Ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctrine says "The superior doctor prevents illnesses," pointing out preventative medicine as the ultimate goal for medical care. TCM recognizes that genetic predisposition and environmental and lifestyle influences contribute to diseases. It divides people into eight constitutions in addition to one normal/healthy kind. People with one of the eight subhealth constitutions are prone to develop different kinds of corresponding illnesses. The goal for this type of categorization is to help people take preemptive measures to prevent or delay disease onset. As the peripheral immune system through surveying the body, it can capture information from essentially all organs and reflect anomalies occurring in each organ. Thus, the detailed profiling of the peripheral immune-system function can generally reflect a person's overall heath state. In this study, we performed the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with Tanshi (phlegm dampness) constitution. They were prone to develop metabolic disorders including diabetes. scRNA-seq revealed greatly reduced mucosal-associated invariable T cell content and heightened TNFα-NFκB, JAK-STAT, and interferon signaling. These findings indicated heightened chronic inflammation, as well as increased hypoxia/apoptosis responses, likely resulting from frequent sleep apnea that Tanshi individuals experienced. Altogether, this pilot study demonstrated effectiveness in using scRNA-seq to reveal molecular-immunological bases for constitution categorization, thereby substantiating that preventative medicine originated from TCM.
Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism* ; Male ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Transcriptome ; Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis

Objective To construct a library of human-derived anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) single-chain variable fragments (scFv) and screen for broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies to identify candidate molecules for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the peripheral blood of patients who had recovered from novel coronavirus infection. Total RNA was extracted from these PBMCs and reverse transcribed into cDNA, which was used as a template for constructing a human anti-SARS-CoV-2 scFv library. Phage display technology was used to screen for scFv antibodies specific to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Full-length IgG antibodies were synthesized through sequence analysis and human IgG expression, and their binding capacity and neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 were evaluated. Results A human-derived scFv antibody library against SARS-CoV-2 with a capacity of 1.56×10⁷ CFU was successfully constructed. Two specific scFv antibodies were screened from this library and expressed as full-length IgG antibodies (IgG-A10 and IgG-G6). IgG-A10 exhibited strong neutralizing activity against both the original SARS-CoV-2 strain (WT) and the XBB subvariant of the Omicron variant. However, the neutralizing activity of this antibody against the JN.1 sub lineage of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant was moderate. Conclusion This study has successfully constructed a human anti-SARS-CoV-2 scFv antibody library from the peripheral blood of recovered patients, and screened and expressed anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies with neutralizing activity, laying a foundation for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Humans ; Single-Chain Antibodies/genetics* ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology* ; COVID-19/immunology* ; Immunoglobulin G/genetics* ; Antibodies, Viral/genetics* ; Peptide Library ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology* ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology* ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology* ; Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies/immunology*

Objective To explore the alterations in macrophage polarization and the expression of decorin (DCN) protein in the decidua of patients with missed abortion (MA), as well as to elucidate the regulatory effect of DCN on macrophage polarization. Methods Flow cytometry was employed to assess the polarization ratio of decidual macrophages in MA, recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and normal pregnancy (NP); The expression and localization of DCN and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in decidua and villi were assessed by immunohistochemistry staining, while their protein levels were measured by Western blot. Primary trophoblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived macrophages were isolated and cultured. ELISA was conducted to quantify DCN levels in the culture supernatant of primary trophoblast and PBMC-derived macrophages. Additionally, flow cytometry was applied to evaluate the polarization ratio of PBMC-derived macrophages. Immunofluorescence cytochemical staining was conducted to examine HIF-1α expression in macrophages. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of proteins related to the gene associated with retinoid-IFN-induced mortality 19 (GRIM-19)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/HIF-1α signaling pathway in macrophages. Results The polarization ratio of M1 macrophages in the decidua of abortion patients was significantly higher than that of NP, whereas the ratio of M2 macrophages was significantly lower. The expression of DCN and HIF-1α protein were significantly evaluated in abortion patients compared to NP. The supernatant DCN content and HIF-1α protein expression of primary trophoblast and PBMC-derived macrophages cultured under 10 mL/L O₂ for 24 hours were markedly increased compared to cells treated with 210 mL/L O₂. Compared with the PBS group, the proportion of M1 macrophage and GRIM-19 protein expression were significantly reduced in the DCN group, while phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) and HIF-1α protein expression were significantly increased. Conclusion The expression of DCN in decidua and villi of MA is higher than that of NP. DCN exhibits an inhibitory effect on the M1 polarization of PBMCs-derived macrophages, which is likely mediated through the GRIM-19/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway.
Humans ; Female ; Decidua/metabolism* ; Macrophages/cytology* ; Decorin/genetics* ; Pregnancy ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism* ; Adult ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/cytology* ; Abortion, Missed/genetics* ; STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Young Adult

Objective To clarify the mechanism that HIV infection mediates mitochondrial damage of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes (CD4⁺ T cells) through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Methods From October 1st, 2022 to March 31st, 2023, 47 HIV-infected people who received antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 4 years were recruited, including 22 immune non-responders (INR) and 25 responders (IR); and 26 sex and age-matched control participants (HC) who were negative for HCV, HBV, and HIV infections. The immune parameters were analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HC or HIV patients were treated with MAPK pathway inhibitor SB203580, and the changes of mitochondrial function of CD4⁺ T cells were observed. Results Compared with HC group, the proportion of CD4⁺ T cells in PBMCs in INR group and IR group was significantly lower, and the proportion of CD4⁺ T cells in PBMCs in INR group was significantly lower than that in IR group. In addition, the proportion of naive (CD45RA⁺CD27⁺)T cells in PBMCs in INR group was significantly lower than that in HC group and IR group. Compared with HC group and IR group, the proportions of CD4⁺PD-1⁺, CD4⁺Av⁺ and CD4⁺MO⁺ in PBMCs in INR group and the proportions of CD45RA⁺CD27⁺PD-1⁺, CD45RA⁺CD27⁺Av⁺, CD45RA⁺CD27⁺MO⁺ in CD4⁺ T cell subsets increased significant. Compared with HC-con group, the basal respiration, maximal respiration and adenosine triphosphate(ATP) production of CD4⁺ T cells in HIV-con group decreased significantly, and JC-1 (green/red) in CD4⁺ T cells increased significantly. Compared with HIV-con group, the basal respiration, maximal respiration, ATP production and respiratory potential of CD4⁺ T cells in HIV-SB203580 group increased significantly, and the JC-1 (green/red) in CD4⁺ T cells decreased significantly. Conclusion Abnormal activation of the MAPK signaling pathway is observed in HIV patients receiving ART treatment, especially in CD4⁺ T cells of INR patients, which may lead to impaired mitochondrial function and abnormal CD4⁺ T cell homeostasis.
Humans ; HIV Infections/immunology* ; Male ; Mitochondria/drug effects* ; Female ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Pyridines/pharmacology* ; Imidazoles/pharmacology* ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology*

OBJECTIVE: To obtain detailed understanding on the gene regulation of natural compounds in altering prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSC). METHODS: Gene expression data of HNSC samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HNSC patients were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differential gene expression analysis of GEO datasets were achieved by the GEO2R tool. Common differentially expressed gerres (DEGs) were screened by comparing DEGs of HNSC with those of PBMCs. The combination was further analyzed for regulating pathways and biological processes that were affected. RESULTS: Totally 110 DEGs were retrieved and identified to be involved in biological processes related to tumor regulation. Then 102 natural compounds were screened for a combination such that the expression of all 110 commonly DEGs was altered. A combination of salidroside, ginsenoside Rd, oridonin, britanin, and scutellarein was chosen. A multifaceted, multi-dimensional tumor regression was showed by altering autophagy, apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and inflammatory cytokines production. CONCLUSIONS This study has helped develop a unique combination of natural compounds that will markedly reduce the propensity of development of drug resistance in tumors and immune evasion by tumors. The result is crucial to developing a combinatorial natural therapeutic cocktail with accentuated immunotherapeutic potential.
Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/drug therapy* ; Immunotherapy ; Prognosis

Objective To investigate the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the regulation of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in the peripheral blood of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted from normal healthy individuals and AR patients, then stimulated with CGRP, interleukin 33 (IL-33) and CGRP combined with IL-33 for 3 days, with blank stimulus as control. The percentage of ILC2 in the four groups was measured by flow cytometry. After being sorted, ILC2 was given to CGRP, IL-33 and CGRP combined with IL-33 stimulation for 3 days, with blank stimulus as control. The percentage of IL-5 and IL-13 positive cells in ILC2 was detected by flow cytometry, and the levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in ILC2 supernatant were measured by ELISA. Results The percentage of ILC2 in the peripheral blood of AR patients was significantly higher than that of the control group. The levels of IL-5⁺ILC2 and IL-13⁺ILC2 were significantly increased by IL-33 single stimulation after culturing PBMCs. After adding IL-33 combined with CGRP stimulation, the levels of IL-5⁺ILC2 and IL-13⁺ILC2 in PBMCs were significantly reduced; after CGRP single stimulation, the levels of IL-5⁺ILC2 and IL-13⁺ILC2 in PBMCs were further decreased. After ILC2 was sorted and cultured, the levels of IL-5⁺ILC2 and IL-13⁺ILC2 showed significant increase after IL-33 single stimulation. The levels of IL-5⁺ILC2 and IL-13⁺ILC2 were decreased by IL-33 and CGRP co-stimulation, and they were further reduced after CGRP single stimulation. Compared to IL-33 single stimulation, IL-5 and IL-13 levels dropped significantly due to the IL-33 and CGRP co-stimulation. The levels of IL-5 and IL-13 were further reduced by CGRP single stimulation. Conclusion CGRP inhibits the proliferation and activation of peripheral blood ILC2 in AR and exert anti-inflammatory effects in AR.
Humans ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/pharmacology* ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; Immunity, Innate ; Interleukin-33/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-13 ; Lymphocytes ; Interleukin-5/pharmacology* ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Cell Proliferation

Objective To investigate the expressions of IL-18, IL-18 binding protein isoform a (IL-18BPa) and IL-18 receptor α (IL-18Rα) in blood CD4⁺ Th2 cells of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and the effects of allergens on their expressions. Methods Blood samples of AR patients and healthy control subjects (HCs) were collected. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4⁺ T cells sorted by immunomagnetic beads were stimulated by crude extract of Artemisia sieversiana wild allergen (ASWE), Platanus pollen (PPE) and house dust mite extract (HDME). Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of IL-18, IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα in CD4⁺ Th2 cells, and BioPlex was used to detect the level of plasma IL-4 and analyze its correlation with the proportion of IL-18⁺ Th2 cells. Results Compared with HCs, the proportion of IL-18⁺ cells was increased in Th2 cells of AR patients; MFI of IL-18 was increased, while that of IL-18Rα was decreased. Moreover, allergens induced IL-18 and IL-18Rα expression in sorted CD4⁺ Th2 cells of HCs and induced IL-18Rα in that of AR patients. Additionally, elevated plasma IL-4 level was found in AR patients, which was moderately correlated with the percentage of IL-18⁺ Th2 cells. Conclusion Allergens may be involved in the pathogenesis of AR by inducing expression of IL-18 in peripheral blood CD4⁺ Th2 cells.
Humans ; Th2 Cells ; Interleukin-18/metabolism* ; Up-Regulation ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism* ; Interleukin-4/metabolism* ; Rhinitis, Allergic/metabolism* ; Allergens ; Cytokines/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with ectopic high OCT4 expression on T-cell proliferation, activation and secretion in vitro. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy children. Anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies were used to activate T lymphocytes, which were stimulated by interleukin (IL)-2 for one week in vitro. Then MSCs with ectopic high OCT4 expression (MSC-OCT4) were co-cultured with activated T lymphocytes. After one week of co-culture, the supernatant was collected and the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines [IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ] were determined by flow cytometry. The lymphocytes after one week of co-culture were collected and counted by Countstar software. After the proportions of activated/inactivated T cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry, the absolute lymphocyte counts were calculated and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: Compared with control T cell alone culture group, the proliferation of CD3⁺ T cells, CD3⁺CD4⁺ T cells, and CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells were significantly inhibited in MSC group and MSC-OCT4 group. Compared with MSC, MSC-OCT4 could inhibit CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cell proliferation better (P =0.049), and mainly inhibited early T cell activation. Compared with control T cell alone culture group, the levels of IL-2 and INF-γ were significantly down-regulated both in MSC group and MSC-OCT4 group.After co-culture with T cells for one week, the level of IL-6 significantly increased in MSC group and MSC-OCT4 group compared with that before co-culture. Compared with control MSC group, MSC-OCT4 group had higher viable cell numbers after 1 week of co-culture (P =0.019), and could resist the inhibition of proliferation by higher concentration of mitomycin C. CONCLUSION Both MSC and MSC-OCT4 can inhibit the proliferation and activation of IL-2-stimulated T cells in vitro. After overexpression of OCT4, MSC has better proliferation ability in vitro and can inhibit the proliferation of CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells more effectively, which may have a better and more lasting immunosuppressive ability to regulate the balance of Th1/Th2.
Child ; Humans ; Bone Marrow Cells ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Interleukin-2 ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism* ; Lymphocyte Activation ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of miR-125b on T cell activation in patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and its molecular mechanism. METHODS: A total of 30 AA patients were enrolled in department of hematology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital from January 2018 to October 2021, as well as 15 healthy individuals as healthy control (HC) group. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, in which the levels of miR-125b and B7-H4 mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR. Immunomagnetic beads were used to separate naive T cells and non-naive T cells from AA patients and healthy people to detect the levels of miR-125b and B7-H4 mRNA. Lentivirus LV-NC inhibitor and LV-miR-125b inhibitor were transfected into cells, and T cell activation was detected by flow cytometry. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the targetting relationship between miR-125b and B7-H4. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the levels of miR-125b, CD40L, ICOS, IL-10 mRNA and B7-H4 protein. RESULTS: Compared with HC group, the expression of miR-125b was up-regulated but B7-H4 mRNA was down-regulated in PBMCs of AA patients (P <0.05), and the proportions of CD4⁺CD69⁺ T cells and CD8⁺CD69⁺ T cells in PBMCs of AA patients were higher (P <0.05). The expression of miR-125b was significantly up-regulated but B7-H4 mRNA was down-regulated in both naive T cells and non-naive T cells of AA patients (P <0.05), and non-naive T cells was more significant than naive T cells (P <0.05). Compared with NC inhibitor group, the expression of miR-125b was significantly decreased, the expression level of CD69 on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in PBMCs was also significantly decreased, while the luciferase activity was significantly increased after co-transfection of miR-125b inhibitor and B7-H4-3'UTR-WT in the miR-125b inhibitor group (P <0.05). Compared with NC inhibitor group, the mRNA and protein levels of B7-H4 were significantly increased in the miR-125b inhibitor group (P <0.05). Compared with miR-125b inhibitor+shRNA group, the expression levels of CD69 on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were significantly increased, and the levels of CD40L, ICOS and IL-10 mRNA were also significantly increased in the miR-125b inhibitor+sh-B7-H4 group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION MiR-125b may promote T cell activation by targetting B7-H4 in AA patients.
Humans ; Anemia, Aplastic/genetics* ; CD40 Ligand/metabolism* ; Interleukin-10 ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism* ; Luciferases ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Lymphocyte Activation ; T-Lymphocytes/metabolism*

Although the development of COVID-19 vaccines has been a remarkable success, the heterogeneous individual antibody generation and decline over time are unknown and still hard to predict. In this study, blood samples were collected from 163 participants who next received two doses of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (CoronaVac®) at a 28-day interval. Using TMT-based proteomics, we identified 1,715 serum and 7,342 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) proteins. We proposed two sets of potential biomarkers (seven from serum, five from PBMCs) at baseline using machine learning, and predicted the individual seropositivity 57 days after vaccination (AUC = 0.87). Based on the four PBMC's potential biomarkers, we predicted the antibody persistence until 180 days after vaccination (AUC = 0.79). Our data highlighted characteristic hematological host responses, including altered lymphocyte migration regulation, neutrophil degranulation, and humoral immune response. This study proposed potential blood-derived protein biomarkers before vaccination for predicting heterogeneous antibody generation and decline after COVID-19 vaccination, shedding light on immunization mechanisms and individual booster shot planning.
Humans ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; Proteomics ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; Vaccination ; Antibodies ; Antibodies, Viral ; Antibodies, Neutralizing