1.Mass Spectrometry-based Antibody Sequencing Technologies
Sheng-Mei LIU ; Peng XUE ; Xiao-Jian WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):840-854
Antibodies play a critical role in adaptive immune responses and serve as key components in disease diagnosis and treatment. These molecules exhibit dynamic post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, which regulate their effector functions. To date, nearly all of our knowledge about antibody repertoires has come from B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing (BCR-seq), which facilitates the profiling of clonal composition and the tracing of maturation trajectories within B-cell repertoires. However, circulating antibodies found in bodily fluids—such as serum, saliva, milk, mucosal secretions, and cerebrospinal fluid—exhibit diversities and specificities beyond what BCR-seq alone can predict. Therefore, identifying and quantifying antibody clonotypes at the protein level could enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies in personalized medicine. The critical gap between genotype and phenotype necessitates complementary methodologies that enable the direct characterization of antibody proteins in their native functional states. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) is currently the only feasible approach for this task and primarily includes database-dependent methods—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—as well as database-independent de novo sequencing technology. These strategies enable multi-level, high-precision characterization ranging from peptides and domains to intact antibody molecules. Unlike the shotgun strategy commonly used in routine proteomics, obtaining full sequences of all antibodies presents unique challenges. It requires specialized methodological adaptations to address issues related to dynamic range, sequence variation, and sample complexity. This review introduces the technical principles, methodological workflows, and recent applications of various mass spectrometry-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) strategies, with a focus on approaches designed to improve sequence coverage and identification accuracy. These include multi-enzyme digestion, hybrid fragmentation methods, and artificial intelligence-assisted de novo sequencing. By systematically comparing database-dependent techniques—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—with database-independent de novo sequencing, this review outlines their respective advantages and limitations in terms of sample throughput, sequence coverage, post-translational modification characterization, and data analysis complexity. In addition, this review discusses emerging technological trends, including the integration of ion mobility separation, native mass spectrometry, and artificial intelligence-driven data interpretation, which are expected to enhance the depth and accuracy of antibody characterization. Although current methods continue to face challenges related to sample complexity, dynamic range, and unambiguous sequence variant assignment, we emphasize the importance of integrating BCR-seq and Ab-seq data to construct gene-protein association maps. These maps help validate sequence accuracy and facilitate epitope discovery. This dual-platform strategy helps bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, thereby enhancing both the resolution and scope of antibody repertoire studies. Such an integrative approach also offers a valuable tool for therapeutic antibody development, structure-function analysis, and precise evaluation of vaccine efficacy.
2.Engineered MSCs-EV for repairing cartilage damage with a focus on delivery of curcumin
Xiao-ming DU ; Yu-lin MA ; Xue-qing DUAN ; Zhao-xi YANG ; Xian-zhe ZHANG ; Jin-ming ZHANG ; Yi-mei HU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1222-1226
Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration,and the extracellular vesicle(EV)released by them holds great promise for applications in clinical biomarkers,vaccines,and drug delivery.However,MSCs-derived EV(MSCs-EV)face challenges such as low pro-duction yield,poor retention,and targeted delivery issues.There-fore,engineering MSCs-EV to enhance their performance and en-able visual research has become a hot topic.Curcumin(CUR),an active component in traditional chinese medicine,exhibits pharmacological effects but has limited bioavailability.Using MSCs-EV as a carrier for CUR delivery can address its solubility and bioavailability challenges.This article reviews the drug loading methods,engineering strategies of MSCs-EV,and their important applications in the delivery and treatment of CUR for cartilage injury diseases.It provides a basis for the clinical ap-plication of engineered MSCs-EV in CUR delivery for cartilage repair,offering potential solutions to the challenges in cartilage tissue repair.
3.Effect of total flavones of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt on vascular dementia by inhibiting miR-93-mediated TLR4 signaling pathway and its mechanism
Meng-ying HU ; Dong-mei YANG ; Yi-zhong ZHU ; Qin-lan LIANG ; Houwati NUERBAHETI ; Xiao-jun YANG ; Hasimu HAMULATI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1237-1244
Aim To investigate the effect of total fla-vones of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt(CF)on cognitive im-pairment in vascular dementia(VD).Methods The VD rat models were established by modified bilateral common carotid arteries ligation method.SD rats were divided into the sham operation group,model group,positive control group(nicergoline),and low,medium,and high dose CF groups.After eight weeks of admin-istration,the short term memory and spatial learning and memory abilities were evaluated by the platform jumping test,dark avoidance test and Morris water maze test.The pathological changes of the hippocam-pal tissues were inspected by HE and Nissl staining.The contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in the hippocampal were examined by ELISA.The protein expression lev-els of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65,and p-NF-κB p65 in the hippocampal were detected by Western blot.The mRNA expression levels of miR-93,TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB p65 in the hippocampal were determined by qRT-PCR.Results CF obviously improved the short term memory and spatial learning and memory abilities of VD rats,and alleviated the pathological damage of the hippocampus.CF also obviously decreased the lev-els of TNF-α and IL-1β,declined the protein expres-sion levels of TLR4,MyD88,and p-NF-κB p65,and re-duced the miR-93,TLR4,and MyD88 mRNA expres-sion in the hippocampus.Conclusion CF has a nota-ble protective effect on the neuroinflammation and cog-nitive impairments in VD rats by inhibiting the miR-93-mediated TLR4 signaling pathway.
4.Salidroside alleviates progression of Parkinson's disease by modulating inflammatory responses
Xiao-lin DONG ; Gang WU ; Yan-ping LI ; Li-juan ZHANG ; Fu-rong JIN ; Rui LI ; Hong-mei LI ; Xiao-xiao ZHANG ; Qing-yun LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1340-1345
Aim To explore the neuroprotective effects of salidroside on Parkinson's disease(PD)through modulation of inflammatory responses and the underly-ing mechanisms.Methods Mice were divided into five groups:healthy control group,1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)disease group,low-dose Rhodioloside intervention group,medium-dose salidroside intervention group,and high-dose salidro-side intervention group.MPTP-induced PD mouse model was established,and salidroside intervention was administered.Behavioral changes,inflammatory cyto-kine levels,autophagy-related protein expression,and neurons were observed through histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining.Results After MPTP treatment,mice exhibited significant behavioral chan-ges,increased pro-inflammatory cytokines,decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines,reduced autophagy-related proteins,and evident pyroptosis.Salidroside interven-tion alleviated these changes in a dose-dependent man-ner.Conclusions Salidroside exerts neuroprotective effects on PD by alleviating inflammatory responses and promoting autophagy,thereby protecting neurons.
5.Tumor microenvironment metabolism:an ongoing therapeutic target
Ji-tong ZHAO ; Mei-qi FENG ; Xiao-yan ZHANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):724-732
Tumor microenvironment(TME)is the foundation for tumor survival,which is composed of various types of cells,tumor blood vessels,secretory factors,and extracellular matrix(ECM)within the tumor.The unique regulatory mechanism triggered by the vigorous metabolic demand of tumor plays an important role in its tumorigenesis,metastasis,invasion,and treatment resistance.A deeper understanding of the metabolic transformation and tumor-immune cell interactions in the TME will enable the development of therapeutic technologies that precisely target TME metabolism,facilitate the development of combination treatment strategies,and improve the clinical response rate of existing immunotherapies.This paper reviews the composition,metabolism and regulatory mechanisms of TME,summarizes the research progress of immunotherapy strategies targeting the physiological characteristics of TME,and discusses the prospects for clinical application of precision immunotherapy strategies targeting TME,which are expected to enhance immunotherapy drugs response and infiltration degree.
6.PKCβ inhibitor modulates macrophage phenotype and affects kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury during transplantation
Chunyan LI ; Ting XIAO ; Bangcui WU ; Yong CHEN ; Mei TIAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(1):23-29
Objective To investigate whether PKCβ inhibitor can alleviate RIRI by regulating macrophage phenotype.Methods Rats in the renal ischemia-reperfusion injury(RIRI)model group underwent right nephrec-tomy followed by a 60-minute clamping of the left renal pedicle.In the experimental group(Inhibitor+RIRI),PKCβ inhibitors were administered orally one day prior to surgery.All rats were euthanized 24 hours post-surgery for the collection of blood and left kidney samples.Renal function,tissue morphology,and the expression levels of renal tubular injury marker KIM-1,renal papilla injury marker RPA-1,macrophage subtype markers,and inflammatory factors were evaluated.Results PKCβ inhibitors alleviated renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.PAS staining revealed marked tubular damage in kidney sections from the RIRI group,whereas kidney inflammatory cell infiltra-tion and renal tubular injury scores were significantly reduced in the Inhibitor+RIRI group following PKCβ inhibitor treatment(all P<0.05).The expression levels of Cr,BUN,KIM-1,and RPA-1 were markedly elevated in the RIRI group compared to the Sham and Inhibitor+RIRI groups(all P<0.05).After PKCβ inhibitor intervention,the expression levels of Cr,BUN,KIM-1,and RPA-1 were significantly decreased in the Inhibitor+RIRI group relative to the RIRI group(all P<0.05).Protein expression levels of iNOS,IL-2,and CD197 in the kidney tissue of the RIRI group were significantly higher than those in the Sham and Inhibitor+RIRI groups(all P<0.05).Compared with the RIRI group,the protein expression levels of iNOS,IL-12,and CD197 were significantly reduced in the Inhibitor+RIRI group following PKC β inhibitor intervention(all P<0.05).Additionally,the protein expression levels of Dectin-1,ARG-1,and CD163 were significantly higher in the Inhibitor+RIRI group than in the RIRI and Sham groups after PKCβ inhibitor intervention(all P<0.05).Conclusions PKCβ inhibitors can mitigate renal dysfunction,renal tubular injury,and the expression of injury markers in the renal tubules and renal papilla follow-ing ischemia-reperfusion.Additionally,PKCβ inhibitors play a role in modulating macrophage subtypes by reducing M1 macrophages and promoting polarization to M2,which leads to a decrease in pro-inflammatory factors and an increase in anti-inflammatory factors,ultimately facilitating kidney repair.
7.Cordycepin attenuates gentamicin-induced kidney injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis
Lin YUE ; Cao-mei XU ; Min-yan QIAN ; Wen-ting ZHANG ; Xiao ZHENG ; Lu-jun CHEN ; Jing-ting JIANG ; Nan HU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):65-70
Aim To investigate the effect of cordycepin(COR)on gentamicin(GEN)-induced nephrotoxicity and the molecular mechanism of inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis induced by GEN.Methods The oral SD rats were divided into a control group,GEN group,and GEN+COR group.Following the success-ful setting up of the animal model,the serum creatinine(CR)and urea nitrogen(BUN)levels of rats were measured,and renal tissue injury was assessed using HE staining.In addition,the contents of malondialde-hyde and glutathione in kidney tissues of SD rats in each group were detected,and the expressions of fer-roptosis markers GPX4 and SLC7A11 were analyzed by Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,CR and BUN in GEN-stimulated group signifi-cantly increased(P<0.01),and the level of CR and BUN was effectively reduced after 50 mg·kg-1 COR oral administration.HE results also showed that COR could alleviate the kidney tissue damage caused by GEN.COR could reverse the increase of malondialde-hyde level and the decrease of glutathione level caused by GEN in rat kidney tissue,and COR could restore the decrease of GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein levels induced by GEN.Conclusion COR can reduce GEN-induced kidney injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and ferrop-tosis.
8.Colonization and transmission of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneu-moniae in intensive care unit
Xiang CHEN ; Xiaodong GAO ; Chunmei ZHOU ; Shenglei HUANG ; Wenyan PAN ; Xiao LIU ; Jinghua MEI ; Qingfeng SHI
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(1):77-84
Objective To explore and analyze the characteristics and transmission routes of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)strains in intensive care unit(ICU).Methods From January to October 2023,17 clinical infection isolates(clinical infection group),5 active screening isolates(active screening group),and 7 envi-ronmental isolates(environmental group)of CRKP in the liver surgery ICU of a hospital were selected and analyzed by whole-genome sequencing.The differences in resistance genes,virulence genes,and sequence typing(ST)were compared,and transmission routes were analyzed based on the phylogenetic tree.Results 29 strains of CRKP car-ried 4-18 resistance genes and 52-98 virulence genes,respectively.There were no statistically significant diffe-rences in genotype distribution of resistance genes,the number of virulence genes,and gene types among three groups of CRKP(all P>0.05).ST showed that 29 CRKP strains mainly consisted of two categories:ST11 and ST15.Based on the phylogenetic tree constructed from the core genome,there were 7 highly homologous groups of CRKP,among which 4 groups had clear epidemiological associations.Conclusion CRKP in ICU carries more re-sistance and virulence genes,and some strains are highly homologous in ST and phylogenetic tree,which may lead to cross transmission.In the future,prevention and control measures should be strengthened to reduce the trans-mission of CRKP.
9.Oxymatrine,a novel TLR2 agonist,promotes megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis through the STING/NF-κB pathway
Chengyang NI ; Ling ZHOU ; Shuo YANG ; Mei RAN ; Jiesi LUO ; Kui CHENG ; Feihong HUANG ; Xiaoqin TANG ; Xiang XIE ; Dalian QIN ; Qibing MEI ; Long WANG ; Juan XIAO ; Jianming WU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):208-229
Radiation-induced thrombocytopenia(RIT)faces a perplexing challenge in the clinical treatment of cancer patients,and current therapeutic approaches are inadequate in the clinical settings.In this research,oxy-matrine,a new molecule capable of healing RIT was screened out,and the underlying regulatory mecha-nism associated with magakaryocyte(MK)differentiation and thrombopoiesis was demonstrated.The capacity of oxymatrine to induce MK differentiation was verified in K-562 and Meg-01 cells in vitro.The ability to induce thrombopoiesis was subsequently demonstrated in Tg(cd41:enhanced green fluorescent protein(eGFP))zebrafish and RIT model mice.In addition,we carried out network pharmacological pre-diction,drug affinity responsive target stability assay(DARTS)and cellular thermal shift assay(CETSA)analyses to explore the potential targets of oxymatrine.Moreover,the pathway underlying the effects of oxymatrine was determined by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses,Western blot(WB),and immunofluorescence.Oxymatrine markedly promoted MK differentiation and maturation in vitro.Moreover,oxymatrine induced thrombopoiesis in Tg(cd41:eGFP)zebrafish and accelerated thrombopoiesis and platelet function recovery in RIT model mice.Mechanistically,oxymatrine directly binds to toll-like receptor 2(TLR2)and further regulates the downstream pathway stimulator of interferon genes(STING)/nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB),which can be blocked by C29 and C-176,which are specific inhibitors of TLR2 and STING,respectively.Taken together,we demonstrated that oxymatrine,a novel TLR2 agonist,plays a critical role in accelerating MK differentiation and thrombopoiesis via the STING/NF-κB axis,suggesting that oxymatrine is a promising candidate for RIT therapy.
10.Simultaneous content determination of eleven constituents in Bunao Soft Capsules by HPLC
Ting CHEN ; Xue-mei WANG ; Shuai-yin LI ; Xi-xiang LI ; Ya-li ZHOU ; Xiao-feng LI ; Shou-yuan YANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2144-2148
AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural,chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,strychnine,paeoniflorin,ferulic acid,paeoniflorin Ⅰ,epimedium glycoside,psoralen,isopsoralen and glycyrrhetinic acid in Bunao Soft Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 35 ℃ thermostatic Waters Symmetry C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 230,280 nm.RESULTS Eleven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r>0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 98.47%-103.30%with RSDs of 1.13%-2.80%.CONCLUSION This simple and reliable method can be used for the quality control of Bunao Soft Capsules.

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