Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis due to its highly metastatic profile. Intercellular communication between cancer and stromal cells via extracellular vesicles (EVs) is crucial for the premetastatic microenvironment preparation leading to tumour metastasis. This study shows that under the influence of bioactive peptides derived from the extracellular matrix microenvironment, illustrated here by the AG-9 elastin-derived peptide (EDP), PDAC cells secrete more tumour-derived EVs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol
June 2024
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation and obstruction, primarily caused by tobacco smoking. Although the involvement of immune cells in COPD pathogenesis is well established, the contribution of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) remains poorly understood. ILCs are a type of innate immune cells that participate in tissue remodeling processes, but their specific role in COPD has not been fully elucidated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPolyelectrolyte capsules (PCs) are a promising tool for anticancer drug delivery and tumor targeting. Surface functionalization of PCs with antibodies is widely used for providing their specific interactions with cancer cells. The efficiency of PC-based targeted delivery systems can be affected by the cellular heterogeneity of the tumor, particularly by the presence of tumor-associated macrophages.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn inflammatory diseases, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are known to produce elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteases. To limit ensuing exacerbated cell responses and tissue damage, novel therapeutic agents are sought. 4aa and 4ba, two pyridazinone-scaffold-based phosphodiesterase-IV inhibitors are compared in vitro to zardaverine for their ability to: (1) modulate production of pro-inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and phagocytosis; (2) modulate degranulation by PMNs after transepithelial lung migration.
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