Article
Immunology
Travis Shute, Eyal Amiel, Noran Alam, Jennifer L. Yates, Katya Mohrs, Elizabeth Dudley, Briana Salas, Chloe Mesa, Adriana Serrata, Daniel Angel, Brandy K. Vincent, Amanda Weyers, Paula A. Lanthier, Emilie Vomhof-Dekrey, Rachel Fromme, Mitchell Laughlin, Olivia Durham, Jianjun Miao, Devon Shipp, Robert J. Linhardt, Kelly Nash, Elizabeth A. Leadbetter
Summary: CD4(+) T cells play a crucial role in facilitating B cell immune protection provided by vaccines, while iNKT cells have been identified as an alternative source of help for B cells in mice. Nanoparticles containing alpha GC and S. pneumoniae polysaccharides activate murine iNKT cells and B cells, inducing robust immune responses and protection against deadly pathogens. However, the potential of these nanoparticles to eliminate B cells under certain conditions suggests the need for further clarification on iNKT cell interactions with B cells.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Simon J. Dovedi, Matthew J. Elder, Chunning Yang, Suzanne Sitnikova, Lorraine Irving, Anna Hansen, James Hair, Des C. Jones, Sumati Hasani, Bo Wang, Seock-Ah Im, Ben Tran, Deepa S. Subramaniam, Shelby D. Gainer, Kapil Vashisht, Arthur Lewis, Xiaofang Jin, Stacy Kentner, Kathy Mulgrew, Yaya Wang, Michael G. Overstreet, James Dodgson, Yanli Wu, Asis Palazon, Michelle Morrow, Godfrey J. Rainey, Gareth J. Browne, Frances Neal, Thomas Murray, Aleksandra D. Toloczko, William Dall'Acqua, Ikbel Achour, Daniel J. Freeman, Robert W. Wilkinson, Yariv Mazor
Summary: MEDI5752 is a novel monovalent bispecific antibody that enhances the clinical benefits of PD-1 blockade while reducing immune-related adverse events, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes. It represents a significant advancement in the rational design of cancer immunotherapy and shows promising potential in targeting PD-1(+) T cells with enhanced activity compared to conventional mAb combination strategies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Davern, Rebecca M. O' Brien, Jason McGrath, Noel E. Donlon, Ashanty M. Melo, Croi E. Buckley, Andrew D. Sheppard, John Reynolds, Niamh Lynam-Lennon, Stephen G. Maher, Joanne Lysaght
Summary: Chemotherapy upregulates immune checkpoint expression on tumour cells, and the IC-intrinsic signalling confers a survival advantage. Blockade of PD-1, PD-L1 and A2aR can decrease OAC cell viability and induce apoptosis. Combining with FLOT enhances cytotoxicity in OAC cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Yunmei Dong, Zhen Wang, Fei Mao, Luyao Cai, Hongxia Dan, Lu Jiang, Xin Zeng, Taiwen Li, Yu Zhou, Qianming Chen
Summary: T-cell exhaustion plays a crucial role in oral carcinogenesis, and PD-1 blockade can prevent the progression of oral cancer.
Article
Oncology
Antonella Fameli, Valerio Nardone, Mojtaba Shekarkar Azgomi, Giovanna Bianco, Claudia Gandolfo, Bianca Maria Oliva, Marika Monoriti, Rita Emilena Saladino, Antonella Falzea, Caterina Romeo, Natale Daniele Calandruccio, Domenico Azzarello, Rocco Giannicola, Luigi Pirtoli, Antonio Giordano, Pierfrancesco Tassone, Pierosandro Tagliaferri, Maria Grazia Cusi, Luciano Mutti, Cirino Botta, Pierpaolo Correale
Summary: Peripheral immune-checkpoint blockade with PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies is a promising treatment strategy for mNSCLC patients. This study investigates the impact of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade on specific immune cell subsets and suggests a correlation between immune subpopulation deregulation and autoimmunity.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Allison L. Balasko, Monika M. Kowatsch, Colin Graydon, Julie Lajoie, Keith R. Fowke
Summary: Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells undergo immune exhaustion during chronic activation caused by cancer and viral infections, such as HIV. Blockade of PD-1 and/or LAG-3 can enhance iNKT cell function.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yaohui Gao, Dexi Bi, Ruting Xie, Man Li, Jing Guo, Hu Liu, Xianling Guo, Juemin Fang, Tingting Ding, Huiyuan Zhu, Yuan Cao, Meichun Xing, Jiayi Zheng, Qing Xu, Qian Xu, Qing Wei, Huanlong Qin
Summary: The research found that high levels of F. nucleatum are associated with improved therapeutic responses to PD-1 blockade in patients with CRC, and F. nucleatum also enhances the antitumor effects of PD-L1 blockade on CRC. Furthermore, F. nucleatum induces PD-L1 expression and increases the accumulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)(+) CD8(+) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Tania Afroj, Atsushi Mitsuhashi, Hirokazu Ogino, Atsuro Saijo, Kenji Otsuka, Hiroto Yoneda, Makoto Tobiume, Na Thi Nguyen, Hisatsugu Goto, Kazuya Koyama, Masamichi Sugimoto, Osamu Kondoh, Hiroshi Nokihara, Yasuhiko Nishioka
Summary: Fibrocytes, a type of collagen-producing, monocyte-derived cells, have been found to play a role in the tumor microenvironment, particularly under antiangiogenic therapy. These cells express costimulatory molecules, such as CD80 and CD86, and coinhibitory molecule PD-L1, which can influence the proliferation of CD8(+) T cells. The findings suggest that fibrocytes infiltrating tumor sites may enhance anti-tumor immunity when combined with PD-L1/PD-1 blockade.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weijing Yang, Meng Zhang, Jinjie Zhang, Yanlong Liu, Jie Ning, Jing Yang, Zhenzhong Zhang, Lin Hou, Xiaoyuan Chen
Summary: Targeting pre-activated T cells with immune checkpoint blockade through sequential therapy enhances immune response and improves antitumor activity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vijayakumar Velu, Kehmia Titanji, Hasan Ahmed, Ravi Dyavar Shetty, Lakshmi S. Chennareddi, Gordon J. Freeman, Rafi Ahmed, Rama Rao Amara
Summary: The study demonstrated that PD-1 blockade following ART interruption significantly enhances the function of anti-viral CD8 T cells and improves viral control. It suggests the potential synergistic effects of PD-1 blockade with other immunotherapies inducing functional CD8 T-cell responses.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shaomeng Chen, Xiuman Zhou, Xin Yang, Wanqiong Li, Shuzhen Li, Zheng Hu, Chen Ling, Ranran Shi, Juan Liu, Guanyu Chen, Nazi Song, Xianxing Jiang, Xinghua Sui, Yanfeng Gao
Summary: This study demonstrates the synergistic effects of lactate/GPR81 blockade and metformin in inhibiting cancer cell growth, as well as enhancing immune cell functions and impacting PD-1 expression. The dual blockade strategy significantly enhances the anti-tumor effects of metformin, potentially leading to tumor regression.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jingyao Tu, Haoran Xu, Li Ma, Chunya Li, Wan Qin, Xinyi Chen, Ming Yi, Li Sun, Bo Liu, Xianglin Yuan
Summary: This study investigated the therapeutic potential of nintedanib and alpha PD-L1 combination therapy in tumor treatment. The results showed significant improvements in the antitumor effects and positive impact on lung complications with this combination therapy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhaojuan Yang, Guiqin Xu, Boshi Wang, Yun Liu, Li Zhang, Tiantian Jing, Ming Tang, Xiaoli Xu, Kun Jiao, Lvzhu Xiang, Yujie Fu, Daoqiang Tang, Xiaoren Zhang, Weilin Jin, Guanglei Zhuang, Xiaojing Zhao, Yongzhong Liu
Summary: The study reveals that downregulation of deubiquitinase USP12 contributes to the development of an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment in KRAS-driven lung cancers. This downregulation promotes lung tumor growth, increases macrophage recruitment, hypervascularization, and reduces T cell activation. Additionally, inhibition of USP12 makes mouse lung tumor cells less responsive to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Longxiang Tao, Shanshan Wang, Guijie Kang, Shanyue Jiang, Wenwei Yin, Lu Zong, Jing Li, Xuefu Wang
Summary: Circulating NKT-like cells in HCC patients exhibit functional impairment, with decreased production of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and cytotoxicity, while the expression of inhibitory receptors PD-1, Tim-3, and CTLA-4 is increased. PD-1 blockade improves the effector function of NKT-like cells in HCC patients and may benefit HCC immunotherapy optimization.
Article
Oncology
Paul Koller, Natalia Baran, Karine Harutyunyan, Antonio Cavazos, Saradhi Mallampati, Renee L. Chin, Zhou Jiang, Xian Sun, Heng-Huan Lee, Jennifer L. Hsu, Patrick Williams, Xuelin Huang, Michael A. Curran, Mien-Chie Hung, Marina Konopleva
Summary: This study found that the combination treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib and an anti-PD-1 antibody is highly effective in a preclinical model of Philadelphia chromosome positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The treatment decreases tumor burden, improves efficacy, and prolongs survival. Mechanistically, it increases MHC II expression on antigen-presenting cells and promotes influx of these cells into the leukemic bone marrow. The induction of MHC II may also enhance immune memory and impair leukemic engraftment.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Guan Yang, Wenqiang Song, J. Luke Postoak, Jin Chen, Jennifer Martinez, Jianhua Zhang, Lan Wu, Luc Van Kaer
Summary: PIK3C3 plays a critical role in T cell metabolism and function, with its deficiency leading to impaired metabolism and differentiation of T cells, as well as reduced levels of active mitochondria. Interestingly, Pik3c3 deletion did not significantly affect the ability of animals to clear tumor metastases.
Article
Immunology
Guan Yang, Wenqiang Song, Jielin Xu, J. Luke Postoak, Feixiong Cheng, Jennifer Martinez, Jianhua Zhang, Lan Wu, Luc Van Kaer
Summary: The PIK3C3/VPS34 subunit of the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns3K) complex plays a critical role in macrophage functions and regulation of EAE. Deficiency in PIK3C3 results in phenotypic changes in myeloid cells and reduces severity of EAE in mice, highlighting the potential therapeutic implications of PIK3C3 inhibition for MS and other autoimmune diseases.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joshua Luke Postoak, Guan Yang, Lan Wu, Luc Van Kaer
Summary: CD4 T cells play a critical role in generating protective immune responses to influenza virus infection, with potential involvement of autophagy in the unconventional antigen processing route. The findings have implications for the development of influenza virus vaccines.
Article
Neurosciences
Wei-Na Jin, Kaibin Shi, Wenyan He, Jun-Hong Sun, Luc Van Kaer, Fu-Dong Shi, Qiang Liu
Summary: The accumulation of natural killer (NK) cells in the aging brain impairs neurogenesis and cognition, as neuroblast senescence in the dentate gyrus augments NK cell cytotoxicity during normal brain aging.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Guan Yang, J. Luke Postoak, Wenqiang Song, Jennifer Martinez, Jianhua Zhang, Lan Wu, Luc Van Kaer
Summary: The study revealed a critical role of PIK3C3 in DC function and the pathogenicity of these cells during EAE, with important implications for the development of immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases such as MS.
Article
Biology
Tomohiro Takehara, Ei Wakamatsu, Hiroaki Machiyama, Wataru Nishi, Katsura Emoto, Miyuki Azuma, Kenzo Soejima, Koichi Fukunaga, Tadashi Yokosuka
Summary: PD-1 forms microclusters with PD-L1/2 to inhibit T cell activation, with PD-L2 competing with PD-L1 for binding to PD-1. The cluster formation affects T cell signaling and serves as a visual index for the effectiveness of PD-1/2 inhibitory therapy.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Keeratika Wongtim, Eri Ikeda, Tatsukuni Ohno, Shigenori Nagai, Shigeru Okuhara, Keitetsu Kure, Miyuki Azuma
Summary: The study found that overexpression of PD-L1 in gingival basal keratinocytes in mice reduced periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in a ligature-induced periodontitis model.
JOURNAL OF PERIODONTOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Wenqiang Song, J. Luke Postoak, Lan Wu, Luc Van Kaer
Summary: Adipose tissue plays an important role in health and metabolic diseases. Deficiency of lipid kinase PIK3C3/VPS34 in adipocytes leads to defects in adipocyte differentiation, survival and function, resulting in reduced adipose tissue mass, abnormal blood lipid levels, fatty liver disease, diabetes, and impaired body temperature control. These findings suggest that targeting adipocyte PIK3C3/VPS34 could be a potential therapeutic intervention for metabolic diseases.
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
J. Luke Postoak, Wenqiang Song, Lan Wu, Luc Van Kaer
Summary: This study investigates the contribution of PIK3C3/VPS34 in thymic epithelial cells (TECs) to the generation of positively selecting peptides. The researchers found that TEC-specific PIK3C3/VPS34 facilitates positive selection of CD4 T cells, but not CD8 T cells. They propose that PIK3C3/VPS34 alters vesicle trafficking in TECs, modulating lysosomal protease activity, which controls the generation of MHC class II-presented peptides optimized for positive selection of CD4 T cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun Jung Park, Sung Won Lee, Jae Geun Song, Luc Van Kaer, Jae Hee Cheon, Soo-Jeong Lim, Hyo-Kyung Han, Seokmann Hong
Summary: Study found that aminoclay nanoparticles have anti-inflammatory effects on murine dendritic cells (DCs) and can attenuate inflammatory responses and inhibit the production of specific cytokines, which has therapeutic potential for controlling inflammatory disorders.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Luc Van Kaer
Summary: A study shows that the transcription factor LEF1 can optimize the functional properties of iNKT cells and enhance their antitumor immunity, suggesting the potential of developing robust cancer immunotherapies based on CAR-modified iNKT cells.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun Jung Park, Sung Won Lee, Luc Van Kaer, Myeong Sup Lee, Seokmann Hong
Summary: Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is important in maintaining the balance of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. However, its role in allergic disorders, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), has not been well understood. By studying IL-7-deficient AD-prone mice, it was found that IL-7 deficiency worsened AD development, indicating that IL-7 could be a potential therapeutic target for treating AD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ozioma S. Chioma, Elizabeth Mallott, Binal Shah-Gandhi, ZaDarreyal Wiggins, Madison Langford, Andrew William Lancaster, Alexander Gelbard, Hongmei Wu, Joyce E. Johnson, Lisa Lancaster, Erin M. Wilfong, Leslie J. Crofford, Courtney G. Montgomery, Luc Van Kaer, Seth Bordenstein, Dawn C. Newcomb, Wonder Puryear Drake
Summary: Through ChIP-seq analysis, the study found that the STAT3 locus is enriched for binding by estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) in human CD4+ T cells. In a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis, there was an increase in regulatory T cells rather than Th17 cells in the female lung. Genetic absence of ESR1 or ovariectomy in mice led to an increase in pSTAT3 and IL-17A expression in pulmonary CD4+ T cells, which was reduced after hormone repletion. Additionally, the study revealed that gut dysbiosis exacerbates lung fibrosis in menstruating females, and hormone repletion following ovariectomy further augments lung fibrosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun Jung Park, Sung Won Lee, Yun Hoo Park, Tae-Cheol Kim, Sujin Lee, Seyeong Lee, Luc Van Kaer, Seokmann Hong
Summary: Beta-glucan is a natural polysaccharide produced by fungi, bacteria, and plants. In this study, we investigated the effects of two different types of beta-glucans, zymosan and pustulan, on innate memory immune responses. The results showed that short-term zymosan treatment induced macrophages to upregulate IL15 production and increased surface IL15Rα expression on NK cells, while long-term zymosan treatment upregulated the expression of innate memory-related markers in macrophages and enhanced KLRG1 levels in NK cells.
Article
Immunology
Luc Van Kaer, J. Luke Postoak, Wenqiang Song, Lan Wu
Summary: Lymphocytes can be divided into subsets belonging to the innate or adaptive arms of the immune system. Innate and innate-like lymphocytes can respond rapidly to pathogenic insults but lack classical immunological memory. They integrate danger and stress signals to generate specialized immune responses.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)