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CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have driven a paradigm shift in the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. However,>50% of CD19-CAR-T-treated patients experience progressive disease mainly due to antigen escape and low persistence. Clinical prognosis is heavily influenced by CAR-T cell function and systemic cytokine toxicities. Furthermore,it remains a challenge to efficiently,cost-effectively,and consistently manufacture clinically relevant numbers of virally engineered CAR-T cells. Using a highly efficient piggyBac transposon-based vector,Quantum pBac™ (qPB),we developed a virus-free cell-engineering system for development and production of multiplex CAR-T therapies. Here,we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo that consistent,robust and functional CD20/CD19 dual-targeted CAR-T stem cell memory (CAR-TSCM) cells can be efficiently produced for clinical application using qPB™. In particular,we showed that qPB™-manufactured CAR-T cells from cancer patients expanded efficiently,rapidly eradicated tumors,and can be safely controlled via an iCasp9 suicide gene-inducing drug. Therefore,the simplicity of manufacturing multiplex CAR-T cells using the qPB™ system has the potential to improve efficacy and broaden the accessibility of CAR-T therapies. View Publication

AbstractIntroductionNovel strategies are needed to address the rising burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. High-intensity resistance and impact (HiRIT) exercise has shown benefit in improving bone density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis/osteopenia. Whether HiRIT can enhance the therapeutic effects of osteoporosis pharmacotherapy has not been established. ROLEX-DUO is a randomised controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of romosozumab on various bone and muscle outcomes in combination with different exercise interventions in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis/osteopenia.Methods and analysisROLEX-DUO is an 8-month randomised placebo-controlled trial conducted at two tertiary referral centres for patients with osteoporosis/osteopenia in Sydney,New South Wales,Australia. The study is implementing the combination of romosozumab or placebo with different forms of exercise in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis/osteopenia without recent fragility fracture (n=102). Eligible women will be randomised 1:1:1 into one of three groups: (1) romosozumab with supervised HiRIT,(2) romosozumab with unsupervised low-intensity exercise or (3) placebo with unsupervised low-intensity exercise. Co-primary outcomes are the mean percentage change in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD),and mean change in five times sit-to-stand test performance (seconds) at 8 months. Secondary/exploratory outcomes include BMD changes at the femoral neck,total hip and distal radius,three-dimensional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) hip outcomes,DXA-derived lean and fat mass,serum markers of bone turnover (procollagen type 1 peptide,C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen) and bone biomarkers (dickkopf-1),serum extracellular vesicle analyses,36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) quality-of-life scores,Menopause-Specific Quality Of Life (MENQOL) Questionnaire menopause symptom burden scores,number of falls and fractures. Mixed-effects models will be performed to compare longitudinal outcome results between groups using intention-to-treat analysis.Ethics and disseminationThe trial was approved by the Northern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (2022/ETH01794,protocol V.8,dated 03 July 2024). Participants will provide written informed consent prior to inclusion. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals,scientific conferences and summary reports to funding bodies.Trial registration numberACTRN12623000867695. View Publication

IntroductionThe early transcription unit 3 (E3) of human adenoviruses (HAdVs) encodes several immunoevasins,including the E3/49K protein,which is unique for species D of HAdVs. It is expressed as surface transmembrane protein and shed. E3/49K of HAdV-D64 binds to the protein tyrosine phosphatase surface receptor CD45,thereby modulating activation of T and NK cells.MethodsConsidering that E3/49K represents the most polymorphic viral protein among species D HAdVs,we demonstrate here that all tested E3/49K orthologs bind to the immunologically important regulator CD45. Thus,this feature is conserved regardless of the pathological associations of the respective HAdV types.ResultsIt appeared that modulation of CD45 is a unique property restricted to HAdVs of species D. Moreover,E3/49K treatment inhibited B cell receptor (BCR) signaling and impaired BCR signal phenotypes. The latter were highly comparable to B cells having defects in the expression of CD45,suggesting E3/49K as a potential tool to investigate CD45 specific functions.ConclusionWe identified B cells as new direct target of E3/49K-mediated immune modulation,representing a novel viral immunosubversive mechanism. View Publication

mRNA applications have undergone unprecedented applications—from vaccination to cell therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells are recognized to have a significant potential in immunotherapy. NK-based cell therapy has drawn attention as allogenic graft with a minimal graft-versus-host risk leading to easier off-the-shelf production. NK cells can be engineered with either viral vectors or electroporation,involving high costs,risks,and toxicity,emphasizing the need for alternative way as mRNA technology. We successfully developed,screened,and optimized novel lipid-based platforms based on imidazole lipids. Formulations are produced by microfluidic mixing and exhibit a size of approximately 100 nm with a polydispersity index of less than 0.2. They are able to transfect NK-92 cells,KHYG-1 cells,and primary NK cells with high efficiency without cytotoxicity,while Lipofectamine Messenger Max and D-Lin-MC3 lipid nanoparticle-based formulations do not. Moreover,the translation of non-modified mRNA was higher and more stable in time compared with a modified one. Remarkably,the delivery of therapeutically relevant interleukin 2 mRNA resulted in extended viability together with preserved activation markers and cytotoxic ability of both NK cell lines and primary NK cells. Altogether,our platforms feature all prerequisites needed for the successful deployment of NK-based therapeutic strategies. Graphical abstract Pichon and colleagues developed imidazole lipids-based mRNA platforms very efficient to transfect both NK-92 cells,KHYG-1 cells and primary NK cells without cytotoxicity. They succeeded to replace IL-2 protein by IL-2 mRNA transfection and obtained NK cells with extended viability with preserved biomarkers and full functionalities to kill target cells. View Publication

IntroductionHeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress-inducible heat shock protein (HSP32) that exerts cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation,and is involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of HO-1 in natural killer (NK) cells from individuals of different age groups after stimulation with various factors,and to analyze the relationships between the concentration of this cytoprotective protein and parameters corresponding to oxidative stress and inflammation,that is,NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3),glutathione (GSH),GSH disulfide (GSSG),and interleukin 6 (IL-6).MethodsThe study population comprised three age groups: young adults (age range,19–23 years),older adults aged under 85 years (age range,73–84 years),and older adults aged over 85 years (age range,85–92 years). NLRP3,GSH,and GSSG concentrations were measured in serum,whereas the HO-1 concentration and IL-6 expression were studied in NK cells cultivated for 48 h and stimulated with IL-2,lipopolysaccharide (LPS),or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) with ionomycin.ResultsThe analysis of serum NLRP3,GSH,and GSSG concentrations revealed no statistically significant differences among the studied age groups. However,some typical trends of aging were observed,such as a decrease in GSH concentration and an increase in both GSSG level,and GSSG/GSH ratio. The highest basal expression of IL-6 and lowest basal content of HO-1 were found in NK cells of adults over 85 years of age. The NK cells in this age group also showed the highest sensitivity to stimulation with the applied factors. Moreover,statistically significant negative correlations were observed between HO-1 and IL-6 expression levels in the studied NK cells.ConclusionsThese results showed that NK cells can express HO-1 at a basal level,which was significantly increased in activated cells,even in the oldest group of adults. The reciprocal relationship between HO-1 and IL-6 expression suggests a negative feedback loop between these parameters. View Publication

Background & AimsType 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) promote the onset of spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) cells. However,little is known about molecular effects of IL-13 in SPEM cells. We now sought to establish a reliable organoid model,Meta1 gastroids,to model SPEM cells in vitro. We evaluated cellular and molecular effects of ILC2s and IL-13 on maturation and proliferation of SPEM cells.MethodsWe performed single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize Meta1 gastroids,which were derived from stomachs of Mist1-Kras transgenic mice that displayed pyloric metaplasia. Cell sorting was used to isolate activated ILC2s from stomachs of IL-13-tdTomato reporter mice treated with L635. Three-dimensional co-culture was used to determine the effects of ILC2s on Meta1 gastroids. Mouse normal or metaplastic (Meta1) and human metaplastic gastroids were cultured with IL-13 to evaluate cell responses. Air-Liquid Interface culture was performed to test long-term culture effects of IL-13. In silico analysis determined possible STAT6-binding sites in gene promoter regions. STAT6 inhibition was performed to corroborate STAT6 role in SPEM cells maturation.ResultsMeta1 gastroids showed the characteristics of SPEM cell lineages in vitro even after several passages. We demonstrated that co-culture with ILC2s or IL-13 treatment can induce phosphorylation of STAT6 in Meta1 and normal gastroids and promote the maturation and proliferation of SPEM cell lineages. IL-13 up-regulated expression of mucin-related proteins in human metaplastic gastroids. Inhibition of STAT6 blocked SPEM-related gene expression in Meta1 gastroids and maturation of SPEM in both normal and Meta1 gastroids.ConclusionsIL-13 promotes the maturation and proliferation of SPEM cells consistent with gastric mucosal regeneration. Graphical Abstract View Publication

IntroductionHumanization is typically adopted to reduce the immunogenicity of murine antibodies generated by hybridoma technology when used in humans.MethodsTwo different strategies of antibody humanization are popularly employed,including “complementarity determining region (CDR) grafting” and “framework (FR) shuffling” to humanize a murine antibody against human programmed death-1 (PD-1),XM PD1. In CDR-grafting humanization,the CDRs of XM PD-1,were grafted into the human FR regions with high homology to the murine FR counterparts,and back mutations of key residues were performed to retain the antigen-binding affinities. While in FR-shuffling humanization,a combinatorial library of the six murine CDRs in-frame of XM PD-1 was constructed to a pool of human germline FRs for high-throughput screening for the most favorable variants. We evaluated many aspects which were important during antibody development of the molecules obtained by the two methods,including antibody purity,thermal stability,binding efficacy,predicted humanness,and immunogenicity,along with T cell epitope prediction for the humanized antibodies.ResultsWhile the ideal molecule was not achieved through CDR grafting in this particular instance,FR-shuffling proved successful in identifying a suitable candidate. The study highlights FR-shuffling as an effective complementary approach that potentially increases the success rate of antibody humanization. It is particularly noted for its accessibility to those with a biological rather than a computational background. DiscussionThe insights from this comparison are intended to assist other researchers in selecting appropriate humanization strategies for drug development,contributing to broader application and understanding in the field. View Publication

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a B cell-specific mutator required for antibody diversification. However,it is also implicated in the etiology of several B cell malignancies. Evaluating the AID-induced mutation load in patients at-risk for certain blood cancers is critical in assessing disease severity and treatment options. We have developed a digital PCR (dPCR) assay that allows us to quantify mutations resulting from AID modification or DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and repair at sites known to be prone to DSBs. Implementation of this assay shows that increased AID levels in immature B cells increase genome instability at loci linked to chromosomal translocation formation. This includes the CRLF2 locus that is often involved in translocations associated with a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that disproportionately affects Hispanics,particularly those with Latin American ancestry. Using dPCR,we characterize the CRLF2 locus in B cell-derived genomic DNA from both Hispanic ALL patients and healthy Hispanic donors and found increased mutations in both,suggesting that vulnerability to DNA damage at CRLF2 may be driving this health disparity. Our ability to detect and quantify these mutations will potentiate future risk identification,early detection of cancers,and reduction of associated cancer health disparities. Rates of Philadelphia chromosome-like (Ph-like) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) continue to rise in Hispanics and Latinos. Authors developed a digital PCR assay to quantify activation-induced cytidine deaminase activity at risk loci involved in cancer etiology that may contribute to this health disparity. View Publication

SummarySensing of extracellular ATP (eATP) controls CD8+ T cell function. Their accumulation can occur through export by specialized molecules,such as the release channel Pannexin 1 (Panx1). Whether Panx1 controls CD8+ T cell immune responses in vivo,however,has not been previously addressed. Here,we report that T-cell-specific Panx1 is needed for CD8+ T cell responses to viral infections and cancer. We found that CD8-specific Panx1 promotes both effector and memory CD8+ T cell responses. Panx1 favors initial effector CD8+ T cell activation through extracellular ATP (eATP) export and subsequent P2RX4 activation,which helps promote full effector differentiation through extracellular lactate accumulation and its subsequent recycling. In contrast,Panx1 promotes memory CD8+ T cell survival primarily through ATP export and subsequent P2RX7 engagement,leading to improved mitochondrial metabolism. In summary,Panx1-mediated eATP export regulates effector and memory CD8+ T cells through distinct purinergic receptors and different metabolic and signaling pathways. Graphical abstract Highlights•The hemichannel Panx1 promotes in vivo effector and memory CD8+ T cell responses•Panx1 promotes effector CD8+ T cells via eATP and lactate extracellular accumulation•Panx1 promotes memory CD8+ T cell survival by eATP export and activation of AMPK Natural sciences; Biological sciences; Biochemistry; Immunology; Immune response; Immune system View Publication

Current clinical strategies for the delivery of pulmonary therapeutics to the lung are primarily targeted to the upper portions of the airways. However,targeted delivery to the lower regions of the lung is necessary for the treatment of parenchymal lung injury and disease. Here,we have developed an mRNA therapeutic for the lower lung using one-component Ionizable Amphiphilic Janus Dendrimers (IAJDs) as a delivery vehicle. We deliver an anti-inflammatory cytokine mRNA,transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β),to produce transient protein expression in the lower regions of the lung. This study highlights IAJD’s potential for precise,effective,and safe delivery of TGF-β mRNA to the lung. This delivery system offers a promising approach for targeting therapeutics to the specific tissues,a strategy necessary to fill the current clinical gap in treating parenchymal lung injury and disease. View Publication

Trained immunity may play a role in vaccine-induced protection against infections. We showed that the highly efficacious recombinant VZV-gE zoster vaccine (RZV) generated trained immunity in monocytes,natural killer (NK) cells,and dendritic cells (DCs) and that the less efficacious live zoster vaccine did not. RZV stimulated ex vivo gE-specific monocyte,DC and NK cell responses that did not correlate with CD4 + T-cell responses. These responses were also elicited in purified monocyte and NK cell cocultures stimulated with VZV-gE and persisted above prevaccination levels for ≥ 4 years post-RZV administration. RZV administration also increased ex vivo heterologous monocyte and NK cell responses to herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus antigens. ATAC-seq analysis and ex vivo TGFβ1 supplementation and inhibition experiments demonstrated that decreased tgfβ1 transcription resulting from RZV-induced chromatin modifications may explain the development of monocyte trained immunity. The role of RZV-trained immunity in protection against herpes zoster and other infections should be further studied. View Publication

BackgroundDiffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents a prevalent malignant tumor,with approximately 40% of patients encountering treatment challenges or relapse attributed to rituximab resistance,primarily due to diminished or absent CD20 expression. Our prior research identified PDK4 as a key driver of rituximab resistance through its negative regulation of CD20 expression. Further investigation into PDK4’s resistance mechanism and the development of advanced exosome nanoparticle complexes may unveil novel resistance targets and pave the way for innovative,effective treatment modalities for DLBCL.MethodsWe utilized a DLBCL-resistant cell line with high PDK4 expression (SU-DHL-2/R). We infected it with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentivirus for RNA sequencing,aiming to identify significantly downregulated mRNA in resistant cells. Techniques including immunofluorescence,immunohistochemistry,and Western blotting were employed to determine PDK4’s localization and expression in resistant cells and its regulatory role in phosphorylation of Histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8). Furthermore,we engineered advanced exosome nanoparticle complexes,aCD20@ExoCTX/siPDK4,through cellular,genetic,and chemical engineering methods. These nanoparticles underwent characterization via Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM),and their cellular uptake was assessed through flow cytometry. We evaluated the nanoparticles’ effects on apoptosis in DLBCL-resistant cells and immune cells using CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry. Additionally,their capacity to counteract resistance and exert anti-tumor effects was tested in a resistant DLBCL mouse model.ResultsWe found that PDK4 initiates HDAC8 activation by phosphorylating the Ser-39 site,suppressing CD20 protein expression through deacetylation. The aCD20@ExoCTX/siPDK4 nanoparticles served as effective intracellular delivery mechanisms for gene therapy and monoclonal antibodies,simultaneously inducing apoptosis in resistant DLBCL cells and triggering immunogenic cell death in tumor cells. This dual action effectively reversed the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment,showcasing a synergistic therapeutic effect in a subcutaneous mouse tumor resistance model.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that PDK4 contributes to rituximab resistance in DLBCL by modulating CD20 expression via HDAC8 phosphorylation. The designed exosome nanoparticles effectively overcome this resistance by targeting the PDK4/HDAC8/CD20 pathway,representing a promising approach for drug delivery and treating patients with Rituximab-resistant DLBCL.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-024-02057-0. View Publication