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BackgroundLung cancer,particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),has high recurrence rates and remains a leading cause of cancer-related death,despite recent advances in its treatment. Emerging therapies,such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy,have shown promise but face significant challenges in targeting solid tumors. This study investigated the potential of combining receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1)-targeting CAR-T cells with ferroptosis inducers to promote ferroptosis of tumor cells and enhance anti-tumor efficacy.MethodsRNA-seq data and immunofluorescence analysis of relapsed NSCLC patient samples were used to explore ROR1 expression. In addition,ROR1-targeting CAR-T cells were developed to assess cytotoxic activity against ROR1+ tumor cells,and the effect of cytokine stimulation on their efficacy was evaluated. Lipidomics,immunofluorescent histochemistry,and western blotting were used to explore the observed effects. Ferroptosis indicators,including levels of reactive oxygen species,were used to detect the combined effect of CAR-T cells and ferroptosis-inducing drugs. Finally,tumor-bearing mice were used to validate the in vivo efficacy of the combination therapy strategy.ResultsTumor cells treated with ferroptosis inducers showed increased sensitivity to Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) secreted by ROR1 CAR-T cells. Furthermore,ROR1 CAR-T cells enhanced the production of phosphatidylcholine with diacyl-polyunsaturated fatty acid tails (PC-PUFA2) by working in tandem with IFN-γ. This enhancement promoted the expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4),which in turn strengthened the overall anti-tumor response.ConclusionsCombining ROR1 CAR-T cells with ferroptosis inducers enhanced anti-tumor efficacy in NSCLC by promoting ferroptosis through increased lipid peroxidation.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40364-025-00730-0. View Publication

BackgroundSeveral approaches are being explored for engineering off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. In this study,we engineered chimeric Fcγ receptor (FcγR) T cells and tested their potential as a versatile platform for universal T cell therapy.MethodsChimeric FcγR (CFR) constructs were generated using three distinct forms of FcγR,namely CD16A,CD32A,and CD64. The functionality of CFR T cells was evaluated through degranulation assays,specific target lysis experiments,in vitro cytokine production analysis,and assessment of tumor xenograft destruction specificity in mouse models using different monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs).ResultsThree types of CFR T cells were engineered,16s3,32-8a,64-8a CFR T cells. In the presence of rituximab (RTX),cytotoxicity of all three types of CFR T cells against CD20+ Raji-wt,K562-CD20+,and primary tumor cells was significantly higher than that of the mock T cells (P < 0.001). When herceptin was used,all three types of CFR T cells exhibited significant cytotoxicity against HER2+ cell lines of SK-BR-3,SK-OV-3,and HCC1954 (P < 0.001). The cytotoxicity of 64-8a CFR T cells was significantly inhibited by free human IgG at a physiological dose (P < 0.001),which was not observed in 16s3,32-8a CFR T cells. Compared to 32-8a CFR T cells,16s3 CFR T cells exhibited more prolonged cytotoxicity than 32-8a CFR T cells (P < 0.01). In in vivo assays using xenograft models,16s3 CFR T cells significantly prolonged the survival of mice xenografted with Raji-wt cells in the presence of RTX (P < 0.001),and effectively reduced tumor burden in mice xenografted with SK-OV-3 cells in the presence of herceptin (P < 0.05). No significant non-specific cytotoxicity of CFR T cells was found in vivo.ConclusionThe anti-tumor effects of the CFR T cells in vitro and in xenograft mouse models are mediated by specific MoAbs such as RTX and herceptin. The CFR T cells therefore have the features of universal T cells with specificity directed by MoAbs. 16s3 CFR T cells are chosen for clinical trials.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40164-025-00595-x. View Publication

The fallopian tube undergoes extensive molecular changes during the menstrual cycle and menopause. We use single-cell RNA and ATAC sequencing to construct a comprehensive cell atlas of healthy human fallopian tubes during the menstrual cycle and menopause. Our scRNA-seq comparison of 85,107 pre- and 46,111 post-menopausal fallopian tube cells reveals substantial shifts in cell type frequencies,gene expression,transcription factor activity,and cell-to-cell communications during menopause and menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycle dependent hormonal changes regulate distinct molecular states in fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells. Postmenopausal fallopian tubes show high chromatin accessibility in transcription factors associated with aging such as Jun,Fos,and BACH1/2,while hormone receptors were generally downregulated,a small proportion of secretory epithelial cells had high expression of ESR2,IGF1R,and LEPR. While a pre-menopausal secretory epithelial gene cluster is enriched in the immunoreactive molecular subtype,a subset of genes expressed in post-menopausal secretory epithelial cells show enrichment in the mesenchymal molecular type of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The fallopian tube undergoes extensive cellular and molecular changes during the menstrual cycle and aging. Here,Weigert et al. present a single-cell atlas of the normal human fallopian tube revealing the transition of secretory epithelial cells throughout the menstrual cycle and menopause. 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

Background: The complex aetiology of type 1 diabetes (T1D),characterised by a detrimental cross-talk between the immune system and insulin-producing beta cells,has hindered the development of effective disease-modifying therapies. The discovery that the pharmacological activation of LRH-1/NR5A2 can reverse hyperglycaemia in mouse models of T1D by attenuating the autoimmune attack coupled to beta cell survival/regeneration prompted us to investigate whether immune tolerisation could be translated to individuals with T1D by LRH-1/NR5A2 activation and improve islet survival. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from individuals with and without T1D and derived into various immune cells,including macrophages and dendritic cells. Cell subpopulations were then treated or not with BL001,a pharmacological agonist of LRH-1/NR5A2,and processed for: (1) Cell surface marker profiling,(2) cytokine secretome profiling,(3) autologous T-cell proliferation,(4) RNAseq and (5) proteomic analysis. BL001-target gene expression levels were confirmed by quantitative PCR. Mitochondrial function was evaluated through the measurement of oxygen consumption rate using a Seahorse XF analyser. Co-cultures of PBMCs and iPSCs-derived islet organoids were performed to assess the impact of BL001 on beta cell viability. Results: LRH-1/NR5A2 activation induced a genetic and immunometabolic reprogramming of T1D immune cells,marked by reduced pro-inflammatory markers and cytokine secretion,along with enhanced mitohormesis in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and mitochondrial turnover in mature dendritic cells. These changes induced a shift from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory/tolerogenic state,resulting in the inhibition of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation. BL001 treatment also increased CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ regulatory T-cells and Th2 cells within PBMCs while decreasing CD8+ T-cell proliferation. Additionally,BL001 alleviated PBMC-induced apoptosis and maintained insulin expression in human iPSC-derived islet organoids. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the potential of LRH-1/NR5A2 activation to modulate immune responses and support beta cell viability in T1D,suggesting a new therapeutic approach. Key points: LRH-1/NR5A2 activation in inflammatory cells of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) reduces pro-inflammatory cell surface markers and cytokine release. LRH-1/NR5A2 promotes a mitohormesis-induced immuno-resistant phenotype to pro-inflammatory macrophages. Mature dendritic cells acquire a tolerogenic phenotype via LRH-1/NR5A2-stimulated mitochondria turnover. LRH-1/NR5A2 agonistic activation expands a CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ T-cell subpopulation. Pharmacological activation of LRH-1/NR5A2 improves the survival iPSC-islets-like organoids co-cultured with PBMCs from individuals with T1D. 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

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

Despite significant advancements in targeted- and immunotherapies,millions of patients with cancer still succumb to the disease each year. In renal cell carcinoma,up to 25% of metastatic patients do not respond to first-line therapies. This reality underscores the urgent need for innovative or repurposed therapies to effectively treat these patients. Patient-derived organoids represent a promising model for evaluating treatment efficacy and toxicity,offering a potential breakthrough in personalized medicine. However,utilizing organoid models for drug screening presents several challenges. Our protocol aims to address these obstacles by outlining a practical approach to successfully isolate and cultivate patient-derived renal cell carcinoma and kidney organoids for treatment screening purposes. Graphical abstract Patient-derived organoids represent a promising model for evaluating treatment efficacy and toxicity,offering a potential breakthrough in personalized medicine. Nowak-Sliwinska and colleagues present a detailed protocol for obtaining kidney and kidney cancer organoids for drug development and precision oncology. View Publication

In dynamic systems like the circulatory system,establishing localized cytokine gradients is challenging. Upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation,we observed that monocytes release numerous migrasomes enriched with inflammatory cytokines,such as TNF-α and IL-6. These cytokines are transported into migrasomes via secretory carriers,leading to their immediate exocytosis or eventual release from detached migrasomes. We successfully isolated TNF-α and IL-6-enriched,monocyte-derived migrasomes from the blood of LPS-treated mice. Total secretion analysis revealed a substantial amount of TNF-α and IL-6 released in a migrasome-packaged form. Thus,detached,monocyte-derived migrasomes represent a type of extracellular vesicle highly enriched with cytokines. Physiologically,these cytokine-laden migrasomes rapidly accumulate at local sites of inflammation,effectively creating a concentrated source of cytokines. Our research uncovers novel mechanisms for cytokine release and delivery,providing new insights into immune response modulation. View Publication

BackgroundAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition associated with the inflammatory activation of alveolar macrophages. Here,we examined the role of circVAPA in regulating inflammasome activation and macrophage inflammatory polarization in an ARDS model.MethodscircVAPA expression levels were analyzed in macrophages isolated from healthy controls and patients with ARDS. In vitro cell models of mouse alveolar macrophages and an in vivo mouse ARDS model were established through Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The effects of circVAPA knockdown on macrophage inflammatory polarization,inflammasome activation,and pulmonary tissue damage were investigated in both cell and animal models. The interaction between circVAPA and downstream factors was verified through a luciferase reporter assay and by silencing circVAPA.ResultscircVAPA upregulation in alveolar macrophages was associated with the inflammation in ARDS patients. circVAPA was also upregulated in LPS-stimulated mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S cells). Additionally,circVAPA knockdown attenuated the inflammatory activation of MH-S cells and reduced the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. circVAPA silencing also mitigated the inflammatory effects of LPS-stimulated MH-S cells on lung epithelial cells (MLE-12),and alleviated the inflammatory damage in the pulmonary tissue of ARDS mouse model. We further showed that miR-212-3p/Sirt1 axis mediated the functional role of circVAPA in the inflammatory polarization of MH-S cells.ConclusionOur data suggest that circVAPA promotes inflammasome activity and macrophage inflammation by modulating miR-212-3p/Sirt1 axis in ARDS. Targeting circVAPA may be employed to suppress the inflammatory activation of alveolar macrophages in ARDS.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10735-024-10312-3. View Publication

Germinal center (GC) formation,which is an integrant part of humoral immunity,involves energy-consuming metabolic reprogramming. Rag-GTPases are known to signal amino acid availability to cellular pathways that regulate nutrient distribution such as the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway and the transcription factors TFEB and TFE3. However,the contribution of these factors to humoral immunity remains undefined. Here,we show that B cell-intrinsic Rag-GTPases are critical for the development and activation of B cells. RagA/RagB deficient B cells fail to form GCs,produce antibodies,and to generate plasmablasts during both T-dependent (TD) and T-independent (TI) humoral immune responses. Deletion of RagA/RagB in GC B cells leads to abnormal dark zone (DZ) to light zone (LZ) ratio and reduced affinity maturation. Mechanistically,the Rag-GTPase complex constrains TFEB/TFE3 activity to prevent mitophagy dysregulation and maintain mitochondrial fitness in B cells,which are independent of canonical mTORC1 activation. TFEB/TFE3 deletion restores B cell development,GC formation in Peyer’s patches and TI humoral immunity,but not TD humoral immunity in the absence of Rag-GTPases. Collectively,our data establish the Rag GTPase-TFEB/TFE3 pathway as a likely mTORC1 independent mechanism to coordinating nutrient sensing and mitochondrial metabolism in B cells. Rag-GTPases play roles in sensing nutrient availability,and it is not fully known how they contribute to energy-consuming immunological processes such as the B cell response. Here authors show that genomic deletion fo RagA/RagB distrupts both T-dependent and T-independent humoral immune responses,independent of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 but involving the transcription factors TFEB and TFE3. View Publication

IntroductionPlasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are capable of triggering broad immune responses,yet,their scarcity in blood coupled to their reduced functionality in cancer,makes their therapeutic use for in situ activation or vaccination challenging. MethodsWe designed an in vitro differentiation protocol tailored for human pDCs from cord blood (CB) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with StemRegenin 1 (SR-1) and GM-CSF supplementation. Next,we evaluated the identity and function of CB-pDCs compared to human primary pDCs. Furthermore,we tested the potential of CB-pDCs to support anti-tumor immune responses in co-culture with tumor explants from CRC patients. ResultsHere,we report an in vitro differentiation protocol enabling the generation of 200 pDCs per HSC and highlight the role of GM-CSF and SR-1 in CB-pDC differentiation and function. CB-pDCs exhibited a robust resemblance to primary pDCs phenotypically and functionally. Transcriptomic analysis confirmed strong homology at both,baseline and upon TLR9 or TLR7 stimulation. Further,we could confirm the potential of CB-pDCs to promote inflammation in the tumor microenvironment by eliciting cytokines associated with NK and T cell recruitment and function upon TLR7 stimulation ex vivo in patient tumor explants. DiscussionThis study highlights CB-pDCs as surrogates for primary pDCs to investigate their biology and for their potential use as cell therapy in cancer. View Publication