Yuyue Luo^1,#, Yikan Zheng^2,#, Jie Qin^1,#, Jinwei Liu², Yuhan Ma², Jingda Li³, Jun Li⁴, Wenlong Sun^1,*, Qian Zhang^2,*, Mengyao Li^5,6,*

European Cytokine Network, Vol.37, No.2, pp. 97-119, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ecn.2026.082885 - 30 June 2026

Abstract Cytokines, as key signaling molecules, are involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation, immunity, and cell growth. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs, enable precise control of gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Recent studies have revealed that cytokines interact with epigenetic regulation to form a dynamic and complex “cytokine-epigenetic axis”. Through metabolic reprogramming and regulation of epigenetic enzyme activity, this axis affects gene expression patterns at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, thereby contributing to the initiation and progression of various diseases, including… More >

Michael I. Bukrinsky¹, Alessio L. Ravani², Anastasia V. Poznyak^3,*

BIOCELL, Vol.50, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2026.072752 - 21 April 2026

Abstract Atherosclerosis (AS) is a key contributor to ischemic heart disease, resulting in significant cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in managing conventional risk factors, including the utilization of statins, recurrent adverse cardiovascular events remain prevalent, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic strategies. This review explores the critical role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and highlights potential atheroprotective approaches targeting inflammatory pathways. We discuss the multifaceted interplay between immune responses and AS, detailing the contributions of myeloid cells, T lymphocytes, and various cytokines in plaque formation and instability. Recent More >

Crystal J. Byrd¹, Monasia Evans¹, Woojung Kim², Quintera Knight³, Geou-Yarh Liou^1,2,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.073532 - 23 March 2026

Abstract Objective: The progression of prostate cancer cells to metastasis is supported by their tumor microenvironment. Within this microenvironment, infiltrating immune cells, such as B cells, can be either anti-tumorigenic or pro-tumorigenic. Our preliminary data showed that a higher density of the infiltrating B cells was found near prostate cancer cells in human cancer tissues, as compared to the benign prostate tissue regions, thus suggesting that infiltrating B cells would promote the progression of prostate cancer cells. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of infiltrating B cells in enhancing the migratory ability of… More >

Hung-Yu Lin^1,2,†, Hsing-Ju Wu^2,3,†, Pei-Yi Chu^1,4,5,*

European Cytokine Network, Vol.36, No.3, pp. 24-37, 2025, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2025.0504 - 28 February 2026

Abstract Immunotherapy has demonstrated limited efficacy in immunologically “cold” breast cancers characterized by absent T-cell infiltration and inadequate interferon signaling. The purpose of this work is to propose and articulate a mechanistic and therapeutic framework in which mitochondrial stress is deliberately harnessed to convert immunologically “cold” breast tumors into “hot,” T cell–inflamed, immunotherapy-responsive lesions. This review synthesizes emerging evidence positioning mitochondrial stress as a strategic lever to transform these immune-excluded tumors into inflamed, therapy-responsive lesions. We examine how mitochondrial dysfunction triggers cytosolic release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a potent damage-associated molecular pattern that activates the cGAS-STING… More >

Anastasia Vylegzhanina^1,2, Irina Shalaginova^2,*, Dana Korolevich¹, Dmitry Katserov¹, Alexandra Semenova¹, Maria Sidorova¹, Sergey Eresko³, Marat Airapetov³, Marina Pavlova², Anna Levina², Natalia Dyuzhikova²

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.10, pp. 2007-2031, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.071198 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Objectives: Chronic stress can trigger neuroinflammation and gut microbiota alterations, contributing to post-stress disorders. Individual differences in stress responses, shaped by genetic and physiological factors, require better characterization. We aimed to investigate the long-term effects of chronic stress in rats selectively bred for high and low nervous system excitability. Methods: Adult male rats from two strains selectively bred for high (HT) and low (LT) excitability thresholds of the nervous system underwent a 15-day chronic emotional-pain stress protocol. Behavioral assessments (elevated plus maze), cytokine levels (TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) in the hippocampus and amygdala measured by… More >

Ya-Yi Chen^1,2, Tzu-Ting Chen³, Ya-Hsuan Chao⁴, Wen-Ho Chuo⁵, Chieh-Shan Wu^6,7, Ruo-Han Tseng^8,*, Chieh-Chen Huang^9,*

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.9, pp. 1733-1748, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.067011 - 25 September 2025

Abstract Objectives: Professional antigen-presenting cells known as dendritic cells (DCs) assist as a connection between the innate and adaptive components of the immune response. DCs are attractive targets for immunomodulatory drugs because of their crucial function in triggering immunity. This study set out to examine, for the first time, how hibifolin affected mouse bone-marrow derived (BMDCs) dendritic cells, triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. Additionally, a mouse model of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) was used to assess its possible therapeutic effects in vivo. Methods: LPS was administered to BMDCs with or without hibifolin. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II,… More >

Alexander Blagov^1,*, Michael Bukrinsky², Aleksandra Utkina³, Gulalek Babayeva⁴, Vasily Sukhorukov¹, Alexander Orekhov⁵

BIOCELL, Vol.49, No.7, pp. 1125-1140, 2025, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2025.062821 - 25 July 2025

Abstract Eosinophils are multifunctional granulocytes that contribute to the initiation and modulation of inflammation. Accumulating evidence suggests that eosinophils are adaptable leukocytes that orchestrate the resolution of inflammatory responses. The most prevalent chronic inflammatory illness, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is typified by persistent synovitis that makes it hard for the disease to go away on its own. Interestingly, a unique subset of eosinophils known as regulatory eosinophils has been found in RA patients’ synovium, especially while the disease is in remission. Pro-resolving signatures of regulatory eosinophils in the synovium are distinct from those of their lung counterparts. More >

Shira Cohen Rubin^1,*, Nadav Zacks¹, Ori Wand², Ophir Freund³, Evgeni Gershman³, Anna Breslavsky², Rotem Givoli-Vilensky¹, Anat Tzurel Ferber², Natalya Bilenko^1,4, Amir Bar-Shai³

European Cytokine Network, Vol.35, No.1, pp. 13-19, 2024, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2024.0494

Abstract COVID-19 vaccination and acute infection result in cellular and humoral immune responses with various degrees of protection. While most studies have addressed the difference in humoral response between vaccination and acute infection, studies on the cellular response are scarce. We aimed to evaluate differences in immune response among vaccinated patients versus those who had recovered from COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study in a tertiary medical centre. The vaccinated group included health care workers, who had received a second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine 30 days ago. The recovered group included adults… More >

Yan Li^1,2,3,#, Jimin Zhang^1,2,3,#, Xiaoyan Liu⁴, Kumar Ganesan⁵, Guixiu Shi^1,2,3

European Cytokine Network, Vol.35, No.1, pp. 1-12, 2024, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2024.0496

Abstract Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that affects various systems in the body, resulting in symptoms such as dry eyes and mouth, pain, and fatigue. Inflammation plays a critical role in pSS and its associated complications, with chronic inflammation being a common occurrence in patients with pSS. This review of the literature highlights inflammatory markers that could serve as indicators to predict disease progression in pSS. Results: Laboratory markers are frequently and significantly increased in pSS patients, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, complement proteins, S100 proteins, cytokines (IFNs, CD40 ligand, soluble CD25, More >

Almagul Kurmanova^1,2, Gulfairuz Urazbayeva³, Laura Kayupova², Damilya Salimbaeva², Nurzhamal Dzhardemalieva⁴

European Cytokine Network, Vol.35, No.2, pp. 21-27, 2024, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2024.0497

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic significance of the dynamics of cytokines and growth factors during pregnancy with and without preeclampsia. The study included 168 pregnant women at risk of hypertensive disorders. The levels of biomarkers of all pregnant women were studied at 12-16 weeks, 28-30 weeks and 36-38 weeks. These included cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-4) and growth factors (placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor). All pregnant women were divided into two groups: 124 patients with preeclampsia and 44 without preeclampsia (control group). In patients with preeclampsia,… More >