Paclitaxel is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for treating various solid tumors. However, resulting neuropathic pain, often a lifelong side effect of paclitaxel, can limit dosing and compromise optimal treatment. The choroid plexus, located in the brain ventricles, spreads peripheral inflammatory reactions into the brain. Our study is the first to analyze the effects of paclitaxel on inflammatory alterations in the choroid plexus. We hypothesized that the choroid plexus could respond directly to paclitaxel and simultaneously be indirectly altered via circulating damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) produced by paclitaxel application. Using immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis, we examined the levels of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), along with the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in choroid plexus epithelial cells of male Wistar rats following paclitaxel treatment. Moreover, we utilized an in vitro model of choroid plexus epithelial cells, the Z310 cells, to investigate the changes in these cells in response to paclitaxel and DAMPs (CpG ODN). Our results demonstrate that paclitaxel increases TLR9 and FPR2 levels in the choroid plexus while inducing IL6 and TNFα upregulation in both acute and chronic manners. In vitro experiments further revealed that paclitaxel directly interacts with epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, leading to increased levels of TLR9, FPR2, IL6, and TNFα. Additionally, treatment of cells with CpG ODN, an agonist of TLR9, elicited upregulation of IL6 and TNFα. Our findings determined that paclitaxel influences the choroid plexus through both direct and indirect mechanisms, resulting in inflammatory profile alterations. Given the pivotal role of the choroid plexus in brain homeostasis, a compromised choroid plexus following chemotherapy may facilitate the spread of peripheral inflammation into the brain, consequently exacerbating the development of neuropathic pain.

• Klíčová slova
• DAMPs, PINP, blood-CSF barrier, choroid plexus, neuroinflammation, paclitaxel,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

INTRODUCTION: The choroid plexus is located in the cerebral ventricles. It consists of a stromal core and a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells that forms the blood-cerebrospinal barrier. The main function of the choroid plexus is to produce cerebrospinal fluid. Subarachnoid hemorrhage due to aneurysm rupture is a devastating type of hemorrhagic stroke. Following subarachnoid hemorrhage, blood and the blood degradation products that disperse into the cerebrospinal fluid come in direct contact with choroid plexus epithelial cells. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the pathophysiological cascades responsible for the inflammatory reaction that is seen in the choroid plexus following subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: Subarachnoid hemorrhage was induced in rats by injecting non-heparinized autologous blood to the cisterna magna. Increased intracranial pressure following subarachnoid hemorrhage was modeled by using artificial cerebrospinal fluid instead of blood. Subarachnoid hemorrhage and artificial cerebrospinal fluid animals were left to survive for 1, 3, 7 and 14 days. Immunohistochemical staining of TLR4, TLR9, FPR2, CCL2, TNFα, IL-1β, CCR2 and CX3CR1 was performed on the cryostat sections of choroid plexus tissue. The level of TLR4, TLR9, FPR2, CCL2, TNFα, IL-1β was detected by measuring immunofluorescence intensity in randomly selected epithelial cells. The number of CCR2 and CX3CR1 positive cells per choroid plexus area was manually counted. Immunohistochemical changes were confirmed by Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical methods and Western blot showed increased levels of TLR9 and a slight increase in TLR4 and FRP2 following both subarachnoid hemorrhage as well as the application of artificial cerebrospinal fluid over time, although the individual periods were different. The levels of TNFα and IL-1β increased, while CCL2 level decreased slightly. Accumulation of macrophages positive for CCR2 and CX3CR1 was found in all periods after subarachnoid hemorrhage as well as after the application of artificial cerebrospinal fluid. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that the inflammation develops in the choroid plexus and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in response to blood components as well as acutely increased intracranial pressure following subarachnoid hemorrhage. These pro-inflammatory changes include accumulation in the choroid plexus of pro-inflammatory cytokines, innate immune receptors, and monocyte-derived macrophages.

• Klíčová slova
• blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, choroid plexus, hydrocephalus, neuroinflammation, stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Gnotobiotic (GN) animals with simple and defined microbiota can help to elucidate host-pathogen interferences. Hysterectomy-derived germ-free (GF) minipigs were associated at 4 and 24 h post-hysterectomy with porcine commensal mucinolytic Bifidobacterium boum RP36 (RP36) strain or non-mucinolytic strain RP37 (RP37) or at 4 h post-hysterectomy with Lactobacillus amylovorus (LA). One-week-old GN minipigs were infected with Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 strain (LT2). We monitored histological changes in the ileum, mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 4, and 9 and their related molecules lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), coreceptors MD-2 and CD14, adaptor proteins MyD88 and TRIF, and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in the ileum and colon. LT2 significantly induced expression of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, LBP, MD-2, and CD14 in the ileum and TLR4, MyD88, TRIF, LBP, and CD14 in the colon. The LT2 infection also significantly increased plasmatic levels of inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12/23p40. The previous colonization with RP37 alleviated damage of the ileum caused by the Salmonella infection, and RP37 and LA downregulated plasmatic levels of IL-6. A defined oligo-microbiota composed of bacterial species with selected properties should probably be more effective in downregulating inflammatory response than single bacteria.

• Klíčová slova
• Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Salmonella Typhimurium, Toll-like receptor, cytokines, gnotobiotic minipig, lipopolysaccharide,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Engagement of PRRs in recognition of PAMPs or DAMPs is one of the processes that initiates cellular stress. These sensors are involved in signaling pathways leading to induction of innate immune processes. Signaling initiated by PRRs is associated with the activation of MyD88-dependent signaling pathways and myddosome formation. MyD88 downstream signaling depends upon the context of signaling initiation, the cell (sub)type and the microenvironment of signal initiation. Recognition of PAMPs or DAMPs through PRRs activates the cellular autonomous defence mechanism, which orchestrates the cell responses to resolve specific insults at the single cell level. In general, stressed endoplasmic reticulum is directly linked with the induction of autophagy and initiation of mitochondrial stress. These processes are regulated by the release of Ca2+ from ER stores accepted by mitochondria, which respond through membrane depolarization and the production of reactive oxygen species generating signals leading to inflammasome activation. In parallel, signaling from PRRs initiates the accumulation of misfolded or inappropriately post-translationally modified proteins in the ER and triggers a group of conserved emergency rescue pathways known as unfolded protein response. The cell-autonomous effector mechanisms have evolutionarily ancient roots and were gradually specialized for the defence of specific cell (sub)types. All of these processes are common to the innate immune recognition of microbial pathogens and tumorigenesis as well. PRRs are active in both cases. Downstream are activated signaling pathways initiated by myddosomes, translated by the cellular autonomous defence mechanism, and finalized by inflammasomes.

• Klíčová slova
• infection, innate immunity, tumorigenesis,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

UNLABELLED: As the main component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is well documented as an inducer of inflammation in bovine mammary cells. Lycium barbarum (goji) polysaccharides (LBP) have been used in nonruminants as prebiotics to improve growth performance, immune ability, and antioxidant capacity. We aimed to investigate the underlying effects of LBPs on proinflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs). Cells were isolated from mammary tissue of three lactating Holstein cows without clinical disease (30.26 ± 3.1 kg/d of milk yield; 175 ± 6 DIM). For the pre-experimental treatment, bMECs were precultured with serum-free medium for 12 h. Treatments were as follows: pretreatment with culture medium devoid of LPS or LBP for 30 h (CON); CON for 24 h followed by challenge with 2 μg/mL LPS for 6 h (LPS); pretreatment with 100 or 300 μg/mL LBP for 24 h followed by LPS challenge (2 μg/mL) for 6 h (LBP(100)+LPS; LBP(300)+LPS). To further determine if the effect of LBP on immuneregulation is peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) activation dependent, an inhibitor of PPARγ, GW9662, at a concentration of 1 μM was used. Cells treated with LBP at 100, 300, and 500 μg/mL had upregulated protein abundance of PPARγ, while PGC1α had a higher expression only at 300 μg/mL of LBP treatment. Compared with CON, cells pretreated with LBP at 100 and 300 μg/mL had greater protein abundance of SCD1 and SREBP1. 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and cell wound healing assays showed that the negative effect of LPS alone on cell proliferation was reversed by pretreatment with LBP at both 100 and 300 μg/mL. Upregulation of gene and protein abundance of proinflammatory factors and cytokines (COX-2, NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) induced by LPS stimulation were alleviated by LBP pretreatment at 300 μg/mL (more than 2-fold decrease). Compared with LPS challenge alone, phosphorylation of proteins involved in NF-κB (IκBα and p65) and MAPK (p38, JNK, and ERK) pathways was downregulated following LBP treatment. Additionally, inhibition of PPARγ by GW9662 weakened the protective effect of LBP on LPS-induced protein abundance of phosphorylated p65, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α. These results indicated that the protective effect of LBP on LPS-induced bMECs inflammatory responses is PPARγ activation-dependent. As such, this knowledge might help design strategies for intervening against the detrimental effects of bovine mastitis. INTERPRETIVE SUMMARY: Current research examined Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) for combating LPS-induced inflammatory responses in primary bovine mammary epithelial cells. We uncovered a preventive role of LBP in reducing detrimental effects induced by LPS including inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK along with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) activation. The decrease in cell proliferation due to LPS was curtailed by pretreatment with LBP. Moreover, the effect of LBP on regulation of inflammatory responses in bovine mammary epithelial cell was PPARγ dependent. Collectively, data suggest that LBP reverses LPS-induced inflammatory response via MAPK/NF-κB signaling in a PPARγ-activation-dependent manner. Thus, the study provides new insights into therapeutic strategies for combating mastitis using LBP and highlighted the link between PPARγ and regulation of mammary cell inflammation.

• Klíčová slova
• Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, NF-κB signaling pathway, PPARγ, bovine mammary cells, inflammatory responses,
• MeSH
• epitelové buňky MeSH
• kustovnice * MeSH
• laktace MeSH
• lipopolysacharidy MeSH
• mléčné žlázy zvířat MeSH
• nemoci skotu * MeSH
• NF-kappa B MeSH
• PPAR gama genetika   MeSH
• skot MeSH
• zánět chemicky indukované   farmakoterapie   veterinární   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• skot MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• lipopolysacharidy MeSH
• NF-kappa B MeSH
• PPAR gama MeSH

Intra-amniotic infections (IAI) are one of the reasons for preterm birth. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein with various physiological functions, including tissue healing. Its excessive extracellular release potentiates inflammatory reaction and can revert its action from beneficial to detrimental. We infected the amniotic fluid of a pig on the 80th day of gestation with 1 × 104 colony forming units (CFUs) of E. coli O55 for 10 h, and evaluated the appearance of HMGB1, receptor for glycation endproducts (RAGE), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 in the amniotic membrane and fluid. Sham-infected amniotic fluid served as a control. The expression and release of HMGB1 were evaluated by Real-Time PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. The infection downregulated HMGB1 mRNA expression in the amniotic membrane, changed the distribution of HMGB1 protein in the amniotic membrane, and increased its level in amniotic fluid. All RAGE mRNA, protein expression in the amniotic membrane, and soluble RAGE level in the amniotic fluid were downregulated. TLR4 mRNA and protein expression and soluble TLR4 were all upregulated. HMGB1 is a potential target for therapy to suppress the exaggerated inflammatory response. This controlled expression and release can, in some cases, prevent the preterm birth of vulnerable infants. Studies on suitable animal models can contribute to the development of appropriate therapy.

• Klíčová slova
• Toll-like receptor, amniotic fluid, amniotic membrane, cytokines, high mobility group box 1, intra-amniotic infection, pig, preterm birth, receptor for advanced glycation endproducts,
• MeSH
• amnion imunologie   mikrobiologie   patologie   MeSH
• Escherichia coli růst a vývoj   patogenita   MeSH
• infekce vyvolané Escherichia coli genetika   imunologie   mikrobiologie   veterinární   MeSH
• infekční komplikace v těhotenství genetika   imunologie   mikrobiologie   veterinární   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu genetika   imunologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• messenger RNA genetika   imunologie   MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• plodová voda imunologie   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• prasata MeSH
• předčasný porod prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• protein HMGB1 genetika   imunologie   MeSH
• receptor pro konečné produkty pokročilé glykace genetika   imunologie   MeSH
• regulace genové exprese MeSH
• signální transdukce MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• toll-like receptor 4 genetika   imunologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• messenger RNA MeSH
• protein HMGB1 MeSH
• receptor pro konečné produkty pokročilé glykace MeSH
• toll-like receptor 4 MeSH

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a member of the TLR family, which has been extensively studied for its antiviral function. It is highly expressed in the endosomes of antigen-presenting immune cells and epithelial cells. TLR3 binds specifically double-strand RNAs (dsRNAs), leading to the activation of mainly two downstream pathways: the phosphorylation of IRF3, with subsequent production of type I interferon, and the activation of NF-κB, which drives the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Several studies have demonstrated TLR3 expression in multiple neoplasia types including breast, prostate, and lung cancer. Most studies were focused on the beneficial role of TLR3 activation in tumor cells, which leads to the production of cytotoxic cytokines and interferons and promotes caspase-dependent apoptosis. Indeed, ligands of this receptor were proposed for the treatment of cancer, also in combination with conventional chemotherapy. In contrast to these findings, recent evidence showed a link between TLR3 and tumor progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of the mechanisms through which TLR3 can either lead to tumor regression or promote carcinogenesis as well as the potential of TLR-based therapies in resistant cancer.

• Klíčová slova
• cytokines, dsRNA, metastasis, therapy resistance, toll-like receptor 3,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Communication shapes life on Earth. Transference of information has played a paramount role on the evolution of all living or extinct organisms since the appearance of life. Success or failure in this process will determine the prevalence or disappearance of a certain set of genes, the basis of Darwinian paradigm. Among different molecules used for transmission or reception of information, RNA plays a key role. For instance, the early precursors of life were information molecules based in primitive RNA forms. A growing field of research has focused on the contribution of small non-coding RNA forms due to its role on infectious diseases. These are short RNA species that carry out regulatory tasks in cis or trans. Small RNAs have shown their relevance in fine tuning the expression and activity of important regulators of essential genes for bacteria. Regulation of targets occurs through a plethora of mechanisms, including mRNA stabilization/destabilization, driving target mRNAs to degradation, or direct binding to regulatory proteins. Different studies have been conducted during the interplay of pathogenic bacteria with several hosts, including humans, animals, or plants. The sRNAs help the invader to quickly adapt to the change in environmental conditions when it enters in the host, or passes to a free state. The adaptation is achieved by direct targeting of the pathogen genes, or subversion of the host immune system. Pathogens trigger also an immune response in the host, which has been shown as well to be regulated by a wide range of sRNAs. This review focuses on the most recent host-pathogen interaction studies during bacterial infectious diseases, providing the perspective of the pathogen.

• Klíčová slova
• bacteria, host-pathogen interaction, infectious disease, information transfer, small RNA,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a DNA-binding nuclear protein that can be actively secreted by immune cells after different immune stimuli or passively released from cells undergoing necrosis. HMGB1 amplifies inflammation, and its hypersecretion contributes to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death. We tested possible immunomodulatory effect of commensal Lactobacillus amylovorus (LA), Lactobacillus mucosae (LM) or probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) in infection of gnotobiotic piglets with Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). Transcription of HMGB1 and Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2, 4, and 9 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), TLR4-related molecules (MD-2, CD14, and LBP), and adaptor proteins (MyD88 and TRIF) in the ileum and colon were measured by RT-qPCR. Expression of TLR4 and its related molecules were highly upregulated in the ST-infected intestine, which was suppressed by EcN, but not LA nor LM. In contrast, HMGB1 expression was unaffected by ST infection or commensal/probiotic administration. HMGB1 protein levels in the intestine measured by ELISA were increased in ST-infected piglets, but they were decreased by previous colonization with E. coli Nissle 1917 only. We conclude that the stability of HMGB1 mRNA expression in all piglet groups could show its importance for DNA transcription and physiological cell functions. The presence of HMGB1 protein in the intestinal lumen probably indicates cellular damage.

• Klíčová slova
• Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), Lactobacillus amylovorus (LA), Lactobacillus mucosae (LM), Salmonella Typhimurium (ST), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), gnotobiotic piglet, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), intestine,
• MeSH
• Escherichia coli imunologie   MeSH
• gnotobiologické modely imunologie   MeSH
• Lactobacillus acidophilus imunologie   MeSH
• prasata * imunologie   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• probiotika * MeSH
• protein HMGB1 imunologie   MeSH
• Salmonella typhimurium imunologie   MeSH
• signální transdukce imunologie   MeSH
• střeva imunologie   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• toll-like receptor 4 imunologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• protein HMGB1 MeSH
• toll-like receptor 4 MeSH

There is no doubt that immunotherapy lies in the spotlight of current cancer research and clinical trials. However, there are still limitations in the treatment response in certain types of tumors largely due to the presence of the complex network of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive pathways. These limitations are not likely to be overcome by current immunotherapeutic options, which often target isolated steps in immune pathways preferentially involved in adaptive immunity. Recently, we have developed an innovative anti-cancer immunotherapeutic strategy that initially elicits a strong innate immune response with subsequent activation of adaptive immunity in mouse models. Robust primary innate immune response against tumor cells is induced by toll-like receptor ligands and anti-CD40 agonistic antibodies combined with the phagocytosis-stimulating ligand mannan, anchored to a tumor cell membrane by biocompatible anchor for membrane. This immunotherapeutic approach results in a dramatic therapeutic response in large established murine subcutaneous tumors including melanoma, sarcoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and pheochromocytoma. Additionally, eradication of metastases and/or long-lasting resistance to subsequent re-challenge with tumor cells was also accomplished. Current and future advantages of this immunotherapeutic approach and its possible combinations with other available therapies are discussed in this review.

• Klíčová slova
• Adaptive immunity, Cancer, Immune response, Immunotherapy, Innate immunity,
• MeSH
• adaptivní imunita MeSH
• fagocytóza účinky léků   imunologie   MeSH
• imunitní systém imunologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• imunomodulace MeSH
• imunoterapie * metody   MeSH
• kombinovaná terapie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ligandy MeSH
• nádorové mikroprostředí účinky léků   genetika   imunologie   MeSH
• nádory etiologie   metabolismus   patologie   terapie   MeSH
• přirozená imunita MeSH
• protinádorové látky imunologicky aktivní farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• toll-like receptory metabolismus   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural MeSH
• Názvy látek
• ligandy MeSH
• protinádorové látky imunologicky aktivní MeSH
• toll-like receptory MeSH