Cytokine最新文献

{"title":"Epitranscriptomic regulation of immunity: The role of m6A in shaping immune response dynamics.","authors":"Devesh Srivastava, Vinayak Nayak, Srijoni Pahari, Gopu Sandeep, Ashish Misra","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification found in eukaryotic mRNAs and plays a critical role in shaping immune response. It acts as a dynamic regulatory step modulating the splicing, stability, degradation and translation of target mRNAs involved in regulating immune outcome. These effects are mediated by the dynamic interplay of m6A methyltransferases (\"writers\"), demethylases (\"erasers\"), and binding proteins (\"readers\") which work in concert to fine-tune immune activation and suppression. m6A modifications modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses by regulating chemokine signaling, inflammation, and guiding the lineage commitment and function of various cells involved in immune regulation. For example, m6A-modified mRNAs encoding interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines are translated more efficiently, facilitating a swift response to infection, while m6A-mediated degradation of pro-inflammatory transcripts offers a counterbalance, allowing immune cells to fine-tune responses and limit overactivation. In T cells, m6A readers influence antigen responsiveness and immune tolerance, while in regulatory T cells, m6A plays a key role in maintaining immune equilibrium. In this review, we present an in-depth overview of how m6A methylation shapes immune function and outline its potential as a therapeutic target. A detailed understanding of the interplay between m6A and immune regulation may provide valuable insights for developing novel therapies for immune-related diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"194 ","pages":"157011"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144811490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Causal association between 91 circulating inflammatory proteins and primary open-angle glaucoma: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.","authors":"Changyang Liu, Miao Zhao, Xi Wang, Shuai Wang, Xiaochen Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157007","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Glaucoma, especially primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss. While elevated intraocular pressure is a major risk factor, the pathogenesis of POAG also involves genetics, oxidative stress, abnormal hemodynamics, and inflammatory factors. The role of systemic inflammation in POAG remains a subject of debate. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationships between circulating inflammatory proteins and POAG using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A bidirectional two-sample MR analysis was conducted using genome-wide association study summary statistics. The primary stage involved 91 circulating inflammatory proteins and POAG, followed by a replication stage to verify significant findings using independent data and meta-analysis. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted model was employed as the primary method, complemented by multiple sensitivity analyses employed to ensure robustness, including multivariable MR to adjust for potential confounders.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;In the primary stage, 9 circulating inflammatory proteins were found to have significant causal effects on POAG. Specifically, the higher levels of Delta and Notch-like epidermal growth factor-related receptor (DNER) (OR: 1.12, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.21, P = 0.004), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (OR: 1.20, 95 % CI: 1.06-1.36, P = 0.003), matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) (OR: 1.08, 95 % CI: 1.02-1.16, P = 0.013), and stem cell factor (SCF) (OR: 1.09, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.15, P = 0.005) were positively associated with the risk of POAG. Conversely, the levels of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF-19) (OR: 0.88, 95 % CI: 0.82-0.95, P = 0.002), interleukin-18 (IL-18) (OR: 0.92, 95 % CI: 0.86-0.99, P = 0.019), IL-18 receptor 1 (IL-18R1) (OR: 0.96, 95 % CI: 0.92-1.00, P = 0.037), tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 14 (TNFSF14) (OR: 0.91, 95 % CI: 0.86-0.97, P = 0.004), and tumor necrosis factor-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE) (OR: 0.94, 95 % CI: 0.88-1.00, P = 0.041) exhibited inverse associations with the risk of POAG. Multivariable MR analysis adjusting for confounders supported the roles of DNER, FGF-19, IL-18, IL18R1, LIF, and SCF. The replication stage confirmed the significant associations for FGF-19 (OR: 0.89, 95 % CI: 0.84-0.95, P = 4.63 × 10&lt;sup&gt;-4&lt;/sup&gt;), IL-18 (OR: 0.93, 95 % CI: 0.89-0.97, P = 0.002), IL-18R1 (OR: 0.96, 95 % CI: 0.93-0.99, P = 0.023), and LIF (OR: 1.18, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.34, P = 0.013). Sensitivity analyses further supported the robustness of these findings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;This study elucidated the causal relationships between circulating inflammatory proteins and POAG, highlighting FGF-19, IL-18, IL-18R1, and LIF as potential therapeutic targets. These findings provide new insights for the prevention and management of POAG, although further studies are needed to understand the","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"194 ","pages":"157007"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144803080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential cytokine and chemokine signatures in bronchoalveolar lavage and plasma predict clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care unit.","authors":"Antonio Piralla, Sabrina Gioria, Giuditta Guerrini, Greta Petazzoni, Guglielmo Ferrari, Alessandro Ferrari, Federica Giardina, Federica Bergami, Anita Orlando, Silvia Mongodi, Federico Capra Marzani, Mara De Amici, Giorgia Testa, Luigi Calzolai, Fausto Baldanti","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the immune response dynamics in critically ill SARS-CoV-2 patients compared to non-SARS-CoV-2 controls both hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU), focusing on localized and systemic inflammatory profiles to identify patterns linked to clinical outcomes. A cohort of ICU patients (37 SARS-CoV-2 positive, 17 controls) underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and plasma analysis to assess inflammatory markers using a multiplex assay. SARS-CoV-2 patients showed distinct clinical and immunological features, including prolonged ICU stays and elevated markers of systemic inflammation. Cluster analysis revealed subgroup-specific immune signatures, with COVID-19 survivors demonstrating coordinated cytokine/chemokine interactions suggestive of adaptive immune regulation, while non-survivors exhibited dysregulated profiles indicative of maladaptive inflammation. The study underscores the spatial segregation of immune responses, with lung-specific inflammation in BAL contrasting with systemic profiles, highlighting the importance of tissue-targeted monitoring. These findings suggest that immune profiling could inform stratification for tailored immunomodulatory therapies, advancing precision approaches in critical care for severe SARS-CoV-2 infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"196 ","pages":"157042"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145211095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of macrophages reprogramming in pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus.","authors":"K L Milan, R Adhi Shree, N Nandana, R Leela, K M Ramkumar","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy-associated condition resulting from glucose intolerance affecting approximately 14 % of pregnant women worldwide and contributing to both maternal and neonatal complications. Macrophages, essential components of the innate immune system, exist in three main polarization states: M0 (resting), M1 (pro-inflammatory), and M2 (anti-inflammatory). In normal pregnancy, a proper balance between M1 and M2 phenotypes is critical for successful placentation and fetal development. Although this classification provides a useful framework, emerging evidence indicates that macrophages exist along a dynamic continuum of activation states with overlapping functional characteristics rather than discrete polarization categories. Recent studies further reveal that macrophage behavior in pregnancy involves context-dependent and plastic responses that cannot be fully captured by the M1/M2 paradigm alone. However, in GDM, hyperglycaemia significantly influences macrophage reprogramming toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. The manuscript examines how dysregulated macrophage polarization contributes to insulin resistance, placental dysfunction, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that hyperglycaemia induces trained immunity in macrophages, characterized by persistent expression of pro-inflammatory genes. In the GDM placenta, research indicates an altered M1/M2 ratio, though findings vary regarding specific polarization patterns. This review highlights promising therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage repolarization from M1 toward M2 phenotypes, including pharmacological approaches, RNA-based therapies, and ex vivo macrophage manipulation. Understanding macrophage reprogramming in GDM presents novel opportunities for interventions that may improve maternal-fetal outcomes and long-term metabolic health.</p>","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"196 ","pages":"157041"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145205069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cardiotrophin-1 as a predictor of critical COVID-19, mortality, and persistence of pulmonary fibrosis after the acute phase of infection","authors":"María Íñiguez ,&nbsp;Patricia Pérez-Matute ,&nbsp;Pablo Villoslada-Blanco ,&nbsp;Emma Recio-Fernandez ,&nbsp;Diana Ezquerro-Pérez ,&nbsp;Jorge Alba ,&nbsp;Concepción García-García ,&nbsp;Galadriel Pellejero ,&nbsp;M. Lourdes Ferreira-Laso ,&nbsp;Dolores del Puerto García ,&nbsp;Carlos Ruiz-Martínez ,&nbsp;José A. Oteo","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157037","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157037","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pulmonary fibrosis remains a long-term complication in some COVID-19 recovered patients, particularly in those who suffered from severe disease. Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is an antiapoptotic cytokine related with the progression of fibrotic disease in heart and kidney. This study examines the association between CT-1 plasma levels, COVID-19 severity, and post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. CT-1 levels were analyzed in patients with asymptomatic/mild (<em>n</em> = 33), severe (<em>n</em> = 39), and critical (<em>n</em> = 57) COVID-19, as well as in those with post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. Elevated CT-1 levels were associated with a higher risk of severe disease, mortality, and persistent pulmonary fibrosis even a year after discharge. Furthermore, CT-1 was associated with non-COVID-19-related pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting a broader role of this cytokine in chronic lung diseases. These findings propose CT-1 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis and provide new insights for its role in chronic respiratory conditions, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), post-COVID interstitial lung disease or chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 157037"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145156263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"T1-mapping quantitative assessment of renal function and changes in serum cytokine levels after renal transplantation in children","authors":"XueyingWang ,&nbsp;Jun Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Background: Postoperative renal function assessment in pediatric kidney transplant recipients faces the challenge of insufficient sensitivity of traditional indicators. T1-mapping, a non-invasive imaging technique, can quantify changes in the microscopic structure of renal tissue. However, its application in the pediatric population and its relationship with serum cytokines remain unclear. This study hypothesized that T1-mapping can quantitatively assess early renal microstructural damage in pediatric kidney transplant recipients and that T1 values correlate with the activation of immune-inflammatory responses (reflected by serum cytokine levels). It aimed to explore the value of T1-mapping in evaluating renal function and its mechanistic association with inflammatory responses.</div><div>Materials and Methods: A total of 31 pediatric kidney transplant recipients (observation group, Obs group) and 31 healthy children (control group, Ctrl group) were enrolled. In the Obs group, T1-mapping was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months post-transplantation to measure T1 values in the renal cortex, medulla, and whole kidney. Serum creatinine (SCr), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and other renal function indicators were assessed, along with CD4+, CD8+ lymphocyte counts, and levels of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Based on the 6-month postoperative prognosis, participants were divided into the good prognosis group (GPG, <em>n</em> = 20) and poor prognosis group (PPG, <em>n</em> = 11).</div><div>Results: The T1 values of the renal cortex, medulla, and whole kidney in the Obs group were significantly higher than those in the Ctrl group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Specifically, the cortical T1 value in the PPG was (1820 ± 110) ms, significantly higher than that in the GPG (1650 ± 80) ms (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The SCr in the PPG was (220 ± 35) μmol/L, and the GFR was (22 ± 5) mL/min/1.73m², both significantly worse than the GPG (85 ± 12 μmol/L, 78 ± 10 mL/min/1.73m², <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the GPG (1.49 ± 0.21) was higher than that in the PPG (0.87 ± 0.15), while the CD8+ cell count (550 ± 60 × 10⁶/L) in the GPG was lower than that in the PPG (780 ± 75 × 10⁶/L, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Levels of IL-6 (28.8 ± 6.5 pg/mL) and TNF-α (45.5 ± 8.3 pg/mL) in the PPG were significantly higher than those in the GPG (12.5 ± 3.0 pg/mL, 18.2 ± 4.1 pg/mL, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05).</div><div>Conclusion: T1-mapping technology can quantitatively assess changes in renal function following pediatric kidney transplantation, with increased T1 values closely associated with immune-inflammatory activation and renal function damage. Serum cytokine levels reflect the intensity of the inflammatory response, providing new evidence for postoperative monitoring and intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 157027"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145107834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interferon tau in ruminant reproduction: Mechanisms of maternal recognition of pregnancy and implications for fertility enhancement","authors":"Iqra Batool ,&nbsp;Rehana Kausar ,&nbsp;Muhammad Shahbaz Qamar","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Low conception rates and early embryonic loss remain major constraints to reproductive efficiency in ruminants, particularly during the peri-implantation period. Maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) is largely mediated by interferon tau (IFNT), a ruminant-specific type I interferon secreted by the elongating conceptus. Initially recognized for its anti-luteolytic action through suppression of endometrial prostaglandin F2α, (PGF2α). IFNT is now known to exert systemic effects beyond the uterus. It induces interferon-stimulated genes in endometrial and peripheral immune cells, shaping an immune environment conducive to embryo tolerance. By modulating nuclear factor kappa B, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, and interferon regulatory factors, IFNT downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma, while enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators including interleukin-10 and interleukin-4. This shift promotes a T-helper 2-dominant immune profile favorable for maternal–fetal tolerance. In addition, IFNT safeguards corpus luteum function by mitigating PGF2α-induced luteolysis and preserving vascular integrity. This occurs through downregulation of pro-regression genes such as transforming growth factor beta 1, endothelin 1, thrombospondin 1/2, and serpin family E member 1, alongside upregulation of angiogenic mediators such as platelet-derived growth factor subunit B. These actions stabilize the luteal microenvironment and ensure sustained progesterone secretion. This review highlights IFNT's pivotal role in MRP, emphasizing its endocrine and paracrine actions on luteal maintenance, ISG induction, and immune modulation. It also explores IFNT's potential as a biomarker for early pregnancy detection and its applications in reproductive biotechnology, with bovine data supported by ovine, murine, and human models for translational insights.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 157035"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145102496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neuregulin 4 attenuates osteoarthritis by decreasing macrophage M1 polarization through PI3K/AKT signaling","authors":"Chao Wang ,&nbsp;Jinjian Zheng ,&nbsp;Chengxin Li ,&nbsp;Puyi Sheng ,&nbsp;Linli Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Altered polarization of synovial macrophages has been identified as a key pathogenic factor in sustaining synovial inflammation and driving osteoarthritis(OA) progression.Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4) is widely involved in inflammatory diseases, such as hepatic inflammation, Crohn's disease, and atherosclerosis.In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Nrg4 on macrophages and synovitis and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in the development of OA.We first evaluated the expression of Nrg4 and ErbB4 in OA patients and mouse model. The adeno-associated virus 5 vector carrying the Nrg4 gene (AAV5-Nrg4) was injected into the knee joints to overexpress Nrg4 in two OA models.In vitro, RAW264.7 macrophages and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were cultured, induced to M1 macrophages, and then treated with Nrg4. RNA interference (RNAi) technique was used to inhibit the expression of the Nrg4 receptor ErbB4.The results demonstrated that Nrg4-ErbB4 signaling was decreased during OA. In vitro experiments showed that Nrg4 treatment significantly inhibited the M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells and BMDMs and down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory genes.RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis and related experiments revealed that Nrg4 regulated macrophage polarization mainly by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Intra-articular injection of AAV5-Nrg4 effectively alleviated joint damage and synovitis in collagenase-induced OA (CIOA) and destabilization of the medial meniscus(DMM)-induced OA models.</div><div>Nrg4-mediated suppression of M1 macrophage polarization in vivo was evidenced by attenuated iNOS concomitant with upregulated CD206 expression.In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that targeting Nrg4-ErbB4 axis may be a promising way to treat OA by reducing M1 macrophage polarization in synovial tissues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 157036"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145102514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The dual role of IL-2 in systemic lupus erythematosus: balancing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects","authors":"Hao Li ,&nbsp;Xiang Lin ,&nbsp;Jing He","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a central cytokine in T-cell biology, plays a paradoxical role in SLE pathogenesis. On one hand, it promotes effector T cell and natural killer (NK) cell activity, thereby amplifying inflammation; on the other, it supports the expansion and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are essential for maintaining immune tolerance. This dual functionality makes IL-2 a driver of autoimmunity and a potential immunotherapeutic target. This review outlines the molecular mechanisms underlying IL-2's pro- and anti-inflammatory roles in SLE, highlights the regulatory factors that shape its functional balance, such as receptor affinity, dosing, exposure duration, and the immune microenvironment, and discusses recent progress in low-dose IL-2therapy and engineered IL-2 variants. A comprehensive understanding of IL-2 signaling dynamics is essential for the designing development of precision therapies designed to restore immune homeostasis in SLE.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 157032"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterizing the mechanisms underpinning interleukin-15Rα-mediated protection against sepsis and candidiasis","authors":"Jin Yang ,&nbsp;Banglao Xu ,&nbsp;Ju Cao ,&nbsp;Yuhan Liu ,&nbsp;Ling Tang ,&nbsp;Ping Zhao ,&nbsp;Sen Li ,&nbsp;Xin Li ,&nbsp;Jiayu Liu ,&nbsp;Renlin Yu ,&nbsp;Yin Tang ,&nbsp;Wang Tan ,&nbsp;Hao Ding ,&nbsp;Jin Li ,&nbsp;Yao Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cyto.2025.157026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interleukin (IL)-15Rα receptor has crucial, protective roles in sepsis and candidiasis via binding to its ligand, IL-15. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In our study, we first confirmed the protective effects of IL-15 using clinical samples from patients with sepsis and candidiasis, and also in animal models with those conditions. We therapeutically administered IL-15 to IL-15Rα-deficient mice to elucidate the roles of IL-15Rα in sepsis and candidiasis treatment. Bacterial and fungal infections expedite mortality, caused organ damage, elevated the microbial burden in organs, and impaired macrophage recruitment, and subsequent microbial killing capacity. Notably, these adverse effects were alleviated via recombinant IL-15 supplementation, but this did not improve compromised conditions in IL-15Rα-deficient mice with sepsis. We show that IL-15Rα is required for protection against both bacterial and fungal sepsis, suggesting that this receptor could become a potential target for treating clinical sepsis and may hold significant clinical therapeutic value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":297,"journal":{"name":"Cytokine","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 157026"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145084751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}