1.Strategies of HIV-1 Vaccines Based on mRNA Platforms
Pei LIU ; Zhong-Yue FANG ; Xin-Xin CHEN ; Shao-Wei LI ; Ying GU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):826-839
Since its emergence in the 1980s, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused a global pandemic, posing a severe threat to human life and health as well as social development. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively curbs HIV transmission and antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly extends the lifespan of patients, vaccines remain a pivotal tool for blocking transmission and ending the pandemic. The high genetic variability of HIV-1, the glycan shield of its envelope glycoproteins, and the long-term persistence of latent reservoirs have repeatedly led to bottlenecks in traditional vaccine strategies. In recent years, mRNA technology has offered a novel approach to addressing these challenges, leveraging advantages such as sequence programmability, short production cycles, native conformational expression of antigens, and self-adjuvant effects. In recent years, mRNA vaccine technology has emerged as a transformative solution to longstanding vaccinology challenges, characterized by its sequence programmability, rapid production cycles, native conformational antigen expression, and intrinsic self-adjuvanting properties. Unlike traditional platforms reliant on pathogen culture or recombinant proteins, mRNA vaccines can be expeditiously designed and updated based solely on viral genomic sequences. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA facilitates endogenous antigen expression and presentation, simultaneously eliciting potent humoral and cellular immune responses. Within this landscape, self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) further extends in vivo antigen expression to enhance the persistence of immune responses. Moreover, the LNP delivery system not only protects mRNA from degradation and mediates endosomal escape but also synergizes with mRNA to optimize immune activation via self-adjuvant effects. Importantly, mRNA platforms circumvent the pre-existing immunity associated with viral vectors and the genomic integration risks of DNA vaccines, positioning them as a cornerstone for global pandemic preparedness. This review systematically delineates recent advances in mRNA technology for HIV-1 vaccine development, focusing on four pivotal research frontiers. First, mRNA innovations building upon the RV144 trial optimize antigens through codon modification and multivalent designs to induce more durable and broad-spectrum immunity. Second, particulate mRNA vaccine strategies, utilizing virus-like particles (VLPs) and ferritin nanoparticles, achieve in situ antigen self-assembly, significantly enhancing B cell activation and reducing infection risks in non-human primate models. Third, germline-targeting mRNA vaccines address the low-affinity barrier of broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAp) precursors, efficiently activating rare precursor B cells and promoting affinity maturation. Fourth, therapeutic mRNA vaccines offer unique advantages for an HIV functional cure; combining immunogens with mRNA-encoded adjuvants potentiates cellular immunity, while LNP-mediated “shock-and-kill” strategies specifically activate latent reservoirs to guide immune clearance. Comparative analyses with traditional platforms reveal that mRNA technology redefines antigen production and presentation, simulating chronic infection through sustained expression and enabling dual-pathway presentation via endogenous synthesis. Furthermore, we explore the mechanistic innovations of mRNA vaccines in inducing bNAps: sustained in vivo production prolongs the activation window for precursor B cells and maintains germinal center (GC) reactions; endogenously expressed antigens adopt native conformations to expose conserved epitopes; and self-adjuvanting effects modulate the functions of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and follicular helper T cells (Tfh), driving somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation. We also address critical clinical translation challenges, including immune durability, adaptability to special populations, and large-scale LNP manufacturing, while proposing targeted optimization strategies. In conclusion, this review establishes a theoretical framework for utilizing mRNA technology to overcome HIV-1 immune escape, transitioning from a descriptive paradigm to a problem-solving-based synthesis of evidence. By integrating preclinical and early clinical data, we bridge the gap between basic design and translational verification. mRNA technology is poised to become a central pillar inHIV-1 prevention and therapy, providing a robust toolset to achieve the global goal of ending the AIDS pandemic and offering a blueprint for vaccine development against other recalcitrant infectious diseases.
2.Exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of irritable bowel syndrome from the
Yan XU ; Fang YANG ; Rongshi SHAO ; Huili SUN ; Juan LI ; Xin CHEN ; Jing HAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):10-15
This article adopts Professor CHEN Chaozu′s " sanjiao composed by membrane-striae" theory as its foundation to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and functional/structural abnormalities of the membrane-striae. Sanjiao encompasses both the tangible membrane and the intangible striae. These striae permeate the entire body,and their pathological changes comprehensively reflect qi,body fluids,and fasciae. Based on the physiological function of the membrane-striae in regulating qi and fluids,the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a disharmony of membrane-striae and an imbalance of the qi-fluid interactions. In the early stage,external pathogens,emotional factors,or dietary stimuli often cause membrane-striae constriction and disordered qi-fluid circulation. In the middle stage,stagnant fluids gradually transform into phlegm retention,leading to membrane-striae obstruction. In the late stage,deficiency of vital qi becomes predominant,manifesting as laxity of membrane-striae with impaired control or weakened conduction. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should adopt " unblocking" as the guiding principle. In the early stage,therapy should focus on eliminating pathogenic factors and soothing membrane-striae to promptly restore qi-fluid circulation,thereby attaining unblocking through spasm relief. In the middle stage,treatment should focus on resolving tangible obstructions in membrane-striae,achieving unblocking via dredging. In the late stage,the emphasis should shift to reinforcing healthy qi,particularly by strengthening spleen-kidney yang qi,and achieving unblocking through supplementation. Concurrently,throughout the entire treatment process,the regulation of mental state and easing of emotional tension should be integrated to alleviate patient′s anxiety,achieving the goal of holistic treatment of both body and mind.
3.Current awareness and optimization recommendations regarding the pneumonia with unknown etiology surveillance system among healthcare professionals in Shanghai
Qiwen FANG ; Chenyan JIANG ; Xin CHEN ; Huanyu WU ; Bihong JIN ; Xiaohuan GONG ; Shenghua MAO ; Qi QIU ; Ruobing HAN ; Huilin SHI ; Wenbin DONG ; Xin HU ; Jian CHEN ; Yaxu ZHENG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(6):482-487
ObjectiveTo investigate the current awareness and optimization recommendations on pneumonia with unknown etiology (PUE) surveillance among Shanghai healthcare professionals, and to provide evidence for the improvement of the surveillance system. MethodsIn December 2024, healthcare professional participants from diverse medical and health institutions were randomly selected within each stratum using a stratified cluster sampling method in all 16 districts of Shanghai for questionnaire surveys on their knowledge and suggestions for optimization of the PUE surveillance system. Descriptive statistics analyses, multivariate logistic regressions, and content analyses were used for data analyses. ResultsA total of 385 survey subjects were involved in the study, including 119 professional staffs from disease prevention and control centers and 266 from medical institutions. Those who understood the case definition for PUE correctly accounted for 67.01% (258/385). Multivariate regression model analyses showed that female gender (aOR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.36‒3.66), professionals from disease control institutions (aOR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.12‒3.72), and those who self-assessed as being familiar with the monitoring system (aOR=2.18, 95%CI:1.23‒3.89) had better understanding of the definition. Overall, 89.61% (345/385) of the survey subjects acknowledged the necessity of the surveillance system. Small number of cases meeting the case definition (54.46%, 214/379), insufficient diagnostic awareness (39.84%, 151/379), and lack of incentives for case reporting (29.29%, 111/379) were major problems for the current surveillance system, with variations observed across different types of institutions. Suggested segments for optimizing the surveillance system included monitoring purpose, case definition, form of monitoring and reporting procedure, organization mechanism, and epidemiological investigation and response. ConclusionThe necessity of PUE surveillance is commonly recognized among healthcare workers. However, the existing system falls short in terms of mastery of case definition and overall surveillance adaptability. There is an urgent need for optimization and improvement to enhance the capacity for preventing and controlling emerging and sudden respiratory infectious diseases.
4.Value of dual-energy CT quantitative parameters combined with clinical features in diagnosis of stages T2 and T3 colorectal cancer
Ni FANG ; Xin WEI ; Weijuan CHEN ; Mei FENG ; Lingjing ZHANG ; Yuexi LIU ; Qi LAI ; Xuan DING ; Xinjie LIU ; Wei JIANG ; Han YU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(2):177-185
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of our regression model based on quantitative parameters of dual-energy CT and clinical features for stages T2 and T3 colorectal cancer.Methods A cross-section study was performed on 91 patients with colorectal cancer confirmed by postoperative pathology in our hospital from January 2022 to November 2023.All of them underwent dual-energy CT examination.According to the pathological T staging criteria of Chinese Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Standard(2020 Edition),they were divided into T2 group(n=43)and T3 group(n=48).Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences in quantitative CT parameters and clinical features between the 2 groups,and the obtained significant variables were employed to construct diagnosis models by univariate or multivariate logistic regression analysis.The area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of the CT parametric model and the model combined with clinical features was compared to evaluate the efficacy of diagnosing T2 and T3 stages.Results Univariate analysis showed that carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),N stage,tumor location,tumor longest diameter(LD),CT value of virtual noncontrast(CT-VNC),fat fraction,electron density(Rho)and dual energy index(DEI)were significantly different between the T2 and T3 groups(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that N stage,tumor location,LD,fat fraction and DEI were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of stage T3.The AUC value of the model of above CT parameters in diagnosing stage T3 colorectal cancer was 0.671(95%CI:0.558~0.783),and the AUC value of the combined model of above CT parameters and clinical features was 0.886(95%CI:0.815~0.957),and statistical difference was observed in the AUC value between the combined model and the CT parametric model(P<0.01).Conclusion The regression model constructed with dual-energy CT quantitative parameters combined with clinical features has high value in the preoperative diagnosis of stages T2 and T3 colorectal cancer before surgery.
5.Therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of artesunate for mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Xueling WANG ; Peiling ZHONG ; Zhipeng ZHAO ; Fei CHEN ; Xin LIU ; Sijia LIU ; Lie YUAN ; Lu FANG ; Qianyi YAO ; Xiong YANG ; Chao LIU ; Jiakun CHENG ; Yongqing CAI ; Xiaoli LI ; Weihong LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(3):193-204
Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of artesunate(AS)on polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)in mice and explore the potential mechanism primarily.Methods Twenty-five female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into Control group,model group(PCOS group),low-and high-dose AS groups(AS15 and AS30 groups)and metformin group(Met group).In addition to the Control group,the mouse model of PCOS was established by subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA,60 mg/kg)following by a high-fat diet for 21 d.After modeling,AS of 15 and 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected into the mice of the AS 15 and AS30 groups,respectively,and 200 mg/kg Met was given to those of the Met group by gavage,once per day,for 6 weeks.ELISA was used to detect serum testosterone(T),fasting insulin(FINS),luteinizing hormone(LH)and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and the LH/FSH ratio was calculated.The levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG),triglyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer,and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)was calculated.The estrous cycle was observed,and HE staining was performed for pathological changes in the ovary and uterus.Immunofluorescence assay was employed to measure the expression of p-eIF2α,ATF4 and CHOP in the ovarian tissue.After steroidogenic human granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN were exposed to 100 μmol/L DHEA to simulate the hyperandrogen environment of PCOS,and then treated with 5 and 10 μg/mL AS for 24 h,the protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the Control group,the PCOS mice had disturbed estrous cycle,polycystic changes in the ovaries,and significantly increased serum T level and LH/FSH ratio(P<0.05),and obviously elevated HOMA-IR,TC and TG levels in terms of metabolism(P<0.01).The expression levels of p-eIF2α,ATF4 and CHOP were notably up-regulated in the ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS mice and KGN cells after DHEA exposure(P<0.05).Additionally,AS treatment attenuated the pathological changes of ovary and uterine expression,decreased the serum T level and the LH/FSH ratio(P<0.05),and reduced HOMA-IR,TC and TG levels(P<0.05)when compared with the PCOS mice.Moreover,the expression levels of p-eIF2α,ATF4 and CHOP were significantly down-regulated after AS treatment in both ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS mice and KGN cells(P<0.05).Conclusion AS significantly improves glycolipid metabolic disorder and reproductive dysfunction in PCOS mice,which may be associated with its suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress by inhibiting the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway.
6.Advances in multi-source surveillance data integration and application of early warning indicators for respiratory infectious diseases
Dazhu HUO ; Ting ZHANG ; Jinzhao CUI ; Xiaochen ZHANG ; Yongtao CHI ; Yanan WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Ziliang FAN ; Chuchu YE ; Chuangsen FANG ; Yanming LI ; Zhongjie LI ; Weizhong YANG ; Chen WANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(8):1311-1319
The integration of multi-source data and the establishment of early warning indicator systems constitute pivotal elements for advancing surveillance and early warning capacities in respiratory infectious diseases. Given the multifaceted transmission mechanisms and complex contributing factors inherent in respiratory infectious diseases, surveillance datasets and associated early warning indicators demonstrate notable heterogeneity and sophisticated interrelationships. Furthermore, as surveillance and early warning requirements significantly vary across diverse epidemiological scenarios, accurate assessment of the value and applicability of distinct data types and indicators is imperative. This paper systematically reviews and synthesizes recent advancements in surveillance data and early warning indicators for respiratory infectious diseases, drawing on both domestic and international research. Particular attention is dedicated to analyzing the applicability and efficacy of various data types and indicators within multiple practical contexts, aiming to provide robust theoretical frameworks and methodological guidance to facilitate the development of resilient and efficient surveillance and early warning systems for respiratory infectious diseases.
7.Exploring mechanism of action of hypericin in antidepressant effects based on single-cell sequencing
Hui-xin NI ; Hai-xin LIU ; Bing-can ZHOU ; Ming-heng CHEN ; Ping-yan LIN ; Zheng-tao GAO ; Xin-pei LIN ; Yao LIN ; Fang-zhen WU ; Qian XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):837-843
Aim To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of hyperforin via the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,depres-sion model group,and hyperforin intervention group.The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model was induced and drug interventions were administered for 28 d.Behavioral experiments were conducted to as-sess depressive symptoms,and hippocampal tissue was collected for single-cell RNA sequencing.Key cell populations and differentially expressed genes across groups were identified,followed by PPI network,GO,and KEGG enrichment analysis.Results Behavioral experiments indicated that CUMS successfully induced depressive symptoms in mice,while hyperforin im-proved depressive behavior.In the depression model group,the proportion of brain perivascular macrophages(PVM)increased,and this proportion decreased after hyperforin intervention,approaching the level seen in the control group.The top 20 common differentially ex-pressed genes in the PVM subpopulation were Saa3,Hbb-bs and Ccl24.PPI network analysis identified core targets,including Ccl2,Dhx9,C3,Msr1,Cxcl2 and Cx3cr1.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed pathways related to chemokines,phagosome formation,and inosi-tol phosphate metabolism.Conclusion The antide-pressant mechanism of hyperforin may be related to the regulation of Ccl24 and its related chemokine signaling pathway by PVM.
8.Correlation between pathological features at the positive margin and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy in patients with organ-confined prostate cancer
Xin-huan FAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Lin-lin ZHU ; Cheng-yi LIU ; De-gang CHEN ; Shi-fang SANG ; Peng-cheng XU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(3):202-207
Objective:To investigate the correlation between pathological features at the positive margins and biochemical re-currence after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.Methods:From June 2014 to December 2019,a total of 200 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy were included in this study by the method of case matching(1:1).One hundred patients with positive surgical margin and 100 with negative surgical margin were enrolled in this study.All patients did not receive any adjuvant treatment after surgery with a clinical stage of T2/N0.BCR-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.An optimal cutoff for the PSM length which differentiated risk for BCR was identified by Classification and Regression Tree analysis(CART).Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between variables and BCR-free surviv-al.Results:A total of 200 patients were included in this study,and 177 patients with pT2 stage were pathological after operation.The median follow-up time of this group of patients was 32.8 months ranged from 5.6 to 80.5 months.A total of 28 cases of biochemi-cal recurrence were found through PSA follow-up after surgery,including 6 cases(6.0%)in the negative margin group and 22 cases(22.0%)in the positive margin group.The result of Kaplan Meier survival curve analysis showed that the non biochemical recurrence survival time of the negative margin group was longer than that of the positive margin group(log rank x2=9.336,P=0.003).It was found that the length of positive margin≥1 mm in the positive margin group was positively correlated with postoperative biochemical re-currence.Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify that the highest Gleason score ≥8 and the length of pos-itive ≥ 1 mm were independent factors of postoperative biochemical recurrence in both the overall patients and the patients with positive margin.Conclusion:The patients with highest Gleason score ≥8 and the length of positive ≥1mm are at elevated risk for BCR.
9.SIRT1 inhibits D-galactose-induced cardiomyocyte aging and apoptosis through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Ruixue CHEN ; Shujin PANG ; Xin CHEN ; Yining GUO ; Hongcheng FANG ; Hongxue LÜ ; Lingjun WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(3):463-471
AIM:To investigate the effect of silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)on the degree of aging and apoptosis in a mouse cardiomyocyte aging model through the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.METHODS:An in vi-tro aging model was established by inducing HL-1 cells with 40 μmol/L D-galactose(D-Gal).The HL-1 cells were trans-fected with a lentivirus overexpressing SIRT1,and the transfection efficiency was verified by Western blot.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1,P53,P21,cleaved caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),β-catenin,Wnt3a and c-Myc.Senescence-associated β-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining was used to detect cellular senescence level.MTT colorimetric assay was used to detect the cell viability,and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis.RESULTS:Treatment of HL-1 mouse cardiomyocytes with D-Gal led to in-creases in the expression levels of aging-related proteins P53 and P21,as well as an increase in SIRT1 protein level.Addi-tionally,the SA-β-Gal staining showed a significant increase in the positive area(P<0.05).The expression levels of apop-tosis-related proteins cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were elevated,while the level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was re-duced(P<0.05).There was a marked decrease in cell viability(P<0.05),and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated a significant increase in cell apoptosis rate(P<0.05),which was positively correlated with the duration of D-Gal treatment.Overexpression of SIRT1 notably reduced both aging and apoptosis levels after 48 h of D-Gal treatment(P<0.05).After D-Gal treatment,the expression levels of β-catenin,c-Myc and Wnt3a proteins were up-regulated.However,these levels were reduced when SIRT1 was overexpressed.Moreover,the addition of LiCl,a Wnt/β-catenin pathway agonist,resulted in increased expression levels of β-catenin,c-Myc and Wnt3a proteins compared with the group with SIRT1 overexpres-sion and D-Gal treatment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:SIRT1 inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis and alleviates cardiomyo-cyte aging through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
10.Exploring mechanism of action of hypericin in antidepressant effects based on single-cell sequencing
Hui-xin NI ; Hai-xin LIU ; Bing-can ZHOU ; Ming-heng CHEN ; Ping-yan LIN ; Zheng-tao GAO ; Xin-pei LIN ; Yao LIN ; Fang-zhen WU ; Qian XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):837-843
Aim To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of hyperforin via the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,depres-sion model group,and hyperforin intervention group.The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model was induced and drug interventions were administered for 28 d.Behavioral experiments were conducted to as-sess depressive symptoms,and hippocampal tissue was collected for single-cell RNA sequencing.Key cell populations and differentially expressed genes across groups were identified,followed by PPI network,GO,and KEGG enrichment analysis.Results Behavioral experiments indicated that CUMS successfully induced depressive symptoms in mice,while hyperforin im-proved depressive behavior.In the depression model group,the proportion of brain perivascular macrophages(PVM)increased,and this proportion decreased after hyperforin intervention,approaching the level seen in the control group.The top 20 common differentially ex-pressed genes in the PVM subpopulation were Saa3,Hbb-bs and Ccl24.PPI network analysis identified core targets,including Ccl2,Dhx9,C3,Msr1,Cxcl2 and Cx3cr1.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed pathways related to chemokines,phagosome formation,and inosi-tol phosphate metabolism.Conclusion The antide-pressant mechanism of hyperforin may be related to the regulation of Ccl24 and its related chemokine signaling pathway by PVM.


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