Article
Oncology
Namita Varudkar, Jeremiah L. Oyer, Alicja Copik, Griffith D. Parks
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of combining oncolytic parainfluenza virus with PM21-NK cell therapy for lung cancer, showing efficient killing of virus-infected cancer cells through NK cell activation and interferon induction to reduce the overall number of uninfected tumor cells.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Virology
Yung-Ju Yeh, Ching-Ping Tseng, Sheng-Da Hsu, His -Yuan Huang, Michael M. C. Lai, Hsien-Da Huang, Ju-Chien Cheng
Summary: MicroRNA let-7b is induced by HCV infection and directly targets the HCV genome to regulate HCV replication. Through targeting negative regulators of IFN signaling, let-7b enhances IFN expression and signaling to limit HCV replication in the early stage of infection. This study sheds new insight into the role of let-7b in combating HCV infection and understanding the initial defense mechanisms against RNA viruses.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Xiaoyue Bi, Si Xie, Shuling Wu, Weihua Cao, Yanjie Lin, Liu Yang, Tingting Jiang, Wen Deng, Shiyu Wang, Ruyu Liu, Yuanjiao Gao, Ge Shen, Min Chang, Hongxiao Hao, Mengjiao Xu, Xiaoxue Chen, Leiping Hu, Yao Lu, Lu Zhang, Yao Xie, Minghui Li
Summary: This study investigated the changes in natural killer (NK) cell phenotype during interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and its relationship with clinical indicators. The results showed that long-term IFN treatment led to continuous depletion of the killer subpopulation of NK cells and differentiation of the regulatory subpopulation into the killer subpopulation. In the plateau phase, after discontinuation of IFN for a period of time, the number of NK cell subsets gradually recovered but remained lower than that in the initial treatment group.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Mousumi Khatun, Jinsong Zhang, Ranjit Ray, Ratna B. Ray
Summary: HCV infection downregulates lncRNA Linc-Pint expression, while overexpression of Linc-Pint upregulates interferon expression, playing a crucial role in host innate immune responses.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Junfeng Hao, Xin Huang, Jibin Guan, Jingwen Feng, Dongyang Li, Shiyu Cao, Yuxuan Li, Yong Liao, Xiaotian Sun, Dajun Liu, Xiaoyu Li
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms by which Shenkang injection (SKI) alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The results showed that SKI reduced renal fibrosis in an in vivo CKD model and downregulated the activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Additionally, SKI was found to regulate the activity of the STING/TBK1/IRF3 signaling pathway.
Article
Immunology
Ratna S. Wijaya, Scott A. Read, Sakthi P. Selvamani, Stephen Schibeci, Mahmoud K. Azardaryany, Adrian Ong, David van der Poorten, Rita Lin, Mark W. Douglas, Jacob George, Golo Ahlenstiel
Summary: Direct acting antiviral therapies clear chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rapidly and restore natural killer (NK) cell function. Following HCV clearance, NK-cell memory formation involving KLRG1(+) NK cells is observed, which indicates their role in HCV clearance and potential for vaccine design.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Takeji Umemura, Satoru Joshita, Hiromi Saito, Shun-ichi Wakabayashi, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Yuki Yamashita, Ayumi Sugiura, Tomoo Yamazaki, Masao Ota
Summary: Natural killer cells, mediated through KIR-HLA interactions, play a role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. In patients with hepatitis C virus-associated cirrhosis, the presence of HLA-Bw4 and the KIR3DL1 + HLA-Bw4 pair was significantly associated with HCC onset, suggesting a potential risk factor for HCC development in HCV cirrhosis.
Article
Oncology
Hai-Yan Wang, Xiong-Wei Cui, Yong-Hong Zhang, Yu Chen, Ning-Ning Lu, Li Bai, Zhong-Ping Duan
Summary: Thermal ablation increases the frequency and function of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cells in the peripheral blood of patients with HCC, and the expression levels of NK cell receptors NKp46, perforin, and granzyme B are associated with recurrence-free survival of patients with HCC.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Juan Wang, Hongyan Hou, Lie Mao, Feng Wang, Jing Yu, Ying Luo, Qun Lin, Ziyong Sun
Summary: The TIGIT signaling pathway plays a role in regulating NK cell functions and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for protecting patients with chronic HBV infection from severe liver injury.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xiaohui Zhang, Yingying Jiang, Shaobin Li, Dandan Bian, Mei Liu, Ming Kong, Yu Chen, Zhongping Duan, Sujun Zheng
Summary: After DAA treatment, NK cell cytotoxicity initially recovers in the early stage of treatment, but then continuously decreases to below normal levels. Changes in NK cell subsets and phenotypes are closely related to NK function.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yoojin Lee, Heewook Shin, Jongsun Kim
Summary: The study found that resveratrol effectively activates NK cells, increasing their cytotoxicity and interferon-gamma secretion, suggesting it may be a promising candidate for anti-cancer and anti-metastatic drugs.
JOURNAL OF INNATE IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Benjamin Kraemer, Rainer Knoll, Lorenzo Bonaguro, Michael ToVinh, Jan Raabe, Rosario Astaburuaga-Garcia, Jonas Schulte-Schrepping, Kim Melanie Kaiser, Gereon J. Rieke, Jenny Bischoff, Malte B. Monin, Christoph Hoffmeister, Stefan Schlabe, Elena De Domenico, Nico Reusch, Kristian Haendler, Gary Reynolds, Nils Bluethgen, Gudrun Hack, Claudia Finnemann, Hans D. Nischalke, Christian P. Strassburg, Emily Stephenson, Yapeng Su, Louis Gardner, Dan Yuan, Daniel Chen, Jason Goldman, Philipp Rosenstiel, Susanne Schmidt, Eicke Latz, Kevin Hrusovsky, Andrew J. Ball, Joe M. Johnson, Paul-Albert Koenig, Florian Schmidt, Muzlifah Haniffa, James R. Heath, Beate M. Kuemmerer, Verena Keitel, Bjoern Jensen, Paula Stubbemann, Florian Kurth, Leif E. Sander, Birgit Sawitzki, Anna C. Aschenbrenner, Joachim L. Schultze, Jacob Nattermann
Summary: The study revealed differences in IFN-α and TNF responses between severe and moderate COVID-19 cases, with NK cells playing a role in anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity but being functionally impaired in severe patients, and NK cell dysfunction potentially impacting disease outcome in severe COVID-19 patients.
Article
Oncology
Guoshuai Cao, Ying Cheng, Xiaodong Zheng, Haiming Wei, Zhigang Tian, Rui Sun, Haoyu Sun
Summary: This study revealed that all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) promotes leukemia cell resistance against NK cell-mediated lysis by down-regulating B7-H6 expression, while epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone deacetylase were not responsible for this down-regulation. Additionally, the c-Myc signaling pathway was found to be involved in atRA-induced tumor resistance against NK cells.
CANCER COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Paul Kupke, Jens M. Werner
Summary: Hepatitis E virus infection is a major cause of acute hepatitis development, especially in immunocompromised patients. Current treatment options for HEV are limited, and research on the immune mechanisms involved in HEV infection is still lacking.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Noura Massri, Rachel Loia, Jennifer L. Sones, Ripla Arora, Nataki C. Douglas
Summary: Uterine vascular remodeling is a crucial process in the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. Maternal regulatory factors, such as ovarian hormones, VEGF, angiopoietins, Notch, and uterine natural killer cells, play significant roles in mediating these vascular changes. Changes in uterine vessel morphology and function during the menstrual cycle correlate with different stages, while during early pregnancy, vascular remodeling results in decreased uterine vascular resistance and increased vascular permeability for successful pregnancy. Abnormalities in these adaptive vascular processes contribute to infertility, abnormal fetal growth, and preeclampsia. This Review comprehensively summarizes uterine vascular remodeling in the human menstrual cycle and peri- and post-implantation stages in rodents.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Simon Wabitsch, Justin D. McCallen, Olena Kamenyeva, Benjamin Ruf, John C. McVey, Juraj Kabat, Juliane S. Walz, Yaron Rotman, Kylynda C. Bauer, Amanda J. Craig, Marie Pouzolles, Ira Phadke, Vanessa Catania, Benjamin L. Green, Claude Fu, Laurence P. Diggs, Bernd Heinrich, Xin Wei Wang, Chi Ma, Tim F. Greten
Summary: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) negatively affects the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study reveals that NASH alters the metabolism, function, and motility of hepatic CD8+ T cells, leading to reduced responsiveness to anti-PD-1 treatment. The efficacy can be rescued by metformin treatment.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Rapisa Nantanee, Watsamon Jantarabenjakul, Peera Jaru-Ampornpan, Pimpayao Sodsai, Orawan Himananto, Jitthiwa Athipunjapong, Jiratchaya Sophonphan, Sira Nanthapisal, Nattiya Hirankarn, Thanyawee Puthanakit
Summary: This study evaluated the immunogenicity of a half-dose BNT162b2 booster after AZD1222 and found that the lower dose vaccine provided comparable immune responses to the standard dose.
Article
Immunology
Thanyawee Puthanakit, Napaporn Chantasrisawad, Kirana Yoohat, Rapisa Nantanee, Jiratchaya Sophonphan, Thutsanun Meepuksom, Pimpayao Sodsai, Supranee Phanthanawiboon, Watsamon Jantarabenjakul, Nattiya Hirankarn, Pope Kosalaraksa
Summary: This study investigated the immunogenicity of fractional doses of BNT162b2 in healthy adolescents aged 12-18, showing that the regimen provided good immune responses and may serve as an alternative option for vaccination.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Allison M. Carroll, Yaron Rotman
Summary: This study compared indicators of nutrition literacy in subjects with and without NAFLD and found that despite having similar nutrition literacy and perception, individuals with NAFLD had poorer diet quality and were less likely to follow medical weight loss recommendations. This suggests that educational approaches alone may not be sufficient to improve diet quality in NAFLD patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
D. Shek, S. A. Read, W-H. Yoon, J. Mo, L. Akhuba, J. Lai, B. Gloss, L. Ma, H. E. Zhang, M. Carlino, B. Gao, G. Ahlenstiel
ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lobke Desomer, David J. Tate, Leshni Pillay, Halim Awadie, Mayenaaz Sidhu, Golo Ahlenstiel, Michael J. Bourke
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the frequency and severity of abdominal pain after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of colonic laterally spreading lesions (LSLs) and identify the risk factors for its occurrence. The results showed that approximately 20% of patients experienced pain after colonic EMR, which could be rapidly relieved with the administration of paracetamol. However, if the pain persisted and could not be relieved, further intervention might be required.
Article
Cell Biology
Money Gupta, Harikrishnan Balachandran, Raymond H. Y. Louie, Hui Li, David Agapiou, Elizabeth Keoshkerian, Daniel Christ, William Rawlinson, Michael M. Mina, Jeffrey J. Post, Bernard Hudson, Nicky Gilroy, Pamela Konecny, Adam W. Bartlett, Sarah C. Sasson, Golo Ahlenstiel, Dominic Dwyer, Andrew R. Lloyd, Marianne Martinello, Fabio Luciani, Rowena A. Bull
Summary: This study analyzed the molecular and phenotypic properties of SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific memory B cells (MBCs) in COVID-19 patients. The results showed differences between severe and mild/moderate groups, with the severe group exhibiting a higher level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) signaling, indicating persistent dysfunctional features in convalescence.
IMMUNOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Suvimol Niyomnaitham, Anan Jongkaewwattana, Atibordee Meesing, Nawamin Pinpathomrat, Sira Nanthapisal, Nattiya Hirankarn, Sarawut Siwamogsatham, Suppachok Kirdlarp, Romanee Chaiwarith, Saranath Lawpoolsri, Supranee Phanthanawiboon, Arunee Thitithanyanont, Pokrath Hansasuta, Sansanee Chaiyaroj, Punnee Pitisuttithum
Summary: This study aimed to compare the immunogenicity and safety of fractional (half) third doses of heterologous COVID-19 vaccines (AZD1222 or BNT162b2) to full doses after the two-dose CoronaVac and when boosting after three different extended intervals. The results showed no difference in immunogenicity between half doses and full doses, but the full doses and longer intervals substantially improved immunogenicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Eric Kalo, Jacob George, Scott Read, Avik Majumdar, Golo Ahlenstiel
Summary: The perception of high surgical risk among cirrhotic patients has resulted in reluctance to operate. Existing risk stratification tools tend to overestimate surgical risk, thus personalized prediction algorithms that incorporate surgery-specific risks have shown improvement in prognostication. Future risk scores should consider both predictive efficacy and feasibility for timely and efficient risk assessment in cirrhotic patients.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pornpimol Phuengmaung, Phuriwat Khiewkamrop, Jiradej Makjaroen, Jiraphorn Issara-Amphorn, Atsadang Boonmee, Salisa Benjaskulluecha, Patcharee Ritprajak, Aleksandra Nita-Lazar, Tanapat Palaga, Nattiya Hirankarn, Asada Leelahavanichkul
Summary: The absence of Ezh2 in macrophages resulted in less severe sepsis, indicating the importance of Ezh2 in regulating the inflammatory response. Additionally, the use of an Ezh2 inhibitor might be beneficial in severe infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Dmitrii Shek, Brian Gloss, Joey Lai, Li Ma, Hui E. Zhang, Matteo S. Carlino, Hema Mahajan, Adnan Nagrial, Bo Gao, Scott A. Read, Golo Ahlenstiel
Summary: Increasing evidence supports the crucial role of the tumour microenvironment in response to systemic therapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The immune component of the tumour microenvironment, though poorly understood, has the potential to provide valuable insights for improving the efficacy and safety of ICI therapy. The use of advanced spatial and single-cell technologies can help identify and validate factors that may lead to the development of broad acting adjunct therapies and personalised cancer immunotherapies in the future.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Eric Kalo, Asma Baig, Emily Gregg, Jacob George, Scott Read, Wai-See Ma, Golo Ahlenstiel
Summary: The nurse-led clinic resulted in improved patient outcomes, including reduced unplanned readmissions and mortality rates. The intervention was cost-effective and showed the significant impact of optimized care coordination.
BMC GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Henry H. L. Chen, Aditya Bhat, Gary C. H. Gan, Shaun Khanna, Golo Ahlenstiel, Kazuaki Negishi, Timothy C. Tan
Summary: This study investigated the effects of obesity on heart structure and function in individuals without cardiac disease and risk factors. The results showed that obesity is associated with subclinical reduction of cardiac function, with left atrial function being affected at a lower body mass index (BMI), followed by right and left ventricular function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AND PREVENTION
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Stuart Keith Roberts, Ashika Maharaj, John Lubel, Eileen Lam, Paul J. Clark, Oliver Duncan, Jacob George, Gary P. Jeffrey, Lara Lipton, Howard Liu, Geoffrey McCaughan, Eu-Ling Neo, Jenny Philip, Simone I. Strasser, Katherine Stuart, Alexander Thompson, Jonathan Tibbals, Thomas Tu, Michael C. Wallace, Alan Wigg, Marnie Wood, Amany Zekry, Elysia Greenhill, Liane J. Ioannou, Golo Ahlenstiel, Kaye Bowers, Stephen J. Clarke, Anouk Dev, Mark Goodwin, Christos Karapetis, Miriam T. Levy, Kate Muller, James Patrick O'Beirne, David Pryor, James Seow, Caroline J. Tallis, Nick Butler, John K. Olynyk, John Zalcberg
Meeting Abstract
Urology & Nephrology
Philippa James, Ojas Dixit, Mary Ann Nicdao, Brett Mcwhinney, Jordan Stanford, Kamal Sud, Scott Read, Golo Ahlenstiel, Kelly Lambert, Claire O'Brien, Katrina Chau