Virus-Induced Host Chemokine CCL2 in COVID-19 Pathogenesis: Potential Prognostic Marker and Target of Anti-Inflammatory Strategy.

A wide variety of inflammatory mediators, mainly cytokines and chemokines, are induced during SARS CoV-2 infection. Among these proinflammatory mediators, chemokines tend to play a pivotal role in virus-mediated immunopathology. The C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), also known as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine and strong chemoattractant of monocytes, macrophages and CD4+ T cells bearing C-C chemokine receptor type-2 (CCR2).

Targeting of S-phase kinase associated protein 2 stabilized tumor suppressors leading to apoptotic cell death in squamous skin cancer cells.

S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) is an F-box protein overexpressed in human cancers and linked with poor prognosis. It triggers cancer pathogenesis, including stemness and drug resistance. In this study, we have explored the potential role of Skp2 targeting in restoring the expression of tumor suppressors in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) cells.

Emerging Role of the IL-36/IL-36R Axis in Multiple Inflammatory Skin Diseases.

IL-36 is a most recent member of the IL-1 cytokine family, primarily expressed at barrier sites of the body such as the skin, lungs, and intestine. It plays a vital role in inflammation and is implicated in the development of various cutaneous; intestinal; and pulmonary disorders, including psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. IL-36 comprises 4 isoforms: the proinflammatory IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ and the anti-inflammatory IL-36R antagonist.

Mechanical epilation exerts complex biological effects on human hair follicles and perifollicular skin: An ex vivo study approach.

Objective: Electrical epilation of unwanted hair is a widely used hair removal method, but it is largely unknown how this affects the biology of human hair follicles (HF) and perifollicular skin. Here, we have begun to explore how mechanical epilation changes selected key biological read-out parameters ex vivo within and around the pilosebaceous unit.

Methods: Human full-thickness scalp skin samples were epilated ex vivo using an electro-mechanical device, organ-cultured for up to 6 days in serum-free, supplemented medium, and assessed at different time points by quantitative (immuno-)histomorphometry for selected relevant read-out parameters in epilated and sham-epilated control samples.

Embelin inhibits viability of cutaneous T cell lymphoma cell lines HuT78 and H9 by targeting inhibitors of apoptosis.

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a varied group of neoplasms that affects the skin. Acquired resistance against chemotherapeutic drugs and associated toxic side effects are limitations that warrant search for novel drugs against CTCL. Embelin (EMB) is a naturally occurring benzoquinone derivative that has gained attention owing to its anticancer pharmacological actions and nontoxic nature.

Non-coding RNAs in the epigenetic landscape of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a type of cancer that affects skin, and is characterized by abnormal T-cells in the skin. Epigenetic changes have been found to play a significant role in the development and progression of CTCL. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, have been identified as key players in the regulation of gene expression in CTCL.

Azithromycin downregulates ICOS (CD278) and OX40 (CD134) expression and mTOR activity of TCR-activated T cells to inhibit proliferation.

The precise mechanism of macrolide antibiotic azithromycin (AZM) mediated CD4+ T cell suppression is not fully understood. Given the crucial role of co-stimulatory signaling in T-lymphocyte function, we tested in vitro effects of AZM on two of the most extensively investigated costimulatory molecules, ICOS and OX40 in context to CD4+ T cell proliferation. Using multi-color flow cytometry approach on TCR-activated healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we observed a marked reduction in the frequencies and surface expression of ICOS and OX40 receptors following AZM treatment.

Epigenetic control of inflammation in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is a common but also complex chronic, itchy skin condition with underlying inflammation of the skin. This skin ailment is prevalent worldwide and affects people of all ages, particularly children below five years of age. The itching and resulting rashes in AD patients are often the result of inflammatory signals, thus necessitating a closer look at the inflammation-regulating mechanisms for putative relief, care and therapy.

Epigenetic programing of cancer stemness by transcription factors-non-coding RNAs interactions.

Cancer 'stemness' is fundamental to cancer existence. It defines the ability of cancer cells to indefinitely perpetuate as well as differentiate. Cancer stem cell populations within a growing tumor also help evade the inhibitory effects of chemo- as well as radiation-therapies, in addition to playing an important role in cancer metastases.

CAR-cell therapy in the era of solid tumor treatment: current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances.

In the last decade, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic approach to fight cancers. This approach consists of genetically engineered immune cells expressing a surface receptor, called CAR, that specifically targets antigens expressed on the surface of tumor cells. In hematological malignancies like leukemias, myeloma, and non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas, adoptive CAR-T cell therapy has shown efficacy in treating chemotherapy refractory patients.

Pristimerin mediated anticancer effects and sensitization of human skin cancer cells through modulation of MAPK signaling pathways.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a frequent skin cancer still demanding to understand the underlying mechanisms for better clinical outcomes. Pristimerin, a natural quinonemethide triterpenoid, has shown promising therapeutic outcome due to its anti-cancer activity and multi-targeting potential. We explored the underlying mechanisms of pristimerin-induced programmed cell death of primary (A431) and metastatic (A388) cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) cells.

Targeting oncogenic transcription factors in skin malignancies: An update on cancer stemness and therapeutic outcomes.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and prone to various diseases, including cancer; thus, provides the first line of defense against exogenous biological and non-biological agents. Skin cancer, a complex and heterogenic process, with steep incidence rate often metastasizes due to poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis and clinical challenges. Indeed, accumulating evidence indicates that deregulation of transcription factors (TFs) due to genetic, epigenetic and signaling distortions plays essential role in the development of cutaneous malignancies and therapeutic challenges including cancer stemness features and reprogramming.

The cross-talk between miRNAs and JAK/STAT pathway in cutaneous T cell lymphoma: Emphasis on therapeutic opportunities.

Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) belong to a wide spectrum of T cell lymphoproliferative disorders collectively termed cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL). CTCLs represent an archetype of heterogeneous and dynamically variable lymphoproliferative neoplasms typified by distinct clinical, histological, immunophenotypic, and genetic features. Owing to its complex dynamics, the pathogenesis of CTCL remains elusive.

Targeting deregulated oxidative stress in skin inflammatory diseases: An update on clinical importance.

Skin, the largest vital organ of the human body, provides the first line of defense against biological, non-biological and xenobiotics exposure. Over the years, due to increased anthropogenic activities including industrialization and pollution, a steep increase in cutaneous pathological conditions such as malignancies, dermatitis, and psoriasis has been detected. Indeed, due to the complex nature of cutaneous inflammatory diseases, further investigations are required to produce a better outcome in patient care.

Epigenetic regulation of CXCR4 signaling in cancer pathogenesis and progression.

Signaling involving chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand SDF-1/CXL12 has been investigated for many years for its possible role in cancer progression and pathogenesis. Evidence emerging from clinical studies in recent years has further established diagnostic as well as prognostic importance of CXCR4 signaling. CXCR4 and SDF-1 are routinely reported to be elevated in tumors, distant metastases, which correlates with poor survival of patients.

Neuroimmune communication regulating pruritus in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic-relapsing inflammatory skin disease with significant disease burden. Genetic and environmental trigger factors contribute to AD, activating 2 of our largest organs, the nervous system and the immune system. Dysregulation of neuroimmune circuits plays a key role in the pathophysiology of AD, causing inflammation, pruritus, pain, and barrier dysfunction.

Molecular pathogenesis of Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma: Role of chemokines, cytokines, and dysregulated signaling pathways.

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative neoplasms that exhibit a wide spectrum of immune-phenotypical, clinical, and histopathological features. The biology of CTCL is complex and remains elusive. In recent years, the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has evolved our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms, including genetic aberrations and epigenetic abnormalities that shape the mutational landscape of CTCL and represent one of the important pro-tumorigenic principles in CTCL initiation and progression.

Long non-coding RNAs regulated NF-κB signaling in cancer metastasis: Micromanaging by not so small non-coding RNAs.

Cancer metastasis is a major reason for the cancer-associated deaths and a role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer metastasis is increasingly being realized. Among the many oncogenic pathways, NF-κB signalling's involvement in cancer metastasis as a key inflammation-regulatory transcription factor has been a subject of interest for long time. Accumulating data from in vitro as well as in vivo studies along with analysis of clinical cancer tissues points to regulation of NF-κB signalling by lncRNAs with implications toward the onset of cancer metastasis.

Hair transplantation: Basic overview.

Modern hair restoration surgery is based on a technique known as follicular unit transplantation, in which follicular units are the exclusive structures used as hair grafts. In Part 1 of this 2-part review, we describe how the techniques employed in hair transplantation have evolved into their present forms. Anatomic concepts of specific relevance for dermatologists are discussed, including the distribution and ex vivo morphology of scalp follicular units.