搜索结果: 'gmp t cell activator'

This study aimed to identify unique characteristics in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of endometriosis patients and develop a non-invasive early diagnostic tool. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq),we constructed the first single-cell atlas of PBMCs from endometriosis patients based on 107,964 cells and 25,847 genes. Within CD16+ monocytes,we discovered JUP as a dysregulated gene. To assess its diagnostic potential,we measured peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum JUP levels in a large cohort of 199 patients including 20 women with ovarian cancer (OC). JUP was barely detectable in PF but was significantly elevated in the serum of patients with endometriosis and OC,with levels 1.33 and 2.34 times higher than controls,respectively. Additionally,JUP was found in conditioned culture media of CD14+/CD16+ monocytes aligning with our scRNA-seq data. Serum JUP levels correlated with endometriosis severity and endometrioma presence but were unaffected by dysmenorrhea,menstrual cycle,or adenomyosis. When combined with CA125 (cancer antigen 125) JUP enhanced the specificity of endometriosis diagnosis from 89.13% (CA125 measured alone) to 100%. While sensitivity remains a challenge at 19%,our results suggest that JUP’s potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy warrants additional investigation. Furthermore,employing serum JUP as a stratification marker unlocked the potential to identify additional endometriosis-related genes,offering novel insights into disease pathogenesis. View Publication

The role of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment in regulating the antitumor immune response in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) remains poorly understood. Here we transcriptionally and phenotypically profiled non-malignant (CD19- CD138-) BM cells from WM patients with a focus on myeloid derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) to provide a deeper understanding of their role in WM. We found that HLA-DRlowCD11b+CD33+ MDSCs were significantly increased in WM patients as compared to normal controls,with an expansion of predominantly polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs. Single-cell immunogenomic profiling of WM MDSCs identified an immune-suppressive gene signature with upregulated inflammatory pathways associated with interferon and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling. Gene signatures associated with an inflammatory and immune suppressive environment were predominately expressed in PMN-MDSCs. In vitro,WM PMN-MDSCs demonstrated robust T-cell suppression and their viability and expansion was notably enhanced by granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and TNFα. Furthermore,BM malignant B-cells attracted PMN-MDSCs to a greater degree than monocytic MDSCs. Collectively,these data suggest that malignant WM B cells actively recruit PMN-MDSCs which promote an immunosuppressive BM microenvironment through a direct T cell inhibition,while release of G-CSF/TNFα in the microenvironment further promotes PMN-MDSC expansion and in turn immune suppression. Targeting PMN-MDSCs may therefore represent a potential therapeutic strategy in patients with WM. View Publication

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia patients with elevated gamma globin (HBG1/G2) levels exhibit mild or no symptoms. To recapitulate this natural phenomenon,the most coveted gene therapy approach is to edit the regulatory sequences of HBG1/G2 to reactivate them. By editing more than one regulatory sequence in the HBG promoter,the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can be significantly increased. However,achieving this goal requires precise nucleotide conversions in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) at therapeutic efficiency,which remains a challenge.MethodsWe employed Cas9 RNP-ssODN-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) gene editing to mimic two naturally occurring HBG promoter point mutations; -175T > C,associated with high HbF levels,and −158 C > T,a common polymorphism in the Indian population that induces HbF under erythropoietic stress,in HSPCs.ResultsAsymmetric,nontarget ssODN induced high rates of complete HDR conversions,with at least 15% of HSPCs exhibiting both the −175T > C and −158 C > T mutations. Optimized conditions and treatment with the small molecule AZD-7648 increased this rate,with up to 57% of long-term engrafting human HSPCs in NBSGW mice containing at least one beneficial mutation. Functionally,in vivo erythroblasts exhibited high levels of HbF,which was sufficient to reverse the cellular phenotype of β-thalassemia. Further support through bone marrow MSC co-culture boosted complete HDR conversion rates to exceed 80%,with minimal InDels,improved cell viability,and induced fetal hemoglobin levels similar to those of Cas9 RNP-mediated indels at BCL11A enhancer and HBG promoter.ConclusionsCas9 RNP-ssODN-based nucleotide conversion at the HBG promoter offers a promising gene therapy approach to ameliorate the phenotypes of β-thalassemia and SCD. The developed approach can simplify and broaden applications that require the cointroduction of multiple nucleotide modifications in HSPCs.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-024-04117-0. View Publication

BackgroundMyeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor microenvironment reduce the efficacy of immunotherapy. PKN2 plays a role in colon cancer,but its function in esophageal cancer (EC) remains unclear. This study investigated PKN2 expression in MDSCs derived from EC tissues and determined whether PKN2 regulates immunosuppressive activity of MDSCs by mediating fatty acid oxidation (FAO).Materials and methodsPKN2 expression was determined in GEO database,EC patients,and 4-NQO-induced EC mice,as well as in different types of immune cells. The effect of PKN2 on the function of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) was investigated by co-culture of PMN-MDSCs and CD4+/CD8+ T cells. The co-culture of patient-derived organoids and autologous immune cells was performed to observe the effect of PKN2 on the immunosuppressive function of PMN-MDSCs.ResultsPKN2 is highly expressed in EC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues,especially in tumor-infiltrated PMN-MDSCs. Overexpressing PKN2 in PMN-MDSCs contributes to the immunosuppressive activity of PMN-MDSCs in vitro. PKN2-overexpressing PMN-MDSCs inhibited the killing ability of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and promoted EC organoid growth. PKN2 promotes FAO in PMN-MDSCs via CPT1B (a key enzyme of FAO). Mechanistically,PKN2 promotes CPT1B transcription by upregulating STAT3 phosphorylation.ConclusionsPKN2 expression was increased in PMN-MDSCs derived from human and mouse EC tissues. PKN2 plays a role in enhancing the immunosuppressive activity of PMN-MDSCs by facilitating STAT3 phosphorylation and CPT1B transcription,which in turn leads to increased CPT1B-mediated FAO in PMN-MDSCs. Targeted inhibition of PKN2 is expected to improve immunotherapeutic efficacy in EC patients.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-025-01132-6. View Publication

AbstractThe landscape of cancer treatment has been transformed by immune checkpoint inhibitors; however,the failure to benefit a large number of patients with cancer has underlined the need to identify promising targets for more effective interventions. In this study,we leverage 23andMe,Inc.’s large-scale human germline genetic and health database to uncover the previously unknown role of UL16-binding protein 6 (ULBP6),a high-affinity NK group 2D (NKG2D) ligand,in cancer and its promise as an immuno-oncology therapeutic target. We confirm ULBP6 expression in human tumors and demonstrate that soluble ULBP6 shed from tumors circumvents NKG2D activation provided by membrane-anchored NKG2D ligands to inhibit immune cell activation and tumor cell killing. Based on these findings,we developed 23ME-01473,a humanized Fc effector–enhanced antibody that binds to ULBP6 and its closely related family members,ULBP2 and ULBP5. 23ME-01473 effectively blocks soluble ULBP6-mediated immunosuppression to restore the NKG2D axis on NK and T cells to elicit tumor growth control. Moreover,the Fc effector–enhanced design of 23ME-01473 increases its binding affinity to fragment crystallizable gamma receptor IIIa,which,together with 23ME-01473’s binding to membrane-anchored ULBP6/2/5 on cancer cells,allows for augmented antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity induction,providing a second activation node for NK cells. Our studies demonstrate the therapeutic potential of an Fc effector–enhanced anti-ULBP6/2/5 antibody to reinvigorate NK cell and T-cell activation and cytotoxicity for the treatment of cancer.Significance:This study emphasizes the utility of population-based genome-wide assessments for discovering naturally occurring genetic variants associated with lifetime risks for cancer or immune diseases as novel drug targets. We identify ULBP6 as a potential keystone member of the NKG2D pathway,which is important for antitumor immunity. Targeting ULBP6 may hold therapeutic promise for patients with cancer. View Publication

AbstractAcute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common life‐threatening syndrome with no effective pharmacotherapy. Sepsis‐related ARDS is the main type of ARDS and is more fatal than other types. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered novel mediators in the development of inflammatory diseases. Our previous research suggested that endothelial cell‐derived EVs (EC‐EVs) play a crucial role in ALI/ARDS development,but the mechanism remains largely unknown. Here,we demonstrated that the number of circulating EC‐EVs was increased in sepsis,exacerbating lung injury by targeting monocytes and reprogramming them towards proinflammatory macrophages. Bioinformatics analysis and further mechanistic studies revealed that vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1),overexpressed on EC‐EVs during sepsis,activated the NF‐κB pathway by interacting with integrin subunit alpha 4 (ITGA4) on the monocyte surface,rather than the tissue resident macrophage surface,thereby regulating monocyte differentiation. This effect could be attenuated by decreasing VCAM1 levels in EC‐EVs or blocking ITGA4 on monocytes. Furthermore,the number of VCAM1+ EC‐EVs was significantly increased in patients with sepsis‐related ARDS. These findings not only shed light on a previously unidentified mechanism underling sepsis‐related ALI/ARDS,but also provide potential novel targets and strategies for its precise treatment. During extra‐pulmonary sepsis,more endothelial cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EC‐EVs) are released,which play a critical role in the development of ALI/ARDS by specifically targeting and reprogramming monocytes. VCAM1,highly expressed on these EVs,activates the NF‐κB pathway by acting on ITGA4,thus promoting the differentiation of monocytes into M1‐type macrophages. View Publication

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone important for maintaining protein homeostasis (proteostasis) in the cell. Hsp90 inhibitors are being explored as cancer therapeutics because of their ability to disrupt proteostasis. Inhibiting Hsp90 increases surface density of the immunological receptor Major Histocompatibility Complex 1 (MHC1). Here we show that this increase occurs across multiple cancer cell lines and with both cytosol-specific and pan-Hsp90 inhibitors. We demonstrate that Hsp90 inhibition also alters surface expression of both IFNGR and PD-L1,two additional immunological receptors that play a significant role in anti-tumour or anti-immune activity in the tumour microenvironment. Hsp90 also negatively regulates IFN-γ activity in cancer cells,suggesting it has a unique role in mediating the immune system’s response to cancer. Our data suggests a strong link between Hsp90 activity and the pathways that govern anti-tumour immunity. This highlights the potential for the use of an Hsp90 inhibitor in combination with another currently available cancer treatment,immune checkpoint blockade therapy,which works to prevent immune evasion of cancer cells. Combination checkpoint inhibitor therapy and the use of an Hsp90 inhibitor may potentiate the therapeutic benefits of both treatments and improve prognosis for cancer patients. View Publication

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) recognizes bacterial,viral and self DNA and play an important role in immunity and inflammation. However,the role of TLR9 in obesity is less well-studied. Here,we generate B-cell-specific Tlr9-deficient (Tlr9fl/fl/Cd19Cre+/-,KO) B6 mice and model obesity using a high-fat diet. Compared with control mice,B-cell-specific-Tlr9-deficient mice exhibited increased fat tissue inflammation,weight gain,and impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. Furthermore,the frequencies of IL-10-producing-B cells and marginal zone B cells were reduced,and those of follicular and germinal center B cells were increased. This was associated with increased frequencies of IFNγ-producing-T cells and increased follicular helper cells. In addition,gut microbiota from the KO mice induced a pro-inflammatory state leading to immunological and metabolic dysregulation when transferred to germ-free mice. Using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing,we identify altered gut microbial communities including reduced Lachnospiraceae,which may play a role in altered metabolism in KO mice. We identify an important network involving Tlr9,Irf4 and Il-10 interconnecting metabolic homeostasis,with the function of B and T cells,and gut microbiota in obesity. Although the function of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in immunity and inflammation is well-established,its role in obesity is less well-studied. In this study,the authors demonstrate that TLR9 deficiency in B cells is associated with obesity in mice and results in altered frequencies of T and B lymphocyte subsets and gut microbiome dysbiosis. View Publication

AbstractObjectiveUnique metabolic requirements accompany the development and functional fates of immune cells. How cellular metabolism is important in natural killer (NK) cells and their memory‐like differentiation in bacterial infections remains elusive.MethodsHere,we utilise our established NK cell memory assay to investigate the metabolic requirement for memory‐like NK cell formation and function in response to the Gram‐negative intracellular bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei (BP),the causative agent of melioidosis.ResultsWe demonstrate that CD160+ memory‐like NK cells upon BP stimulation upregulate glucose and amino acid transporters in a cohort of recovered melioidosis patients which is maintained at least 3‐month post‐hospital admission. Using an in vitro assay,human BP‐specific CD160+ memory‐like NK cells show metabolic priming including increased expression of glucose and amino acid transporters with elevated glucose uptake,increased mTOR activation and mitochondrial membrane potential upon BP re‐stimulation. Antigen‐specific and cytokine‐induced IFN‐γ production of this memory‐like NK cell subset are highly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) with some dependency on glycolysis,whereas the formation of CD160+ memory‐like NK cells in vitro is dependent on fatty acid oxidation and OXPHOS and further increased by metformin.ConclusionThis study reveals the link between metabolism and cellular function of memory‐like NK cells,which can be exploited for vaccine design and for monitoring protection against Gram‐negative bacterial infection. This study reveals the link between metabolism and cellular function of memory‐like NK cells in melioidosis. We demonstrate that CD160+ memory‐like NK cells upon Burkholderia pseudomallei (BP) stimulation upregulate glucose and amino acid transporters in a cohort of recovered melioidosis patients. Using an in vitro assay,human BP‐specific CD160+ memory‐like NK cells show metabolic priming including increased expression of glucose and amino acid transporters with elevated glucose uptake,increased mTOR activation and mitochondrial membrane potential upon BP re‐stimulation. View Publication

Dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal in regulating allergic asthma. Our research has shown that the absence of Sema3E worsens asthma symptoms in acute and chronic asthma models. However,the specific role of PlexinD1 in these processes,particularly in DCs,remains unclear. This study investigates the role of PlexinD1 in CD11c+ DCs using a house dust mite (HDM) model of asthma. We generated CD11c+ DC-specific PlexinD1 knockout (CD11cPLXND1 KO) mice and subjected them,alongside wild-type controls (PLXND1fl/fl),to an HDM allergen protocol. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was measured using FlexiVent,and immune cell populations were analyzed via flow cytometry. Cytokine levels and immunoglobulin concentrations were assessed using mesoscale and ELISA,while collagen deposition and mucus production were examined through Sirius-red and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining respectively. Our results indicate that CD11cPLXND1 KO mice exhibit significantly exacerbated AHR,characterized by increased airway resistance and tissue elastance. Enhanced mucus production and collagen gene expression were observed in these mice compared to wild-type counterparts. Flow cytometry revealed higher CD11c+ MHCIIhigh CD11b+ cell recruitment into the lungs,and elevated total and HDM-specific serum IgE levels in CD11cPLXND1 KO mice. Mechanistically,co-cultures of B cells with DCs from CD11cPLXND1 KO mice showed significantly increased IgE production compared to wild-type mice.These findings highlight the critical regulatory role of the plexinD1 signaling pathway in CD11c+ DCs in modulating asthma features. View Publication

While prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is produced in human tumor microenvironment (TME),its role therein remains poorly understood. Here,we examine this issue by comparative single-cell RNA sequencing of immune cells infiltrating human cancers and syngeneic tumors in female mice. PGE receptors EP4 and EP2 are expressed in lymphocytes and myeloid cells,and their expression is associated with the downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and MYC targets,glycolysis and ribosomal proteins (RPs). Mechanistically,CD8+ T cells express EP4 and EP2 upon TCR activation,and PGE2 blocks IL-2-STAT5 signaling by downregulating Il2ra,which downregulates c-Myc and PGC-1 to decrease OXPHOS,glycolysis,and RPs,impairing migration,expansion,survival,and antitumor activity. Similarly,EP4 and EP2 are induced upon macrophage activation,and PGE2 downregulates c-Myc and OXPHOS in M1-like macrophages. These results suggest that PGE2-EP4/EP2 signaling impairs both adaptive and innate immunity in TME by hampering bioenergetics and ribosome biogenesis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Mechanisms of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-mediated immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been previously reported. Here,the authors profile PGE2 functions in human cancer,suggesting that prostaglandin E2-mediated signaling impairs the activity of human CD8+ T cells and macrophages by altering bioenergetics and ribosome biogenesis. View Publication

Background: Preclinical cell tracking is enhanced with a multimodal imaging approach. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a highly sensitive optical modality that relies on engineering cells to constitutively express a luciferase gene. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a newer imaging modality that directly detects superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles used to label cells. Here,we compare BLI and MPI for imaging cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Mouse 4T1 breast carcinoma cells were transduced to express firefly luciferase,labeled with SPIO (ProMag),and imaged as cell samples after subcutaneous injection into mice. Results: For cell samples,the BLI and MPI signals were strongly correlated with cell number. Both modalities presented limitations for imaging cells in vivo. For BLI,weak signal penetration,signal attenuation,and scattering prevented the detection of cells for mice with hair and for cells far from the tissue surface. For MPI,background signals obscured the detection of low cell numbers due to the limited dynamic range,and cell numbers could not be accurately quantified from in vivo images. Conclusions: It is important to understand the shortcomings of these imaging modalities to develop strategies to improve cellular detection sensitivity. View Publication