1.Current status and prospects of tertiary lymphoid structure heterogeneity in predicting response to neoadjuvant therapy and characterizing immune microenvironment in triple-negative breast cancer
Qing WANG ; Yushuai YU ; Chenxi WANG ; Zirong JIANG ; Jialu LI ; Shicong TANG ; Chuangui SONG
China Oncology 2025;35(2):213-218
Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)is a highly aggressive and prognostically unfavorable subtype.Tertiary lymphoid structure(TLS)within the tumor microenvironment,comprising dendritic cells,B cells,T cells,and other immune cells,modulate the tumor immune response.The heterogeneity of TLS in TNBC,such as density,structural maturity,and molecular expression patterns,affects the tumor immune microenvironment and,consequently,treatment responses and clinical outcomes.Studies indicate a positive correlation between the density and maturity of TLS and the pathological complete response(pCR)of TNBC patients,with TLS enhancing the quantity of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and improving anti-tumor immune responses,thereby increasing sensitivity to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.Recent research has found that mature TLS are associated with effective immune responses,becoming significant predictors of treatment response.The combination of TLS with immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown promising prospects.Research demonstrates that promoting the formation or enhancing the functionality of TLS can improve anti-tumor immune effects and enhance treatment outcomes for TNBC patients.Targeting TLS may reduce immune evasion and increase the sensitivity to immunotherapy.However,clinical application of TLS still faces challenges,particularly the impact of their heterogeneity on treatment response.Current assessment methods for TLS are not standardized,lacking a uniform standard and diagnostic system,which limits their widespread application.Future research should focus on resolving these issues by developing standardized assessment tools and further exploring the role of TLS in immune escape and resistance mechanisms.This review aimed to summarize and analyze the existing research progress on TLS in TNBC,in order to provide new ideas for the development of personalized immunotherapy strategies.
2.Chromatin landscape alteration uncovers multiple transcriptional circuits during memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
Qiao LIU ; Wei DONG ; Rong LIU ; Luming XU ; Ling RAN ; Ziying XIE ; Shun LEI ; Xingxing SU ; Zhengliang YUE ; Dan XIONG ; Lisha WANG ; Shuqiong WEN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jianjun HU ; Chenxi QIN ; Yongchang CHEN ; Bo ZHU ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Xia WU ; Lifan XU ; Qizhao HUANG ; Yingjiao CAO ; Lilin YE ; Zhonghui TANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):575-601
Extensive epigenetic reprogramming involves in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation. The elaborate epigenetic rewiring underlying the heterogeneous functional states of CD8+ T cells remains hidden. Here, we profile single-cell chromatin accessibility and map enhancer-promoter interactomes to characterize the differentiation trajectory of memory CD8+ T cells. We reveal that under distinct epigenetic regulations, the early activated CD8+ T cells divergently originated for short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. We also uncover a defined epigenetic rewiring leading to the conversion from effector memory to central memory cells during memory formation. Additionally, we illustrate chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying long-lasting versus transient transcription regulation during memory differentiation. Finally, we confirm the essential roles of Sox4 and Nrf2 in developing memory precursor effector and effector memory cells, respectively, and validate cell state-specific enhancers in regulating Il7r using CRISPR-Cas9. Our data pave the way for understanding the mechanism underlying epigenetic memory formation in CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism*
;
Cell Differentiation
;
Chromatin/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Immunologic Memory
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
;
SOXC Transcription Factors/immunology*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Gene Regulatory Networks
;
Enhancer Elements, Genetic
3.Current status and prospects of tertiary lymphoid structure heterogeneity in predicting response to neoadjuvant therapy and characterizing immune microenvironment in triple-negative breast cancer
Qing WANG ; Yushuai YU ; Chenxi WANG ; Zirong JIANG ; Jialu LI ; Shicong TANG ; Chuangui SONG
China Oncology 2025;35(2):213-218
Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)is a highly aggressive and prognostically unfavorable subtype.Tertiary lymphoid structure(TLS)within the tumor microenvironment,comprising dendritic cells,B cells,T cells,and other immune cells,modulate the tumor immune response.The heterogeneity of TLS in TNBC,such as density,structural maturity,and molecular expression patterns,affects the tumor immune microenvironment and,consequently,treatment responses and clinical outcomes.Studies indicate a positive correlation between the density and maturity of TLS and the pathological complete response(pCR)of TNBC patients,with TLS enhancing the quantity of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and improving anti-tumor immune responses,thereby increasing sensitivity to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.Recent research has found that mature TLS are associated with effective immune responses,becoming significant predictors of treatment response.The combination of TLS with immune checkpoint inhibitors has shown promising prospects.Research demonstrates that promoting the formation or enhancing the functionality of TLS can improve anti-tumor immune effects and enhance treatment outcomes for TNBC patients.Targeting TLS may reduce immune evasion and increase the sensitivity to immunotherapy.However,clinical application of TLS still faces challenges,particularly the impact of their heterogeneity on treatment response.Current assessment methods for TLS are not standardized,lacking a uniform standard and diagnostic system,which limits their widespread application.Future research should focus on resolving these issues by developing standardized assessment tools and further exploring the role of TLS in immune escape and resistance mechanisms.This review aimed to summarize and analyze the existing research progress on TLS in TNBC,in order to provide new ideas for the development of personalized immunotherapy strategies.
4.Differences in dose-response effects between ultra-high dose rate and conventional dose rate whole abdominal irradiation on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice
Yufeng SHEN ; Jie ZHOU ; Lintao LI ; Fenghao GENG ; Chenxi YANG ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Shuo WANG ; Wei TANG ; Yongjie LI ; Shun LU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(11):1077-1084
Objective:To compare the dose-response effects of single-fraction ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) and conventional dose rate (CONV) whole abdominal irradiation (WAI) with X-rays on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice, in order to identify optimal dose parameters and potential mechanisms.Methods:A total of 186 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a non-irradiation group ( n=6), FLASH irradiation groups ( n=90), and CONV irradiation groups ( n=90). Acute radiation-induced intestinal injury models were established using single-fraction WAI with 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 Gy X-rays (200 Gy/s for FLASH and 4 Gy/min for CONV). Changes in body weight, stool characteristics, and disease activity index (DAI) scores were assessed at 9 d post-irradiation. At 7 d post-irradiation at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, the intestines were collected for macroscopic examination and length measurement. The small intestine was selected for HE staining and quantitative analysis of intestinal crypt number and mucosal epithelial thickness. The survival of mice was assessed at 15 d post-WAI across all dose groups. Results:After single-fraction WAI at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, the body weight was higher in the FLASH group than that in the CONV group ( t=10.17, 12.65, 10.16, P<0.05). The DAI scores for the FLASH group were 1.00±1.10, 3.17±0.75, and 2.83±1.17, respectively, which were lower than those of the CONV group (4.33±0.52, 7.00±0.00, 8.60±0.55; t=8.70, 11.71, 14.99, P<0.05). However, after WAI at 14 Gy and 15 Gy, there were no significant differences in body weight and DAI between the FLASH group and the CONV group ( P>0.05). At 7 d after single-fraction WAI at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, mice in the FLASH group exhibited less intestinal congestion, edema, and shortening compared with the CONV group. The difference between the FLASH and CONV groups were statistically significant in small intestine length at 11 and 13 Gy ( t=4.42, 3.78, P<0.05), and in colorectal length at 11 and 12 Gy ( t=3.97, 3.12, P<0.05). Small intestine HE staining revealed superior preservation of intestinal architecture in the FLASH group compared with the CONV group, characterized by longer villi, increased crypt numbers, thicker mucosal epithelium, and enhanced structural integrity. The differences in crypt number and mucosal epithelial thickness were statistically significant ( tcrypt=13.10, 23.80, 11.90; tmucosal=5.75, 2.64, 7.74; P<0.05). At 15 d post-irradiation, the survival rate in the 15 Gy FLASH group was higher than that in the CONV group (50% vs. 10%, χ2=5.39, P<0.05), with a median survival extension of 6 d ( HR=0.340, 95% CI: 0.115 4-0.999 9). No significant survival differences were observed between the FLASH group and the CONV group at 11, 12, 13, and 14 Gy ( P>0.05). Conclusions:FLASH irradiation significantly alleviated acute radiation-induced intestinal injury from medium single-fraction WAI with 11, 12, and 13 Gy X-rays compared with CONV irradiation, and showed potential to improve mouse survival after single-fraction WAI at 15 Gy. This effect is likely associated with the preservation of intestinal crypts and exhibits a dose-dependent relationship.
5.Pharmacotherapy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Jia TANG ; Ping WANG ; Chenxi LIU ; Jia PENG ; Yubo LIU ; Qilin MA
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):925-933
BACKGROUND:
Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers (BBs), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are the cornerstones in treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are included in HFrEF treatment guidelines. However, the effect of SGLT-2i and the five drugs on HFrEF have not yet been systematically evaluated.
METHODS:
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception dates to September 23, 2022. Additional trials from previous relevant reviews and references were also included. The primary outcomes were changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter/dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter/dimension (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI). Secondary outcomes were New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) level. The effect sizes were presented as the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS:
We included 68 RCTs involving 16,425 patients. Compared with placebo, ARNI + BB + MRA + SGLT-2i was the most effective combination to improve LVEF (15.63%, 95% CI: 9.91% to 21.68%). ARNI + BB + MRA + SGLT-2i (5.83%, 95% CI: 0.53% to 11.14%) and ARNI + BB + MRA (3.83%, 95% CI: 0.72% to 6.90%) were superior to the traditional golden triangle ACEI + BB + MRA in improving LVEF. ACEI + BB + MRA + SGLT-2i was better than ACEI + BB + MRA (-8.05 mL/m 2 , 95% CI: -14.88 to -1.23 mL/m 2 ) and ACEI + BB + SGLT-2i (-18.94 mL/m 2 , 95% CI: -36.97 to -0.61 mL/m 2 ) in improving LVEDVI. ACEI + BB + MRA + SGLT-2i (-3254.21 pg/mL, 95% CI: -6242.19 to -560.47 pg/mL) was superior to ARB + BB + MRA in reducing NT-proBNP.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adding SGLT-2i to ARNI/ACEI + BB + MRA is beneficial for reversing cardiac remodeling. The new quadruple drug "ARNI + BB + MRA + SGLT-2i" is superior to the golden triangle "ACEI + BB + MRA" in improving LVEF.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO; No. CRD42022354792.
Humans
;
Heart Failure/physiopathology*
;
Stroke Volume/physiology*
;
Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use*
;
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
;
Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
;
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use*
;
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/therapeutic use*
6.Unlocking the role of wound microbiome in diabetic, burn, and germ-free wound repair treated by natural and synthetic scaffolds.
Zeyu XU ; Lixiang ZHANG ; Qinghan TANG ; Chenxi YANG ; Xiaotong DING ; Ziyu WANG ; Rizhong HUANG ; Ruihan JIANG ; Joannake MAITZ ; Huaikai SHI ; Xin YAN ; Mei DONG ; Jun CHEN ; Yiwei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):611-626
In current clinical practice, various dermal templates and skin substitutes are used to enhance wound healing. However, the role of wound commensal microbiome in regulating scaffold performance and the healing process remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of both natural and synthetic scaffolds on the wound commensal microbiome and wound repair in three distinct models including diabetic wounds, burn injuries, and germ-free (GF) wounds. Remarkably, synthetic electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were observed to positively promote microbiome diversity, leading to enhanced diabetic wound healing compared to the natural scaffolds Integra® (INT) and MatriDerm® (MAD). In contrast, both natural and synthetic scaffolds exhibited comparable effects on the diversity of the microbiome and the healing of burn injuries. In GF wounds with no detectable microorganisms, a reversed healing rate was noted showing natural scaffold (MAD) accelerated wound repair compared to the open or the synthetic scaffold (PCL) treatment. Furthermore, the response of the wound commensal microbiome to PCL scaffolds appears pivotal in promoting anti-inflammatory factors during diabetic wound healing. Our results emphasize that the wound commensal microbiome, mediated by different scaffolds plays an important role in the wound healing process.
7.Research on mechanism of apigenin against transmissible gastroenteritis virus in-fection based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Yi ZHANG ; Yuxin TANG ; Chenxi SHI ; Hui HU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):312-321
The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism of apigenin against transmissible gas-troenteritis virus(TGEV)infection based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.The potential targets of apigenin were obtained from Pharmmapper,Pubchem and other databases.The PubMed database was searched to obtain the relevant targets of TGEV infection.The intersection targets of apigenin and TGEV infection were identified by Draw Venn Diagram online program.A"drug-disease-target"network was constructed using STRING database and Cytoscape 3.8.2 soft-ware.Protein-protein interaction relationships were obtained from the STRING database,and core targets were analyzed.The intersection targets were subjected to GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis using the DAVID database.Finally,the analysis results were validated through molecular docking and in vitro cell experiments.The study identified 431 targets for apigenin,1 177 targets for TGEV infection,and 50 intersection targets for apigenin and TGEV infection.GO enrichment analysis indicated that apigenin was mainly involved in regulating cell differentiation,cell membrane raft formation,apoptosis,and inflammatory responses.The top 15 statistically sig-nificant KEGG enrichment results mainly involve the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and TNF signa-ling pathway.Docking analysis showed that apigenin had the strongest interaction with matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP3)with an affinity of-9.5 kJ/mol and the binding activity of MMP3 was the best.The results of in vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment of different concen-trations of apigenin significantly reduced virus titers,virus genome copies,and the expression lev-els of MMP3 and its upstream and downstream proteins compared to the virus-infected group.Api-genin may exert its anti-TGEV effects through multiple targets and pathways,possibly by regula-ting the NF-κB-MMP3-IL-1β signaling pathway.
8.Research on mechanism of apigenin against transmissible gastroenteritis virus in-fection based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Yi ZHANG ; Yuxin TANG ; Chenxi SHI ; Hui HU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):312-321
The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism of apigenin against transmissible gas-troenteritis virus(TGEV)infection based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.The potential targets of apigenin were obtained from Pharmmapper,Pubchem and other databases.The PubMed database was searched to obtain the relevant targets of TGEV infection.The intersection targets of apigenin and TGEV infection were identified by Draw Venn Diagram online program.A"drug-disease-target"network was constructed using STRING database and Cytoscape 3.8.2 soft-ware.Protein-protein interaction relationships were obtained from the STRING database,and core targets were analyzed.The intersection targets were subjected to GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis using the DAVID database.Finally,the analysis results were validated through molecular docking and in vitro cell experiments.The study identified 431 targets for apigenin,1 177 targets for TGEV infection,and 50 intersection targets for apigenin and TGEV infection.GO enrichment analysis indicated that apigenin was mainly involved in regulating cell differentiation,cell membrane raft formation,apoptosis,and inflammatory responses.The top 15 statistically sig-nificant KEGG enrichment results mainly involve the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and TNF signa-ling pathway.Docking analysis showed that apigenin had the strongest interaction with matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP3)with an affinity of-9.5 kJ/mol and the binding activity of MMP3 was the best.The results of in vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment of different concen-trations of apigenin significantly reduced virus titers,virus genome copies,and the expression lev-els of MMP3 and its upstream and downstream proteins compared to the virus-infected group.Api-genin may exert its anti-TGEV effects through multiple targets and pathways,possibly by regula-ting the NF-κB-MMP3-IL-1β signaling pathway.
9.Differences in dose-response effects between ultra-high dose rate and conventional dose rate whole abdominal irradiation on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice
Yufeng SHEN ; Jie ZHOU ; Lintao LI ; Fenghao GENG ; Chenxi YANG ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Shuo WANG ; Wei TANG ; Yongjie LI ; Shun LU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(11):1077-1084
Objective:To compare the dose-response effects of single-fraction ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) and conventional dose rate (CONV) whole abdominal irradiation (WAI) with X-rays on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice, in order to identify optimal dose parameters and potential mechanisms.Methods:A total of 186 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a non-irradiation group ( n=6), FLASH irradiation groups ( n=90), and CONV irradiation groups ( n=90). Acute radiation-induced intestinal injury models were established using single-fraction WAI with 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 Gy X-rays (200 Gy/s for FLASH and 4 Gy/min for CONV). Changes in body weight, stool characteristics, and disease activity index (DAI) scores were assessed at 9 d post-irradiation. At 7 d post-irradiation at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, the intestines were collected for macroscopic examination and length measurement. The small intestine was selected for HE staining and quantitative analysis of intestinal crypt number and mucosal epithelial thickness. The survival of mice was assessed at 15 d post-WAI across all dose groups. Results:After single-fraction WAI at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, the body weight was higher in the FLASH group than that in the CONV group ( t=10.17, 12.65, 10.16, P<0.05). The DAI scores for the FLASH group were 1.00±1.10, 3.17±0.75, and 2.83±1.17, respectively, which were lower than those of the CONV group (4.33±0.52, 7.00±0.00, 8.60±0.55; t=8.70, 11.71, 14.99, P<0.05). However, after WAI at 14 Gy and 15 Gy, there were no significant differences in body weight and DAI between the FLASH group and the CONV group ( P>0.05). At 7 d after single-fraction WAI at 11, 12, and 13 Gy, mice in the FLASH group exhibited less intestinal congestion, edema, and shortening compared with the CONV group. The difference between the FLASH and CONV groups were statistically significant in small intestine length at 11 and 13 Gy ( t=4.42, 3.78, P<0.05), and in colorectal length at 11 and 12 Gy ( t=3.97, 3.12, P<0.05). Small intestine HE staining revealed superior preservation of intestinal architecture in the FLASH group compared with the CONV group, characterized by longer villi, increased crypt numbers, thicker mucosal epithelium, and enhanced structural integrity. The differences in crypt number and mucosal epithelial thickness were statistically significant ( tcrypt=13.10, 23.80, 11.90; tmucosal=5.75, 2.64, 7.74; P<0.05). At 15 d post-irradiation, the survival rate in the 15 Gy FLASH group was higher than that in the CONV group (50% vs. 10%, χ2=5.39, P<0.05), with a median survival extension of 6 d ( HR=0.340, 95% CI: 0.115 4-0.999 9). No significant survival differences were observed between the FLASH group and the CONV group at 11, 12, 13, and 14 Gy ( P>0.05). Conclusions:FLASH irradiation significantly alleviated acute radiation-induced intestinal injury from medium single-fraction WAI with 11, 12, and 13 Gy X-rays compared with CONV irradiation, and showed potential to improve mouse survival after single-fraction WAI at 15 Gy. This effect is likely associated with the preservation of intestinal crypts and exhibits a dose-dependent relationship.
10.Early experience with mechanical hemodynamic support for catheter ablation of malignant ventricular tachycardia
Mengmeng LI ; Yang YANG ; Deyong LONG ; Chenxi JIANG ; Ribo TANG ; Caihua SANG ; Wei WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Xueyuan GUO ; Songnan LI ; Changyi LI ; Man NING ; Changqi JIA ; Li FENG ; Dan WEN ; Hui ZHU ; Yuexin JIANG ; Fang LIU ; Tong LIU ; Jianzeng DONG ; Changsheng MA
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2024;52(7):768-776
Objective:To explore the role of mechanical hemodynamic support (MHS) in mapping and catheter ablation of patients with hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT), report single-center experience in a cohort of consecutive patients receiving VT ablation during MHS therapy, and provide evidence-based medical evidence for clinical practice.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with hemodynamically unstable VT who underwent catheter ablation with MHS at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University between August 2021 and December 2023 were included. Patients were divided into rescue group and preventive group according to the purpose of treatment. Their demographic data, periprocedural details, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 15 patients with hemodynamically unstable VT were included (8 patients in the rescue group and 7 patients in the preventive group). The acute procedure was successful in all patients. One patient in the rescue group had surgical left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, remaining 14 patients received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for circulation support. ECMO decannulation was performed in 12 patients due to clinical and hemodynamic stability, of which 6 patients were decannulation immediately after surgery and the remaining patients were decannulation at 2.0 (2.5) d after surgery. Two patients in the rescue group died during the index admission due to refractory heart failure and cerebral hemorrhage. During a median follow-up of 30 d (1 d to 12 months), one patient with LVAD had one episode of ventricular fibrillation at 6 months after discharge, and no further episodes of ventricular fibrillation and/or VT occurred after treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs. No malignant ventricular arrhythmia occurred in the remaining 12 patients who were followed up.Conclusions:MHS contributes to the successful completion of mapping and catheter ablation in patients with hemodynamically unstable VT, providing desirable hemodynamic status for emergency and elective conditions.

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