Ruxolitinib is a JAK1/2 inhibitor that has revolutionized the approach to myelofibrosis. On the one side, this drug can rapidly improve the symptoms related to the hematological disease; on the other side, the inhibition of JAK1/2 can lead to immunosuppression which may increase the risk of infections, due to a change in the cytokine balance in favor of anti-inflammatory cytokines, to direct inhibition of immune cells, and to the suppression in the production of specific antibodies. In this patient setting, much is known about possible viral and bacterial infections, while little is reported in the literature concerning parasitic infections, specifically leishmaniasis. Leishmania is a parasitic infection that can cause serious problems in immunosuppressed patients. The parasite can invade the bloodstream and cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, weight loss, and anemia. In severe cases, it can lead to multi-organ failure and, rapidly, death. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential especially for these patients, unable to respond adequately. In this case and the following review of the existing literature, the cytokine kinetics and the production of specific anti-Leishmania antibodies represent characteristic aspects capable of providing a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying these complex clinical cases in an immunocompromised patient.

Although antiretroviral regimens achieve durable suppression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication, individuals living with HIV remain at an increased risk of developing chronic comorbidities, such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). In the absence of definitive biomarkers or curative treatments, HAND impacts the survival and quality of life in up to 50% of individuals with HIV. Therefore, novel strategies are highly warranted to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of individuals with HAND and a deeper characterization of the still poorly understood pathogenesis of HAND is fundamental to this aim. The pathogenesis, progression, and clinical outcomes of HAND are influenced by different factors, including viral proteins like negative factor (Nef). Among HIV proteins, Nef emerges as a potential key contributor to HAND pathogenesis. Nef could drive specific histopathological alterations in the brain and could be involved in HAND through different interconnected pathogenetic mechanisms. These include: immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of autophagy, myelin damage and oligodendrocytes dysfunction, blood–brain barrier disruption, alterations of cholesterol homeostasis, and certain potential converging mechanisms with Alzheimer’s disease. Both extracellular and intracellular Nef can contribute to the development of HAND. Interestingly, it has been proposed that Nef may participate in HAND through its incorporation into extracellular vesicles. This review explores the multifaceted role of Nef in HAND, highlighting the histopathological alterations and the pathogenetic mechanisms potentially involved and the potential emerging relevance of Nef as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in HAND.

Tetraspanin 32 (TSPAN32), a member of the tetraspanin superfamily, is one of several tumor-suppressing subtransferable fragments located in the imprinted gene domain of chromosome 11p15.5, a critical tumor-suppressor gene region. Although the biology of TSPAN32 remains largely unexplored, accumulating evidence suggests its involvement in hematopoietic functions. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression patterns and regulatory roles of TSPAN32. Notably, TSPAN32 is highly expressed in immune cells, particularly in natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. The observed downregulation of TSPAN32 during immune cell activation highlights its potential role as a regulator of immune cell activation and metabolic adaptations, which are crucial for effective immune responses against pathogens and tumors. Moreover, the modulation of biological processes following TSPAN32 knockout further supports its critical role in regulating immune cell physiology and responses. These findings not only shed light on the biology of TSPAN32 but also provide the basis for exploring its diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, as well as in hematopoietic cancers.

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common malignancies and the leading cause of death worldwide. LC is classified into two main histological subtypes: non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), representing the 85% of all LC types, and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), representing 15% of all lung neoplasm. The recent discovery and clinical approval of new therapeutic approaches has resulted in significant advancements in the management of NSCLC patients. This review aims to summarize the current and ongoing clinical trials that have led to the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the emerging immunotherapy approaches for advanced NSCLC patients. Additionally, the current benefits and drawbacks of these therapeutic strategies will be explored. The treatment for NSCLC is evolving toward a more comprehensive approach that considers both the tumor immune history and genomic features. In this respect, we hope that the ongoing research will make it possible to treat each NSCLC patient individually in the near future.

People living with HIV (PLWH) receiving effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) continue to exhibit chronic immune activation and systemic inflammation despite virological suppression. The viral envelope glycoprotein gp120, which binds the CD4 receptor and mediates viral entry, has been implicated in pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects in neuronal and endothelial cells. Although gp120 is expressed on the viral surface, its oligomeric structure and its ability to form immune complexes with circulating antibodies may reduce the sensitivity of standard detection assays in serum. Soluble gp120 has been associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as chemokines. These mediators may contribute to blood–brain barrier dysfunction, endothelial injury, vascular smooth muscle alterations, and subsequent neurodegenerative and cardiovascular complications. Importantly, gp120 shedding may persist due to viral reservoirs and intermittent reactivation, even during ART. Fostemsavir inhibits the interaction between gp120 and CD4, preventing viral entry and potentially limiting gp120-mediated pathogenic effects. Beyond antiviral activity, this mechanism suggests a potential role in attenuating gp120-mediated inflammation. This review discusses the biological effects of gp120 and the rationale for targeting it therapeutically in PLWH.

Background/Objectives: Galectin-3 (Gal-3), encoded by LGALS3, is a β-galactoside-binding lectin involved in diverse tumor-associated processes, including immune modulation, cell cycle regulation, and stress adaptation. Despite its known roles in cancer biology, the full extent of its molecular functions and prognostic relevance across tumor types remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to systematically investigate the transcriptomic impact of LGALS3 deletion and assess its clinical significance in cancer. Methods: We analyzed CRISPR-Cas9 knockout transcriptomic data from the SigCom LINCS database to characterize the consensus gene signature associated with LGALS3 loss using functional enrichment analyses. Pan-cancer survival analyses were conducted using TIMER2.0. Differential Gal-3 protein levels in ductal adenocarcinoma and normal pancreatic tissues were evaluated using the Human Protein Atlas. Finally, functional analyses were performed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Results: LGALS3 deletion across multiple cancer cell lines led to transcriptomic changes involving mitotic progression, stress responses, and axonal guidance pathways. High LGALS3 expression was significantly associated with worse overall survival in lower-grade glioma, PDAC, uveal melanoma, and kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma. LGALS3 knockout in YAPC cells recapitulated the pan-cancer findings, linking LGALS3 to cell morphogenesis and proliferation. Conclusions: These findings identify Galectin-3 as a key regulator of oncogenic programs and a potential prognostic biomarker in PDAC and other malignancies, with implications for therapeutic targeting.