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Keywords = intrahepatic immune response

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12 pages, 845 KB  
Article
Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, Plus Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Biliary Tract Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
by Mai Kitahara, Kei Saito, Yoko Oki, Noriyuki Kuniyoshi, Shuzo Nomura, Mariko Fujisawa and Hirofumi Kogure
Cancers 2026, 18(16), 2555; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18162555 - 9 Aug 2026
Viewed by 359
Abstract
Background: Based on the demonstrated survival benefits of gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GemCis) therapy in the TOPAZ-1 and KEYNOTE-966 trials, GemCis plus immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has become a standard first-line treatment for unresectable biliary tract cancer. However, its safety and efficacy [...] Read more.
Background: Based on the demonstrated survival benefits of gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GemCis) therapy in the TOPAZ-1 and KEYNOTE-966 trials, GemCis plus immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has become a standard first-line treatment for unresectable biliary tract cancer. However, its safety and efficacy in elderly patients and those requiring biliary drainage remain insufficiently evaluated in real-world practice. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GemCis plus ICI therapy, with a focus on elderly patients and those requiring biliary drainage. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer treated with GemCis plus ICI at our institution between April 2022 and September 2025. Progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and prognostic factors were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. PFS and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were compared between durvalumab and pembrolizumab. Results: Of the 51 patients diagnosed with unresectable biliary tract cancer during the observation period, 26 (51.0%) received GemCis plus ICI therapy. The median age was 73 years (range, 46–83 years), and 15 (57.7%) patients were male. Distant metastases were present in 22 patients (84.6%), and biliary drainage was performed in 15 (57.7%). The primary tumor sites were intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 8), perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (n = 6), gallbladder cancer (n = 11), and cancer of unknown primary origin (n = 1). The ICIs used were durvalumab in 18 patients and pembrolizumab in eight patients. The median follow-up period was 214 days (range, 30–1114). The response rate was 28.6%, the disease control rate was 90.5%, and the transition rate to ICI maintenance therapy was 29.2%. IrAEs occurred in six patients (23.1%), with a significantly higher frequency in the pembrolizumab group than in the durvalumab group (50.0% vs. 11.1%). The median PFS was 8.2 months in the durvalumab group and 8.9 months in the pembrolizumab group, with no significant difference (p = 0.88). Multivariate analysis incorporating age, performance status, metastatic burden, and liver function confirmed that age ≥ 75 years remained the only independent predictor of shorter PFS (HR 5.62; 95% CI, 1.35–23.4; p = 0.02), whereas ICI regimen and biliary drainage were not significant prognostic factors. Conclusions: In clinical practice, GemCis plus ICI therapy showed no statistically significant difference in efficacy between ICI regimens in this small cohort, although this comparison was not statistically powered. Given the exploratory nature of these findings, the lower incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) observed in the durvalumab group should be interpreted with caution. Age ≥ 75 years was associated with shorter PFS. Careful patient selection is warranted when considering GemCis plus ICI therapy in elderly patients with biliary tract cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Therapy)
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29 pages, 1730 KB  
Review
Advances in Immunotherapy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
by Huimin Qi, Jialin Pan and Hailong Wu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146228 - 13 Jul 2026
Viewed by 977
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly lethal and heterogeneous primary liver malignancy with a dismal prognosis. Approximately 70% of patients are diagnosed at locally advanced or metastatic stages, therefore missing the opportunity for curative surgery, and conventional chemotherapy offers limited survival benefits. Immunotherapy, [...] Read more.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly lethal and heterogeneous primary liver malignancy with a dismal prognosis. Approximately 70% of patients are diagnosed at locally advanced or metastatic stages, therefore missing the opportunity for curative surgery, and conventional chemotherapy offers limited survival benefits. Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint blockade, represents a promising strategy, yet its efficacy as monotherapy in iCCA remains modest primarily due to the profoundly immunosuppressive and desmoplastic tumor microenvironment. This review examines the immune cell infiltration landscape of iCCA, focusing on the distinct roles of lymphoid cells and myeloid cells in shaping immune evasion. We then analyze key factors affecting immune responses, such as tumor-intrinsic driver mutations, immune regulatory mechanisms, and acquired resistance. Furthermore, we summarize current clinical advances in iCCA immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy, bispecific antibodies, combination strategies with chemotherapy or targeted therapy, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapy. Despite some progress, the overall response to immunotherapy remains suboptimal, and future strategies need to focus on deciphering context-specific resistance mechanisms and enhancing the tumor-specific immune response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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28 pages, 2237 KB  
Review
Multidimensional Regulatory Networks of Immune Resistance in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Synergistic Mechanisms of Tumor Microenvironment, Immune Cells, and Microbiota, and Novel Therapeutic Strategies
by Lingyu Kong and Hongxin Piao
Gastrointest. Disord. 2026, 8(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord8030032 - 29 Jun 2026
Viewed by 900
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly malignant tumor originating from the epithelium of the bile ducts. It has an insidious onset, is difficult to diagnose in its early stages, has a low rate of curative resection, and carries an extremely poor prognosis. Among these, [...] Read more.
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly malignant tumor originating from the epithelium of the bile ducts. It has an insidious onset, is difficult to diagnose in its early stages, has a low rate of curative resection, and carries an extremely poor prognosis. Among these, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), as the most representative subtype, is a classic “immunologically cold tumor.” The response rate to single-agent immunotherapy is only 5–10%, and the mechanisms of immune resistance are complex and not yet fully elucidated. The tumor microenvironment, serving as the core site of immune resistance, forms a highly immunosuppressive network composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts, hypoxia, metabolic reprogramming, and epigenetic abnormalities; a population of immunosuppressive cells centered on tumor-associated macrophages further amplifies tolerance signals; and the gut–biliary microbiome exerts systemic immune regulation via the gut–liver axis. Based on mutant mouse models generated via tail vein injection and in-depth studies of mutations in key signaling pathways, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying iCCA’s immune resistance is deepening at both the molecular and systems levels. This article reviews the local and systemic regulatory mechanisms of immune resistance in primary iCCA, summarizes the research value of experimental and preclinical models, and reviews novel strategies such as tumor microenvironment remodeling, activation of immune cell networks, microbiome interventions, and multidimensional combination therapies. It analyzes current research bottlenecks and clinical challenges and outlines the future direction of precision immunotherapy, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and new insights for overcoming iCCA immunotherapy resistance and advancing clinical translation. Full article
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97 pages, 10513 KB  
Review
Flavonoids as Nutraceuticals to Treat Inflammatory Diseases: Focusing on Quercetin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Apigenin, Epicatechin and Their Effects on Hepatic, Nervous, and Pulmonary Systems
by Maiara Piva, Geovana Martelossi-Cebinelli, Soraia Mendes-Pierotti, Willian H. Chinen, Pedro H. F. Cardines, Renata M. Martinez, Sandra R. Georgetti, Marcela M. Baracat, Fabiana T. M. C. Vicentini, Waldiceu A. Verri and Rubia Casagrande
Foods 2026, 15(12), 2159; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15122159 - 15 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6702
Abstract
The immune response is essential in the protection of our body against pathogens; however, the inflammatory response caused by the immune system can become a disease itself. In fact, anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive drugs are applied to limit the immune response to treat inflammatory [...] Read more.
The immune response is essential in the protection of our body against pathogens; however, the inflammatory response caused by the immune system can become a disease itself. In fact, anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive drugs are applied to limit the immune response to treat inflammatory diseases. Flavonoids are plant-derived polyphenols extensively investigated for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in inflammatory diseases. Studies applying isolated compounds as well as using supplements as nutraceuticals based on flavonoids have been conducted. Our review systematically analyzed the top five studied flavonoids between 2020 and 2025: quercetin (1742 articles), kaempferol (642), luteolin (589), apigenin (419), and epicatechin (354), highlighting their major therapeutic applications in diseases affecting the liver (12%), nervous system (11%), and lungs (10%). Mechanistically, these compounds act as multi-target agents mainly by inhibiting NF-κB and inducing Nrf2-dependent antioxidant programs. Application of advanced delivery systems, which increase oral bioavailability by up to 20-fold, overcomes pharmacokinetic bottlenecks. Clinical highlights demonstrated promising therapeutic effects, including reduced intrahepatic lipid accumulation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients following quercetin supplementation (11.5% to 9.6%) and accelerated SARS-CoV-2 clearance after quercetin phytosome administration. The translation of flavonoids into standardized clinical therapies remains limited by the lack of large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention)
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20 pages, 3816 KB  
Article
Lenvatinib Combined with New FP Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Efficacy, Vascular Remodeling, and Implications for Immuno-Oncology–Systemic Combination Therapy
by Susumu Maruta, Yohei Koshima, Yuji Debari, Chihei Sugihara, Gou Takahata, Ryo Tamura, Tadashi Ohshima, Yuji Ono, Yuho Morita, Tomoki Chiba, Satoru Ishida, Hideto Imai, Keisuke Watanabe, Ryo Chinzei, Masanori Takahashi and Yoshihiko Ooka
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(5), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33050286 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 1423
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) refractory or intolerant to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens represent a growing yet therapeutically underserved population with limited treatment options. We investigated the efficacy, safety, and mechanistic underpinnings of lenvatinib combined with New FP hepatic arterial [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) refractory or intolerant to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens represent a growing yet therapeutically underserved population with limited treatment options. We investigated the efficacy, safety, and mechanistic underpinnings of lenvatinib combined with New FP hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (LEN–New FP) in this challenging clinical setting. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 14 consecutive patients with uHCC treated with LEN–New FP between April 2022 and March 2025. Tumor response was assessed by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Proper hepatic artery (PHA) diameter was serially measured on angiography as an exploratory assessment of vascular remodeling, and tumor vascularity was semi-quantitatively evaluated using a 4-point angiographic scoring system (Tumor Vascularity Score [TVS]). Results: The cohort comprised BCLC stage B/C (7/7), mALBI grade 1–2b, and 13 of 14 patients with prior ICI-containing therapy. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 85.7% and 100%, including two complete responses. Median overall survival was 22.8 months from LEN–New FP initiation (median follow-up: 15.1 months) and 36.2 months from first-line initiation; median intrahepatic progression-free survival was 10.4 months. A total of 11 of 14 patients (78.6%) transitioned to subsequent therapies, including four curative-intent conversions. PHA narrowing was observed in 10 of 13 evaluable patients (76.9%), with no clear association with hepatic function deterioration. TVS decreased in 10 of 12 evaluable patients (83.3%), with reduction observed in 90.0% of PR/CR cases. Conclusions: LEN–New FP achieved sustained intrahepatic tumor control and encouraging survival in aggressive uHCC, including ICI-refractory or -intolerant disease. The concordant reduction in PHA diameter and tumor vascularity score provides angiographic evidence of VEGFR inhibition-mediated vascular remodeling, offering mechanistic insight into the synergistic antitumor effects of this regimen and supporting LEN–New FP as a promising multimodal strategy within the evolving landscape of HCC treatment. Full article
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27 pages, 2788 KB  
Review
Novel Mechanistic Insights into Primary Biliary Cholangitis: From Pathogenesis to Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Repair
by Zhenxia Huang, Meiling Zhang, Xiaoyue Zhang, Yao Ge, Cuifang He and Junfeng Li
Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051101 - 13 May 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1782
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease characterized by the progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, which ultimately leads to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. The current first-line therapy, ursodeoxycholic acid, is associated with a high rate of non-response. Moreover, second-line [...] Read more.
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease characterized by the progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, which ultimately leads to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. The current first-line therapy, ursodeoxycholic acid, is associated with a high rate of non-response. Moreover, second-line treatments are constrained by variable efficacy and safety concerns. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), owing to their potent immunomodulatory and tissue-repairing capabilities, represent a promising new therapeutic strategy for PBC patients with poor response to conventional therapies. This review systematically outlines the pathogenesis of PBC, focusing on factors including genetics, environment, and immune dysregulation. Furthermore, it examines recent evidence on the mechanisms by which MSCs and their derivatives, such as exosomes, may intervene in PBC progression through immunomodulation, anti-fibrotic effects, and potential hepatic differentiation. This paper also reviews the current status and challenges of the clinical translation of MSCs therapy, and proposes that engineered modification and standardized preparation are the key directions to promote its application. In conclusion, this review provides a theoretical foundation and future directions for deepening the understanding of PBC pathogenesis and developing novel MSC-based therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
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22 pages, 2299 KB  
Article
Protein Priming Followed by a Replication-Competent VSV-GP Vector Boost Induces Sustained Immune Control in Therapeutic Hepatitis B Vaccination
by Jinpeng Su, Anna D. Kosinska, Susanne Miko, Edanur Ates Öz, Dorothee von Laer, Janine Kimpel and Ulrike Protzer
Vaccines 2026, 14(3), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14030266 - 16 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1050
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Eliciting robust immune responses against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) through therapeutic vaccination holds promise for curing chronic hepatitis B. We previously developed the heterologous protein prime/viral vector boost clinical vaccine candidate, TherVacB. Here, we evaluated a replication-competent chimeric vesicular [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Eliciting robust immune responses against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) through therapeutic vaccination holds promise for curing chronic hepatitis B. We previously developed the heterologous protein prime/viral vector boost clinical vaccine candidate, TherVacB. Here, we evaluated a replication-competent chimeric vesicular stomatitis virus vector (VSV-GP) as an alternative viral vector boost vaccine. Methods: A recombinant VSV-GP vector co-expressing HBV surface and core antigens (VSV-GP-HBs/c) was generated and characterized for antigen expression. Its immunogenicity, antiviral efficacy, and durability were assessed in HBV-naïve and HBV-carrier mice, using protein primed, viral vector-primed, and multi-viral vector boost regimens. Results: VSV-GP-HBs/c efficiently expressed both HBV antigens in vitro. A single immunization with VSV-GP-HBs/c induced only weak HBV-specific immune responses in vivo. Replacing protein priming with VSV-GP-HBs/c resulted in modest immune activation and limited antiviral effects in HBV-carrier mice. In contrast, substituting the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA)-HBs/c boost in the TherVacB regimen with VSV-GP-HBs/c elicited robust HBV-specific antibody responses and strong CD4 and CD8 T-cell immunity, assessed by intracellular IFN-γ staining after peptide stimulation. This regimen achieved a substantial reduction in serum HBsAg levels, numbers of HBV-positive hepatocytes, and intrahepatic HBV-DNA, with antiviral efficacy comparable to that of the classical TherVacB regimen. Notably, a second viral vector boost did not enhance HBV-specific immunity or antiviral efficacy; instead, it promoted dominant vector-specific CD8 T-cell responses. Long-term analyses performed 10 weeks after the last vaccination further demonstrated that a single protein-prime/VSV-GP-HBs/c boost was sufficient to achieve sustained antiviral control. Conclusions: These findings identify VSV-GP-HBs/c as an effective boost vector for therapeutic hepatitis B vaccination and establish protein priming followed by a single viral vector boost as an optimal strategy for sustained antiviral immunity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccination: HIV, Hepatitis Viruses, and HPV)
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20 pages, 1066 KB  
Review
Update on Medical Management and Liver Transplantation in Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Narrative Review
by Mahinaz Mohsen, Rohan Karkra, Esli Medina-Morales, Joshua E. Pagán-Busigó, Ethan Shamsian, Michael Bebawy, Sakina Paracha, Charmi Patel, Riya Sutariya and Paul Gaglio
Livers 2026, 6(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/livers6020020 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 2042
Abstract
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, immune-mediated cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive intrahepatic bile duct destruction, leading to pruritus, fatigue, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Early diagnosis has improved with the development of sensitive serologic assays (e.g., antimitochondrial antibodies, antinuclear antibodies) [...] Read more.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, immune-mediated cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive intrahepatic bile duct destruction, leading to pruritus, fatigue, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Early diagnosis has improved with the development of sensitive serologic assays (e.g., antimitochondrial antibodies, antinuclear antibodies) and the introduction of newer biomarkers. Risk stratification has become standardized with the help of GLOBE and UK-PBC scores, alongside non-invasive tools such as vibration-controlled transient elastography, enabling earlier intervention. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the first-line therapy; however, 30–40% of patients show an incomplete response, increasing their risk of liver failure and mortality. Second-line therapies have emerged which provide viable treatment avenues for those who do not respond to UDCA or are unable to tolerate it. However, in certain situations, such as decompensated cirrhosis, carcinoma, or refractory pruritus, liver transplantation constitutes the only curative therapy. While PBC has excellent post-liver transplant (post-LT) outcomes, patients with PBC face higher waitlist mortality as they tend to have lower MELD scores. Management post-LT includes the use of UDCA, immunosuppressants, and surveillance for recurrent PBC. Our review highlights the recent advances in medical management and transplant risk stratification of patients at risk of decompensation, as well as the perioperative transplant period outcomes and long-term post-transplant management strategies in patients with PBC. Full article
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15 pages, 697 KB  
Article
Prognostic Value of Baseline Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Advanced Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Treated with First-Line Gemcitabine–Cisplatin Plus PD-L1 Inhibitor: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
by Shuan Wu, Jiawei Xu, Yan Li and Decai Yu
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020123 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 868
Abstract
Background: Gemcitabine–cisplatin (GC) combined with a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor has become an important first-line regimen for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, overall efficacy remains modest, and inter-patient heterogeneity in outcomes is substantial, highlighting the need for simple biomarkers for pretreatment risk [...] Read more.
Background: Gemcitabine–cisplatin (GC) combined with a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor has become an important first-line regimen for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, overall efficacy remains modest, and inter-patient heterogeneity in outcomes is substantial, highlighting the need for simple biomarkers for pretreatment risk stratification. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), derived from peripheral neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts, has been associated with prognosis in various malignancies, but its clinical relevance in advanced ICC treated with first-line GC plus PD-L1 inhibitor remains unclear. Aims: To evaluate the association of baseline SII with objective response and survival outcomes in patients with advanced ICC receiving first-line GC plus PD-L1 inhibitor. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 193 consecutive patients with advanced ICC who received first-line GC plus a PD-L1 inhibitor at our center. Baseline clinicopathologic characteristics and laboratory parameters were collected, and SII was calculated as platelet count (×109/L) × neutrophil count (×109/L)/lymphocyte count (×109/L). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the discriminative ability of baseline SII for objective response and to determine an internally derived cut-off value. Patients were categorized into low- and high-SII groups accordingly. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with objective response rate (ORR). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to evaluate the independent prognostic significance of SII for PFS and OS. Results: Among the 193 patients included, 55 achieved complete or partial response and 138 had stable or progressive disease, yielding an ORR of 28.5%. Baseline SII showed good discrimination for objective response (AUC = 0.91), and the optimal cut-off value was 495.75. Patients in the low-SII group had a significantly higher ORR than those in the high-SII group (p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that both PFS and OS were longer in the low-SII group than in the high-SII group (median OS: 13.0 vs. 8.0 months, log-rank p < 0.001; median PFS: 8.5 vs. 6.0 months, p = 0.025). In multivariable Cox models adjusting for differentiation, CA19-9, tumor multiplicity, and distant metastasis, SII grouping remained independently associated with PFS and OS, and distant metastasis was consistently associated with increased risks of progression and death. Conclusions: Baseline SII is a readily available prognostic biomarker associated with objective response and survival in patients with advanced ICC treated with first-line GC plus PD-L1 inhibitor. Given the retrospective single-center design, the absence of a non-immunotherapy comparator cohort, and internal cut-off derivation, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and warrant external validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology Biomarkers)
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19 pages, 8166 KB  
Article
TMAO Supplementation to High-Carbohydrate Diet Reprogrammed Hepatic Metabolism and Intestinal Microbiota to Improve Liver Health and Disease Resistance of Micropterus salmoides
by Weijun Tang, Yan Lei, Linyuan Jiang, Huijuan Ren, Shambel Boki, Xinyue Du, Kexin Xiong, Shihao Liu, Yaoqiang Yue and Qingchao Wang
Microorganisms 2026, 14(2), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14020284 - 26 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1079
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) supplementation (0.5% and 1%) to a high-carbohydrate diet on the growth performance, liver health, hepatic metabolome, intestinal microbiota and disease resistance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). After an eight-week feeding [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) supplementation (0.5% and 1%) to a high-carbohydrate diet on the growth performance, liver health, hepatic metabolome, intestinal microbiota and disease resistance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). After an eight-week feeding trial with three replicates, fish fed with TMAO-supplemented diets showed growth-promoting potential with increased difference with a prolonged rearing period. Importantly, TMAO supplementation significantly improved liver structure and function, with reduced intrahepatic glycogen accumulation due to reprogrammed glycogen metabolism, including down-regulated gys2 and ugp2b but up-regulated pygl expression levels. Targeted liver metabolomics analysis indicated the enhanced synthesis of long-chain fatty acid and amino acid in the 1% TMAO group, accompanied by decreased cortisol, indicating the attenuation of the stress response. Furthermore, TMAO supplementation changed the structure of the intestinal microbiota and particularly the intestinal content of Romboutsia, an important probiotic that can effectively utilize different kinds of dietary carbohydrate, showed an increasing trend with the increased TMAO supplementation levels. Finally, after sampling, all remaining fish were challenged with Nocardia seriolae. TMAO supplementation significantly enhanced the immune clearance function of largemouth bass against invading N. seriolae, with alleviated granulomatous nodules within liver but enhanced hepatic expression levels of nlrp3, caspase1, il-1β and il-18. These results collectively underscore the finding that TMAO may promote intestinal Romboutsia growth and reprogram hepatic metabolism to improve liver health, giving TMAO potential as a feed additive for growth and health promotion in largemouth bass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbiome in Fish and Their Living Environment, Second Edition)
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20 pages, 9139 KB  
Article
Western Diet Dampens T Regulatory Cell Function to Fuel Hepatic Inflammation in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
by Sudrishti Chaudhary, Ravi Rai, Pabitra B. Pal, Dana Tedesco, Daniel Rossmiller, Biki Gupta, Aatur D. Singhi, Satdarshan P. Monga, Arash Grakoui, Smita S. Iyer and Reben Raeman
Cells 2026, 15(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15020165 - 16 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
The immunosuppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs) regulate immune responses and maintain immune homeostasis, yet their functions in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remain controversial. Here we report increased accumulation of Tregs and effector T cells within the liver parenchyma of mice fed [...] Read more.
The immunosuppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs) regulate immune responses and maintain immune homeostasis, yet their functions in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remain controversial. Here we report increased accumulation of Tregs and effector T cells within the liver parenchyma of mice fed a Western diet (WD). This pattern was also observed in MASH patients, where an increase in intrahepatic Tregs was noted. In the absence of adaptive immune cells in Rag1 KO mice, WD promoted accumulation of intrahepatic neutrophils and macrophages and exacerbated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Similarly, targeted Treg depletion exacerbated WD-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. In Treg-depleted mice, hepatic injury was associated with increased accumulation of neutrophils, macrophages, and activated T cells in the liver. Conversely, induction of Treg numbers using recombinant IL2/αIL2 mAb cocktail reduced hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in WD-fed mice. Analysis of intrahepatic Tregs from WD-fed mice revealed a phenotypic signature of impaired Treg function in MASLD. Ex vivo functional studies showed that glucose and palmitate, but not fructose, impaired the immunosuppressive ability of Treg cells. The findings indicate that the liver microenvironment in MASLD impairs the ability of Tregs to suppress effector immune cell activation, thus perpetuating chronic inflammation and driving MASLD progression. Full article
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21 pages, 552 KB  
Article
Durvalumab-Based First-Line Chemoimmunotherapy in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: Real-World Outcomes and Prognostic Factors—A Turkish Oncology Group Study
by Safa Can Efil, Fatih Kus, Bahadir Koylu, Bekir Mert Durukan, Selami Bayram, Halil Goksel Guzel, Banu Ozturk, Harun Muglu, Ahmet Bilici, Fatih Kose, Ozkan Alan, Eda Karapelit Agitoglu, Gurkan Guner, Ali Ayberk Besen, Kaan Helvaci, Murat Araz, Turgut Kacan, Cagatay Arslan, Ahmet Unal, Emine Bihter Eniseler, Sedat Biter, Ferhat Ekinci, Ferit Aslan, Ilkay Tugba Unek, Semra Tas, Omer Acar, Ozturk Ates, Teoman Sakalar, Sinem Akbas, Hilal Karakas, Muhammed Bulent Akinci, Bulent Yalcin, Suayip Yalcin and Mehmet Ali Nahit Senduradd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2026, 18(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010101 - 29 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1681
Abstract
Background: Durvalumab combined with gemcitabine–cisplatin (GC) has become the standard first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) following the TOPAZ-1 trial. However, real-world effectiveness, safety, and prognostic determinants, particularly in underrepresented populations, remain insufficiently defined. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.
Background: Durvalumab combined with gemcitabine–cisplatin (GC) has become the standard first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) following the TOPAZ-1 trial. However, real-world effectiveness, safety, and prognostic determinants, particularly in underrepresented populations, remain insufficiently defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-world outcomes of first-line durvalumab plus chemotherapy and identify independent prognostic factors in patients with advanced BTC. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients with unresectable or metastatic BTC treated with first-line durvalumab plus chemotherapy across 21 tertiary oncology centers in Türkiye. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, biomarker data, and treatment details were collected. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), while secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety. Survival outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: A total of 78 patients were analyzed; 53.8% were male, and the median age was 62 years. Primary tumor sites were intrahepatic (55.1%), extrahepatic (30.8%), and gallbladder (14.1%). After a median follow-up of 12.58 months, median OS was 11.59 months and median PFS was 6.80 months. The ORR was 50.6%, including complete and partial responses in 2.7% and 47.9% of patients, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 97.4% of patients, with grade 3–4 events in 37.2%. Immune-related adverse events were observed in 19.2%, including one case of grade 3 pneumonitis. No patient permanently discontinued durvalumab due to toxicity, and no durvalumab-related mortality occurred. In multivariable analysis, ECOG performance status 2 (HR 3.43; 95% CI 1.33–8.80) and ALBI grade 2–3 (HR 2.54; 95% CI 1.24–5.19) independently predicted worse OS, while ECOG performance status 2 also predicted shorter PFS (HR 5.91; 95% CI 2.30–15.17). Conclusions: In this multicenter real-world Turkish cohort, first-line durvalumab plus chemotherapy showed effectiveness and tolerability comparable to clinical trial data. Baseline ECOG performance status and ALBI grade were independent prognostic factors, supporting their use for risk stratification in advanced biliary tract cancer. Full article
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30 pages, 728 KB  
Review
Immune Landscape of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Evasion and Therapeutic Insights
by Nunzia Porro, Elena Spínola-Lasso, Fabio Marra and Alessandra Gentilini
Immuno 2025, 5(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/immuno5030040 - 17 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4516
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous malignancy characterized by marked resistance to standard chemotherapy and poor prognosis. While the advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of several solid tumors, including melanoma, breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer, its [...] Read more.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous malignancy characterized by marked resistance to standard chemotherapy and poor prognosis. While the advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of several solid tumors, including melanoma, breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer, its efficacy in iCCA remains limited. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of durvalumab in combination with chemotherapy for iCCA, leading to its approval as a first-line treatment. However, overall response rates remain low, largely due to its immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The immune-cold nature of iCCA is typified by a dominant presence of immunosuppressive cell populations, including M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and T regulatory cells. In addition, traditional biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability have shown limited predictive value in iCCA, highlighting the need for novel biomarkers and immunotherapeutic strategies. Emerging approaches aimed at reprogramming the TIME, including combination therapies targeting suppressive cells, stromal remodeling, and novel immune effectors like CAR-T and cancer vaccines, hold significant promise for enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review summarizes the distinct features of iCCA TIME, key mechanisms of immune evasion, current challenges, and future directions to overcome immune resistance, with the aim of developing personalized immunotherapies to improve patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights of Anti-cancer Immunity and Cancer Immune Evasion)
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19 pages, 1412 KB  
Review
Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Immunopathogenesis and the Role of Bile Acid Metabolism in Disease Progression
by María Del Barrio, Álvaro Díaz-González and Marta Alonso-Peña
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167905 - 16 Aug 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5592
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver disease characterized by progressive destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to cholestasis, inflammation, and ultimately fibrosis and cirrhosis. This review emphasizes the central role of bile acids in PBC pathogenesis, exploring how [...] Read more.
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver disease characterized by progressive destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to cholestasis, inflammation, and ultimately fibrosis and cirrhosis. This review emphasizes the central role of bile acids in PBC pathogenesis, exploring how disruptions in their synthesis, transport, and detoxification contribute to cholangiocyte damage and disease progression. In addition to discussing the autoimmune features of PBC, including the presence of specific autoantibodies and cellular immune responses, we examine how bile acid dysregulation exacerbates cholestasis and promotes lipid metabolic disturbances. Particular attention is given to the “bicarbonate umbrella” hypothesis, which describes a protective mechanism by which cholangiocytes resist bile acid–induced injury—an essential factor disrupted in PBC. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge gaps in the pathophysiology of PBC, with a focus on the role of bile acids not only as key drivers of disease mechanisms, but also as potential biomarkers of disease progression and treatment response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bile Acids and Bile Acid Modifications in Health and Disease)
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18 pages, 2170 KB  
Article
VVX001 Induces preS-Specific Antibodies Reacting to Common HBV Genotypes in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Carrier Mice
by Inna Tulaeva, Maryline Bourgine, Carolin Cornelius-Nikl, Alexander Karaulov, Rainer Henning, Marie-Louise Michel and Rudolf Valenta
Vaccines 2025, 13(8), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13080854 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1788
Abstract
Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains being a major public health threat, and currently existing CHB therapies have limited efficacy and side effects. We have recently developed a vaccine termed VVX001 based on a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the preS domain [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains being a major public health threat, and currently existing CHB therapies have limited efficacy and side effects. We have recently developed a vaccine termed VVX001 based on a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the preS domain of the large surface protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) fused to grass pollen allergen peptides. VVX001 has been shown to induce preS-specific antibodies in grass pollen allergic patients, and sera of immunized subjects inhibited HBV infection in vitro. Methods: In this study we investigated if immunization with VVX001 can induce preS-specific antibodies in CHB using the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-HBV murine model of CHB. Six groups of C57BL/6 female mice (n = 6) were transduced with AAV-HBV or AAV-Empty, and after six weeks, they were immunized five times with 20 µg of aluminum hydroxide-adsorbed VVX001 or preS or vehicle (Alum alone). Serum samples were taken continuously. Two weeks after the last immunization, spleen and liver mononuclear cells were collected. Serum reactivity to preS and preS-derived peptides was assessed by ELISA. B-cell responses were measured by ELISPOT assay, and intrahepatic lymphocyte (ILH) counts were determined by FACS. HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, ALT, and AST were assessed using commercial kits. Results: Our results show that VVX001 induces preS-specific IgG antibodies that cross-react with different HBV genotypes A-H and are directed against the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) receptor binding site of preS both in mice with and without HBV. Actively immunized AAV-HBV-treated mice had a higher number of intrahepatic lymphocytes than vehicle-vaccinated and mock-transduced animals. Conclusions: These findings encourage performing further trials to study the potential of VVX001 for therapeutic vaccination against CHB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Next Generation Vaccines in Immunotherapeutics)
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