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ABSTRACTCytotoxicity is a cornerstone of immune defense,critical for combating tumors and infections. This process relies on the coordinated action of granzymes and pore‐forming proteins,with granzyme B (GZMB) and perforin (PRF1) being key markers and the most widely studied molecules pertaining to cytotoxicity. However,other human granzymes and cytotoxic components remain underexplored,despite growing evidence of their distinct,context‐dependent roles. Natural killer cell granule protein 7 (NKG7) has recently emerged as a crucial cytotoxicity regulator,yet its expression patterns and function are poorly understood. Using large publicly available single‐cell RNA sequencing atlases,we performed a comprehensive profiling of cytotoxicity across immune subsets and tissues. Our analysis highlights NKG7 expression as a strong marker of cytotoxicity,exhibiting a strong correlation with overall cytotoxic activity (r = 0.97) and surpassing traditional markers such as granzyme B and perforin in reliability. Furthermore,NKG7 expression is notably consistent across diverse immune subsets and tissues,reinforcing its versatility and robustness as a cytotoxicity marker. These findings position NKG7 as an invaluable tool for evaluating immune responses and a reliable indicator of cytotoxic functionality across biological and clinical contexts. Cytotoxicity‐associated genes exhibit heterogeneity at the cellular and tissue levels (left). NKG7 gene expression is strongly associated with a cytotoxic gene signature (middle). NKG7 expression is stable and consistently detected in cells across immunologically relevant tissues and within tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (right). Figure generated in collaboration with Susan Stone (https://www.sue‐stone.com). View Publication

BackgroundLymphatics provide a route for breast cancer cells to metastasize. Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs),which form the structure of lymphatic vessels,play a key role in this process. Although LECs are pivotal in cancer progression,studies often rely on commercially available cell lines that may not accurately reflect the tumor microenvironment. Therefore,there is a pressing need to directly study patient-derived LECs to better understand their role in breast cancer.MethodsThis study developed a method to isolate and characterize LECs directly from human breast-to-axilla adipose tissue. We used magnetic cell separation to remove CD45 + leukocytes and fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate cells expressing CD31 and podoplanin. Isolated cells were cultured under conditions promoting endothelial cell growth and were characterized through various assays assessing proliferation,tube formation,and gene expression patterns.ResultsThe sorted CD31 + /PDPN + /CD45 − cell populations exhibited marked increases in proliferation upon VEGF-C stimulation and formed tubule structures on BME-coated dishes,confirming their LEC properties. Notably,isolated LECs showed distinct gene expression patterns depending on the presence of lymph node metastasis and lymphatic invasion.ConclusionsThe ability to isolate and characterize patient-derived LECs from mammary adipose tissue offers new insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying breast cancer metastasis. Significant gene expression variability related to disease state highlights the potential of these cells as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This study emphasizes the importance of using patient-derived cells to accurately assess the tumor microenvironment,potentially leading to more personalized therapeutic approaches.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-025-02067-w. View Publication

Despite the success of chimeric antigen receptor T (CART) cell therapy in hematological malignancies,durable remissions remain low. Here,we report CART senescence as a potential resistance mechanism in 41BB-costimulated CART cell therapy. To mimic cancer relapse,we utilized an in vitro model with repeated CART cell activation cycles followed by rest periods. Using CD19-targeted CART cells with costimulation via 4-1BB-CD3ζ (BBζ) or CD28-CD3ζ (28ζ),we showed that CART cells undergo functional,phenotypical,and transcriptomic changes of senescence,which is more prominent in BBζ. We then utilized two additional independent strategies to induce senescence through MYC activation and irradiation. Induction of senescence impaired BBζ activity but improved 28ζ activity in preclinical studies. These findings were supported by analyses of independent patient data sets; senescence signatures in CART cell products were associated with non-response to BBζ but with improved clinical outcomes in 28ζ treatment. In summary,our study identifies senescence as a potential mechanism of failure predominantly in 41BB-costimulated CART cells.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-025-02371-1. SignificanceWe identified senescence as a cause of failure in CART cell therapy,predominantly in 4-1BB-costimulated CART cells.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-025-02371-1. View Publication

ObjectiveThis study investigated the impact of innate lymphoid cell type 2 (ILC2s) on the function of regulatory T cells (Treg) and CD8+ T cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) through IL-9.MethodsPeripheral blood samples were collected from CLL patients (n = 52) and healthy controls (n = 30). ILC2 proportions and IL-9 levels were assessed using flow cytometry and ELISA. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to stain GATA3,CRTH2,and IL-9 in cervical lymph nodes from CLL patients (n = 10) and control subjects with reactive lymphadenitis (n = 10). Correlation analysis between ILC2s and IL-9 was conducted using the Spearman test. ILC2s were sorted and cultured from CLL patients,followed by co-culture experiments with PBMCs of healthy controls and MEC-1 cells,with or without anti-IL-9 antibody intervention. Flow cytometry was used to measure the proportions of ILC2s,Treg cells,PD-1+/TIGIT+/CTLA-4+ Treg subsets,and granzyme B+/perforin+ CD8+ T cells,along with MEC-1 cell apoptosis.ResultsThe proportions of ILC2s and Treg,along with serum IL-9 levels,were significantly elevated in CLL patients (P < 0.05). Peripheral blood ILC2s were positively correlated with IL-9 (r = 0.609,P < 0.001). The average fluorescence intensity of GATA3,CRTH2,and IL-9 in the cervical lymph nodes of CLL patients increased significantly (P < 0.001),and IL-9 showed colocalization with GATA3 and CRTH2. In vitro,IL-9 levels in the supernatant of sorted ILC2s from CLL patients increased. Treatment with anti-IL-9 antibody significantly reduced the PD-1+ Treg and TIGIT+ Treg cells while increasing granzyme B+ CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05). However,there was no significant effect on Treg,CTLA-4+ Treg,and perforin+ CD8+ T cells (P > 0.05). Additionally,anti-IL-9 antibody significantly increased early apoptosis (P < 0.05).ConclusionILC2s affect CD8+ T cells and Treg cells through IL-9,weakening the anti-tumor effects of CD8+ T cells and enhancing the immunosuppressive effects of Treg cells,thereby contributing to CLL pathogenesis.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00262-025-04082-4. View Publication

The lack of curative therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) remains an ongoing challenge despite recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of the disease. Here we identify the WNK1-OXSR1/STK39 pathway as a previously uncharacterised dependency in AML. We show that genetic depletion and pharmacological inhibition of WNK1 or its downstream phosphorylation targets OXSR1 and STK39 strongly reduce cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in leukaemia cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore,we show that the WNK1-OXSR1/STK39 pathway controls mTORC1 signalling via regulating amino acid uptake through a mechanism involving the phosphorylation of amino acid transporters,such as SLC38A2. Our findings underscore an important role of the WNK1-OXSR1/STK39 pathway in regulating amino acid uptake and driving AML progression. With-No-lysine (K) kinase 1 (WNK1) is an atypical serine-threonine kinase that has been implicated in ion transport. Here,the authors show that WNK1 regulates amino acid transport and mTORC1 activity,and that the axis is a vulnerability for acute myeloid leukemia View Publication

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a pivotal treatment for hematological malignancies. However,CAR T cell products exhibit batch-to-batch variability in cell number,quality,and in vivo efficacy due to donor-to-donor heterogeneity,and pre/post-manufacturing processes,and the manufacturing of such products necessitates careful testing,both post-manufacturing and pre-infusion. Here,we introduce the Cell Trajectory Modulation (CTM) assay,a microfluidic,label-free approach for the rapid evaluation of the functional attributes of CAR T cells based on biophysical features (i.e.,size,deformability). CTM assay correlates with phenotypic metrics,including CD4:CD8 ratio,memory subtypes,and cytotoxic activity. Validated across multiple donors and culture platforms,the CTM assay requires fewer than 10,000 cells and delivers results within 10 minutes. Compared to labeled flow cytometry processing,the CTM assay offers real-time data to guide adaptive manufacturing workflows. Thus,the CTM assay offers an improvement over existing phenotypic assessments,marking a step forward in advancing CAR T cell therapy manufacturing. CAR T cell manufacturing faces significant challenges that impact cell quality and in vivo efficacy. This necessitates reliable cellular characterization methods. Here the authors present a real-time,label-free,microfluidic method that profiles cellular biophysical properties and correlates them to activation state and CAR T potency,facilitating the rapid phenotypic cell assessment during production. View Publication

PurposeNuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a crucial cytoprotective protein that shields cells from electrophilic and oxidative stress. Mice lacking Nrf2 exhibit heightened susceptibility to myelosuppression due to impaired hematopoietic reconstitution. In this study,we examined the altered sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in Nrf2−/− mice separately.Materials and MethodsIrradiate Nrf2−/− or wild-type mice with a dose of 4 Gy to observe changes in body weight,survival rate,and blood routine at 12 months. DMBA was used to treat Nrf2−/− and wild-type mice,and the body weight and survival rate of the mice were measured. The changes of heme oxygenase-1(HO1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) in mice treated with IR or DMBA were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting.ResultsOur results indicate that Nrf2 deficiency leads to more severe blood and immune system injury in mice exposed to IR or DMBA. Additionally,long-term monitoring revealed that Nrf2 deletion resulted in more severe myelosuppression,leukemia-like symptoms,and higher cancer rates. At the mRNA and protein levels,there was no significant increase in HO1 and NQO1 levels in the Nrf2−/− mice treated with IR or DMBA. These adverse effects might be attributed to the inhibited protein levels of HO1 and NQO1 and significant DNA damage in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs).ConclusionsWe demonstrate that the genetic deficiency of Nrf2 in mice leads to reduced antioxidant capacity and suppression of hematopoietic and immune system function,resulting in increased sensitivity to IR or DMBA. Graphical Abstract View Publication

Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) type 1 (HPS-1) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism,platelet dysfunction,and pulmonary fibrosis (HPS-PF),the leading cause of mortality in these patients. HPS-PF manifests earlier than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,typically between 30 and 40 years of age. The etiology and drivers of HPS-PF progression remain poorly understood,and no FDA-approved therapies exist. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and neutrophil-derived mediators have emerged as key players in fibrosis,promoting lung injury,inflammation,and fibroblast activation. This study evaluates the role of neutrophil activation in age-related changes in patients with HPS-1,focusing on differences in inflammatory markers,neutrophil granules,and NETosis capacity. We observed significantly elevated levels of NETs,neutrophil granule proteins (NE,NGAL,LF),and inflammatory cytokines (IL-8,IL-6) in patients with HPS-1 older than 40 years compared to younger patients and healthy controls. Additionally,fibrosis-related markers (MMP-7 and MMP-8) were significantly higher in older patients. Elevated levels of anandamide (AEA),a circulating marker of HPS-PF,were positively associated with neutrophil granule markers in older patients,suggesting its association with fibrosis. Neutrophils from older patients also demonstrated increased NETosis capacity. These findings suggest that age-related neutrophil activation may contribute to an inflammatory environment that promotes fibrosis progression in HPS-1.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-025-03758-5. View Publication

CD4+ T cells have been well-regarded as “helper” cells in activating the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells for effective tumor eradication,while few studies have focused on whether CD8+ T cells regulate CD4+ T cells. Our previous studies provided evidence for an interaction between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after cryo-thermal therapy,but the mechanism remains unclear,especially pertaining to how CD8+ T cells promote the Th1 differentiation of CD4+ T cells. This study revealed that activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are critical for CTT-induced antitumor immunity,and the interaction between activated T cells is enhanced. The reciprocal regulation of activated CD8+ and CD4+ T cells was through LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions,in which CD8+ T cells facilitate Notch1-dependent CD4+ Th1-dominant differentiation and promote IL-2 secretion of CD4+ T cells. Meanwhile,IL-2 derived from CD4+ T cells enhances the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells and establishes a positive feedback loop via increasing the expression of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 on T cells. Clinical analyses further validated that LFA-1/ICAM interactions between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are correlated with clinical outcomes. Our study extends the functions of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 adhesion pathway,indicating its novel role in the interaction of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. View Publication

BackgroundAnti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has proven effective for treating relapsed or refractory acute B cell leukemia. However,challenges such as cytokine release syndrome,T cell dysfunction,and exhaustion persist. Enhancing CAR-T cell efficacy through changing CAR internalization and recycling is a promising approach. The transmembrane domain is the easiest motif to optimize for modulating CAR internalization and recycling without introducing additional domains,and its impact on CAR internalization and recycling has not yet been thoroughly explored. In this study,we aim to enhance CAR-T cell function by focusing on the solely transmembrane domain design.MethodsUtilizing plasmid construction and lentivirus generation,we get two different transmembrane CAR-T cells [19CAR-T(1a) and 19CAR-T(8α)]. Through co-culture with tumor cells,we evaluate CAR dynamic change,activation levels,exhaustion markers,mitochondrial function,and differentiation in both CAR-T cells. Furthermore,immunofluorescence microscopy analysis is performed to reveal the localization of internalized CAR molecules. RNA sequencing is used to detect the transcriptome of activated CAR-T cells. Finally,a mouse study is utilized to verify the anti-tumor efficacy of 19CAR-T(1a) cells in vivo.ResultsOur findings demonstrate that 19CAR-T(1a) has lower surface CAR expression,faster internalization,and a higher recycling rate compared to 19CAR-T(8α). Internalized 19CAR(1a) co-localizes more with early and recycling endosomes,and less with lysosomes than 19CAR(8α). These features result in lower activation levels,less cytokine release,and reduced exhaustion markers in 19CAR-T(1a). Furthermore,CAR-T cells with CD1a transmembrane domain also exhibit a superior anti-tumor ability and reduced exhaustion in vivo.ConclusionOverall,we demonstrate that the transmembrane domain plays a critical role in CAR-T cell function. An optimized transmembrane domain can alleviate cytokine release syndrome and reduce CAR-T cell exhaustion,providing a direction for CAR design to enhance CAR-T cell function. View Publication