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17 pages, 3676 KB  
Article
A Novel Hypothermic Preservation Formulation Containing SUL-138 Enables Long-Term Hypothermic Storage of Clinical-Grade CAR-T Cells
by Aysenur Öner, Nina Nooteboom, Linette Oosting, Jos G. W. Kosterink, Bart G. J. Dekkers, Adrianus C. van der Graaf, Tom van Meerten, Guido Krenning, Daniel H. Swart, Robin Dennebos, Harm-Jan Lourens, Edwin Bremer and Bahez Gareb
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(4), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18040414 - 28 Mar 2026
Viewed by 719
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Point-of-care (PoC) manufactured fresh chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are typically formulated in hypothermic preservation formulations (HPFs) and stored under hypothermic conditions (2–8 °C) until administered to the patient. However, in current HPFs the shelf life of fresh CAR-T cells is short [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Point-of-care (PoC) manufactured fresh chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are typically formulated in hypothermic preservation formulations (HPFs) and stored under hypothermic conditions (2–8 °C) until administered to the patient. However, in current HPFs the shelf life of fresh CAR-T cells is short (~24–36 h) due to limited CAR-T cell stability, which poses significant time constraints on manufacturing procedures and logistics. The objective of this study was to improve the stability and extend the shelf life of fresh clinical-grade CAR-T cell drug products (DPs). Methods: A novel HPF was developed by supplementing a base HPF with the novel excipient SUL-138, which stabilizes mitochondria during hypothermic storage and subsequent rewarming, alone or in combination with endogenous mitochondrial substrates. This panel of HPFs was first screened for their stability-improving characteristics in the model cell line Jurkat cells. Subsequently, HPFs were assessed for their stability-improving characteristics of clinical-grade CD19 CAR-T cell DPs. Critical quality attributes, including CAR-T cell viability, T-cell differentiation state, exhaustion markers, and functional potency were evaluated in a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant stability study up to 72 h. Results: For Jurkat cells, HPFs supplemented with SUL-138 and a combination of glucose, glutamine, and succinate demonstrated the greatest stability improvement at 2–8 °C, improving cell viability from ~1% to >85% after 72 h. For CAR-T cells, supplementation of HPFs with SUL-138 alone demonstrated the greatest improvement, resulting in a CAR-T cell viability from ~40% to >85% after 72 h of storage at 2–8 °C, while no additional benefits from mitochondrial substrates were observed. The novel HPF did not significantly impact CAR-T cell potency test results, T cell subset distribution, or exhaustion markers compared to control. Conclusions: A novel clinical-grade HPF that significantly improved fresh CAR-T cell stability during hypothermic storage was developed. This novel HPF can aid in the establishment of GMP-compliant and PoC CAR-T cell manufacturing platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biopharmaceutics)
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14 pages, 1242 KB  
Article
Correlation Between Oxidative Stress and Immune Profiles During Immunotherapy in Metastatic Non-Oncogene-Addicted NSCLC Patients
by Mariangela Peruzzi, Lucrezia Tuosto, Alain Gelibter, Cristina Nocella, Angela Leonardo, Valentina Magri, Chiara Cataldi, Saula Checquolo, Ilaria Grazia Zizzari, Daniele Santini, Roberto Carnevale, Marianna Nuti, Aurelia Rughetti, Giacomo Frati and Chiara Napoletano
Antioxidants 2026, 15(3), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15030290 - 26 Feb 2026
Viewed by 580
Abstract
Oxidative stress is considered one of the cancer hallmarks, influencing tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) impair the effectiveness of the immune response in cancer patients. We examined changes in oxidative stress during immunotherapy, exploring the relationship [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress is considered one of the cancer hallmarks, influencing tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) impair the effectiveness of the immune response in cancer patients. We examined changes in oxidative stress during immunotherapy, exploring the relationship between the immune system and clinical parameters related to oxidative burden. Several T-cell and myeloid subsets from 79 metastatic non-oncogene-addicted non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were analyzed using flow cytometry. Additionally, 20 cytokines were measured in serum samples, and sNox2-dp levels, an indicator of NOX2 activity, were assessed by ELISA. Seventy-nine healthy donors served as controls. The data showed that cancer patients had higher levels of sNox2-dp compared to healthy donors (p < 0.0001). Elevated sNox2-dp levels were associated with inflammation-related comorbidities (p = 0.008) and platelet counts (p = 0.03) in NSCLC patients. Furthermore, sNox2-dp displayed a negative correlation with immune cells involved in activation, such as proliferating (Ki67+) CD8+, PD1+ and effector lymphocytes, and a positive correlation with immunosuppressive PMN-MDSCs and inflammatory soluble immune factors, including IL1α, IL1β, IL6, IL10, CCL3, and CCL4. Oxidation levels decreased after immunotherapy (p = 0.04) and increased only in non-responder patients (p = 0.02). Oxidative stress may be indirectly affected by immunotherapy and could serve as a novel tool to identify responding patients in the NSCLC setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Cancer Biology)
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17 pages, 668 KB  
Article
Multilevel Assessment of the Antioxidant Potential of Two Edible Insects Following In Vitro Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion
by Eleni Dalaka, Demeter Lorentha S. Gidari, Constantin S. Filintas, Violetta Bantola, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos and Georgios Theodorou
Antioxidants 2026, 15(2), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15020262 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 817
Abstract
In recent years, insect-derived peptides have attracted attention for their potential biological activities, particularly antioxidant properties. This study assessed the antioxidant activity of two widely consumed edible insects, T. molitor and A. diaperinus larvae, using cell-free and cell-based approaches. Whole lyophilized larvae, digestion [...] Read more.
In recent years, insect-derived peptides have attracted attention for their potential biological activities, particularly antioxidant properties. This study assessed the antioxidant activity of two widely consumed edible insects, T. molitor and A. diaperinus larvae, using cell-free and cell-based approaches. Whole lyophilized larvae, digestion products from the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases, as well as the <3 kDa permeate fraction (D-P3) derived from the intestinal digestion phase, were evaluated using biochemical antioxidant assays. Overall, digested samples exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than their undigested counterparts. At the cellular level, treatment of LPS-stimulated, PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages with A. diaperinus D-P3 was associated with increased mRNA expression of genes related to antioxidant defense, including NFE2-like bZIP transcription factor 2 (NFE2L2, also known as Nrf2), glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and catalase (CAT), whereas T. molitor D-P3 preferentially modulated nuclear factor kappa B p50 subunit (NFKB1) and nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit (RELA). Overall, these findings indicate that gastrointestinal digestion enhances the bioaccessibility of antioxidant components in both edible insect species while revealing species-specific transcriptional responses under in vitro inflammatory conditions. This multilevel assessment provides mechanistic insight into the antioxidant-related biological activity of digestion-derived insect peptides and supports their further investigation as functional ingredients in food and feed systems. Full article
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12 pages, 1301 KB  
Article
Establishment of Autoreactive CD4+CD8+ T Cell Hybridomas from Sjögren’s Disease Model, SATB1 Conditional Knockout Mice
by Shuhei Mashimo, Michitsune Arita, Taku Kuwabara, Taku Naito, Sakurako Takizawa, Akiko Inoue, Akira Ishiko, Motonari Kondo and Yuriko Tanaka
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010414 - 30 Dec 2025
Viewed by 752
Abstract
Sjögren’s disease (SjD), which is also known as Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunction of exocrine glands, such as the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth) and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes). Mice in which the [...] Read more.
Sjögren’s disease (SjD), which is also known as Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunction of exocrine glands, such as the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth) and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes). Mice in which the SATB1 gene is conditionally deleted in hematopoietic cells (SATB1cKO mice) develop SS as early as 4 weeks of age; however, the etiology of the disease remains to be elucidated. Here, we found that the frequency of abnormally appearing CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) T cells in the periphery of SATB1cKO mice was higher in the salivary glands than that in the spleen, suggesting a possible involvement of DP T cells in the pathogenesis of SS in SATB1cKO mice. To investigate the nature of DP T cells, we established DP T cell hybridomas by fusing T cells from the cervical lymph nodes of SATB1cKO mice with the BW5147 thymoma cell line. Among six DP hybridoma clones, the TCRβ gene from five clones exhibited a fetal or immature phenotype. In addition, four out of five clones exhibited upregulated transcription of IL-2 in the salivary glands of T/B cell-deficient RAG2−/− mice, suggesting that autoreactive T cells were enriched in the DP T cell population of SATB1cKO mice. These results suggest that unusual DP T cells in SATB1cKO mice may be involved in autoimmune pathogenesis in SATB1cKO mice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Autoimmune Diseases: A Swing Dance of Immune Cells, 3rd Edition)
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21 pages, 12266 KB  
Article
STING Restricts EV-A71 Infection by Regulating T Cell Development and Enhancing Immune Cell Effector Function
by Huiqiang Wang, Ya Wang, Shuo Wu, Lijun Qiao, Wen Sheng, Haiyan Yan, Kun Wang, Ge Yang, Jiandong Jiang and Yuhuan Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311441 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 776
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infection could activate STING-related signaling pathways in vitro, but the role of STING in EV-A71 infection in vivo and the associated immune regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we used the STING-specific agonist diABZI to activate [...] Read more.
Previous studies have reported that Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infection could activate STING-related signaling pathways in vitro, but the role of STING in EV-A71 infection in vivo and the associated immune regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we used the STING-specific agonist diABZI to activate STING and STING-knockout mice to jointly study the role and mechanism of regulating STING on EV-A71 infection in vivo. The results showed that activating STING could inhibit the in vivo replication of EV-A71, alleviate clinical symptoms in infected mice, and increase the survival rate. Conversely, STING knockout significantly promoted viral replication in vivo and increased the lethality and severity of EV-A71 infection. Mechanistic studies further revealed that STING activation exerts its antiviral effects by stimulating interferon signaling pathways, upregulating the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Additionally, STING activation also modulated the serum cytokine response profile. Moreover, STING activation drove the expansion of diverse immune cell populations, including T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and myeloid cells. In contrast, STING knockout not only reduced the proportion of thymic T cells and impeded T cell developmental progression from double-positive (DP) to single-positive (SP) stages, but also impaired the effector functions of CD8+ T cells and NK cells during viral infection. In summary, this study demonstrates that STING activation effectively suppresses EV-A71 replication and mitigates infection symptoms by modulating immune and inflammatory responses. These findings provide a foundational framework for understanding how STING coordinates antiviral immunity and inform future investigations into STING-targeted therapies for viral infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Immunology)
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38 pages, 37304 KB  
Article
Intraepithelial Lymphocytes and LAIR1 Expression in Celiac Disease
by Joaquim Carreras, Giovanna Roncador, Rifat Hamoudi, Jose Antoni Bombi and Yohei Masugi
Biomedicines 2025, 13(10), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13102526 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 2668
Abstract
Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a gluten-sensitive immune-related enteropathy of the small intestine characterized by villus atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). Objectives: To characterize the phenotype of IELs and immune cells of the lamina propria of small intestine [...] Read more.
Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a gluten-sensitive immune-related enteropathy of the small intestine characterized by villus atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). Objectives: To characterize the phenotype of IELs and immune cells of the lamina propria of small intestine control using immuno-oncology and immune-phenotype markers and test the most relevant marker, an immune checkpoint co-inhibitory receptor, leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR1), in CD. Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of CD3 (CD3E), CD4, CD8, CD103 (ITGAE), Granzyme B (GZMB), TCR beta (β), TCR delta (δ), CD56 (NCAM), CD16 (FCGR3A), LAIR1 (CD305), PD-L1 (CD274), PD1 (CD279), BTLA (CD272), TOX2, HVEM (TNFRSF14), CD163, HLA-DP-DQ-DR, IL4I1, and FOXP3 was performed using histological analysis. Gene expression analysis was performed using an independent dataset to expand and confirm the findings. Results: IELs exhibited a cytotoxic T-cell phenotype and were CD3+, CD8+, CD103+, TCR beta+, and LAIR1+. The lamina propria (LP) was abundant in CD163+, HLA-DP-DQ-DR+, BTLA+, PD-L1+, CD103+, CD56+, and LAIR1+ cells corresponding to macrophages and T- and B-lymphocytes. In CD, IELs and part of the inflammatory cells of the lamina propria cells were LAIR1+. CD was characterized by higher quantity of LAIR1+ IELs and LP immune cells than the small intestine control (p = 0.004). Higher intestinal lesions evaluated by Marsh scoring were correlated with higher LAIR1 (p < 0.001). Gene expression analysis confirmed the overexpression of the LAIR1 pathway in CD and highlighted BTLA. At the protein level, BTLA overexpression was confirmed in CD. Finally, as a proof-of-concept AI analysis, a convolutional neural network classified LAIR1-stained image patches between the three diagnoses of small intestine control, CD, and reactive tonsils with high accuracy (99.6%). Conclusions: IELs exhibit a cytotoxic T-cell phenotype and were found to be CD3+, CD8+, CD103+, TCR beta+, and LAIR1+ in the small intestine control. Increased numbers of LAIR1+ IELs and lamina propria immune cells characterize CD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Gastrointestinal Tract Disease)
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20 pages, 3404 KB  
Article
Clinical Significance of Nuclear Yin-Yang Overexpression Evaluated by Immunohistochemistry in Tissue Microarrays and Digital Pathology Analysis: A Useful Prognostic Tool for Breast Cancer
by Mayra Montecillo-Aguado, Giovanny Soca-Chafre, Gabriela Antonio-Andres, Belen Tirado-Rodriguez, Daniel Hernández-Cueto, Clara M. Rivera-Pazos, Marco A. Duran-Padilla, Sandra G. Sánchez-Ceja, Berenice Alcala-Mota-Velazco, Anel Gomez-Garcia, Sergio Gutierrez-Castellanos and Sara Huerta-Yepez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(18), 8777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26188777 - 9 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1576
Abstract
Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional transcription factor implicated in gene regulation, cell proliferation, and survival. While its role in breast cancer (BC) has been explored, its prognostic significance remains controversial. In this study, we evaluated nuclear YY1 expression in 276 BC [...] Read more.
Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional transcription factor implicated in gene regulation, cell proliferation, and survival. While its role in breast cancer (BC) has been explored, its prognostic significance remains controversial. In this study, we evaluated nuclear YY1 expression in 276 BC tissue samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC), tissue microarrays (TMAs), and digital pathology (DP). Nuclear staining was quantified using Aperio ImageScope software, focusing on tumor regions to avoid confounding from stromal or non-tumor tissues. This selective and standardized approach enabled precise quantification of YY1 expression. Our results show elevated median YY1 expression in tumor vs. normal matched tissues (p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff for medium-intensity nuclear YY1 expression in tumor areas for overall survival (OS) was established by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.587–0.849, p = 0.008). In contrast, ROC curves showed no prognostic impact (AUC and p-value) for YY1 quantification in whole spots (tumor + normal). As a categorical variable, high YY1 expression was correlated with more aggressive BC features, including tumor size > 3 cm (57.7% vs. 44.2% p = 0.037), the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) molecular subtype (27.3% vs. 13.9% p = 0.026), and advanced prognostic stage (III) (31.8% vs. 16.7% p = 0.003), while as a continuous variable, YY1 was associated with higher histological (p = 0.003) and nuclear grades (p = 0.022). High YY1 expression was significantly associated with a reduced OS of BC patients, as shown by Kaplan–Meier curves (HR = 2.227, p = 0.002). Since YY1 was significantly enriched in TNBC, we evaluated its prognostic resolution in this subgroup. But, probably due to the small number of patients within this subset, our results were not statistically significant (HR = 1.317, 95% CI: 0.510–3.405, p = 0.566). Next, we performed multivariate Cox regression, confirming YY1 as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR = 1.927, 95% CI: 1.144–3.247, p = 0.014). In order to improve prognostic value, we constructed a mathematical model derived from the multivariate Cox regression results, including YYI, AJCC prognostic stage (STA), and axillary lymph node dissection (ALN), with the following equation: h(t) = h0(t) × exp (0.695 × YY1 + 1.103 × STA − 0.503 × ALN). ROC analysis of this model showed a better AUC of 0.915, similar sensitivity (83.3%), and much higher specificity (92%). Bioinformatic analysis of public datasets supported these findings in BC, showing YY1 overexpression in multiple cancer types and its association with poor outcomes in BC. These results suggest that YY1 may play a role in tumor progression and serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker in BC. DP combined with molecular data enhanced biomarker accuracy, supporting clinical applications of YY1 in routine diagnostics and personalized therapy. Additionally, developing a combined score based on the modeling of multiple prognostic factors significantly enhanced survival predictions, representing a practical tool for risk stratification and the guidance of therapeutic decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Mechanisms in Breast Cancer—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2876 KB  
Article
The Secretome of Human Deciduous Tooth-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhances In Vitro Wound Healing and Modulates Inflammation
by Thais Simião Payão, Vanessa Pellegrini, Joseane Morari, Gisele Mara Silva Gonçalves, Maria Carolina Ximenes de Godoy, Alessandra Gambero, Leonardo O. Reis, Lício Augusto Velloso, Eliana Pereira Araújo and Lívia Bitencourt Pascoal
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17080961 - 25 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1651
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical and public health challenge due to impaired tissue repair and high associated morbidity. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of the secretome derived from human mesenchymal stem cells obtained from the pulp of deciduous teeth (hDP-MSCs) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical and public health challenge due to impaired tissue repair and high associated morbidity. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of the secretome derived from human mesenchymal stem cells obtained from the pulp of deciduous teeth (hDP-MSCs) in promoting skin wound healing. Methods: After confirming the mesenchymal identity and multipotent differentiation potential of hDP-MSCs by using flow cytometry and histological staining, the effects of the secretome on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cultures were evaluated. Results: Scratch assays, performed under high- and low-glucose conditions, demonstrated that the secretome significantly promoted keratinocyte migration and wound closure without compromising cell viability. Additionally, the secretome modulated the expression of key genes involved in inflammation and tissue regeneration, including IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and VEGF-α, in a time-dependent manner. Under inflammatory conditions induced by lipopolysaccharide, co-treatment with the secretome significantly reduced TNF-α expression and increased TGF-β1 expression, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusions: These findings indicate the potential of the hDP-MSC-derived secretome as a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy capable of accelerating skin regeneration and modulating the inflammatory response during the wound healing process. Full article
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18 pages, 1231 KB  
Review
Narrative Review: Predictive Biomarkers of Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy or Total Neoadjuvant Therapy of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients
by Joao Victor Machado Carvalho, Jeremy Meyer, Frederic Ris, André Durham, Aurélie Bornand, Alexis Ricoeur, Claudia Corrò and Thibaud Koessler
Cancers 2025, 17(13), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17132229 - 3 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2673
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) very often requires a neoadjuvant multimodal approach. Neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) encompasses treatments like chemoradiotherapy (CRT), short-course radiotherapy (SCRT), radiotherapy (RT) or a combination of either of these two with additional induction or consolidation chemotherapy, namely [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) very often requires a neoadjuvant multimodal approach. Neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) encompasses treatments like chemoradiotherapy (CRT), short-course radiotherapy (SCRT), radiotherapy (RT) or a combination of either of these two with additional induction or consolidation chemotherapy, namely total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT). In case of complete radiological and clinical response, the non-operative watch-and-wait strategy can be adopted in selected patients. This strategy is impacted by a regrowth rate of approximately 30%. Predicting biomarkers of tumor response to NAT could improve guidance of clinicians during clinical decision making, improving treatment outcomes and decreasing unnecessary treatment exposure. To this day, there is no validated biomarker to predict tumor response to any NAT strategies in clinical use. Most research focused on CRT neglects the study of other regimens. Methods: We conducted a narrative literature review which aimed at summarizing the status of biomarkers predicting tumor response to NAT other than CRT in LARC. Results: Two hundred and fourteen articles were identified. After screening, twenty-one full-text articles were included. Statistically significant markers associated with improved tumor response pre-treatment were as follows: low circulating CEA levels; BCL-2 expression; high cellular expression of Ku70, MIB-1(Ki-67) and EGFR; low cellular expression of VEGF, hPEBP4 and nuclear β-catenin; the absence of TP53, SMAD4, KRAS and LRP1B mutations; the presence of the G-allel of LCS-6; and MRI features such as the conventional biexponential fitting pseudodiffusion (Dp) mean value and standard deviation (SD), the variable projection Dp mean value and lymph node characteristics (short axis, smooth contour, homogeneity and Zhang et al. radiomic score). In the interval post-treatment and before surgery, significant markers were as follows: a reduction in the median value of circulating free DNA, higher presence of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, lower presence of CTLA4+ or PD1+ regulatory T cells and standardized index of shape changes on MRI. Conclusions: Responders to neoadjuvant SCRT and RT tended to have a tumor microenvironment with an immune–active phenotype, whereas responders to TNT tended to have a less active tumor profile. Although some biomarkers hold great promise, scarce publications, inconsistent results, low statistical power, and low reproducibility prevent them from reliably predicting tumor response following NAT. Full article
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20 pages, 3820 KB  
Article
Anti-Diabetic Effect of Soy–Whey Dual-Protein on Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Through INS/IRS1/PI3K Signaling Pathway
by Na Li, Hu Li, Duo Feng, Mengjie Li, Di Han, Tianxin Liu and Jing Wang
Foods 2025, 14(12), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14122115 - 16 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2136
Abstract
The effects of soy protein and whey protein supplementation on glycemic control show inconsistency, and the mechanisms underlying the impact of a high-protein diet on blood glucose regulation remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the impact of a dual-protein (DP) blend comprising [...] Read more.
The effects of soy protein and whey protein supplementation on glycemic control show inconsistency, and the mechanisms underlying the impact of a high-protein diet on blood glucose regulation remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the impact of a dual-protein (DP) blend comprising soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein concentrate (WPC), processed through high-pressure homogenization, on mice with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its potential mechanisms. In the in vitro experiments, an insulin-resistant (IR) HepG2 cell model was treated with DP, resulting in a significant enhancement of glucose uptake and upregulation of IRS1 and GLUT4 expression. For the in vivo experiments, male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 6) based on body weight: normal control, T2DM model group, Metformin-treated group, and DP-treated group. Following a 5-week feeding period, Metformin and DP significantly reduced levels of blood sugar, AUC, TC, TG, and LDL-C in T2DM mice. Additionally, TP and ALB levels in the DP group were notably higher in the model group. In the liver and pancreas, DP alleviated histopathological changes and promoted liver glycogen synthesis in T2DM mice. Moreover, the levels of IRS1 and PI3K in the livers of mice in the DP group were significantly higher than those in the model group. Compared with the model groups, DP significantly reduced the expression of CD45 and increased the expression of CD206 in the pancreas of mice. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis revealed that DP altered the composition of the gut microbiota in diabetic mice, increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Parvibacter, and Lactobacillaceae. This suggested that DP could alleviate functional metabolic disorders in the gut and potentially reverse the risk of related complications. In conclusion, soy whey dual-protein may have an effective nutritional therapeutic effect on T2DM mice by regulating lipid metabolism, the INS/IRS1/PI3K signaling pathway, and gut microbiota. Full article
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15 pages, 3595 KB  
Article
Enhancement of In Vivo Bone Regeneration by the Carbohydrate Derivative DP2
by Nissrine Ballout, Sylvestre Toumieux, Walaa Darwiche, Cathy Gomila, Eric Trécherel, Franck Accadbled, Sara Laurencin-Dalicieux, Isabelle Gennero, José Kovensky, Agnès Boullier and Jérôme Ausseil
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020215 - 5 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1591
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Delays in bone healing and complications of remodeling constitute a major medical problem—particularly in older adults and patients with comorbidities. Current therapeutic approaches are based on strategies that promote bone regeneration. We recently identified a disaccharide compound (DP2) that enhances in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Delays in bone healing and complications of remodeling constitute a major medical problem—particularly in older adults and patients with comorbidities. Current therapeutic approaches are based on strategies that promote bone regeneration. We recently identified a disaccharide compound (DP2) that enhances in vitro mineralization in human osteoblast cells via the early activation of Runx2 and the induction of osteoblast differentiation. Methods: First, a calcium quantification assay was performed to assess mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells. Next, microcomputed tomography and histological analyses were used to examine in vivo bone repair in a rat 5 mm cranial defect model following the implantation of DP2 coupled to a micro/macroporous biphasic CaP ceramic (MBCP+) or collagen scaffold. Results: Here, we demonstrated that DP2 induced osteogenic differentiation and significantly elevated calcium matrix deposition in the murine preosteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1. We found that treatment with DP2 coupled to MBCP+ repaired the calvarial defect on post-implantation day 91. It significantly increased bone mineral density starting on day 29 post-treatment. In addition, DP2 did not induce ectopic bone formation. Conclusions: Taken as a whole, these results show that DP2 is a promising candidate treatment for delayed bone healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
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24 pages, 4241 KB  
Article
T Cell-Specific Inactivation of the PI3K p110α Catalytic Subunit: Effect in T Cell Differentiation and Antigen-Specific Responses
by Alejandro C. Briones, Laura del Estal, Cristina Villa-Gómez, Verónica Bermejo, Isabel Cervera, Pedro Gutiérrez-Huerta, María Montes-Casado, Sagrario Ortega, Mariano Barbacid, José María Rojo and Pilar Portolés
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020595 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1883
Abstract
Class IA PI3K p110δ and p110α subunits participate in TCR and costimulatory receptor signals involved in T cell-mediated immunity, but the role of p110α is not completely understood. Here, we analyzed a mouse model of the Cre-dependent functional inactivation of p110α (kinase dead) [...] Read more.
Class IA PI3K p110δ and p110α subunits participate in TCR and costimulatory receptor signals involved in T cell-mediated immunity, but the role of p110α is not completely understood. Here, we analyzed a mouse model of the Cre-dependent functional inactivation of p110α (kinase dead) in T lymphocytes (p110αKD-T, KD). KD mice showed increased cellularity in thymus and spleen and altered T cell differentiation with increased number of CD4+CD8+ DP thymocytes, enhanced proportion of CD4+ SP lymphocytes linked to altered apoptosis, lower Treg cells, and increased AKT and ERK phosphorylation in activated thymocytes. In the spleen, the percentages of CD4+ Treg cells and CD8+ naive lymphocytes were reduced. In vitro, the differentiation of CD4+ cells from p110αKD-T mice showed lower induced Treg (iTreg) cell yield or IL-10 secretion. Moreover, Tfh cell yield, IL-21 secretion, and PI3-K-dependent elongation were hampered, as was Erk and Akt activation. Th1 or Th17 differentiation in vitro was not altered. The immunization of p110α-KD-T mice with KLH protein antigen induced an enhanced proportion of CXCR5+ CD4+ cells and germinal center B cells, increased ICOS expression in CD4+ cells, or IFN-γ secretion upon antigen re-activation in vitro. However, anti-KLH antibody responses in serum was similar in WT or p110α KD mice. These data show that T cell-specific p110α inactivation alters T cell differentiation and function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Immunology)
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15 pages, 6353 KB  
Article
Tissue Engineering Construct for Articular Cartilage Restoration with Stromal Cells from Synovium vs. Dental Pulp—A Pre-Clinical Study
by Tiago Lazzaretti Fernandes, João Paulo Cortez Santanna, Rafaella Rogatto de Faria, Enzo Radaic Pastore, Daniela Franco Bueno and Arnaldo José Hernandez
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(12), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16121558 - 5 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1908
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cartilage injuries and osteoarthritis are prevalent public health problems, due to their disabling nature and economic impact. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from different tissues have the immunomodulatory capacity to regulate local joint environment. This translational study aims to compare cartilage restoration [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cartilage injuries and osteoarthritis are prevalent public health problems, due to their disabling nature and economic impact. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from different tissues have the immunomodulatory capacity to regulate local joint environment. This translational study aims to compare cartilage restoration from MSCs from the synovial membrane (SM) and dental pulp (DP) by a tissue-engineered construct with Good Manufacturing Practices. Methods: A controlled experimental study was conducted on fourteen miniature pigs, using scaffold-free Tissue Engineering Constructs (TECs) from DP and SM MSCs, with a 6-month follow-up. Total thickness cartilage defects were created in both hind knees; one side was left untreated and the other received a TEC from either DP (n = 7) or SM (n = 7). An MRI assessed the morphology using the MOCART scoring system, T2 mapping evaluated water, and collagen fiber composition, and histological analysis was performed using the ICRS-2 score. Results: The untreated group had a mean MOCART value of 46.2 ± 13.4, while the SM-treated group was 65.7 ± 15.5 (p < 0.05) and the DP-treated group was 59.0 ± 7.9 (n.s.). The T2 mapping indicated a mean value of T2 of 54.9 ± 1.9 for native cartilage, with the untreated group at 50.9 ± 2.4 (p < 0.05). No difference was found between the T2 value of native cartilage and the treated groups. The ICRS-2 mean values were 42.1 ± 14.8 for the untreated group, 64.3 ± 19.0 for SM (p < 0.05), and 54.3 ± 12.2 for DP (n.s.). Conclusion: MRI and histological analysis indicated that TEC treatment led to superior cartilage coverage and quality compared to the defect group. TECs from SM demonstrated better results than the defect group in the histological assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Biologics)
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18 pages, 8953 KB  
Article
Process Development for Fabricating 3D-Printed Polycaprolactone-Infiltrated Hydroxyapatite Bone Graft Granules: Effects of Infiltrated Solution Concentration and Agitating Liquid
by Faungchat Thammarakcharoen, Autcharaporn Srion, Waraporn Suvannapruk, Watchara Chokevivat, Wiroj Limtrakarn and Jintamai Suwanprateeb
Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092161 - 23 Sep 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1793
Abstract
Bone grafts are commonly used in orthopedic and dental surgeries to facilitate bone repair and regeneration. A new type of bone graft, polycaprolactone-infiltrated three dimensionally printed hydroxyapatite (3DP HA/PCL), was previously developed by infiltrating polycaprolactone (PCL) into preformed three-dimensional-printed hydroxyapatite (3DP HA) that [...] Read more.
Bone grafts are commonly used in orthopedic and dental surgeries to facilitate bone repair and regeneration. A new type of bone graft, polycaprolactone-infiltrated three dimensionally printed hydroxyapatite (3DP HA/PCL), was previously developed by infiltrating polycaprolactone (PCL) into preformed three-dimensional-printed hydroxyapatite (3DP HA) that was fabricated using binder jetting technology combined with a low-temperature phase transformation process. However, when producing small granules, which are often used for bone grafting, issues of granule agglomeration emerged, complicating the application of this method. This study aimed to develop a fabrication process for 3DP HA/PCL bone graft granules using solution infiltration and liquid agitation. The effects of varying PCL solution concentrations (40% and 50% w/w) and different agitating liquids (deionized water or DI, N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone or NMP, and an NMP-DI mixture) on the properties of the resulting composites were investigated. XRD and FTIR analysis confirmed the coexistence of HA and PCL within the composites. The final PCL content was comparable across all conditions. The contact angles of 3DP HA/PCL were 26.3 and 69.8 degree for 40% and 50% PCL solution, respectively, when using DI, but were zero when using NMP and NMP-DI. The highest compression load resistance and diametral tensile strength were achieved using the 50% PCL solution with DI or the NMP-DI mixture. DI resulted in a dense PCL coating, while NMP and the NMP-DI mixture produced a porous and irregular surface morphology. All samples exhibited a porous internal microstructure due to PCL infiltration into the initial pores of the 3D-printed HA. Biocompatibility tests showed that all samples supported the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, with the greatest OD values observed for the 50% PCL solution with DI or the NMP-DI mixture at each cultured period. Considering the microstructural, mechanical, and biological properties, the 50% PCL solution with the NMP-DI mixture demonstrated overall desirable properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration)
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25 pages, 14504 KB  
Article
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Derived from Dental Tissues Mediate the Immunoregulation of T Cells through the Purinergic Pathway
by Luis Ignacio Poblano-Pérez, Alberto Monroy-García, Gladis Fragoso-González, María de Lourdes Mora-García, Andrés Castell-Rodríguez, Héctor Mayani, Marco Antonio Álvarez-Pérez, Sonia Mayra Pérez-Tapia, Zaira Macías-Palacios, Luis Vallejo-Castillo and Juan José Montesinos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9578; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179578 - 4 Sep 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2978
Abstract
Human dental tissue mesenchymal stem cells (DT-MSCs) constitute an attractive alternative to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) for potential clinical applications because of their accessibility and anti-inflammatory capacity. We previously demonstrated that DT-MSCs from dental pulp (DP-MSCs), periodontal ligaments (PDL-MSCs), and gingival [...] Read more.
Human dental tissue mesenchymal stem cells (DT-MSCs) constitute an attractive alternative to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) for potential clinical applications because of their accessibility and anti-inflammatory capacity. We previously demonstrated that DT-MSCs from dental pulp (DP-MSCs), periodontal ligaments (PDL-MSCs), and gingival tissue (G-MSCs) show immunosuppressive effects similar to those of BM, but to date, the DT-MSC-mediated immunoregulation of T lymphocytes through the purinergic pathway remains unknown. In the present study, we compared DP-MSCs, PDL-MSCs, and G-MSCs in terms of CD26, CD39, and CD73 expression; their ability to generate adenosine (ADO) from ATP and AMP; and whether the concentrations of ADO that they generate induce an immunomodulatory effect on T lymphocytes. BM-MSCs were included as the gold standard. Our results show that DT-MSCs present similar characteristics among the different sources analyzed in terms of the properties evaluated; however, interestingly, they express more CD39 than BM-MSCs; therefore, they generate more ADO from ATP. In contrast to those produced by BM-MSCs, the concentrations of ADO produced by DT-MSCs from ATP inhibited the proliferation of CD3+ T cells and promoted the generation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+CD39+CD73+ Tregs and Th17+CD39+ lymphocytes. Our data suggest that DT-MSCs utilize the adenosinergic pathway as an immunomodulatory mechanism and that this mechanism is more efficient than that of BM-MSCs. Full article
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