. Methods:Forty young rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=10)and a modeling group(n=30).Rats in the normal group were fed common feed.The anorexia model was established by the etiological simulation method in the modeling group,and these rats were further randomly divided into a drug group,a vibrating abdomen group,and a model group 3 weeks after the anorexia model was induced,with 10 rats in each group.The drug group was given Jian Wei Xiao Shi Pian by intragastric administration at a dose of 0.72 g/(kg·bw)(0.72 g drug was dissolved in 10 mL purified water).The normal group and the model group were given purified water once a day in the morning.The vibrating abdomen group was treated with vibrating the abdomen once a day for 21 times.The body mass,food intake,serum CCK-8,MTL,gastrin(GAS),neurotensin(NT)levels,and the intestinal propulsion rate of rats in each group were measured. Results:Compared with the model group,the body mass,food intake,serum MTL and GAS levels,and the small intestine propulsion rate increased significantly,and the serum CCK-8 and NT levels,the gastric residual rate decreased significantly in the vibrating abdomen group and the drug group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the vibrating abdomen group and the drug group(P>0.05). Conclusion:Vibrating the abdomen increases the food intake and body mass of anorexia model rats,reduces the residue of gastric contents,improves the small intestine propulsion rate,and therefore has a good therapeutic effect on anorexia.The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the secretion of CCK-8 and NT in plasma and promoting the release of MTL and GAS in serum.

Objective A feasible and stable mouse model of thoracic aortic dissection(TAD)combined with acute lung injury(ALI)was established using β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate(BAPN)1 g/(kg·d)administered in drinking water.The mouse model of TAD combined with acute lung injury(ALI)was established to provide a rational animal model to study TAD combined with ALI.Methods Forty-five SPF-grade 3-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were selected and randomly allocated to a CON group(normal dietary water;15 mice)or BAPN group(administration in sterile water at 1 g/(kg·d);30 mice)for 4 weeks.During the experimental period,the general condition and modeling rate of mice were observed.TAD model mice were validated,and the BAPN group was divided into TAD and non-TAD groups by measuring the maximum diameter of the thoracic aorta and HE staining of aortic tissues.HE pathological staining,the wet/dry weight(W/D)ratio,total protein level in bronchioalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),and interleukin(IL)-1 β,IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in BALF)were used to validate the TAD combined ALI model in mice.Results BAPN treatment significantly delayed the increase in body mass and water intake of mice.Compared with CON and non-TAD groups,the maximum diameter of the thoracic aorta of mice in the TAD group was significantly thickened(P＜0.05).HE staining of the aorta showed significant thickening of the middle aortic layer,and the structure of the aortic wall was damaged and disordered.HE staining of lung tissues showed significant interstitial edema and inflammatory exudation accompanied by enlargement of alveolar lumen,alveolar wall epithelial exfoliation and hyaline membrane formation,and a significant increase in the pathological scores of lung injury(P＜0.05).Total protein levels and expression of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α in lung tissue,W/D ratio,and BALF were also significantly increased(P＜0.05),whereas no significant difference was observed in the above indexes between the other two groups.Conclusions A mouse model of thoracic aortic dissection combined with acute lung injury can be established by BAPN administration in drinking water.

Objective To compare the dosimetric characteristics of thyroid between intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in patients with left-sided breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy. Methods Thirty patients with left-sided breast cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy after modified radical mastectomy at the Huangpu Branch of the Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from December 2021 to May 2023, were selected as the study subjects, and IMRT and VMAT were used with a target prescription dose of 50 Gy/25 times. The target dose parameters of the two plans, including the mean dose (D_mean) and the dose-volume limit for organs at risk (V_x, x represents dose), were compared. Results The conformity index of VMAT was higher than that of IMRT (P＜0.001). Compared with VMAT, IMRT plan significantly reduced the V₅、V₁₀、D_mean of heart, the V₅ of right lung and the D_mean of right breast, while it significantly increased the V₂₀ of left lung (P＜0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in V₅ and V₁₀ of the left thyroid between IMRT and VMAT. However, the V₂₀, V₃₀, V₄₀, and D_mean of left and whole thyroid, and the V₁₀ and D_mean of right thyroid were significantly lower in IMRT than those in VMAT (P＜0.001). Conclusions Both IMRT and VMAT plans can meet the clinical dosimetric requirements, among which IMRT has lower thyroid exposure dose and is more suitable for patients with high cardiac requirements.

Objective:To investigate the rates of low disease activity and clinical remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)in a real-world setting,and to analyze the related factors of low disease activity and clinical remission.Methods:One thousand patients with SLE were enrolled from 11 teaching hospitals.Demographic,clinical and laboratory data,as well as treatment regimes were collec-ted by self-completed questionnaire.The rates of low disease activity and remission were calculated based on the lupus low disease activity state(LLDAS)and definitions of remission in SLE(DORIS).Charac-teristics of patients with LLDAS and DORIS were analyzed.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the related factors of LLDAS and DORIS remission.Results:20.7％of patients met the criteria of LLDAS,while 10.4％of patients achieved remission defined by DORIS.Patients who met LLDAS or DORIS remission had significantly higher proportion of patients with high income and longer disease duration,compared with non-remission group.Moreover,the rates of anemia,creatinine eleva-tion,increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)and hypoalbuminemia was significantly lower in the LLDAS or DORIS group than in the non-remission group.Patients who received hydroxychloroquine for more than 12 months or immunosuppressant therapy for no less than 6 months earned higher rates of LLDAS and DORIS remission.The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that increased ESR,positive anti-dsDNA antibodies,low level of complement(C3 and C4),proteinuria,low household in-come were negatively related with LLDAS and DORIS remission.However,hydroxychloroquine usage for longer than 12 months were positively related with LLDAS and DORIS remission.Conclusion:LLDAS and DORIS remission of SLE patients remain to be improved.Treatment-to-target strategy and standar-dized application of hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants in SLE are recommended.