The inactivated vaccine CoronaVac is one of the most widely used COVID-19 vaccines globally. However, the longitudinal evolution of the immune response induced by CoronaVac remains elusive compared with other vaccine platforms. Here, we recruited 88 healthy individuals who received 3 doses of CoronaVac vaccine. We longitudinally evaluated their polyclonal and antigen-specific CD4 ⁺ T cells and neutralizing antibody response after receiving each dose of vaccine for over 300 days. Both the second and third doses of vaccine induced robust spike-specific neutralizing antibodies, with a third vaccine further increasing the overall magnitude of antibody response and neutralization against Omicron sublineages B.1.1.529, BA.2, BA.4/BA.5, and BA.2.75.2. Spike-specific CD4 ⁺ T cells and circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) cells were markedly increased by the second and third dose of CoronaVac vaccine, accompanied by altered composition of functional cTfh cell subsets with distinct effector and memory potential. Additionally, cTfh cells were positively correlated with neutralizing antibody titers. Our results suggest that CoronaVac vaccine–induced spike-specific T cells are capable of supporting humoral immunity for long-term immune protection.

Staphylococcus haemolyticus (S. haemolyticus), which is highly prevent in the hospital environment, is an etiological factor for nosocomial infections. Point-of-care rapid testing (POCT) of S. haemolyticus is not possible with the currently used detection methods. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a novel isothermal amplification technology with high sensitivity and specificity. The combination of RPA and lateral flow strips (LFS) can achieve rapid pathogen detection, enabling POCT. This study developed an RPA-LFS methodology using a specific probe/primer pair to identify S. haemolyticus. A basic RPA reaction was performed to screen the specific primer from 6 primer pairs targeting mvaA gene. The optimal primer pair was selected based on agarose gel electrophoresis, and the probe was designed. To eliminate false-positive results caused by the byproducts, base mismatches were introduced in the primer/probe pair. The improved primer/probe pair could specifically identify the target sequence. To explore the optimal reaction conditions, the effects of reaction temperature and duration of the RPA-LFS method were systematically investigated. The improved system enabled optimal amplification at 37 °C for 8 min, and the results were visualized within 1 min. The S. haemolyticus detection sensitivity of the RPA-LFS method, whose performance was unaffected by contamination with other genomes, was 0.147 CFU/reaction. Furthermore, we analyzed 95 random clinical samples with RPA-LFS, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and traditional bacterial-culture assays and found that the RPA-LFS had 100% and 98.73% compliance rates with the qPCR and traditional culture method, respectively, which confirms its clinical applicability. In this study, we designed an improved RPA-LFS assay based on the specific probe/primer pair for the detection of S. haemolyticus via rapid POCT, free from the limitations of the precision instruments, helping to make diagnoses and treatment decisions as soon as possible.

The interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines includes IL-6, IL-11, IL-27, IL-31, etc. These cytokines are intimately linked with inflammatory diseases and exhibit pleiotropic properties. Several factors, including air pollution, smoking, and an aging population, are contributing to the changing epidemiology of respiratory diseases. A high incidence of respiratory disease represents a significant burden on society and the economy. The prominent role of IL-6 family members in respiratory diseases has been extensively studied, and they influence the disease process through multiple mechanisms and has significant clinical relevance in respiratory diseases. Here, we describe the role of IL-6 family cytokines and their signaling pathways on various immune cells, as well as the research progress on IL-6 family cytokines in respiratory diseases in recent years. The aim of this review is to provide an in-depth analysis of the key role of the IL-6 family in respiratory diseases and to provide a solid theoretical basis for further research and clinical practice in this field.

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of global mortality and disability. Previous research suggests a relationship between gut microbiota and COPD, yet the causal link remains unclear. Hence, we conducted a dual-sample Mendelian randomization study to elucidate the impact of gut microbiota on COPD. Methods: We utilized single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables, and the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method for primary analysis. We explored the causal linkage between gut microbiota species (Coprococcus2, Holdemanella, Allisonella, Anaerostipes, Lachnospiraceae UCG008, Lachnospiraceae UCG010, Prevotella9, Marvinbryantia, Ruminococcaceae UCG013) and COPD through the analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data sourced from a Finnish database. Summary data for COPD (6,915 cases and 186,723 controls), Early onset COPD (3,508 cases and 212,197 controls), admission rate of COPD (9,113 cases and 212,292 controls), related infection of COPD (59,925 cases and 159,867 controls), respiratory dysfunction of COPD (1,031 cases and 186,723 controls), were from FinnGen consortium R7 GWAS. Result: Our analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between several genera and COPD. Coprococcus2 exhibits a consistent protective role throughout the progression of COPD, evident in both typical COPD [OR=0.750, 95% CI (0.601– 0.937)], early-onset cases [OR=0.686, 95% CI (0.511– 0.920)], COPD-related hospitalizations [OR=0.724, 95% CI (0.575– 0.910)] and infections [OR=0.301, 95% CI (0.094– 0.961)]. Holdemanella manifests as a consistent risk factor in the COPD incidence [OR=1.211, 95% CI (1.063– 1.380)], early-onset COPD [OR=1.214, 95% CI (1.019– 1.446)], COPD hospitalization [OR=1.225, 95% CI (1.072– 1.401)] and respiratory impairment (OR:1.645, 95% CI: 1.198– 2.258). Allisonella demonstrates protective attributes in COPD occurrence [OR=0.884, 95% CI (0.794– 0.984)]. Genera such as Anaerostipes, Lachnospiraceae UCG008, Lachnospiraceae UCG010, and Prevotella9 show protective effects specifically in early-onset COPD. Marvinbryantia and Ruminococcaceae UCG013 are consistently identified as risk factors in onset of typical COPD. Conclusion: Mendelian randomization studies confirm a causal link between gut microbiota and various COPD types and complications, offering new insights into the disease’s pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading contributors to global cancer-associated deaths, with its development and progression closely influenced by the complex and evolving interplay between host and gut microbial communities. The gut fungal community has emerged as a crucial factor in the oncogenesis, progression, and treatment of CRC. Through multi-cohort fecal metagenomic analysis, it has been found that the gut fungal community structure of CRC patients undergoes significant changes, with pathogenic fungi becoming enriched and overall fungal diversity decreasing. In addition, fungal metabolites and other components are also associated with cancer development, including effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune responses. In terms of mechanisms, fungi may influence CRC progression by affecting intestinal immune responses, modulating inflammatory pathways, and interacting with bacteria. However, current research is mainly focused on correlation analysis, with causality remaining unclear. Moreover, the diversity of fungi across different populations limits their clinical application. This article examines the role of fungi in CRC onset and progression, summarizes current therapies, and outlines future research to support early diagnosis, precision treatment, and improved prognosis.