1.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
2.Genotyping of 50 RhD variant samples: implication for transfusion ad pregnancy management
Ke WANG ; Xiaojie MA ; Hailin LI ; Jizhi WEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(12):1707-1712
Objective: To genotype 50 RhD variant samples from Guangzhou, China, using our previously established genotyping strategy, thereby providing guidance for transfusion management and antenatal monitoring in RhD-variant individuals. Methods: Between June and August 2024, fifty samples identified as RhD variants during RhD-negative confirmation testing at Guangzhou Blood Center were collected. Serological testing for the D antigen was performed with two different anti-D reagents, and the epitope profiles of the D antigen were determined using a commercial panel of monoclonal anti-D reagents containing nine kinds of monoclonal anti-D. Genomic DNA was extracted, and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis was applied to detect the Asian-type DEL (RHD
1227A). Subsequently, RHD genotyping was carried out using Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) and Sanger sequencing. Results: Among the 50 D variant samples, 17 (34.0%) Asian type DEL samples were detected by HRM, including 13 cases with RHD
DEL1/01N.01 genotype and 4 cases with RHD
DEL1/DEL1 genotype. Eleven (11/50, 22.0%) samples were typed as DVI by the epitope profiles of D antigen. The epitope profiles of D antigen combined with Sanger sequencing of exon 6 identified 5 (5/50, 10.0%) cases of RHD
weak partial 15/01N.01. MLPA combined with Sanger sequencing identified two cases of RHD
DVI.3/DEL1, representing 4.0% (2/50) of the samples. Additionally, the following RHD genotypes were each detected in one case: RHD
weak D type 18/01N.04, RHD
weak D type 72/01N.01, RHD
weak D type 95/DEL1, RHD
weak D type 114/DEL1, RHD
weak D type 136/DEL1, RHD
weak D type 147/01N.01, RHD
496G/496G, RHD
536C/01N.01, RHD
689A/689A, RHD
689A/DEL1, RHD
DEL32/DEL1, RHD
DV.1/01N.01, RHD
DV.5/01N.01, RHD
01.01/01N.01, and RHD
01/01N.01. Conclusion: Fifty D variant individuals were typed using our previously established serological and molecular approach. These findings provide guidance for precision transfusion therapy in RhD variant patients and inform evidence-based decisions regarding anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis for RhD variant pregnant women.
3.Characteristics of gut microbiota in people with circadian rhythm disruption and its correlation with cognition
Jincheng JIAN ; Wei HE ; Hongfei JIANG ; Yusong GE ; Zhanjie HOU ; Yuanyuan LEI ; Yingjie WANG ; Yunxuan FENG ; Xiaojie FENG ; Bo TANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(9):980-988
Objective To analyze the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in individuals with circadian rhythm disruption and their correlation with cognition.Methods Night shift workers and regular shift workers were subjected from our hospital during August 2022 and October 2024.The participants with circadian rhythm disorders were assigned into an experimental group(n=24),and those with normal circadian rhythms were into a control group(n=24).Their height,weight,age,gender,body mass index(BMI)and fresh fecal samples were collected,and Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)and Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)were used to evaluate their mental status.Metagenomics,Alpha and Beta diversity analyses,Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size(LEfSe),and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis were employed to investigate the diversity and function characteristics of gut microbiota in the participants.Results There were no statistical differences between the 2 groups in baseline data,such as height,weight,gender,age,and BMI(P>0.05).Alpha diversity analysis indicated that no statistical differences were observed in the ACE,Chao1,Shannon,or Simpson indices between the 2 groups,while beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences(P<0.01),suggesting different structure of gut microbiota between them.In the experimental group,the abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Agathobacter rectalis was decreased,while that of Escherichia coli and Phocaeicola vulgaratus was increased,with significant differences when compared with the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,KEGG functional analysis showed that the experimental group had obviously higher expression levels in Th17 cell differentiation and the IL-17 signaling pathway than the control group(P<0.05).Agathobacter rectalis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were positively correlated with MoCA score and MMSE score(P<0.05,P<0.01).Agathobacter rectalis was negatively correlated with the IL-17 signaling pathway and Th17 cell differentiation.Conclusion Individuals with circadian rhythm disorders have significant changes in the structure and function of gut microbiota when compared to those with normal circadian rhythms.Agathobacter rectalis may be involved in the regulation of the IL-17 signaling pathway and differentiation of Th17 cells,thereby possibly impacting the increases of cognitive score related to circadian rhythm disorders.
4.Macrophages in xenotransplantation
Xuyuan ZHU ; Yu ZHANG ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):495-501
Xenotransplantation is one of the effective ways to overcome the shortage of donor organs. However, the molecular incompatibility between xenotransplantation donors and recipients can cause rejection, which greatly limits the clinical application of xenotransplantation. In recent years, researchers have deeply explored the mechanism of xenotransplantation rejection through xenotransplantation models of pig-to-monkey and pig-to-brain death recipients, and found that the innate immune system plays an important role in rejection. Macrophages, as phagocytes in the innate immune system, not only damage xenografts through phagocytosis but also interact with other immune cells to influence the immune microenvironment of xenotransplantation. However, due to the heterogeneity of macrophages, their phenotypes and functions in xenotransplantation rejection remain unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the role of macrophages in xenotransplantation rejection. This article reviews the latest research progress of macrophages in xenotransplantation rejection, aiming to explore the mechanisms of macrophages in xenotransplantation rejection and provide references for future research.
5.Research progress on the role of extracellular histones in xenotransplantation
Kun WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Xiaojie MA ; Tao LI ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(6):962-969
Organ transplantation faces the challenge of a shortage of donors. Although xenotransplantation holds great potential, it is limited by rejection. Extracellular histones, as key members of damage-associated molecular patterns, have been proven in recent years to play a crucial role in transplant rejection by activating innate immunity, regulating the coagulation-inflammation network, and modulating adaptive immune responses. However, the specific functions and key mechanisms remain to be clarified. Therefore, this article reviews the structural characteristics of histones, their release pathways, the biological functions of extracellular histones, and their potential roles in xenotransplantation. It summarizes the latest research progress of extracellular histones in xenotransplantation, analyzes the shortcomings of existing research and the direction for future research, with the expectation of providing references for the application of extracellular histones in xenogeneic kidney transplantation.
6.Practical exploration on the responsibilities and operation specifications of assistants in robotic radical gastrectomy
Yulong TIAN ; Yuqi SUN ; Xiaoning KANG ; Yan WANG ; Shougen CAO ; Xiaodong LIU ; Zequn LI ; Gan LIU ; Xiaojie TAN ; Cheng MENG ; Haitao JIANG ; Zhaojian NIU ; Yanbing ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(8):937-941
Robot-assisted surgery with its advantages such as three-dimensional high-definition vision, dexterous robotic arms, and tremor filtration, is increasingly being applied to complex radical gastrectomy. However, the role of the surgical assistant remains crucial during the procedure. The assistant is responsible for tasks outside the console, including adjusting robotic arms, changing instruments, exposing the surgical field, and addressing unexpected situations. The technical proficiency of the assistant and their collaboration efficiency with the primary surgeon directly impact the smoothness of surgery and patients' outcomes. With the expansion of robot-assisted surgical indications, the establishment of a standardized training system and the optimization of team collaboration models have become urgent challenges to address. This article draws on the author's practical experience as an assistant in robot-assisted gastric cancer surgeries, conducting an in-depth analysis of the responsibilities and operational skills of surgical assistants in robot-assisted procedures. The aim is to develop a relatively comprehensive set of operational guidelines for surgical assistants in robot-assisted radical gastrectomy, providing valuable references for enhancing the overall efficiency of surgical teams and improving surgical outcomes.
7.Talaromyces marneffei infection after organ transplantation:challenges and countermeasures
Shanda LI ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Haoran SHI ; Xiaojie MA ; Tao LI ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):805-811
Talaromyces marneffei is a rare opportunistic pathogen.Talaromyces marneffei infection is characterized by insidious onset,atypical clinical manifestations,low early diagnosis rate,and high misdiagnosis and fatality,and has received widespread attention in recent years.Organ transplant recipients become a high-risk group for Talaromyces marneffei infection due to postoperative immunosuppressive therapy.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing,targeted antifungal therapy,and immunosuppression regimen adjustment are key to improving the prognosis of Talaromyces marneffei infection patients.This article reviews the epidemiology,pathogenesis,diagnosis and treatment of Talaromyces marneffei infection in organ transplant recipients,explores current challenges and future research directions,and aims to inform the diagnosis and treatment of Talaromyces marneffeiinfection.
8.Two cases of penicillium marneffei infection after kidney transplantation
Shanda LI ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Zhuocheng LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Liang GAO ; Xiaojie MA ; Tao LI ; Hongtao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(11):793-796
This report presents two cases of penicillium marneffei infection occurring after kidney transplantation. Both recipients presented initially with gastrointestinal symptoms and were diagnosed early by metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS). Treatment included amphotericin B combined with voriconazole, adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy, and nutritional support, resulting in favorable outcomes. This study aims to characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and individualized treatment strategies for penicillium marneffei infection in kidney transplant recipients, providing valuable insights for clinical management.
9.Research progress of spatial epidemiological methods applied in the plague prevention and control practices
Xiaojie ZHOU ; Wenjing AN ; Jinxiao XI ; Dingsheng WANG ; Xuan JIANG ; Daqin XU ; Limin GUO
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):241-247
The plague is a infectious disease of natural focus. The occurrence of animal plague is a complex biological phenomenon, which is affected by many factors such as hosts, vectors, geographical landscapes, climate, human activities and so on. Its epidemiological patterns exhibit spatial and temporal characteristics. Therefore, the plague monitoring and early warning has always been the key to plague prevention and control, and remains a current research hotspot. In recent years, with the advancement of spatial epidemiology technology, it has been increasingly applied in plague prevention and control, and has made remarkable achievements in exploring the spatio-temporal relationships, influencing factors, monitoring and early warning of the plague. This article provides an overview of specific applications of spatial epidemiological methods in four areas, including spatial visualization of plague outbreaks, aggregation analysis, exploration of influencing factors, risk prediction and early warning. It aims to offer insights for the plague prevention and control personnel to better understand the suddenness and complexity of the plague from the perspective of spatial epidemiology, to uncover the epidemiological patterns of the plague, and to provide a reference for precise plague prevention and control.
10.Comprehensive analysis of the structural phenotypes and functional characteristics of B cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions through single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
Xiaojie YANG ; Yirao LAI ; Xinke JIANG ; Yiwen DENG ; Lei PAN ; Annan DAI ; Lei SUN ; Yufeng WANG ; Guoyao TANG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(3):201-210
Objective:Comprehensive characterization of B-cell phenotypes and spatial distribution in oral lichen planus (OLP) and related oral lichenoid lesions (OLL)(OLP/OLL), with an emphasis on transcriptomic profiling and functional analysis, to uncover the epigenetic mechanisms underlying B cell-mediated immune regulation within the oral mucosal microenvironment.Methods:Single-cell RNA sequencing raw data were sourced from the GSE211630 database, encompassing samples from 2 cases of erosive OLP (EOLP), 3 cases of non-erosive OLP (NEOLP) and 1 healthy control (NORMAL). Following stringent quality control, the data underwent normalization, selection of highly variable genes and batch effect correction. Subsequent analyses included dimensionality reduction and unsupervised clustering to identify distinct cell populations. This study collected pathological specimens from 3 OLP/OLL patients and 3 healthy controls who were treated at the Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2021 to December 2023. Using 10X Genomics Visium HD spatial transcriptomics technology, tissue sections were processed through dewaxing, staining and histological imaging, enabling the reconstruction of nucleic acid structures and the capture of gene expression profiles. Data analysis included quality assessment, gene quantification, normalization, dimensionality reduction and clustering. Furthermore, cell type deconvolution was performed using the robust cell type decomposition algorithm, integrating single-cell transcriptomic data to accurately predict and spatially resolve cell type distributions within the tissue microenvironment.Results:After integrating single-cell data from EOLP, NEOLP and NORMAL, cells were classified into seven major categories: B/plasma cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, myeloid cells, smooth muscle cells and T/natural killer cells. The proportion of B/plasma cells varied significantly among the three groups, accounting for 10.7% (1 693/15 815), 3.8% (833/21 653) and 0.4% (47/11 556) of the total cells respectively. Further clustering analysis of B/plasma cells identified four distinct subpopulations: naive B cells, activated B cells, memory B cells and plasma cells. In the EOLP group, these subpopulations constituted 25.9% (348/1 344), 45.9% (617/1 344), 3.3% (45/1 344) and 24.9% (334/1 344) of the B/plasma cells respectively. In the NEOLP group, they represented 31.6% (195/617), 59.6% (368/617), 0.2% (1/617) and 8.6% (53/617). Howerer, only plasma cells were detected in the NORMAL group. Spatial analysis revealed that B cells were actively involved in the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) at various stages in OLP/OLL samples, with a prominent structural organization observed in secondary follicle-like TLS. Within these structures, the expressions of T cells marker gene CD3E and B cells marker gene MS4A1 were significantly elevated. Additionally, in secondary follicle-like TLS, the gene encoding follicular dendritic cell secreted protein, germinal center marker gene B cell lymphoma 6 and the gene for activation induced cytidine deaminase also showed strong expression. In OLP/OLL samples, plasma cell marker gene CD38, immunoglobulin (IGH) G3, IGHG1, IGHM, IGHD, IGHE, imunoglobulin Kappa constant, immunoglobulin alpha 1, immunoglobulin Lambda constant 1 and complement gene C3 all exhibited high levels of expression.Conclusions:Compared to normal mucosa, extensive B-cell infiltration is observed in both OLP and OLL, accompanied by significant differences in B-cell phenotypes and proportions. B cells appear to play a central role in local immune responses, primarily through the formation of TLS. However, the precise functional mechanisms underlying their involvement require further investigation.

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