Dr Alan Hsu

Background and objective: COVID-19 is complicated by acute lung injury, and death in some individuals. It is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that requires the ACE2 receptor and serine proteases to enter AEC. We determined what factors are associated with ACE2 expression particularly in patients with asthma and COPD. Methods: We obtained lower AEC from 145 people from two independent cohorts, aged 2¿89 years, Newcastle (n = 115) and Perth (n = 30), Australia. The Newcastle cohort was enriched with people with asthma (n = 37) and COPD (n = 38). Gene expression for ACE2 and other genes potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2 cell entry was assessed by qPCR, and protein expression was confirmed with immunohistochemistry on endobronchial biopsies and cultured AEC. Results: Increased gene expression of ACE2 was associated with older age (P = 0.03) and male sex (P = 0.03), but not with pack-years smoked. When we compared gene expression between adults with asthma, COPD and healthy controls, mean ACE2 expression was lower in asthma patients (P = 0.01). Gene expression of furin, a protease that facilitates viral endocytosis, was also lower in patients with asthma (P = 0.02), while ADAM-17, a disintegrin that cleaves ACE2 from the surface, was increased (P = 0.02). ACE2 protein expression was also reduced in endobronchial biopsies from asthma patients. Conclusion: Increased ACE2 expression occurs in older people and males. Asthma patients have reduced expression. Altered ACE2 expression in the lower airway may be an important factor in virus tropism and may in part explain susceptibility factors and why asthma patients are not over-represented in those with COVID-19 complications.

Aim: In this study, curcumin was encapsulated in niosomes (Nio-Curc) to increase its effectiveness for the treatment of asthma. Materials & methods: The formulation underwent various physicochemical characterization experiments, an in vitro release study, molecular simulations and was evaluated for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Results: Results showed that Nio-Curc had a mean particle size of 284.93 ± 14.27 nm, zeta potential of -46.93 and encapsulation efficacy of 99.62%, which demonstrates optimized physicochemical characteristics. Curcumin release in vitro could be sustained for up to 24 h. Additionally, Nio-Curc effectively reduced mRNA transcript expression of pro-inflammatory markers; IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß and TNF-a in immortalized human airway basal cell line (BCi-NS1.1). Conclusion: In this study, we have demonstrated that Nio-Curc mitigated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory markers in an in vitro study, which could be applied to treatment of asthma with further studies.

The innate immune system is our first line of defense against viral pathogens. Host cell pattern recognition receptors sense viral components and initiate immune signaling cascades that result in the production of an array of cytokines to combat infection. Retinoic acid¿inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is a pattern recognition receptor that recognizes viral RNA and, when activated, results in the production of type I and III interferons (IFNs) and the upregulation of IFN-stimulated genes. Ubiquitination of RIG-I by the E3 ligases tripartite motif-containing 25 (TRIM25) and Riplet is thought to be requisite for RIG-I activation; however, recent studies have questioned the relative importance of these two enzymes for RIG-I signaling. In this study, we show that deletion of Trim25 does not affect the IFN response to either influenza A virus (IAV), influenza B virus, Sendai virus or several RIG-I agonists. This is in contrast to deletion of either Rig-i or Riplet, which completely abrogated RIG-I-dependent IFN responses. This was consistent in both mouse and human cell lines, as well as in normal human bronchial cells. With most of the current TRIM25 literature based on exogenous expression, these findings provide critical evidence that Riplet, and not TRIM25, is required endogenously for the ubiquitination of RIG-I. Despite this, loss of TRIM25 results in greater susceptibility to IAV infection in¿vivo, suggesting that it may have an alternative role in host antiviral defense. This study refines our understanding of RIG-I signaling in viral infections and will inform future studies in the field.

Oxidative stress is intensely involved in enhancing the severity of various chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infections and lung cancer. Even though there are various existing anti-inflammatory therapies, which are not enough to control the inflammation caused due to various contributing factors such as anti-inflammatory genes and antioxidant enzymes. This leads to an urgent need of novel drug delivery systems to combat the oxidative stress. This review gives a brief insight into the biological factors involved in causing oxidative stress, one of the emerging hallmark feature in CRDs and particularly, highlighting recent trends in various novel drug delivery carriers including microparticles, microemulsions, microspheres, nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, solid lipid nanocarriers etc which can help in combating the oxidative stress in CRDs and ultimately reducing the disease burden and improving the quality of life with CRDs patients. These carriers improve the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability to the target site. However, there is an urgent need for translational studies to validate the drug delivery carriers for clinical administration in the pulmonary clinic.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) can be classified into dozens of subtypes based on their hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins. To date, 18 HA subtypes and 11 NA subtypes of IAVs that spread in animals and humans have been found. Following infection, the IAV first induces the innate immune system, which can rapidly recruit innate immune cells and cytokines to the site of infection. Influenza-induced cytokine storms have been associated with uncontrolled proinflammatory responses, which may lead to significant immunopathy and severe disease. Cytokine storms are complicated by several types of cytokines and chemokines that have various activities. In addition to their direct effects, their crossregulation causes cytokine networks to form; these networks determine the outcome of viral infections. In this review, we focus on cytokine storms and their signaling pathways that are triggered by the different subtypes of IAV.

Four previously undescribed ginsenosides, along with five known analogues were isolated from wild ginseng by a UPLC-QTOF-MS-guided fractionation procedure. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and spectrometric data (1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS). The isolated compounds could significantly inhibit the cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced inflammatory reaction in A549 cells. The HDAC2 pathway might be involved in the protective effect against the CSE-mediated inflammatory response in A549 cells.

In the recent years, much attention has been focused on identifying bioactive compounds from medicinal plants that could be employed in therapeutics, which is attributed to their potent pharmacological actions and better toxicological profile. One such example that has come into the light with considerable interest is the pentacyclic triterpenoid, celastrol, which has been found to provide substantial therapeutic properties in a variety of diseases. In an effort to further accelerate its potential to be utilized in clinical practice in the future; along with advancing technologies in the field of drug discovery and development, different researchers have been investigating on the various mechanisms and immunological targets of celastrol that underlie its broad spectrum of pharmacological properties. In this review, we have collated the various research findings related to the molecular modulators responsible for different pharmacological activities shown by celastrol. Our review will be of interest to the herbal, biological, molecular scientist and by providing a quick snapshot about celastrol giving a new direction in the area of herbal drug discovery and development.

Artemisia vulgaris is a traditional Chinese herb believed to have a wide range of healing properties; it is traditionally used to treat numerous health ailments. The plant is commonly called mugwort or riverside wormwood. The plant is edible, and in addition to its medicinal properties, it is also used as a culinary herb in Asian cooking in the form of a vegetable or in soup. The plant has garnered the attention of researchers in the past few decades, and several research studies have investigated its biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, and antimicrobial properties. In this review, various studies on these biological effects are discussed along with the tests conducted, compounds involved, and proposed mechanisms of action. This review will be of interest to the researchers working in the field of herbal medicine, pharmacology, medical sciences, and immunology.

Extra-intestinal manifestations (EIM) are common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One such EIM is sub-clinical pulmonary inflammation, which occurs in up to 50% of IBD patients. In animal models of colitis, pulmonary inflammation is driven by neutrophilic infiltrations, primarily in response to the systemic bacteraemia and increased bacterial load in the lungs. Platelet activating factor receptor (PAFR) plays a critical role in regulating pulmonary responses to infection in conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. We investigated the role of PAFR in pulmonary EIMs of IBD, using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and anti-CD40 murine models of colitis. Both models induced neutrophilic inflammation, with increased TNF and IL-1ß levels, bacterial load and PAFR protein expression in mouse lungs. Antagonism of PAFR decreased lung neutrophilia, TNF, and IL-1ß in an NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent manner. Lipopolysaccharide from phosphorylcholine (ChoP)-positive bacteria induced NLRP3 and caspase-1 proteins in human alveolar epithelial cells, however antagonism of PAFR prevented NLRP3 activation by ChoP. Amoxicillin reduced bacterial populations in the lungs and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome protein levels, but did not reduce PAFR. These data suggest a role for PAFR in microbial pattern recognition and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in the lung.

Background: Despite advances in asthma management, exacerbations constitute a significant health economic burden. Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine formula entitled PingchuanYiqi (PCYQ) granule, on acute asthma and to explore its possible mechanism. Materials and methods: This proof-of-concept study consisted of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with acute asthma (n = 300). Participants with acute mild-to-moderate asthma recruited from seven centers in China were randomly assigned to receive PCYQ or placebo. The primary outcomes were PEF (L/min) and total asthma symptom scores. Furthermore, a panel of cytokines including serum IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, IL-17A, IFN-a, IFN-ß, IFN-¿, CRP, CCL-5, IP-10, and PGD levels was detected using ELISA. Results: The PCYQ (n = 139) significantly improved the morning PEF on day 4 (349.73 ± 93.92 vs. 313.56 ± 92.91 L/min, P = 0.004) and day 7 (360.42 ± 94.39 vs. 329.52 ± 95.97 L/min, P = 0.023), and the evening PEF on day 4 (352.65 ± 95.47 vs. 320.58 ± 95.30 L/min, P = 0.012) and day 7 (360.42 ± 94.39 vs. 336.86 ± 95.59 L/min, P = 0.029) in comparison with the placebo (n = 143). The PCYQ also improved the clinical symptoms scores and reduced the puffs of short-acting ß -agonist (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the PCYQ statistically reduced IL-5, IL-8, IL-1ß and PGD in serum. Conclusion: The PCYQ as the Chinese herbal medicine formula significantly improves lung function and symptoms of acute asthma, and reduces SABA dosage possibly via decrease of inflammatory biomarkers such as IL-5, IL-8, IL-1ß and PGD . Trial registration: ISRCTN61674768 (http://www.isrctn.com/). 2 2 2 2

Curcumin a component of turmeric, which is derived from Curcuma longa is used as a colouring agent and as a dietary spice for centuries. Extensive studies have been done on the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin along with its molecular mechanism involving different signalling pathways. However, the physicochemical and biological properties such as poor solubility and rapid metabolism of curcumin have led to low bioavailability and hence limits its application. Current therapies for asthma such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are aimed at controlling disease symptoms and prevent asthma exacerbation. However, this approach requires lifetime therapy and is associated with a constellation of side effects. This creates a clear unmet medical need and there is an urgent demand for new and more-effective treatments. The present study is aimed to formulate liposomes containing curcumin and evaluate for its anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on BCi-NS1.1 cell line. Curcumin and salbutamol liposomes were formulated using lipid hydration method. The prepared liposomes were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro release profile. The liposomes were tested on BCI-NS1.1 cell line to evaluate its anti-inflammatory properties. The various pro-inflammatory markers studied were Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and Tumour Necrosis Factor-a (TNF-a). Additionally, molecular mechanics simulations were used to elucidate the positioning, energy minimization, and aqueous dispersion of the liposomal architecture involving lecithin and curcumin. The prepared curcumin formulation showed an average size and zeta potential of 271.3 ± 3.06 nm and -61.0 mV, respectively. The drug encapsulation efficiency of liposomal curcumin is 81.1%. Both curcumin-loaded liposomes formulation (1 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL) resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the level of pro-inflammatory marker expression such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß and TNF-a compared to positive control group. Liposomal curcumin with the dose of 1 µg/mL reduced the inflammatory markers more effectively compared to that of 5 µg/mL. Liposomal curcumin could be a promising intervention for asthma therapy showing their efficacy in suppressing the important pro-inflammatory markers involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Several vesicular systems loaded with curcumin have found their way in the therapeutic applications of several diseases, primarily acting through their immunological pathways. Such systems use particles at a nanoscale range, bringing about their intended use through a range of complex mechanisms. Apart from delivering drug substances into target tissues, these vesicular systems also effectively overcome problems like insolubility and unequal drug distribution. Several mechanisms are explored lately by different workers, and interest over vesicular curcumin has been renewed in the past decade. This commentary discusses several immunological targets in which curcumin is employed in a vesicular form.

Rationale: Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) can have a detrimental role in disease pathogenesis. Objectives: To identify dysregulated miRNAs in lung tissue of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: We performed miRNA and mRNA profiling using high throughput stem-loop reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and mRNA microarray, respectively, on lung tissue of 30 patients (screening cohort) encompassing 8 never-smokers, 10 smokers without airflow limitation, and 12 smokers with COPD. Differential expression of miRNA-218-5p (miR-218-5p) was validated by reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction in an independent cohort of 71 patients, an in vivo murine model of COPD, and primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Localization of miR-218-5p was assessed by in situ hybridization. In vitro and in vivo perturbation of miR-218-5p combined with RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis was used to elucidate its functional role in COPD pathogenesis. Measurements and Main Results: Several miRNAs were differentially expressed among the different patient groups. Interestingly, miR-218-5p was significantly down-regulated in smokers without airflow limitation and in patients with COPD compared with never-smokers. Decreased pulmonary expression of miR-218-5p was validated in an independent validation cohort, in cigarette smoke-exposed mice, and in human bronchial epithelial cells. Importantly, expression of miR-218-5p strongly correlated with airway obstruction. Furthermore, cellular localization of miR-218-5p in human and murine lung revealed highest expression of miR-218-5p in the bronchial airway epithelium. Perturbation experiments with a miR-218-5p mimic or inhibitor demonstrated a protective role of miR-218-5p in cigarette smoke-induced inflammation and COPD. Conclusions: We highlight a role for miR-218-5p in the pathogenesis of COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a life-Threatening inflammatory respiratory disorder, often induced by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. The development of effective therapies is impaired by a lack of understanding of the underlining mechanisms. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a cytokine with inflammatory and apoptotic properties. We interrogated a mouse model of CS-induced experimental COPD and human tissues to identify a novel role for TRAIL in COPD pathogenesis. CS exposure of wild-Type mice increased TRAIL and its receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and protein levels, as well as the number of TRAIL + CD11b + monocytes in the lung. TRAIL and its receptor mRNA were also increased in human COPD. CS-exposed TRAIL-deficient mice had decreased pulmonary inflammation, pro-inflammatory mediators, emphysema-like alveolar enlargement, and improved lung function. TRAIL-deficient mice also developed spontaneous small airway changes with increased epithelial cell thickness and collagen deposition, independent of CS exposure. Importantly, therapeutic neutralization of TRAIL, after the establishment of early-stage experimental COPD, reduced pulmonary inflammation, emphysema-like alveolar enlargement, and small airway changes. These data provide further evidence for TRAIL being a pivotal inflammatory factor in respiratory diseases, and the first preclinical evidence to suggest that therapeutic agents that target TRAIL may be effective in COPD therapy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that progressively worsens lung function. Those affected are highly susceptible to influenza virus infections that result in exacerbations with exaggerated symptoms with increased mortality. The mechanisms underpinning this increased susceptibility to infection in COPD are unclear. In this study, we show that primary bronchial epithelial cells (pBECs) from subjects with COPD have impaired induction of type I IFN (IFN-ß) and lead to heightened viral replication after influenza viral infection. COPD pBECs have reduced protein levels of protein kinase (PK) R and decreased formation of PKR-mediated antiviral stress granules, which are critical in initiating type I IFNinductions. In addition, reduced protein expression of p300 resulted in decreased activation of IFN regulatory factor 3 and subsequent formation of IFN-ß enhanceosome in COPD pBECs. The decreased p300 induction was the result of enhanced levels of microRNA (miR)-132. Ectopic expression of PKR or miR-132 antagomiR alone failed to restore IFN-ß induction, whereas cotreatment increased antiviral stress granule formation, induction of p300, and IFN-ß in COPD pBECs. This study reveals that decreased induction of both PKR and p300 proteins contribute to impaired induction of IFN-ß in COPD pBECs upon influenza infection.

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and influenza virus infections are major global health issues. Patients with COPD are more susceptible to infection, which exacerbates their condition and increases morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms of increased susceptibility remain poorly understood, and current preventions and treatments have substantial limitations. Objectives: To characterize the mechanisms of increased susceptibility to influenza virus infection in COPD and the potential for therapeutic targeting. Methods: We used a combination of primary bronchial epithelial cells (pBECs) from COPD and healthy control subjects, a mouse model of cigarette smoke-induced experimental COPD, and influenza infection. The role of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway was characterized using molecular methods, and its potential for targeting assessed using inhibitors. Measurements and Main Results: COPDpBECs were susceptible to increased viral entry and replication. Infected mice with experimental COPD also had more severe infection (increased viral titer and pulmonary inflammation, and compromised lung function). These processes were associated with impaired antiviral immunity, reduced retinoic acid-inducible gene-I, and IFN/cytokine and chemokine responses. Increased PI3K-p110a levels and activity inCOPDpBECs and/or mice were responsible for increased infection and reduced antiviral responses. Global PI3K, specific therapeutic p110a inhibitors, or exogenous IFN-b restored protective antiviral responses, suppressed infection, and improved lung function. Conclusions: The increased susceptibility of individuals with COPD to influenza likely results from impaired antiviral responses, which are mediated by increased PI3K-p110a activity. This pathway may be targeted therapeutically in COPD, or in healthy individuals, during seasonal or pandemic outbreaks to prevent and/or treat influenza.

Summary: Background: Rhinoviruses (RV) are the most common acute triggers of asthma, and airway epithelial cells are the primary site of infection. Asthmatic bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) have been found to have impaired innate immune responses to RV. RV entry and replication is recognized by pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), specifically toll-like receptor (TLR)3 and the RNA helicases; retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5). Objective: Our aim was to assess the relative importance of these PRRs in primary bronchial epithelial cells (pBEC) from healthy controls and asthmatics following RV infection and determine whether deficient innate immune responses in asthmatic pBECs were due to abnormal signalling via these PRRs. Methods: The expression patterns and roles of TLR3 and MDA5 were investigated using siRNA knock-down, with subsequent RV1B infection in pBECs from each patient group. We also used BX795, a specific inhibitor of TBK1 and IKKi. Results: Asthmatic pBECs had significantly reduced release of IL-6, CXCL-8 and IFN-¿ in response to RV1B infection compared with healthy pBECs. In healthy pBECs, siMDA5, siTLR3 and BX795 all reduced release of IL-6, CXCL-10 and IFN-¿ to infection. In contrast, in asthmatic pBECs where responses were already reduced, there was no further reduction in IL-6 and IFN-¿, although there was in CXCL-10. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Impaired antiviral responses in asthmatic pBECs are not due to deficient expression of PRRs; MDA5 and TLR3, but an inability to later activate types I and III interferon immune responses to RV infection, potentially increasing susceptibility to the effects of RV infection. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.