This study employed bioinformatics to screen the feature genes related to efferocytosis in diabetic kidney disease(DKD) and explores traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) regulating these feature genes. The GSE96804 and GSE30528 datasets were integrated as the training set, and the intersection of differentially expressed genes and efferocytosis-related genes(ERGs) was identified as DKD-ERGs. Subsequently, correlation analysis, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network construction, enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration analysis were performed. Consensus clustering was conducted on DKD patients based on the expression levels of DKD-ERGs, and the expression levels, immune infiltration characteristics, and gene set variations between different subtypes were explored. Eight machine learning models were constructed and their prediction performance was evaluated. The best-performing model was evaluated by nomograms, calibration curves, and external datasets, followed by the identification of efferocytosis-related feature genes associated with DKD. Finally, potential TCMs that can regulate these feature genes were predicted. The results showed that the training set contained 640 differentially expressed genes, and after intersecting with ERGs, 12 DKD-ERGs were obtained, which demonstrated mutual regulation and immune modulation effects. Consensus clustering divided DKD into two subtypes, C1 and C2. The support vector machine(SVM) model had the best performance, predicting that growth arrest-specific protein 6(GAS6), S100 calcium-binding protein A9(S100A9), C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1(CX3CL1), 5'-nucleotidase(NT5E), and interleukin 33(IL33) were the feature genes of DKD. Potential TCMs with therapeutic effects included Astragali Radix, Trionycis Carapax, Sargassum, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Curcumae Radix, and Alismatis Rhizoma, which mainly function to clear heat, replenish deficiency, activate blood, resolve stasis, and promote urination and drain dampness. Molecular docking revealed that the key components of these TCMs, including β-sitosterol, quercetin, and sitosterol, exhibited good binding activity with the five target genes. These results indicated that efferocytosis played a crucial role in the development and progression of DKD. The feature genes closely related to both DKD and efferocytosis, such as GAS6, S100A9, CX3CL1, NT5E, and IL33, were identified. TCMs such as Astragali Radix, Trionycis Carapa, Sargassum, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Curcumae Radix, and Alismatis Rhizoma may provide a new therapeutic strategy for DKD by regulating efferocytosis.
Humans ; Computational Biology ; Diabetic Nephropathies/physiopathology* ; Protein Interaction Maps ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Phagocytosis/genetics* ; Efferocytosis

Efferocytosis refers to the process of phagocytes engulfing and clearing the cells after programmed cell death. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that the mechanisms of efferocytosis are closely related to drug-induced liver injury, hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, viral hepatitis, cholestatic liver diseases, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and other liver disorders. This review summarized the research progress on the role of efferocytosis in liver diseases, with the hope of providing new targets for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.
Humans ; Liver Diseases/metabolism* ; Animals ; Phagocytosis/physiology* ; Phagocytes ; Efferocytosis

The innate immune response is the first line of defense for the host against viral infections. Targeted degradation of pathogenic microorganisms through autophagy, in conjunction with pattern recognition receptors synergistically inducing the production of interferon (IFN), constitutes an important pathway for the body to resist viral infections. Rubicon, a Run domain Beclin 1-interacting and cysteine-rich domain protein, has an inhibitory effect on autophagy and IFN production. On the one hand, Rubicon, as a component of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) complex, interacts with different domains of vacuolar protein sorting 34 (Vps34), ultraviolet radiation resistance associated gene (UVRAG), guanosine triphosphate (GTP) kinase, and RAS oncogene family member 7 (Rab7) to mediate the inhibition of autophagy maturation; on the other hand, Rubicon inhibits the ubiquitination of nuclear factor κB essential modulator (NEMO) and the dimerization of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), thereby blocking the signal transduction related to IFN production. Research has revealed that various viruses, such as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), Sendai virus (SeV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), achieve innate immune evasion by regulating the expression or function of Rubicon. Rubicon is expected to be a new target for antiviral therapy.
Humans ; Autophagy/immunology* ; Immunity, Innate ; Interferons/immunology* ; Immune Evasion ; Animals ; Virus Diseases/virology* ; Signal Transduction ; Viruses/immunology* ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/immunology* ; Autophagy-Related Proteins

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Efferocytosis Relatived LncRNA (EFRL) on homocysteine-induced atherosclerosis in macrophage efferocytosis. Methods RAW264.7 cells were cultured in vitro, and the Control group (0 μmol/L Hcy) and Hcy intervention group (100 μmol/L Hcy) were set up. After GapmeR transfection of macrophages with Hcy intervention, EFRL knockdown negative control group (Hcy combined with LNA-NC) and EFRL knockdown group (Hcy combined with LNA-EFRL) were set up. High-throughput sequencing was applied for different expression of LncRNA MSTRG. 88917.16 (EFRL), UCSC was used to analyze its conservation, CPC and CPAT were used to analyze its ability to encode proteins, and GO and KEGG were used to analyze related biological functions. The localization of LncRNA EFRL in macrophages was analyzed by nucleoplasmic separation and RNA-FISH. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression levels of LncRNA EFRL and its target gene SPAST in Hcy-treated macrophages. The apoptosis rate of Jurkat cells induced by UV was detected by flow cytometry. In vitro efferocytosis assay combined with immunofluorescence technique was used to analyze macrophage efferocytosis. ELISA was used to detect the levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β) and IL-18. Results The new LncRNA MSTRG.88917.16 was identified and named EFRL(Efferocytosis Relatived LncRNA). UCSC, CPC and CPAT analyses showed that LncEFRL is highly conserved and does not have the ability to encode proteins. GO and KEGG analyses suggested that LncEFRL may be involved in macrophage efferocytosis. LncRNA EFRL was localized in the nucleus of macrophages as determined by nucleoplasmic separation and RNA-FISH. In comparison to the Control group, the expression levels of LncRNA EFRL and its target gene SPAST in the Hcy group were increased. In comparison to the Control group (0 min), the apoptosis rate of the experimental group (15, 30 min) Annexin V is more than 85%. Compared with Hcy combined with LNA-NC group, Hcy combined with LNA-EFRL group had enhanced macrophage efferocytosis and reduced levels of inflammatory factors. Compared with Hcy combined with LNA-NC group, the expression level of SPAST in Hcy combined with LNA-EFRL group was decreased. Conclusion Inhibition of EFRL expression can alleviate the process of Hcy inhibiting macrophage efferocytosis, and the mechanism is related to the regulation of the downstream target gene SPAST by EFRL.
RNA, Long Noncoding/physiology* ; Animals ; Homocysteine ; Mice ; Macrophages/drug effects* ; Humans ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Atherosclerosis/chemically induced* ; Apoptosis/genetics* ; Phagocytosis/genetics* ; Jurkat Cells ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Efferocytosis

Autophagy is a fundamental biological metabolic process involved in immune defense, material metabolism, and homeostasis and closely linked to immune regulation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a widespread connective tissue disorder primarily resulting from immune system imbalance. Due to the immune system's failure to recognize its own substances, it generates autoantibodies that can affect various tissues and organs, leading to diverse clinical manifestations. The pathogenesis and treatment of SLE are currently under extensive investigation. In normal metabolic processes, autophagy engages in both innate and adaptive immunity, regulates the immune response, and is crucial for maintaining normal immune function and the body's internal homeostasis. Research has indicated that SLE patients exhibit immune dysfunction and altered autophagy levels. Modulating autophagy expression can influence immune system functionality and alleviate SLE symptoms. Additionally, autophagy aids in the innate immune response and adaptive immunity by clearing metabolites and regulating the life cycle of immune cells. Studies suggest that drugs targeting autophagy can positively influence the progression of SLE. This article reviews advancements in research regarding the impact of autophagy on the pathogenesis of SLE through the regulation of immune system functions.
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/pathology* ; Autophagy/immunology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Immunity, Innate ; Adaptive Immunity ; Disease Progression ; Immune System/immunology*

Objective To investigate the differences of type 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2) and interlukin 9 (IL-9) between chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and healthy controls, and to understand the effects of ILC2 on the function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD8⁺ T cells and CLL cells through IL-9. Methods Flow cytometry was used to detect the levels of ILC2 and Tregs in the peripheral blood of 45 newly diagnosed CLL patients and 24 healthy controls, and the expressions of granzyme B and perforin in CD8⁺ T cells in the peripheral blood of 28 patients and 15 healthy controls; ELISA was used to detect the level of IL-9 in the serum. ILC2 of patients and healthy controls was sorted by immunomagnetic beads and cultured separately, and the level of IL-9 in the culture supernatant was measured by ELISA. ILC2 sorted from CLL patients and healthy control-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) were co-cultured with the B cell leukemia MEC-1 cells, one group was supplemented with IL-9 antibody and the other group was not. After 72 hours of culture, the ratio of Tregs, programmed death 1 (PD-1), T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) on Tregs, granzyme B and perforin in CD8⁺ T cells were measured by flow cytometry, IL-9 level of the culture supernatant was measured by ELISA, the apoptosis of MEC-1 cells was measured by Annexin V-PI. Results Compared with the healthy control group, the levels of ILC2, Tregs and IL-9 in the CLL group increased significantly. The levels of granzyme B and perforin in CD8⁺ T cells were positively correlated in the peripheral blood of CLL patients. Compared with the healthy control group, IL-9 levels in the supernatant of sorted ILC2 from CLL patients increased. In the anti-IL9 antibody group, the level of PD-1 and TIGIT on Tregs decreased, and the level of granzyme B in CD8⁺ T cells increased significantly. The level of IL-9 in the anti-IL9 antibody group decreased statistically. And MEC-1 cells showed increased early apoptotic rate in the anti-IL9 antibody group statistically. Conclusion In CLL, ILC2 affects CD8⁺ T cells and Tregs through IL-9, which weakens the anti-tumor effect of CD8⁺ T cells, enhances the immunosuppressive effect of Tregs, and plays a role in the occurrence and development of CLL disease.
Humans ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology* ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology* ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Interleukin-9/blood* ; Aged ; Granzymes/metabolism* ; Perforin/metabolism* ; Immunity, Innate ; Adult ; Lymphocytes/immunology*

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a group of diseases caused by fungal pathogens, primarily Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus, which invade the body, proliferate in deep tissues, organs, or the bloodstream, and lead to localized or systemic severe infections. These infections impose significantclinical and economic burdens due to their high mortality rates, the high cost and limited availability of antifungal drugs, and the frequent adverse effects. Invasive fungal pathogens invade the host through hyphae, spores, and secreted adhesive proteins, primarily triggering disease via signal cascades resulting from the binding of fungal membrane ligands to host receptors, as well as through secreted substances and intrinsic toxins. Macrophages, as the first line of defense against invasive fungal pathogens, play a crucial role in combating IFIs. They combat fungal pathogens through mechanisms such as antigen recognition, phagocytosis, oxidative killing, polarization, and the regulation of various bioactive substances. This article reviews recent research progress on the mechanisms by which macrophages contribute to innate immunity against invasive fungal infections. Additionally, it discusses the immune evasion strategies employed by invasive fungal pathogens to counteract macrophages, aiming to provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Humans ; Immunity, Innate ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Invasive Fungal Infections/microbiology* ; Animals ; Phagocytosis/immunology*

Mitochondria are one of the oldest and most important endomembrane systems in eukaryotic cells and serve as the hubs of multiple cellular processes. Mitophagy (mitochondrial autophagy), a major way to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, is closely linked to antiviral immune regulation. Depending on whether ubiquitination is required for the involved receptors or adaptors, mitophagy can be classified into ubiquitin-dependent and ubiquitin-independent types. Viruses can directly or indirectly regulate mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics through various pathways. Through these processes, they can affect innate and adaptive immunity, so as to achieve immune escape, aggravate cell damage or promote the formation of adaptive immunity. This review summarizes the latest research progress on the role of viral infection-regulated mitophagy in the regulation of immune response.
Mitophagy/immunology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Virus Diseases/immunology* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Immunity, Innate ; Adaptive Immunity

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway involving various cellular players. Among the different phenotypes of asthma, neutrophilic asthma is often associated with severe airway inflammation and a notable resistance to corticosteroid treatment. Macrophages, as innate immune cells, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neutrophilic asthma. They regulate neutrophil recruitment and activation to promote the progression of airway inflammation. During this process, macrophages also undergo changes in aspects such as efferocytosis. We reviewed the recent research progresses regarding the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of neutrophilic asthma, aiming to provide valuable insights for future studies in this area.
Humans ; Asthma/pathology* ; Neutrophils/pathology* ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Animals ; Phagocytosis

Paramyxoviruses are important respiratory pathogens with substantial clinical relevance in pediatric infectious diseases. During infection, multiple forms of programmed cell death (PCD) may be induced, and this plays pivotal roles in viral replication, dissemination, and host immune responses, thereby profoundly influencing the viral life cycle and disease progression. On one hand, PCD facilitates the clearance of infected cells, restricts viral spread, and activates host immune defenses, thereby enhancing antiviral immunity. On the other hand, excessive or dysregulated cell death may lead to tissue damage and immune imbalance, creating a microenvironment conducive to viral replication and exacerbating disease severity. For instance, apoptosis-mediated by both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways-contributes to infection control but may also be hijacked by viruses to promote dissemination. Pyroptosis, driven by inflammasome activation, triggers lytic cell death and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Necroptosis, mediated by the RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL signaling axis, and pyroptosis both amplify innate immune responses but may concurrently induce inflammatory dysregulation. Immunogenic cell death (ICD), characterized by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns and neoantigens, activates antigen-specific immune responses and holds therapeutic potential for antiviral and antitumor interventions. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis, through the modulation of iron metabolism and associated transporters, may also participate in viral replication and infected cell clearance. This review comprehensively summarizes the roles of apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ICD, and ferroptosis in paramyxovirus infection, aiming to deepen the understanding of paramyxovirus pathogenesis and to provide insights for developing novel antiviral strategies.
Humans ; Paramyxoviridae Infections/pathology* ; Pyroptosis ; Apoptosis ; Virus Replication ; Necroptosis ; Inflammasomes ; Immunity, Innate ; Immunogenic Cell Death ; Paramyxoviridae/physiology* ; Signal Transduction