1.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
2.USP20 as a super-enhancer-regulated gene drives T-ALL progression via HIF1A deubiquitination.
Ling XU ; Zimu ZHANG ; Juanjuan YU ; Tongting JI ; Jia CHENG ; Xiaodong FEI ; Xinran CHU ; Yanfang TAO ; Yan XU ; Pengju YANG ; Wenyuan LIU ; Gen LI ; Yongping ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Fenli ZHANG ; Ying YANG ; Bi ZHOU ; Yumeng WU ; Zhongling WEI ; Yanling CHEN ; Jianwei WANG ; Di WU ; Xiaolu LI ; Yang YANG ; Guanghui QIAN ; Hongli YIN ; Shuiyan WU ; Shuqi ZHANG ; Dan LIU ; Jun-Jie FAN ; Lei SHI ; Xiaodong WANG ; Shaoyan HU ; Jun LU ; Jian PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4751-4771
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.
3.Application of optimized hippocampus-avoidance prophylactic cranial irradiation in limited-stage small cell lung cancer
Tianyou ZHAN ; Lei DENG ; Wenqing WANG ; Tao ZHANG ; Nan BI ; Jianyang WANG ; Xin WANG ; Wenyang LIU ; Yirui ZHAI ; Zefen XIAO ; Jima LYU ; Qinfu FENG ; Dongfu CHEN ; Ye-Xiong LI ; Zongmei ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(3):205-211
Objective:To analyze the treatment efficacy, safety and dose parameters of optimized hippocampus-avoidance prophylactic cranial irradiation (HA-PCI) in limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) and explore the corresponding dosimetric parameters under the condition of narrowing the hippocampus avoidance region as hippocampus region plus 2 mm in three dimensions.Methods:Clinical data of patients with LS-SCLC receiving HA-PCI (hippocampus avoidance region defined as hippocampus region plus 2 mm in three dimensions) in Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from August 2014 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Dose parameters of HA-PCI and adverse events were analyzed using descriptive statistics analysis. Changes of neurocognitive function, such as mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Hopkins verbal learning test-revised (HVLT-R) scores, were evaluated by analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and intracranial PFS (iPFS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. The cumulative incidence of local-regional recurrence (LRR), extracranial distant metastases (EDM), and locoregional recurrence (LR) were investigated under competing risk analysis. Results:A total of 112 patients were included, the median follow-up time was 50 months (95% CI: 45.61-54.38). The median volume of hippocampus was 4.85 ml (range: 2.65-8.34 ml), with the average dose ≤9 Gy in 106 patients (94.6%), ≤8 Gy in 92 patients (82.1%). The median volume of hippocampus avoidance area was 15.00 ml (range: 8.61-28.06 ml), with the average dose ≤12 Gy in 109 patients (97.3%), ≤10 Gy in 101 patients (90.2%). The 2-year cumulative LRR, EDM, LR rates were 16.9%, 23.2% and 28.5%, respectively. The 5-year cumulative LRR, EDM, LR rates were 23.2%, 26.9% and 33.3%, respectively. The 2-year iPFS, PFS and OS rates were 66.1% (95% CI: 57.9%-75.4%), 53.6% (95% CI: 45.1%-63.7%) and 80.4% (95% CI: 73.3%-88.1%), respectively. The most common grade I-Ⅱ adverse events were nausea (33.9%) and dizziness (31.3%), and only 1 patient developed grade Ⅲ nausea and dizziness. MMSE ( n=57) and HVLT-R tests ( n=56) showed no significant decline. Conclusions:Optimized HA-PCI can achieve similar dose limitation with favorable efficacy and light toxicity. No significant decline is observed in short-term neurocognitive function in evaluable patients.
4.Thoughts and suggestions on digital services to enhance the level of vaccination management
Lin LUAN ; Na LIU ; Benfeng ZHENG ; Zhuoyu ZHANG ; Yifan SONG ; Li LI ; Ming GAN ; Lei CAO ; Zhuoying HUANG ; Jiakai YE ; Zhaonan ZHANG ; Xiaoxue LIU ; Junlei CHEN ; Changshuang WANG ; Bi CAI ; Wenzhou YU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(2):159-165
With the development of information technology and the increasing demand for vaccination services among the people, it is a definite trend to enhance the quality of vaccination services through digitization. This article starts with a clear concept of digital services for vaccination, introduces the current development status in China and abroad, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of existing models in leading regions, takes a glean from the summation, and proposes targeted solutions. This study suggests establishing a departmental coordination mechanism for data interconnection and sharing, formulating data standards and functional specifications, enhancing the functionalities of the immunization planning information system, strengthening data collection and analytical usage, and intensifying appointment management and science and health education to provide expert guidance for the construction of digital vaccination services across the country in the future.
5.Effect of asiaticoside on systolic blood pressure and relaxation of isolated thoracic aorta of rats
Guoqing LU ; Hongyan SUN ; Zhengyu SUN ; Leqiang LIU ; Lei WANG ; Ningning ZHANG ; Yuhang WANG ; Yiming HE ; Jiahui JI ; Xinyue LI ; Pinfang KANG ; Bi TANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(3):523-532
Objective To investigate the effect of asiaticoside on blood pressure and relaxation of thoracic aorta in rats and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods SD rats treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg asiaticoside by daily gavage for 2 weeks were monitored for systolic blood pressure changes,and histological changes of the thoracic aorta were evaluated using HE staining.In isolated rat endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded thoracic aorta rings,the effects of asiaticoside on relaxation of the aortic rings were tested at baseline and following norepinephrine(NE)-and KCl-induced constriction.The vascular relaxation effect of asiaticoside was further observed in NE-stimulated endothelium-intact rat aortic rings pretreated with L-nitroarginine methyl ester,indomethacin,zinc protoporphyrin Ⅸ,tetraethyl ammonium chloride,glibenclamide,barium chloride,Iberiotoxin,4-aminopyridine,or TASK-1-IN-1.The aortic rings were treated with KCl and NE followed by increasing concentrations of CaCl2 to investigate the effect of asiaticoside on vasoconstriction induced by external calcium influx and internal calcium release.Results Asiaticoside at 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in rats without affecting the thoracic aorta histomorphology.While not obviously affecting resting aortic rings with intact endothelium,asiaticoside at 100 mg/kg induced significant relaxation of the rings constricted by KCl and NE,but its effects differed between endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rings.In endothelium-intact aortic rings pretreated with indomethacin,ZnPP Ⅸ,barium chloride,glyburide,TASK-1-IN-1 and 4-aminopyridine,asiaticoside did not produce significant effect on NE-induced vasoconstriction,and tetraethylammonium,Iberiotoxin and L-nitroarginine methyl ester all inhibited the relaxation effect of asiaticoside.In KCl-and NE-treated rings,asiaticoside obviously inhibited CaCl2-induced vascular contraction.Conclusion Asiaticoside induces thoracic aorta relaxation by mediating high-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel opening,promoting nitric oxide release from endothelial cells and regulating Ca2+ influx and outflow,thereby reducing systolic blood pressure in rats.
6.Thoughts and suggestions on digital services to enhance the level of vaccination management
Lin LUAN ; Na LIU ; Benfeng ZHENG ; Zhuoyu ZHANG ; Yifan SONG ; Li LI ; Ming GAN ; Lei CAO ; Zhuoying HUANG ; Jiakai YE ; Zhaonan ZHANG ; Xiaoxue LIU ; Junlei CHEN ; Changshuang WANG ; Bi CAI ; Wenzhou YU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(2):159-165
With the development of information technology and the increasing demand for vaccination services among the people, it is a definite trend to enhance the quality of vaccination services through digitization. This article starts with a clear concept of digital services for vaccination, introduces the current development status in China and abroad, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of existing models in leading regions, takes a glean from the summation, and proposes targeted solutions. This study suggests establishing a departmental coordination mechanism for data interconnection and sharing, formulating data standards and functional specifications, enhancing the functionalities of the immunization planning information system, strengthening data collection and analytical usage, and intensifying appointment management and science and health education to provide expert guidance for the construction of digital vaccination services across the country in the future.
7.Effect of asiaticoside on systolic blood pressure and relaxation of isolated thoracic aorta of rats
Guoqing LU ; Hongyan SUN ; Zhengyu SUN ; Leqiang LIU ; Lei WANG ; Ningning ZHANG ; Yuhang WANG ; Yiming HE ; Jiahui JI ; Xinyue LI ; Pinfang KANG ; Bi TANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(3):523-532
Objective To investigate the effect of asiaticoside on blood pressure and relaxation of thoracic aorta in rats and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods SD rats treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg asiaticoside by daily gavage for 2 weeks were monitored for systolic blood pressure changes,and histological changes of the thoracic aorta were evaluated using HE staining.In isolated rat endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded thoracic aorta rings,the effects of asiaticoside on relaxation of the aortic rings were tested at baseline and following norepinephrine(NE)-and KCl-induced constriction.The vascular relaxation effect of asiaticoside was further observed in NE-stimulated endothelium-intact rat aortic rings pretreated with L-nitroarginine methyl ester,indomethacin,zinc protoporphyrin Ⅸ,tetraethyl ammonium chloride,glibenclamide,barium chloride,Iberiotoxin,4-aminopyridine,or TASK-1-IN-1.The aortic rings were treated with KCl and NE followed by increasing concentrations of CaCl2 to investigate the effect of asiaticoside on vasoconstriction induced by external calcium influx and internal calcium release.Results Asiaticoside at 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in rats without affecting the thoracic aorta histomorphology.While not obviously affecting resting aortic rings with intact endothelium,asiaticoside at 100 mg/kg induced significant relaxation of the rings constricted by KCl and NE,but its effects differed between endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rings.In endothelium-intact aortic rings pretreated with indomethacin,ZnPP Ⅸ,barium chloride,glyburide,TASK-1-IN-1 and 4-aminopyridine,asiaticoside did not produce significant effect on NE-induced vasoconstriction,and tetraethylammonium,Iberiotoxin and L-nitroarginine methyl ester all inhibited the relaxation effect of asiaticoside.In KCl-and NE-treated rings,asiaticoside obviously inhibited CaCl2-induced vascular contraction.Conclusion Asiaticoside induces thoracic aorta relaxation by mediating high-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel opening,promoting nitric oxide release from endothelial cells and regulating Ca2+ influx and outflow,thereby reducing systolic blood pressure in rats.
8.The value of multimodal MRI in the diagnosis of vaginal involvement and parametrial infiltration in patients with cervical cancer
Bi CUI ; Zhenhu WU ; Lei YAO ; Jinjun WANG ; Xiaohong ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(7):1125-1128
Objective To investigate the consistency analysis between multimodal MRI in determining vaginal involvement and parametrial infiltration in cervical cancer patients and pathological examination.Methods Ninety-two patients with cervical cancer were regressively selected and who underwent preoperative multimodal MRI examination.Using pathological results as the gold standard,the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of conventional MRI,diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI)alone and in combination in predic-ting vaginal involvement and parametrial infiltration.Results(1)Vaginal involvement:the diagnostic sensitivity of conventional MRI was 65.96%,the specificity was 91.11%,and the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.775[95%confidence interval(CI)0.676-0.873].The sensitivity of DCE-MRI was 61.70%,the specificity was 95.56%,and the AUC was 0.797(95%CI 0.702-0.892).The sensitivity of DWI was 72.34%,the specificity was 88.89%,and the AUC was 0.817(95%CI 0.725-0.908).At the optimal cut-off point,the sensitivity of parallel combined detection was 97.87%,the specificity was 93.33%,and the AUC was 0.956(95%CI 0.907-0.918).(2)Parametrial infiltration:the diagnostic sensitivity of conventional MRI was 67.24%,the specificity was 91.18%,and the AUC was 0.783(95%CI 0.688-0.879).The sensitivity of DCE-MRI was 62.07%,the specificity was 94.12%,and the AUC was 0.781(95%CI 0.686-0.875).The sensitivity of DWI was 75.86%,the specificity was 97.06%,and the AUC was 0.865(95%CI 0.788-0.941).At the optimal cut-off point,the sensitivity of parallel combined detection was 98.28%,the specificity was 91.18%,and the AUC was 0.947(95%CI 0.888-1.000).Conclusion Combined multimodal MRI can improve the positive detection rate of vaginal involve-ment and parametrial infiltration in patients with cervical cancer,allowing for timely treatment adjustments,improved quality of life and longer survival.
9.Comparison of clinical application effects of two endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapies
Lei LU ; Xiaogang BI ; Yan ZHANG ; Feng TIAN
China Journal of Endoscopy 2024;30(11):59-65
Objective To compare the application of two endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapies(ERAT)in acute uncomplicated appendicitis.Methods 100 patients with acute uncomplicated appendicitis from January 2021 to Jun 2023 were randomly divided into the direct vision group(50 cases)and the control group(50 cases).The control group was treated with conventional ERAT,and the direct vision group was treated with EyeMax Insight pancreaticobiliary imaging system assisted ERAT.The operation time,appendiceal intubation time,success rate of appendiceal intubation,abdominal pain relief time,body temperature recovery time,white blood cell recovery time,hospitalization time,and incidence of surgical complications were compared between the two groups.Results Comparison of appendiceal intubation time and operation time between the two groups:The appendiceal intubation time(5.43±3.51)min and operation time(45.50±10.65)min in the direct vision group were shorter than those in the control group(8.76±5.43)min and(54.32±13.45)min,and the differences were statistically significant(P=0.000).There were no significant differences in the success rate of intubation,recurrence rate,abdominal pain relief time,body temperature recovery time,white blood cell recovery time,hospitalization time and incidence of surgical complications between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion ERAT assisted by EyeMax Insight pancreaticobiliary imaging system can shorten the time of appendiceal intubation and operation,without increasing the incidence of complications,avoiding radiation exposure for patients and medical staff.It is safe and effective and worthy of clinical promotion.
10.Efficacy and toxicity analysis of thoracic radiotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer patients after first-line chemoimmunotherapy
Chaonan ZHANG ; Wenqing WANG ; Zongmei ZHOU ; Lei DENG ; Nan BI ; Tao ZHANG ; Jianyang WANG ; Xin WANG ; Wenyang LIU ; Zefen XIAO ; Jima LYU ; Yirui ZHAI ; Qinfu FENG
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(8):703-710
Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patients in the era of first-line chemoimmunotherapy.Methods:Medical records of 56 patients with ES-SCLC who received thoracic radiotherapy after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy plus immunotherapy in Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The control group was not established for clinical causes. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify prognostic factors using the Cox proportional hazards model. The cumulative incidence of local regional recurrence (LRR) was estimated using the Fine-Grey competing risks regression model.Results:Among 56 patients in our cohort, 47 patients received consolidative TRT (cTRT) before progression and 9 patients received salvage TRT after progression. The median follow-up time was 21 months (95% CI=19.8-22.2 months), the median OS was not reached, the median PFS was 9 months (95% CI=7.0-13.0 months), and the 1-year and 18-month OS rates were 84.9%, 62.1%. In the cTRT group, the 1-year and 18-month OS rates were 84.1%, 64.5%, with the median PFS of 10 months; 1-year and 18-month LRFS rates were 73.6% and 66.0%, respectively; the cumulative incidence of LRR at 1-year and 2-year were 24.9% and 30.8%, respectively. No other 4-5 grade adverse events (AE) were reported except 6 patients presenting with 4 grade hematologic toxicities. Three grade radiation esophagitis occurred in 3 patients (5%). Ten patients (18%) developed 1-2 grade treatment-related pneumonitis, including 5 (9%) patients with immune related pneumonitis and 5 (9%) patients with radiation pneumonitis. Conclusion:The application of TRT after first-line chemoimmunotherapy is safe and may has potential survival benefit for patients with ES-SCLC.

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