1.Advances in the study of viruses inhibiting the production of advanced autophagy or interferon through Rubicon to achieve innate immune escape.
Junwei SU ; Jin YUAN ; Feng WANG ; Jun LI ; Lei YUE ; Min YAN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(1):83-89
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
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Autophagy/immunology*
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Immunity, Innate
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Interferons/immunology*
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Immune Evasion
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Animals
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Virus Diseases/virology*
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Signal Transduction
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Viruses/immunology*
;
Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/immunology*
;
Autophagy-Related Proteins
2.Method for evaluating a rat model of uterine adhesions
Chuting CUI ; Junwei LI ; Yi FANG ; Yan ZAN ; He REN ; Liangjun XIA
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(8):102-110
Objective To explore the method for grading the degree of uterine adhesion in a rat model.Methods A rat model of uterine adhesion was established using the double-injury method.Paraffin sections were observed using HE staining and Masson staining to compare morphological changes in the uterus,endometrial thickness,gland and vessel counts,uterine cavity area,and adhesion severity.Rat sections were classified into three grades based on uterine cavity area for comparative analysis.Results The average uterine cavity area and uterine cavity area/endometrial layer area were smaller in rats in the model group compared with the blank group(P<0.01).The uterine cavity area/endometrial layer area ratio was categorized into grades Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ,with a significant difference among the grades(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusions The uterine cavity area/endometrial layer area ratio may reflect the grading difference in the degree of uterine adhesion in rats with uterine adhesions.This ratio may thus be used as a grading-evaluation criterion in the rat model of uterine adhesion,with implications for diagnostic grading in this model.
3.Research advances in the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathological mechanisms of multiple sclerosis:a review
Sihua HUANG ; Zheyi ZHOU ; Shuo WANG ; Junwei ZHONG ; Hongen YAN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(8):158-167
Multiple sclerosis(MS)is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammatory demyelination in the central nervous system.Prominent symptoms include damage to myelin sheaths in the brain,optic nerve,and spinal cord,as well as axonal dysfunction;however,the exact causes and mechanisms of MS remain unclear.Genetic and environmental factors are thought to interact via autoimmune mechanisms,potentially triggering the disease.Recent studies suggest that abnormal activation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MS.In this context,this review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying NLRP3 activation and its connection to MS,considering relevant literature from the past decade.The findings aim to provide insights into the progression of MS and to identify potential therapeutic strategies by elucidating the underlying mechanisms.
4.Development and characterization of 18F-SQKJ-2: a novel PET tracer for the diagnosis of fear memory disorders
Wanli HE ; Chenxin MA ; Xinghai CAO ; Junwei CHEN ; Yan GU ; Shuxia CAO ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Dilong MAO ; Qinggang HE
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(11):672-677
Objective:To develop and validate a novel PET tracer, N-cyclohexyl-4-((2, 4-dichlorophenyl)(4-(fluoro- 18F)phenyl)methyl)piperazine-1-carboxamide ( 18F-SQKJ-2), targeting cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors for diagnosing psychiatric disorders associated with fear memory. Methods:18F-SQKJ-2 was prepared using a nucleophilic substitution radiochemical synthesis method. For the CB1 receptor blocking experiment, 7 ICR mice were divided into blocking group ( n=4; rimonabant for blocking treatment) and control group 1 ( n=3; no rimonabant blocking treatment). The affinity and specificity of 18F-SQKJ-2 for CB1 receptors were analyzed based on the differences in 18F-SQKJ-2 uptake (percentage injected dose per gram of tissue, %ID/g) by various organs between two groups. The metabolic stability of 18F-SQKJ-2 in vitro was studied using animal tissue homogenates. Ten C57 mice were used to establish fear memory mouse models (fear group, n=6; control group 2, n=4), and the percentage of freezing time was compared between 2 groups. MicroPET scans were used to detect the intracranial distribution of 18F-SQKJ-2, and the relative uptake in each brain region compared to total brain uptake was calculated. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the differences in CB1 receptor relative total brain uptake in fear-related brain regions between 2 groups. Independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. Results:18F-SQKJ-2 was successfully synthesized with a radiochemical purity ≥98.0% and a corrected radioactive yield of (12.3±6.0)%( n=4). In vitro metabolic stability experiments showed that 18F-SQKJ-2 was basically stable in the liver, blood, and brain within 60min. The CB1 receptor blocking experiment demonstrated that the uptake of 18F-SQKJ-2 in the brains of mice in blocking group was significantly lower than that in control group 1 ((0.95±0.28) vs (3.44±1.16) %ID/g; t=-3.57, P=0.023). The percentage of freezing time in fear group was significantly higher than that in control group 2 (43.28%(39.46%, 52.93%) vs 2.74%(1.52%, 4.85%); Z=-2.45, P=0.010). 18F-SQKJ-2 microPET imaging showed that the uptake of 18F-SQKJ-2 in the cerebral cortex of mice in fear group was significantly increased compared with that in control group 2 ((5.83±0.47)% vs (5.00±0.52)%; t=2.42, P=0.046). Conclusion:18F-SQKJ-2 is successfully prepared with acceptable radiochemical purity and metabolic stability, demonstrating potential for visualizing and quantifying fear memory.
5.Development and characterization of 18F-SQKJ-2: a novel PET tracer for the diagnosis of fear memory disorders
Wanli HE ; Chenxin MA ; Xinghai CAO ; Junwei CHEN ; Yan GU ; Shuxia CAO ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Dilong MAO ; Qinggang HE
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(11):672-677
Objective:To develop and validate a novel PET tracer, N-cyclohexyl-4-((2, 4-dichlorophenyl)(4-(fluoro- 18F)phenyl)methyl)piperazine-1-carboxamide ( 18F-SQKJ-2), targeting cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors for diagnosing psychiatric disorders associated with fear memory. Methods:18F-SQKJ-2 was prepared using a nucleophilic substitution radiochemical synthesis method. For the CB1 receptor blocking experiment, 7 ICR mice were divided into blocking group ( n=4; rimonabant for blocking treatment) and control group 1 ( n=3; no rimonabant blocking treatment). The affinity and specificity of 18F-SQKJ-2 for CB1 receptors were analyzed based on the differences in 18F-SQKJ-2 uptake (percentage injected dose per gram of tissue, %ID/g) by various organs between two groups. The metabolic stability of 18F-SQKJ-2 in vitro was studied using animal tissue homogenates. Ten C57 mice were used to establish fear memory mouse models (fear group, n=6; control group 2, n=4), and the percentage of freezing time was compared between 2 groups. MicroPET scans were used to detect the intracranial distribution of 18F-SQKJ-2, and the relative uptake in each brain region compared to total brain uptake was calculated. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the differences in CB1 receptor relative total brain uptake in fear-related brain regions between 2 groups. Independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. Results:18F-SQKJ-2 was successfully synthesized with a radiochemical purity ≥98.0% and a corrected radioactive yield of (12.3±6.0)%( n=4). In vitro metabolic stability experiments showed that 18F-SQKJ-2 was basically stable in the liver, blood, and brain within 60min. The CB1 receptor blocking experiment demonstrated that the uptake of 18F-SQKJ-2 in the brains of mice in blocking group was significantly lower than that in control group 1 ((0.95±0.28) vs (3.44±1.16) %ID/g; t=-3.57, P=0.023). The percentage of freezing time in fear group was significantly higher than that in control group 2 (43.28%(39.46%, 52.93%) vs 2.74%(1.52%, 4.85%); Z=-2.45, P=0.010). 18F-SQKJ-2 microPET imaging showed that the uptake of 18F-SQKJ-2 in the cerebral cortex of mice in fear group was significantly increased compared with that in control group 2 ((5.83±0.47)% vs (5.00±0.52)%; t=2.42, P=0.046). Conclusion:18F-SQKJ-2 is successfully prepared with acceptable radiochemical purity and metabolic stability, demonstrating potential for visualizing and quantifying fear memory.
6.Method for evaluating a rat model of uterine adhesions
Chuting CUI ; Junwei LI ; Yi FANG ; Yan ZAN ; He REN ; Liangjun XIA
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(8):102-110
Objective To explore the method for grading the degree of uterine adhesion in a rat model.Methods A rat model of uterine adhesion was established using the double-injury method.Paraffin sections were observed using HE staining and Masson staining to compare morphological changes in the uterus,endometrial thickness,gland and vessel counts,uterine cavity area,and adhesion severity.Rat sections were classified into three grades based on uterine cavity area for comparative analysis.Results The average uterine cavity area and uterine cavity area/endometrial layer area were smaller in rats in the model group compared with the blank group(P<0.01).The uterine cavity area/endometrial layer area ratio was categorized into grades Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ,with a significant difference among the grades(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusions The uterine cavity area/endometrial layer area ratio may reflect the grading difference in the degree of uterine adhesion in rats with uterine adhesions.This ratio may thus be used as a grading-evaluation criterion in the rat model of uterine adhesion,with implications for diagnostic grading in this model.
7.Research advances in the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathological mechanisms of multiple sclerosis:a review
Sihua HUANG ; Zheyi ZHOU ; Shuo WANG ; Junwei ZHONG ; Hongen YAN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(8):158-167
Multiple sclerosis(MS)is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammatory demyelination in the central nervous system.Prominent symptoms include damage to myelin sheaths in the brain,optic nerve,and spinal cord,as well as axonal dysfunction;however,the exact causes and mechanisms of MS remain unclear.Genetic and environmental factors are thought to interact via autoimmune mechanisms,potentially triggering the disease.Recent studies suggest that abnormal activation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MS.In this context,this review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying NLRP3 activation and its connection to MS,considering relevant literature from the past decade.The findings aim to provide insights into the progression of MS and to identify potential therapeutic strategies by elucidating the underlying mechanisms.
8.Progress in mechanism of complement system involved in pathological pain
Yan LUO ; Xuan LIANG ; Jingran MU ; Tao XU ; Junwei ZENG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(2):343-350
The complement system comprises intrinsic complement components,complement regulatory pro-teins,and complement receptors.Complement activation plays a role in promoting the sensitization of peripheral pain re-ceptors,enhancing immune cell activity,and participating in the regulation of axon regeneration after nerve injury.The in-teraction of the complement system contributes to the development and maintenance of pathological pain,affecting the dor-sal root ganglion neurons,spinal dorsal horn,and brain.Consequently,targeting the complement system holds promise as a therapeutic approach for neuropathic pain treatment.This paper reviews the progress in understanding the functions of the complement system and its implications in pathological pain,offering valuable insights for the future development of targeted drug therapies.
9.Research progress on the activation of complement system is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer′s disease
Jingran MU ; Yan LUO ; Xuan LIANG ; Tao XU ; Junwei ZENG ; Xiaohong LIU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(6):663-668
Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a common neurodegenerative disease,which is mainly caused by brain lesions.The activation of complement system plays an important role in the process of AD lesions.The activated complement can bind to cell membrane receptors and regulate downstream signals.Therefore,inhibiting complement activation provides a new idea for AD treatment.This article reviews the progress in the mechanism and drug development of complement activation in AD,which may provide a new perspective for the diagnosis,treatment and drug development of AD.
10.Research progress on the mechanism of CRMP2 phosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease
Xuan LIANG ; Jingran MU ; Yan LUO ; Tao XU ; Junwei ZENG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(10):1467-1472
Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a common neurological degenerative disease.Collapsin response mediator protein2(CRMP2)plays an important role in the progression of AD.Hyperphosphorylation of CRMP2 results in decreased stability of axonal terminal microtubules and abnormal axoplasmic transport of neurons,which leads to abnormal mitochondrial dynamics of neurons,inhibits the ability of lysosomal autophagy,and leads to excessive activation of NMDA receptors.The phosphorylation of CRMP2 provides a new idea for AD drug develop-ment.In this review,the molecular mechanisms of CRMP2 involved in AD are reviewed,which can provide refer-ences for the development of targeted drugs.

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