RESEARCH
Anesthetics-mediated immunomodulation
Understanding perioperative immune function is crucial because it is necessary for effective host defense. Our primary research focuses on how the choice of anesthesia affects the likelihood of surgical site infections. Patients frequently receive anesthetics, particularly volatile anesthetics. Volatile anesthetics may impact the function of immune cells, despite the fact that their exact anesthetic mechanism is still unknown. We reported that they directly interacted with and inhibited a member of the adhesion molecule family integrin leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)(Figure 1). We also discovered that they directly bound to critical pattern recognition receptors Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/TLR4) (Figure 2). We have demonstrated in vivo that prolonged exposure to volatile anesthetics caused greater bacterial burdens. Our ultimate goals are to understand the effects of anesthetics and suggest anesthetic regimens based on individuals' underlying conditions.
Figure 1. The interaction of volatile anesthetic isoflurane with integrin LFA-1
Figure 2. The interaction of volatile anesthetic isoflurane with TLR4
Sepsis and integrins
Sepsis remains to be a disease with high morbidities and mortalities. Although neutrophils are the first line of innate immune cells to eradicate infection as a host defense mechanism, we have increasingly recognized that neutrophils are a heterogeneous population. We are currently investigating the novel role of β2 integrins αXβ2 and αDβ2 in neutrophils. Our findings showed that αXβ2 regulates neutrophil maturation (Figure 3).
Figure 3. The role of CD11c in neutrophil maturation
The mechanism of organ injury in patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery
Congenital heart diseases are the most common birth anomalies. They frequently require surgical repairs. Here we investigate the role of neutrophils in organ injury in patients who undergo congenital cardiac surgery.
