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BackgroundMacrophage-based cell therapies have shown modest success in clinical trials,which can be attributed to their phenotypic plasticity,where transplanted macrophages get reprogrammed towards a pro-tumor phenotype. In most tumor types,including melanoma,the balance between antitumor M1-like and tumor-promoting M2-like macrophages is critical in defining the local immune response with a higher M1/M2 ratio favoring antitumor immunity. Therefore,designing novel strategies to increase the M1/M2 ratio in the TME has high clinical significance and benefits macrophage-based cell therapies.MethodsIn this study,we reprogrammed antitumor and proinflammatory macrophages ex-vivo with HDAC6 inhibitors (HDAC6i). We administered the reprogrammed macrophages intratumorally as an adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in the syngeneic SM1 murine melanoma model and patient-derived xenograft bearing NSG-SGM3 humanized mouse models. We phenotyped the tumor-infiltrated immune cells by flow cytometry and histological analysis of tumor sections for macrophage markers. We performed bulk RNA-seq profiling of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages treated with vehicle or HDAC6i and single-cell RNA-seq profiling of SM1 tumor-infiltrated immune cells to determine the effect of intratumor macrophage ACT on the tumor microenvironment (TME). We further analyzed the single-cell data to identify key cell-cell interactions and trajectory analysis to determine the fate of tumor-associated macrophages post-ACT.ResultsMacrophage ACT resulted in diminished tumor growth in both mouse models. We also demonstrated that HDAC6 inhibition in macrophages suppressed the polarization toward tumor-promoting phenotype by attenuating STAT3-mediated M2 reprogramming. Two weeks post-transplantation,ACT macrophages were viable,and inhibition of HDAC6 rendered intratumor transplanted M1 macrophages resistant to repolarization towards protumor M2 phenotype in-vivo. Further characterization of tumors by flow cytometry,single-cell transcriptomics,and single-cell secretome analyses revealed a significant enrichment of antitumor M1-like macrophages,resulting in increased M1/M2 ratio and infiltration of CD8 effector T-cells. Computational analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data for cell-cell interactions and trajectory analyses indicated activation of monocytes and T-cells in the TME.ConclusionsIn summary,for the first time,we demonstrated the potential of reprogramming macrophages ex-vivo with HDAC6 inhibitors as a viable macrophage cell therapy to treat solid tumors.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-024-03182-w. View Publication

BackgroundAt present,hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an important complication of partial hepatectomy and liver transplantation,and it is an important cause of poor prognosis. Spleen tyrosine kinase(SYK) plays an important role in a variety of signaling pathways in the liver,but its role in hepatic IRI is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of SYK in hepatic IRI and tumor recurrence.MethodsWe first observed the activation of SYK in the liver of mice in response to hepatic IRI. Subsequently,Pharmacological inhibitions of SYK were used to evaluated the effect of SYK on neutrophil recruitment and NETosis,and further explored the effect of SYK on IRI and tumor recurrence.ResultsOur study shows that SYK is activated in response to hepatic IRI and aggravates liver injury. On the one hand,neutrophils SYK during the early stage of liver reperfusion increases neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) production by promoting Pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2) nuclear translocation leading to upregulation of phosphorylated STAT3,thereby exacerbating liver inflammation and tumor recurrence. On the other hand,macrophages SYK can promote the recruitment of neutrophils and increase the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and IL1β,which further promotes the formation of NETs.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that neutrophil and macrophage SYK synergistically promote hepatic IRI and tumor recurrence,and SYK may be a potential target to improve postoperative hepatic IRI and tumor recurrence.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-024-00907-7. View Publication

SummaryAntibodies represent a primary mediator of protection against respiratory viruses. Serum neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are often considered a primary correlate of protection. However,detailed antibody profiles including characterization of antibody functions in different anatomic compartments are poorly understood. Here we show that antibody correlates of protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) challenge are different in systemic versus mucosal compartments in rhesus macaques. In serum,NAbs were the strongest correlate of protection and linked to spike-specific binding antibodies and other extra-NAb functions that create a larger protective network. In bronchiolar lavage (BAL),antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) proved the strongest correlate of protection rather than NAbs. Within BAL,ADCP was linked to mucosal spike-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G,IgA/secretory IgA,and Fcγ-receptor binding antibodies. Our results support a model in which antibodies with different functions mediate protection at different anatomic sites. Graphical abstract Highlights•Correlates of protection to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron are highly compartment specific•Antibody effector functions are primary correlates of protection at infection site•Mucosal boosting enhances IgA and functionally levered IgG in lower respiratory tract Health sciences; Biological sciences View Publication

Pain and inflammation contribute immeasurably to reduced quality of life,yet modern analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapeutics can cause dependence and side effects. Here,we screened 1444 plant extracts,prepared primarily from native species in California and the United States Virgin Islands,against two voltage-gated K+ channels - T-cell expressed Kv1.3 and nociceptive-neuron expressed Kv7.2/7.3. A subset of extracts both inhibits Kv1.3 and activates Kv7.2/7.3 at hyperpolarized potentials,effects predicted to be anti-inflammatory and analgesic,respectively. Among the top dual hits are witch hazel and fireweed; polymodal modulation of multiple K+ channel types by hydrolysable tannins contributes to their dual anti-inflammatory,analgesic actions. In silico docking and mutagenesis data suggest pore-proximal extracellular linker sequence divergence underlies opposite effects of hydrolysable tannins on different Kv1 isoforms. The findings provide molecular insights into the enduring,widespread medicinal use of witch hazel and fireweed and demonstrate a screening strategy for discovering dual anti-inflammatory,analgesic small molecules. A dual potassium channel functional screen of 1444 plant extracts uncovers unexpected molecular mechanisms underlying the traditional use of witch hazel and fireweed as analgesic,anti-inflammatory medicines. View Publication

A shift of arginine metabolism from polyamine synthesis to nitric oxide synthesis induces reprogramming of macrophages from pro-tumor M2 to anti-tumor M1 types. HER2+ breast tumors have abundant immune-suppressive cells,including M2-type tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Although TAMs consist of the immune-stimulatory M1 type and immune-suppressive M2 type,the M1/M2-TAM ratio is reduced in immune-suppressive tumors,contributing to their immunotherapy refractoriness. M1- versus M2-TAM formation depends on differential arginine metabolism,where M1-TAMs convert arginine to nitric oxide (NO) and M2-TAMs convert arginine to polyamines (PAs). We hypothesize that such distinct arginine metabolism in M1- versus M2-TAMs is attributed to different availability of BH4 (NO synthase cofactor) and that its replenishment would reprogram M2-TAMs to M1-TAMs. Recently,we reported that sepiapterin (SEP),the endogenous BH4 precursor,elevates the expression of M1-TAM markers within HER2+ tumors. Here,we show that SEP restores BH4 levels in M2-like macrophages,which then redirects arginine metabolism to NO synthesis and converts M2 type to M1 type. The reprogrammed macrophages exhibit full-fledged capabilities of antigen presentation and induction of effector T cells to trigger immunogenic cell death of HER2+ cancer cells. This study substantiates the utility of SEP in the metabolic shift of the HER2+ breast tumor microenvironment as a novel immunotherapeutic strategy. View Publication

IntroductionChronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tissues underlies gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders,leading to tissue damage and a constellation of painful and debilitating symptoms. These disorders include inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis),and eosinophilic disorders (eosinophilic esophagitis and eosinophilic duodenitis). Gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders can often present with overlapping symptoms necessitating the use of invasive procedures to give an accurate diagnosis.MethodsThis study used peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals with Crohn’s disease,ulcerative colitis,eosinophilic esophagitis,and eosinophilic duodenitis to better understand the alterations to the transcriptome of individuals with these diseases and identify potential markers of active inflammation within the peripheral blood of patients that may be useful in diagnosis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from the blood samples of pediatric patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal disorders,including Crohn’s disease,ulcerative colitis,eosinophilic esophagitis,eosinophilic duodenitis,and controls with histologically healthy gastrointestinal tracts.ResultsWe identified 730 (FDR < 0.05) differentially expressed genes between individuals with gastrointestinal disorders and controls across eight immune cell types.DiscussionThere were common patterns among GI disorders,such as the widespread upregulation of MTRNR2L8 across cell types,and many differentially expressed genes showed distinct patterns of dysregulation among the different gastrointestinal diseases compared to controls,including upregulation of XIST across cell types among individuals with ulcerative colitis and upregulation of Th2-associated genes in eosinophilic disorders. These findings indicate both overlapping and distinct alterations to the transcriptome of individuals with gastrointestinal disorders compared to controls,which provide insight as to which genes may be useful as markers for disease in the peripheral blood of patients. View Publication

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a complex chronic inflammatory disorder with both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations associated immune dysregulation. Analyzing 202,359 cells from 170 specimens across 83 patients,we identify a distinct epithelial cell type in both terminal ileum and ascending colon (hereon as ‘LND’) with high expression of LCN2,NOS2,and DUOX2 and genes related to antimicrobial response and immunoregulation. LND cells,confirmed by in-situ RNA and protein imaging,are rare in non-IBD controls but expand in active CD,and actively interact with immune cells and specifically express IBD/CD susceptibility genes,suggesting a possible function in CD immunopathogenesis. Furthermore,we discover early and late LND subpopulations with different origins and developmental potential. A higher ratio of late-to-early LND cells correlates with better response to anti-TNF treatment. Our findings thus suggest a potential pathogenic role for LND cells in both Crohn’s ileitis and colitis. Crohn’s disease (CD) is a complex disease associated with immune dysregulation. Here the authors use multimodal data to identify and characterize an epithelial cell population,termed ‘LND’ cells,in both terminal ileum and ascending colon,with LND interacting locally with immune cells and potentially contributing to CD pathology. View Publication

Platelets are key mediators of atherothrombosis,yet,limited tools exist to identify individuals with a hyperreactive platelet phenotype. In this study,we investigate the association of platelet hyperreactivity and cardiovascular events,and introduce a tool,the Platelet Reactivity ExpreSsion Score (PRESS),which integrates platelet aggregation responses and RNA sequencing. Among patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD),those with a hyperreactive platelet response (>60% aggregation) to 0.4 µM epinephrine had a higher incidence of the 30 day primary cardiovascular endpoint (37.2% vs. 15.3% in those without hyperreactivity,adjusted HR 2.76,95% CI 1.5–5.1,p = 0.002). PRESS performs well in identifying a hyperreactive phenotype in patients with PAD (AUC [cross-validation] 0.81,95% CI 0.68 –0.94,n = 84) and in an independent cohort of healthy participants (AUC [validation] 0.77,95% CI 0.75 –0.79,n = 35). Following multivariable adjustment,PAD individuals with a PRESS score above the median are at higher risk for a future cardiovascular event (adjusted HR 1.90,CI 1.07–3.36; p = 0.027,n = 129,NCT02106429). This study derives and validates the ability of PRESS to discriminate platelet hyperreactivity and identify those at increased cardiovascular risk. Future studies in a larger independent cohort are warranted for further validation. The development of a platelet reactivity expression score opens the possibility for a personalized approach to antithrombotic therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction. Platelet hyperreactivity is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with PAD. Here the authors derive and validate a circulating platelet genetic signature to discriminate platelet hyperreactivity and cardiovascular risk. View Publication

Visceral white adipose tissues (WAT) regulate systemic lipid metabolism and inflammation. Dysfunctional WAT drive chronic inflammation and facilitate atherosclerosis. Adipose tissue-associated macrophages (ATM) are the predominant immune cells in WAT,but their heterogeneity and phenotypes are poorly defined during atherogenesis. The scavenger receptor CD36 mediates ATM crosstalk with other adipose tissue cells,driving chronic inflammation. Here,we combined the single-cell RNA sequencing technique with cell metabolic and functional assays on major WAT ATM subpopulations using a diet-induced atherosclerosis mouse model (Apoe-null). We also examined the role of CD36 using Apoe/Cd36 double-null mice. Based on transcriptomics data and differential gene expression analysis,we identified a previously undefined group of ATM displaying low viability and high lipid metabolism and labeled them as “unhealthy macrophages”. Their phenotypes suggest a subpopulation of ATM under lipid stress. We also identified lipid-associated macrophages (LAM),which were previously described in obesity. Interestingly,LAM increased 8.4-fold in Apoe/Cd36 double-null mice on an atherogenic diet,but not in Apoe-null mice. The increase in LAM was accompanied by more ATM lipid uptake,reduced adipocyte hypertrophy,and less inflammation. In conclusion,CD36 mediates a delicate balance between lipid metabolism and inflammation in visceral adipose tissues. Under atherogenic conditions,CD36 deficiency reduces inflammation and increases lipid metabolism in WAT by promoting LAM accumulation. View Publication

Recurrent infections are a hallmark of STAT3 DN hyper-IgE syndrome,a rare immunodeficiency syndrome,and our study suggests that neutrophil-avid nanocarriers have potential for directed delivery of cargo therapeutics to improve neutrophil infection clearance in these patients. Recurrent infections are a hallmark of STAT3 dominant-negative hyper-IgE syndrome (STAT3 HIES),a rare immunodeficiency syndrome previously known as Jobs syndrome,along with elevated IgE levels and impaired neutrophil function. We have been developing nanoparticles with neutrophil trophism that home to the sites of infection via these first-responder leukocytes,named neutrophil-avid nanocarriers (NANs). Here,we demonstrate that human neutrophils can phagocytose nanogels (NGs),a type of NAN,with enhanced uptake after particle serum opsonization,comparing neutrophils from healthy individuals to those with STAT3 HIES,where both groups exhibit NG uptake; however,the patient group showed reduced phagocytosis efficiency with serum-opsonized NANs. Proteomic analysis of NG protein corona revealed complement components,particularly C3,as predominant in both groups. Difference between groups includes STAT3 HIES samples with higher neutrophil protein and lower acute-phase protein expression. The study suggests that despite neutrophil dysfunction in STAT3 HIES,NANs have potential for directed delivery of cargo therapeutics to improve neutrophil infection clearance. View Publication

SummaryA tissue resident-like phenotype in tumor infiltrating T cells can limit systemic anti-tumor immunity. Enhanced systemic anti-tumor immunity is observed in head and neck cancer patients after neoadjuvant PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) neutralization. Using T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and functional immunity assays in a syngeneic model of oral cancer,we dissect the relative contribution of these treatments to enhanced systemic immunity. The addition of TGF-β neutralization to ICB resulted in the egress of expanded and exhausted CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into circulation and greater systemic anti-tumor immunity. This enhanced egress associated with reduced expression of Itgae (CD103) and its upstream regulator Znf683. Circulating CD8+ T cells expressed higher Cxcr3 after treatment,an observation also made in samples from patients treated with dual TGF-β neutralization and ICB. These findings provide the scientific rationale for the use of PD-L1 ICB and TGF-β neutralization in newly diagnosed patients with carcinomas prior to definitive treatment of locoregional disease. Graphical abstract Highlights•TGF-β blockade reduces Znf683 and CD103 in αPDL1-activated TILs•Reduced TIL CD103 expression associates with egress into circulation•The addition of TGF-β blockade to αPDL1 enhances systemic anti-tumor immunity•Circulating CD8+ T cells express greater CXCR3 after dual TGF-β and PDL1 blockade Natural sciences; Biological sciences; Immunology ; Immune response; Systems biology; Cancer systems biology; Cancer View Publication

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is associated with numerous cancers including B cell lymphomas. In vitro,EBV transforms primary B cells into immortalized Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines (LCLs) which serves as a model to study the role of viral proteins in EBV malignancies. EBV induced cellular transformation is driven by viral proteins including EBV-Nuclear Antigens (EBNAs). EBNA-LP is important for the transformation of naïve but not memory B cells. While EBNA-LP was thought to promote gene activation by EBNA2,EBNA-LP Knockout (LPKO) virus-infected cells express EBNA2-activated cellular genes efficiently. Therefore,a gap in knowledge exists as to what roles EBNA-LP plays in naïve B cell transformation. We developed a trans-complementation assay wherein transfection with wild-type EBNA-LP rescues the transformation of peripheral blood- and cord blood-derived naïve B cells by LPKO virus. Despite EBNA-LP phosphorylation sites being important in EBNA2 co-activation; neither phospho-mutant nor phospho-mimetic EBNA-LP was defective in rescuing naïve B cell outgrowth. However,we identified conserved leucine-rich motifs in EBNA-LP that were required for transformation of adult naïve and cord blood B cells. Because cellular PPAR-g coactivator (PGC) proteins use leucine-rich motifs to engage transcription factors including YY1,a key regulator of DNA looping and metabolism,we examined the role of EBNA-LP in engaging transcription factors. We found a significant overlap between EBNA-LP and YY1 in ChIP-Seq data. By Cut&Run,YY1 peaks unique to WT compared to LPKO LCLs occur at more highly expressed genes. Moreover,Cas9 knockout of YY1 in primary B cells prior to EBV infection indicated YY1 to be important for EBV-mediated transformation. We confirmed EBNA-LP and YY1 biochemical association in LCLs by endogenous co-immunoprecipitation and found that the EBNA-LP leucine-rich motifs were required for YY1 interaction in LCLs. We propose that EBNA-LP engages YY1 through conserved leucine-rich motifs to promote EBV transformation of naïve B cells. Author summaryEpstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is associated with various B cell lymphomas,particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. In the absence of a functional immune system,viral latency proteins,including EBV Nuclear Antigens (EBNAs) act as oncoproteins to promote tumorigenesis. EBNA-LP is one of the first viral proteins produced after infection and is important for the transformation of naïve B cells. However,the roles of EBNA-LP during infection are largely undefined. In this study,developed an assay in which the role of wild type and mutant EBNA-LP could be investigated in the context of primary naïve B cells infected with an EBNA-LP Knockout virus. Using this assay,we identified highly conserved leucine-rich motifs within EBNA-LP that are important for transformation of EBV-infected naïve B cells. These conserved motifs associate with the cellular transcription factor YY1,an important transcriptional regulator in B cell development and in many cancers,that we now show is essential for outgrowth of EBV infected B cells. Our study provides further insights into the mechanisms by which EBV transforms naïve B cells. View Publication