Objective:To establish a new method and platform for screening, identifying, and exploring a new strategy for anti-hepatitis B immunotherapy based on hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific TCR.Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from patients with acute hepatitis B. CD3 +CD8 +CD137 +T single cells were sorted out after stimulation with the HBsAg peptide library. The α and β chains in TCRs of single cells were amplified by PCR. TCR double-chain pairing and lentiviral packaging were performed through high-throughput sequencing. Re-infected Jurkat-76-NFAT-GFP cells and the cell lines stably expressing TCR were screened. HBsAg peptide library and immortalized B lymphocytes co-cultured with J76N-TCR were used to screen HBsAg-specific TCRs. K562 cell lines stably expressing HLA-A*24:02 were established to determine epitope peptide by screening A*24:02-restricted TCR. The screened TCRs were replaced with mouse C regions and packaged with lentiviruses. Functional validation was performed on healthy human CD4 +T and CD8 +T lymphocytes following infection. Results:Stable TCR-expressing cell lines were successfully prepared based on single-cell TCRαβ double-chain amplification and pairing technology. Twenty-one TCRs were screened using immortalized B lymphocytes, resulting in nine possible HLA-A*24:02-restricted HBsAg-specific TCRs. Further screening with K562-A2402 resulted in six A*24:02-restricted HBsAg-specific TCRs with identically recognized epitope peptide. The functional determination of the two TCR clones revealed their specific recognition function for target cells expressing HBsAg.Conclusion:HLA-A*24:02-restricted HBsAg-specific TCR with recognition function for target cells expressing HBsAg was successfully obtained based on the new experimental technology system, laying an important foundation for further exploration of antiviral immunotherapy based on HBV-specific TCR.

Objective:To establish a new method and platform for screening, identifying, and exploring a new strategy for anti-hepatitis B immunotherapy based on hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific TCR.Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from patients with acute hepatitis B. CD3 +CD8 +CD137 +T single cells were sorted out after stimulation with the HBsAg peptide library. The α and β chains in TCRs of single cells were amplified by PCR. TCR double-chain pairing and lentiviral packaging were performed through high-throughput sequencing. Re-infected Jurkat-76-NFAT-GFP cells and the cell lines stably expressing TCR were screened. HBsAg peptide library and immortalized B lymphocytes co-cultured with J76N-TCR were used to screen HBsAg-specific TCRs. K562 cell lines stably expressing HLA-A*24:02 were established to determine epitope peptide by screening A*24:02-restricted TCR. The screened TCRs were replaced with mouse C regions and packaged with lentiviruses. Functional validation was performed on healthy human CD4 +T and CD8 +T lymphocytes following infection. Results:Stable TCR-expressing cell lines were successfully prepared based on single-cell TCRαβ double-chain amplification and pairing technology. Twenty-one TCRs were screened using immortalized B lymphocytes, resulting in nine possible HLA-A*24:02-restricted HBsAg-specific TCRs. Further screening with K562-A2402 resulted in six A*24:02-restricted HBsAg-specific TCRs with identically recognized epitope peptide. The functional determination of the two TCR clones revealed their specific recognition function for target cells expressing HBsAg.Conclusion:HLA-A*24:02-restricted HBsAg-specific TCR with recognition function for target cells expressing HBsAg was successfully obtained based on the new experimental technology system, laying an important foundation for further exploration of antiviral immunotherapy based on HBV-specific TCR.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)for the treatment of chronic functional constipation in the elderly.Methods:A total of 33 elderly patients with chronic functional constipation were included and given three sessions of FMT.Changes in fecal characteristics, constipation, mood and quality of life in these patients were evaluated using the Bristol stool form scale(BSFS), the constipation assessment scale(CAS), patient assessment of constipation symptoms(PAC-SYM), the Zung self-rating anxiety scale(SAS), the Zung self-rating depression scale(SDS), and the patient assessment of constipation quality of life(PAC-QOL)before and 12 weeks after treatment.The clinical efficacy was based on comparison between pre-and post-treatment results for each patient.Results:Clear improvement was achieved in 33 patients 12 weeks after treatment, compared with before transplantation.Post-treatment scores of the constipation assessment scale and symptom self-assessment questionnaire for patients with constipation were(8.9±1.2)scores and(26.5±2.4)scores, respectively, significantly lower than pre-transplantation scores of(12.2±1.1)scores and(32.4±2.4)scores( t=15.034, 13.904, both P<0.001). Similarly, post-treatment scores were also lower than pre-transplantation levels for the self-rating anxiety scale[(50.4±8.4)scores vs.(57.5±9.0)scores, t=10.333, P<0.001], the self-rating depression scale[(50.6±8.4)% vs.(55.0±10.5)%, t=5.301, P<0.001], and self-assessment questionnaire for quality of life[(88.2±7.3)scores vs.(103.7±7.3)scores, t=23.300, P<0.001]. Conclusions:FMT can improve fecal characteristics and constipation symptoms, relieve anxiety and depression, improve the quality of life, and provide a new option for the treatment for elderly patients with chronic functional constipation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma of the extra-upper aerodigestive tract (extra-UADT NKTCL).Methods:The clinical data of 159 patients with extra-UADT NKTCL from the China Lymphoma Collaborative Group (CLCG) database between November 2001 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Log-rank test were used to evaluate the prognosis. The Cox regression model is used for multi-factor analysis.Results:Extra-UADT NKTCL commonly occurs in skin and soft tissues (106/159, 66.7%) and gastrointestinal tract (31/159, 19.5%). The incidences of elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Ann Arbor Ⅲ~Ⅳ stage were 47.8% (76/159) and 64.2% (102/159), respectively. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 43.6% and 27.9%, respectively. The corresponding OS rates of primary skin/soft tissue site and gastrointestinal tract site were 41.0% and 59.4% ( P=0.281), while the PFS rates were 24.8% and 48.3%, respectively ( P=0.109). Combined modality treatment improved the 3-year OS of all the patients (58.4% vs 33.9%, P=0.001) and 3-year PFS (40.7% vs 20.7%, P=0.008) when compared with chemotherapy alone. LDH elevation, Ann Arbor synthesising and ≥2 junction external bits were intrusive as independent risk factors for total survival ( P<0.05), LDH elevation and ≥2 junction outer bits were intrusive as independent risk factors for progressionless survival( P<0.05). The distant extranodal dissemination was the primary failure patterns. Conclusions:Extra-UADT NKTCL appears to have distinct clinical characteristics and poor outcome. Compared with chemotherapy alone, combined modality treatment may improve the prognosis of patients with extra-UADT NKTCL.

Objective:To evaluate the prognosis and determine the failure patterns after radiotherapy for low-risk early-stage patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type (ENKTCL).Methods:A total of 557 patients from 2000—2015 with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL who received radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy (CT) from China Lymphoma Collaborative Group were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 427 patients received combined modality therapy, whereas 130 patients received RT alone. Survivals were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test. Overall survival (OS) was compared with age and sex-matched general Chinese population using expected survival and standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Cox stepwise regression model was used for multivariate analysis.Results:The 5-year OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were 87.2% and 77.2%. The SMR was 3.59 ( P<0.001) at 1 year after treatment, whereas it was 1.50 at 4 years after treatment, without significant difference between ENKTCL group and country-matched general population ( P=0.146). Compared with RT alone, CMT did not result in significantly superior 5-year OS (87.0% vs 87.4%, P=0.961) or PFS (76.1% vs 80.7%, P=0.129). Local failure (11.5%, 64/557) and distant failure (10.8%, 60/557) were the main failure modes, while regional failure was rare (2.9%, 16/557). The 5-year locoregional control rate (LRC) was 87.2% for the whole group, with 89.5% for ≥50 Gy versus 73.7% for <50 Gy ( P<0.001). Radiotherapy dose was an independent factor affecting LRC( P<0.05). Conclusions:Radiotherapy achieves a favorable prognosis in patients with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL. The incidence of either locoregional or distant failure is low. Radiation dose still is an important prognostic factor for LRC.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma of the extra-upper aerodigestive tract (extra-UADT NKTCL).Methods:The clinical data of 159 patients with extra-UADT NKTCL from the China Lymphoma Collaborative Group (CLCG) database between November 2001 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Log-rank test were used to evaluate the prognosis. The Cox regression model is used for multi-factor analysis.Results:Extra-UADT NKTCL commonly occurs in skin and soft tissues (106/159, 66.7%) and gastrointestinal tract (31/159, 19.5%). The incidences of elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Ann Arbor Ⅲ~Ⅳ stage were 47.8% (76/159) and 64.2% (102/159), respectively. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 43.6% and 27.9%, respectively. The corresponding OS rates of primary skin/soft tissue site and gastrointestinal tract site were 41.0% and 59.4% ( P=0.281), while the PFS rates were 24.8% and 48.3%, respectively ( P=0.109). Combined modality treatment improved the 3-year OS of all the patients (58.4% vs 33.9%, P=0.001) and 3-year PFS (40.7% vs 20.7%, P=0.008) when compared with chemotherapy alone. LDH elevation, Ann Arbor synthesising and ≥2 junction external bits were intrusive as independent risk factors for total survival ( P<0.05), LDH elevation and ≥2 junction outer bits were intrusive as independent risk factors for progressionless survival( P<0.05). The distant extranodal dissemination was the primary failure patterns. Conclusions:Extra-UADT NKTCL appears to have distinct clinical characteristics and poor outcome. Compared with chemotherapy alone, combined modality treatment may improve the prognosis of patients with extra-UADT NKTCL.

Objective:To evaluate the prognosis and determine the failure patterns after radiotherapy for low-risk early-stage patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type (ENKTCL).Methods:A total of 557 patients from 2000—2015 with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL who received radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy (CT) from China Lymphoma Collaborative Group were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 427 patients received combined modality therapy, whereas 130 patients received RT alone. Survivals were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test. Overall survival (OS) was compared with age and sex-matched general Chinese population using expected survival and standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Cox stepwise regression model was used for multivariate analysis.Results:The 5-year OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were 87.2% and 77.2%. The SMR was 3.59 ( P<0.001) at 1 year after treatment, whereas it was 1.50 at 4 years after treatment, without significant difference between ENKTCL group and country-matched general population ( P=0.146). Compared with RT alone, CMT did not result in significantly superior 5-year OS (87.0% vs 87.4%, P=0.961) or PFS (76.1% vs 80.7%, P=0.129). Local failure (11.5%, 64/557) and distant failure (10.8%, 60/557) were the main failure modes, while regional failure was rare (2.9%, 16/557). The 5-year locoregional control rate (LRC) was 87.2% for the whole group, with 89.5% for ≥50 Gy versus 73.7% for <50 Gy ( P<0.001). Radiotherapy dose was an independent factor affecting LRC( P<0.05). Conclusions:Radiotherapy achieves a favorable prognosis in patients with low-risk early-stage ENKTCL. The incidence of either locoregional or distant failure is low. Radiation dose still is an important prognostic factor for LRC.

Objective:To investigate the immunological features of 135 patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to provide reference for the pathogenesis of the disease.Methods:The clinical and laboratory data of 135 confirmed COVID-19 patients in Guangzhou Eighth People′s Hospital from January 23 to February 29, 2020 were collected. The features of lymphocytes (CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and natural killer T cells), and cytokines (interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ) of patients at a median of 19 (14, 27) days of admission were analyzed. Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test and Spearman rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results:Patients were divided into three groups according to the relevant diagnostic criteria, including mild group (14 cases), ordinary group (92 cases) and severe group (29 cases). Decreased CD4 + T lymphocytes were found in 44.4% (60/135) patients, while decreased CD8 + T lymphocytes were found in 42.2%(57/135) patients. Compared to mild group and ordinary group, level of CD4 + T lymphocytes in severe group was significant lower ( Z=4.379 and 3.799, respectively, both P<0.01), and level of CD8 + T lymphocytes was also significant lower ( Z=2.684 and 3.306, respectively, P=0.022 and 0.003, respectively). Decreased B lymphocytes were found in 25.3% (24/95) patients and significant different among the three groups, with the lowest levels ((88(56, 189)/μL; Z=6.199, P=0.045) and most frequency of decreased levels ((52.2%(12/23); χ2=11.723, P=0.003) in the severe group. Compared to the mild group and the ordinary group, IL-6 level in severe group was significant higher ( Z=-4.022 and -4.108, respectively, both P<0.01) and IL-10 level was also significant higher ( Z=-3.261 and -4.006, respectively, both P<0.01). Similar levels of IL-2, IL-4, TNF-α and IFN-γ were found among three groups (all P>0.05). The IL-6 level was positively correlated with the persistence of viral shedding ( r=0.301, P=0.007). Conclusion:The immune-mediated inflammation may be the important cause of disease deterioration of COVID-19, which might be the key target of the treatment of severe cases.

OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of Danhong injection （DHI） on gene expression profile of acute myocardial infarction （AMI） model rats. METHODS： Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group and DHI group （0.76 mL/kg）， with 10 rats in each group. AMI model was established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery in model group and DHI group. After modeling， sham operation group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intramuscularly， and DHI group was given relevant medicine intramuscularly， once a day， for consecutive 14 days. After last administration， myocardial tissue in the marginal zone of infarction was separated. The change of gene expression profile was detected by gene chip technique. Using fold-change of relative expression as index， differentially expressed microRNA （miRNA） were screened. On the basis of retrieving their corresponding genes， gene ontology （GO） and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were carried out by using DAVID bioinformatics resource database and KEGG pathway database， respectively. TargetScan database was used to predict the target gene messenger RNA （mRNA） corresponding to differentially expressed miRNA. Cytoscape 3.6.1 software was used to construct and analyze the miRNA-mRNA network. Agilent GeneSpring GX v11.5 software was used to screen target genes and miRNA related to inflammation in the above networks. RESULTS： Compared with sham operation group， there were 22 differentially expressed miRNAs in model group， 5 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated. Compared with model group， there were 26 differentially expressed miRNAs in DHI group， and all of them were up-regulated. The differentially expressed miRNAs related to DHI therapy for AMI included rno-let-7a-5p， rno-let-7d-5p， rno-let-7f-5p， rno-miR-26b-5p， rno-miR-29b-3p， cel-miR-39-3p， cel-miR-39-5p， rno-miR-142-5p， rno-miR-191a-5p， rno-miR-409a-3p. Results of GO analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly concentrated in membrane-bound organelles， cytoplasm， endometrial system and other cell components. The molecular functions such as protein binding and ion binding were exerted through biological processes such as anatomical structure development， multicellular tissue development and development process，which were mainly enriched in calcium signaling pathway， PPAR signaling pathway， VEGF signaling pathway， cell apoptosis， glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored biosynthesis， valine， leucine and isoleucine degradation， etc. miRNA-mRNA network analysis showed that there were 25 target gene mRNAs corresponding to differentially expressed miRNA and 24 miRNAs related to it. There were 6 inflammation-related target genes （IL6， IL1b， TNF， TLR4， CRP， CXCL12） in this network， involving 19 differentially expressed miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS： The therapeutic effect of DHI on AMI may be related to regulating the expression of related miRNA， affecting signal transduction of calcium ion， PPAR and VEGF pathways， and regulating the secretion of inflammatory markers such as interleukin， chemokine and C-reactive protein.

Objective To investigate the relationship between HBV mutations in the precore (PC)/core promoter region and the liver histological changes in HBeAg negative CHB patients. Method A total of 71 HBeAg negative CHB patients with liver biopsy from April 2012 to Dec 2013 were enrolled. DNA was extracted from blood serum, then the HBV S gene and PC/core promoter region were amplified by semi-nested PCR and sequenced. The relationship between significant liver histological changes and viral factors were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis. Results The incidence of significant necroinflammation (15.8% vs. 27.3%, χ2 =1.398, P = 0.237) and significant fibrosis (71.1% vs. 84.4%, χ2= 1.926, P = 0.165) were found to be similar between patients infected with HBV genotype B and genotype C . By Logistic regression analysis including risk factors of age, sex, HBV genotype and mutations (T1753V,A1762T/G1764A,A1846T and G1896A), the A1762T/G1764A mutation in HBV associated with significant necroinflammation (OR = 4.296, P = 0.037), while factors of age, sex, genotype and other mutation were not associated with significant liver histological changes. (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Mutation in PC/core promoter region of HBV may act as a marker to evaluate the liver histological changes.