Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ana Triguero-Martinez, Emilia Roy-Vallejo, Eva Gloria Tomero, Nuria Montes, Hortensia de la Fuente, Ana Maria Ortiz, Santos Castaneda, Amalia Lamana, Isidoro Gonzalez-Alvaro
Summary: Gal1 serum levels are lower in SpA patients compared to RA patients and similar to HD patients. Gal1 could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for distinguishing RA and SpA patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena K. Kaneva, Milind M. Muley, Eugene Krustev, Allison R. Reid, Patricia R. Souza, Francesco Dell'Accio, Jason J. McDougall, Mauro Perretti
Summary: The study demonstrates that AAT possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and chondroprotective properties, reversing joint inflammation and cartilage degradation, promoting the transcription of cartilage-related genes, enhancing chondrogenic differentiation, and acting through CREB signaling pathway and inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin pathways.
Article
Immunology
Raquel Fernandez-Perez, Mercedes Lopez-Santalla, Rebeca Sanchez-Dominguez, Omaira Alberquilla, Irene Gutierrez-Canas, Yasmina Juarranz, Juan A. Bueren, Marina Garin
Summary: Galectin-1 is a beta-galactoside-binding lectin that plays a crucial role in regulating intestinal inflammation by modulating T cell reactivity, affecting the development and severity of colitis. Studies have shown that deficiency of endogenous galectin-1 leads to enhanced inflammatory responses, characterized by altered Th17/Th1 profiles and increased regulatory T cells in the colon lamina propria. Additionally, adoptive transfer of wild type regulatory T cells can alleviate exacerbated intestinal inflammation in galectin-1 deficient mice.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caspar Liesenhoff, Simon Martin Paulus, Caroline Havertz, Arie Geerlof, Siegfried Priglinger, Claudia Sybille Priglinger, Andreas Ohlmann
Summary: Galectin-1 deficiency in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells affects various cell biological processes, including cell survival, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and maintenance of the epithelial phenotype.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Triguero-Martinez, Emilia Roy-Vallejo, Nuria Montes, Hortensia de la Fuente, Ana Maria Ortiz, Santos Castaneda, Isidoro Gonzalez-Alvaro, Amalia Lamana
Summary: A study found that genetic variants in the LGALS1 gene are associated with Gal1 serum levels, and these genetic variants can explain the differences in Gal1 levels among patients, with higher levels of Gal1 being associated with lower levels of IL-6.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yi-Sheng He, Yu-Qian Hu, Kun Xiang, Yue Chen, Ya-Ting Feng, Kang-Jia Yin, Ji-Xiang Huang, Jie Wang, Zheng-Dong Wu, Gui-Hong Wang, Hai-Feng Pan
Summary: Galectins are a protein family that plays important roles in physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have shown that galectins are involved in the occurrence and development of autoimmune diseases, providing potential therapeutic targets.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Diyoly Ayona, Sandra Madariaga Zarza, Ludovic Landemarre, Benoit Roubinet, Philippe Decloquement, Didier Raoult, Pierre-Edouard Fournier, Benoit Desnues
Summary: Tropheryma whipplei is an actinobacterium that causes various infections in humans, including Whipple's disease. The bacterium's complex surface glycoproteins contain different sugars, and they interact with Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 to promote infection.
Article
Immunology
Joseph Mabbitt, Ian D. Holyer, James A. Roper, Ulf J. Nilsson, Fredrik R. Zetterberg, Lynda Vuong, Alison C. Mackinnon, Anders Pedersen, Robert J. Slack
Summary: This study found that Gal-3 can enhance the PD-1/PD-L1 immune axis and potentially contribute to immunosuppressive signaling mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, Gal-3 prevents atezolizumab and pembrolizumab from engaging with their respective immune checkpoint receptors. Reversal of this effect with the clinical candidate GB1211 offers a potential enhancing combination therapeutic with anti-PD-1 and -PD-L1 blocking antibodies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Satoshi Miyagaki, Ken Kikuchi, Jun Mori, Gary D. Lopaschuk, Tomoko Iehara, Hajime Hosoi
Summary: Inhibition of lipid metabolism in rhabdomyosarcoma cells decreases cell proliferation and low-fat diet in vivo studies shows reduced tumor growth. Disruption of lipid metabolism alters the equilibrium of cancer-specific metabolism and inhibits tumor growth in rhabdomyosarcoma.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Pratibha Anchi, Veerabhadra Swamy, Chandraiah Godugu
Summary: Nimbolide (NMB) exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities by targeting various pathways, such as STAT-3 and NF-κB phosphorylation. The research findings demonstrate that NMB can inhibit fibroblast migration, slow the progression of arthritis, and reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, NMB also shows protective effects on the Notch-1 signaling pathway.
Article
Biology
Haruki Nishimura, Mitsuhiro Yoshimura, Makiko Shimizu, Kenya Sanada, Satomi Sonoda, Kazuaki Nishimura, Kazuhiko Baba, Naofumi Ikeda, Yasuhito Motojima, Takashi Maruyama, Yuki Nonaka, Ryoko Baba, Tatsushi Onaka, Takafumi Horishita, Hiroyuki Morimoto, Yasuhiro Yoshida, Makoto Kawasaki, Akinori Sakai, Masafumi Muratani, Becky Conway-Campbell, Stafford Lightman, Yoichi Ueta
Summary: The analgesic effect of oxytocin is mediated through its receptor and contributes to the anti-nociception and anti-inflammatory response. A transgenic rat line expressing hM3Dq and mCherry in oxytocin neurons was generated and demonstrated that oxytocin activates specific neurons and attenuates hyperalgesia. This analgesic effect is abolished by oxytocin receptor antagonist.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Kunwei Wu, David Castellano, Qingjun Tian, Wei Lu
Summary: The study reveals distinct roles of GluN2A and GluN2B-NMDA receptors in regulating tonic inhibition in hippocampal neurons, with NMDAR subunit-specific mechanisms at play. Tonic inhibition is modulated by various factors in both physiological and pathological conditions.
Article
Immunology
Eszter Kaposztas, Lili Balogh, Attila Mocsai, Eva Kemecsei, Zoltan Jakus, Tamas Nemeth
Summary: Autoimmune arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, affects a significant portion of the population and current therapies often fail to provide complete relief. Research suggests that inhibiting Syk tyrosine kinase can effectively reduce joint inflammation, mainly by targeting neutrophil functions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kunwei Wu, Wenyan Han, Qingjun Tian, Yan Li, Wei Lu
Summary: Shisa7 plays a critical role in regulating tonic inhibition in hippocampal neurons by influencing alpha 5-GABA(A)R exocytosis, which requires the involvement of PKA and is essential for activity-dependent regulation and oscillations during the sleep/wake cycle.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sai Surthi Konduru, Yu-Zhen Pan, Eli Wallace, Jesse A. Pfammatter, Mathew Jones, Rama K. Maganti
Summary: Sleep deprivation worsens seizures and survival in epileptic mice, possibly due to reductions in GABAergic tonic inhibition.
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Federica Raucci, Anella Saviano, Gian Marco Casillo, Miguel Guerra-Rodriguez, Adel Abo Mansour, Marialuisa Piccolo, Maria Grazia Ferraro, Elisabetta Panza, Valentina Vellecco, Carlo Irace, Francesco Caso, Raffaele Scarpa, Nicola Mascolo, Mohammed Alfaifi, Asif Jilani Iqbal, Francesco Maione
Summary: The study suggests that IL-17 may specifically regulate inflammatory monocytes during later stages of inflammation. The IL-17/mPGES-1/PPAR-gamma pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory-based and immune-mediated diseases.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asif J. Iqbal, Franziska Krautter, Isobel A. Blacksell, Rachael D. Wright, Shani N. Austin-Williams, Mathieu-Benoit Voisin, Mohammed T. Hussain, Hannah L. Law, Toshiro Niki, Mitsuomi Hirashima, Michele Bombardieri, Costantino Pitzalis, Alok Tiwari, Gerard B. Nash, Lucy Norling, Dianne Cooper
Summary: This study investigates the role of immunomodulatory lectin Galectin-9 (Gal-9) in neutrophil recruitment. The results show that Gal-9 is upregulated in inflamed blood vessels and released by activated endothelial cells. Gal-9 binding induces neutrophil activation and can enhance their interaction with endothelial cells. Both soluble and immobilized Gal-9 function as adhesion molecules and can capture neutrophils. These findings provide insights into the importance of Gal-9 in leukocyte recruitment during inflammation.
Article
Hematology
Zhaogong Zhi, Natalie J. Jooss, Yi Sun, Martina Colicchia, Alexandre Slater, Luis A. Moran, Hilaire Yam Fung Cheung, Ying Di, Julie Rayes, Natalie S. Poulter, Steve P. Watson, Asif J. Iqbal
Summary: In this study, Gal-9 was identified as a novel platelet agonist that induces activation through interaction with GPVI and CLEC-2.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anella Saviano, Federica Raucci, Gian Marco Casillo, Adel Abo Mansour, Vincenzo Piccolo, Camilla Montesano, Martina Smimmo, Valentina Vellecco, Gennaro Capasso, Amedeo Boscaino, Vincenzo Summa, Nicola Mascolo, Asif Jilani Iqbal, Raffaella Sorrentino, Roberta d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca, Mariarosaria Bucci, Vincenzo Brancaleone, Francesco Maione
Summary: In this study, the potential beneficial effects of Mangifera indica L. extract (MIE) in a mouse model of gouty arthritis were analyzed. The results demonstrated that MIE can positively affect the local and systemic inflammatory/immunological perturbance in the onset and progression of gouty arthritis by modulating cellular immune phenotypes, inhibiting joint inflammatory scores, reducing leukocyte infiltration and activation, and regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cyto-chemokines.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Adel Abo Mansour, Federica Raucci, Mustafa Sevim, Anella Saviano, Jenefa Begum, Zhaogong Zhi, Laleh Pezhman, Samantha Tull, Francesco Maione, Asif Jilani Iqbal
Summary: This study investigates the role of Gal-9 in the migration and adhesion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and reveals its potential therapeutic significance in inflammatory-based diseases. The findings suggest that Gal-9 supports T cell adhesion and transmigration in a glycan dependent manner and inhibits the chemotactic function of CXCL12 through direct binding.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Katie L. Fegan, Naomi C. Green, Melanie M. Britton, Asif J. Iqbal, Lauren E. J. Thomas-Seale
Summary: This study simulated the transmural biomechanics of four synthetic graft designs under physiological pressure and found the layer-specific biomechanical characteristics of these grafts and their impact on endothelial function. The results are of great significance for guiding the validation of multi-layered grafts for the treatment of coronary artery disease.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Martina Colicchia, Waltraud C. Schrottmaier, Gina Perrella, Jasmeet S. Reyat, Jenefa Begum, Alexandre Slater, Joshua Price, Joanne C. Clark, Zhaogong Zhi, Megan J. Simpson, Joshua H. Bourne, Natalie S. Poulter, Abdullah O. Khan, Phillip L. R. Nicolson, Matthew Pugh, Paul Harrison, Asif J. Iqbal, George E. Rainger, Steve P. Watson, Mark R. Thomas, Nicola J. Mutch, Alice Assinger, Julie Rayes
Summary: S100A8/A9, secreted by activated myeloid cells, has antimicrobial, proinflammatory, and prothrombotic properties. Increased levels of S100A8/A9 in COVID-19 patients are associated with poor outcomes. S100A8/A9 is mainly detected in neutrophils and deposited on vessel walls in COVID-19 lungs. Platelets interact with S100A8/A9, leading to the formation of procoagulant platelets.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Franziska Krautter, Mohammed T. Hussain, Zhaogong Zhi, Danielle R. Lezama, Julia E. Manning, Emily Brown, Noemi Marigliano, Federica Raucci, Carlota Recio, Myriam Chimen, Francesco Maione, Alok Tiwari, Helen M. McGettrick, Dianne Cooper, Edward A. Fisher, Asif J. Iqbal
Summary: This study reveals the pathological role of Gal-9 in promoting monocyte recruitment and atherosclerotic plaque progression, making it a novel target in the prevention of plaque formation and progression.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Adel Abo Mansour, Franziska Krautter, Zhaogong Zhi, Asif Jilani Iqbal, Carlota Recio
Summary: Galectins, particularly galectin-1, -3, and -9, are widely expressed by immune cells and play important roles in cellular communication, migration, and survival. These proteins are highly expressed by inflammatory cells and are involved in the regulation of immune responses. They play significant roles in cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders and can be potential therapeutic targets.
CARDIOVASCULAR DIABETOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Valentina Vellecco, Anella Saviano, Federica Raucci, Gian Marco Casillo, Adel Abo Mansour, Elisabetta Panza, Emma Mitidieri, Grazia Daniela Femminella, Nicola Ferrara, Giuseppe Cirino, Raffaella Sorrentino, Asif Jilani Iqbal, Roberta d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca, Mariarosaria Bucci, Francesco Maione
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of IL17Ab treatment on peripheral features of Alzheimer's disease, such as systemic inflammation, peripheral vascular dysfunction, and related pro-thrombotic state. The results showed that IL17Ab treatment could alleviate these AD features and exhibit systemic and peripheral protective effects.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Laleh Pezhman, Sophie J. Hopkin, Jenefa Begum, Silke Heising, Daniela Nasteska, Mussarat Wahid, G. Ed Rainger, David J. Hodson, Asif J. Iqbal, Myriam Chimen, Helen M. McGettrick
Summary: In this study, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of the immunopeptide PEPITEM in mitigating the pathological impact of obesity, such as low-grade inflammation and pancreatic dysfunction. Further research is needed to assess its efficacy in reducing obesity-related co-morbidities, particularly in high-risk individuals struggling with weight control through lifestyle modifications. This study highlights the importance of targeting cellular and molecular processes in obesity for effective management and presents PEPITEM as a novel therapeutic option.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Anella Saviano, Adel Abo Manosour, Federica Raucci, Francesco Merlino, Noemi Marigliano, Anna Schettino, Mussarat Wahid, Jenefa Begum, Andrew Filer, Julia E. Manning, Gian Marco Casillo, Marialuisa Piccolo, Maria Grazia Ferraro, Simona Marzano, Pasquale Russomanno, Rosa Bellavita, Carlo Irace, Jussara Amato, Mohammed Alfaifi, Peter Rimmer, Tariq Iqbal, Stefano Pieretti, Valentina Vellecco, Francesco Caso, Luisa Costa, Roberto Giacomelli, Raffaele Scarpa, Giuseppe Cirino, Mariarosaria Bucci, Helen M. McGettrick, Paolo Grieco, Asif Jilani Iqbal, Francesco Maione
Summary: This study identified a novel IL-17A/F-derived peptide and generated a new anti-IL-17 antibody that can effectively reverse the pro-inflammatory actions of IL-17A/F. The antibody showed less off-target effects compared to the current gold-standard biologic. Preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrated the high efficacy and therapeutic potency of the antibody in patients with IMIDs.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Joshua H. Bourne, Joana Campos, Sophie J. Hopkin, Katharine Whitworth, James Palis, Yotis A. Senis, Julie Rayes, Asif J. Iqbal, Alexander Brill
Summary: NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in megakaryocytes and platelets. By studying Nlrp3(A350V/+)/Gp1ba-Cre(KI/+) mice with a mutation similar to human Muckle-Wells syndrome, it was found that hyperactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leads to mild anemia and increased extramedullary erythropoiesis, promoting the acute inflammatory response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hongmei Fu, Juho Vuononvirta, Silvia Fanti, Fabrizia Bonacina, Antonio D'Amati, Guosu Wang, Thanushiyan Poobalasingam, Maria Fankhaenel, Davide Lucchesi, Rachel Coleby, David Tarussio, Bernard Thorens, Robert J. Hearnden, M. Paula Longhi, Paul Grevitt, Madeeha H. Sheikh, Egle Solito, Susana A. Godinho, Michele Bombardieri, David M. Smith, Dianne Cooper, Asif J. Iqbal, Jeffrey C. Rathmell, Samuel Schaefer, Valle Morales, Katiuscia Bianchi, Giuseppe Danilo Norata, Federica M. Marelli-Berg
Summary: T cell activation requires increased glucose uptake and engagement of the glycolytic pathway. In this study, researchers found that the glucose transporter 2 (Glut2) plays a key role in regulating the development of CD8(+) T cell effector responses in mice. Glut2 expression is influenced by environmental factors and is regulated by molecular interactions. Furthermore, human T cells also rely on Glut2, making it a potential target for therapeutic immunomodulation.
Article
Cell Biology
Sophie J. Hopkin, Laleh Pezhman, Jenefa Begum, Dean Kavanagh, Helen M. Mcgettrick, Asif J. Iqbal, Myriam Chimen
Summary: Aging is associated with increased systemic inflammation and loss of immune system function. Leukocyte trafficking is affected by aging, particularly in the peritoneal cavity. In aged female mice, there is an increase in leukocyte population within the peritoneal cavity, accompanied by an increase in inflammatory environment and changes in vascular structure, which may contribute to increased leukocyte migration to the cavity. These findings indicate that aging and sex influence leukocyte trafficking in a unique manner.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2023)