Advances in nanoprobes for molecular MRI of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and a leading cause of mortality in the elderly population. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has traditionally relied on evaluation of clinical symptoms for cognitive impairment with a definitive diagnosis requiring post-mortem demonstration of neuropathology. However, advances in disease pathogenesis have revealed that patients exhibit Alzheimer's disease pathology several decades before the manifestation of clinical symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the management of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The clinical availability of molecular MRI (mMRI) contrast agents can revolutionize the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we review advances in nanoparticle contrast agents, also referred to as nanoprobes, for mMRI of Alzheimer's disease. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease.

Intratumoral nanofluidic system enhanced tumor biodistribution of PD-L1 antibody in triple-negative breast cancer.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, were recently approved for treatment-refractory triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where those with Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive early-stage disease had improved responses. ICIs are administered systemically in the clinic, however, reaching effective therapeutic dosing is challenging due to severe off-tumor toxicities. As such, intratumoral (IT) injection is increasingly investigated as an alternative delivery approach. However, repeated administration, which sometimes is invasive, is required due to rapid drug clearance from the tumor caused by increased interstitial fluid pressure. To minimize off-target drug biodistribution, we developed the nanofluidic drug-eluting seed (NDES) platform for sustained intratumoral release of therapeutic via molecular diffusion. Here we compared drug biodistribution between the NDES, intraperitoneal (IP) and intratumoral (IT) injection using fluorescently labeled PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (αPD-L1). We used two syngeneic TNBC murine models, EMT6 and 4T1, that differ in PD-L1 expression, immunogenicity, and transport phenotype. We investigated on-target (tumor) and off-target distribution using different treatment approaches. As radiotherapy is increasingly used in combination with immunotherapy, we sought to investigate its effect on αPD-L1 tumor accumulation and systemic distribution. The NDES-treated cohort displayed sustained levels of αPD-L1 in the tumor over the study period of 14 days with significantly lower off-target organ distribution, compared to the IP or IT injection. However, we observed differences in the biodistribution of αPD-L1 across tumor models and with radiation pretreatment. Thus, we sought to extensively characterize the tumor properties via histological analysis, diffusion evaluation and nanoparticles contrast-enhanced CT. Overall, we demonstrate that ICI delivery via NDES is an effective method for sustained on-target tumor delivery across tumor models and combination treatments.

Augmenting Mitochondrial Respiration in Immature Smooth Muscle Cells with an ACTA2 Pathogenic Variant Mitigates Moyamoya-like Cerebrovascular Disease.

ACTA2 pathogenic variants altering arginine 179 cause childhood-onset strokes due to moyamoya disease (MMD)-like occlusion of the distal internal carotid arteries. A smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific knock-in mouse model (Acta2SMC-R179C/+) inserted the mutation into 67% of aortic SMCs, whereas explanted SMCs were uniformly heterozygous. Acta2R179C/+ SMCs fail to fully differentiate and maintain stem cell-like features, including high glycolytic flux, and increasing oxidative respiration (OXPHOS) with nicotinamide riboside (NR) drives the mutant SMCs to differentiate and decreases migration. Acta2SMC-R179C/+ mice have intraluminal MMD-like occlusive lesions and strokes after carotid artery injury, whereas the similarly treated WT mice have no strokes and patent lumens. Treatment with NR prior to the carotid artery injury attenuates the strokes, MMD-like lumen occlusions, and aberrant vascular remodeling in the Acta2SMC-R179C/+ mice. These data highlight the role of immature SMCs in MMD-associated occlusive disease and demonstrate that altering SMC metabolism to drive quiescence of Acta2R179C/+ SMCs attenuates strokes and aberrant vascular remodeling in the Acta2SMC-R179C/+ mice.

Advanced photon counting CT imaging pipeline for cardiac phenotyping of apolipoprotein E mouse models.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to develop an imaging-based pipeline to comprehensively assess cardiac structure and function in mouse models expressing different APOE genotypes using photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT). METHODS: 123 mice grouped based on APOE genotype (APOE2, APOE3, APOE4, APOE knockout (KO)), gender, human NOS2 factor, and diet (control or high fat) were used in this study. The pipeline included PCCT imaging on a custom-built system with contrast-enhanced in vivo imaging and intrinsic cardiac gating, spectral and temporal iterative reconstruction, spectral decomposition, and deep learning cardiac segmentation. Statistical analysis evaluated genotype, diet, sex, and body weight effects on cardiac measurements. RESULTS: Our results showed that PCCT offered high quality imaging with reduced noise. Material decomposition enabled separation of calcified plaques from iodine enhanced blood in APOE KO mice. Deep learning-based segmentation showed good performance with Dice scores of 0.91 for CT-based segmentation and 0.89 for iodine map-based segmentation. Genotype-specific differences were observed in left ventricular volumes, heart rate, stroke volume, ejection fraction, and cardiac index. Statistically significant differences were found between control and high fat diets for APOE2 and APOE4 genotypes in heart rate and stroke volume. Sex and weight were also significant predictors of cardiac measurements. The inclusion of the human NOS2 gene modulated these effects. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential of PCCT in assessing cardiac structure and function in mouse models of CVD which can help in understanding the interplay between genetic factors, diet, and cardiovascular health.

Feasibility Study of Ferumoxtyol for Contrast-enhanced MRI of Retroplacental Clear Space Disruption in Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS).

Introduction: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) occurs when the placenta is pathologically adherent to the myometrium. An intact retroplacental clear space (RPCS) is a marker of normal placentation, but visualization with conventional imaging techniques is a challenge. In this study, we investigate use of an FDA-approved iron oxide nanoparticle, ferumoxytol, for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the RPCS in mouse models of normal pregnancy and PAS. We then demonstrate the translational potential of this technique in human patients presenting with severe PAS (FIGO Grade 3C), moderate PAS (FIGO Grade 1), and no PAS. Methods: A T1-weighted gradient recalled echo (GRE) sequence was used to determine the optimal dose of ferumoxytol in pregnant mice. Pregnant Gab3 -/- mice, which demonstrate placental invasion, were then imaged at day 16 of gestation alongside wild-type (WT) pregnant mice which do not demonstrate invasion. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was computed for placenta and RPCS for all fetoplacental units (FPUs) with ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Fe-MRI) and used for the determination of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Fe-MRI was also performed in 3 pregnant subjects using standard T1 and T2 weighted sequences and a 3D magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) sequence. RPCS volume and relative signal were calculated in all three subjects. Results: Ferumoxytol administered at 5 mg/kg produced strong T1 shortening in blood and led to strong placental enhancement in Fe-MRI images. Gab3 -/- mice demonstrated loss of hypointense region characteristic of the RPCS relative to WT mice in T1w Fe-MRI. CNR between RPCS and placenta was lower in FPUs of Gab3 -/- mice compared to WT mice, indicating higher degrees of vascularization and interruptions throughout the space. In human patients, Fe-MRI at a dose of 5 mg/kg enabled high uteroplacental vasculature signal and quantification of the volume and signal profile in severe and moderate invasion of the placenta relative to a non-PAS case. Discussion: Ferumoxytol, an FDA-approved iron oxide nanoparticle formulation, enabled visualization of abnormal vascularization and loss of uteroplacental interface in a murine model of PAS. The potential of this non-invasive visualization technique was then further demonstrated in human subjects. Diagnosis of placental invasion using Fe-MRI may provide a sensitive method for clinical detection of PAS.

Rational Design of a Self-Assembling High Performance Organic Nanofluorophore for Intraoperative NIR-II Image-Guided Tumor Resection of Oral Cancer.

The first line of treatment for most solid tumors is surgical resection of the primary tumor with adequate negative margins. Incomplete tumor resections with positive margins account for over 75% of local recurrences and the development of distant metastases. In cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the rate of successful tumor removal with adequate margins is just 50-75%. Advanced real-time imaging methods that improve the detection of tumor margins can help improve success rates,overall safety, and reduce the cost. Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window has the potential to revolutionize the field due to its high spatial resolution, low background signal, and deep tissue penetration properties, but NIR-II dyes with adequate in vivo performance and safety profiles are scarce. A novel NIR-II fluorophore, XW-03-66, with a fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of 6.0% in aqueous media is reported. XW-03-66 self-assembles into nanoparticles (≈80 nm) and has a systemic circulation half-life (t1/2 ) of 11.3 h. In mouse models of human papillomavirus (HPV)+ and HPV- OSCC, XW-03-66 outperformed indocyanine green (ICG), a clinically available NIR dye, and enabled intraoperative NIR-II image-guided resection of the tumor and adjacent draining lymph node with negative margins. In vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments revealed minimal safety concerns for in vivo applications.

Nanoparticle Contrast-enhanced MRI for Visualization of Retroplacental Clear Space Disruption in a Mouse Model of Placental Accreta Spectrum (PAS).

INTRODUCTION: Prior preclinical studies established the utility of liposomal nanoparticle blood-pool contrast agents in visualizing the retroplacental clear space (RPCS), a marker of normal placentation, while sparing fetuses from exposure because the agent does not cross the placental barrier. In this work, we characterized RPCS disruption in a mouse model of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) using these agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) and computed tomography (CE-CT) using liposomal nanoparticles bearing gadolinium (liposomal-Gd) and iodine were performed in pregnant Gab3-/- and wild type (WT) mice at day 16 of gestation. CE-MRI was performed on a 1T scanner using a 2D T1-weighted sequence (100×100×600 µm3 voxels) and CE-CT was performed at a higher resolution (70×70×70 µm3 voxels). Animals were euthanized post-imaging and feto-placental units (FPUs) were harvested for histological examination. RPCS conspicuity was scored through blinded assessment of images. RESULTS: Pregnant Gab3-/- mice showed elevated rates of complicated pregnancy. Contrast-enhanced imaging demonstrated frank infiltration of the RPCS of Gab3-/- FPUs. RPCS in Gab3-/- FPUs was smaller in volume, demonstrated a heterogeneous signal profile, and received lower conspicuity scores than WT FPUs. Histology confirmed in vivo findings and demonstrated staining consistent with a thinner RPCS in Gab3-/- FPUs. DISCUSSION: Imaging of the Gab3-/- mouse model at late gestation with liposomal contrast agents enabled in vivo characterization of morphological differences in the RPCS that could cause the observed pregnancy complications. An MRI-based method for visualizing the RPCS would be valuable for early detection of invasive placentation.

MYCN-driven fatty acid uptake is a metabolic vulnerability in neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood cancer arising from sympatho-adrenal neural crest cells. MYCN amplification is found in half of high-risk NB patients; however, no available therapies directly target MYCN. Using multi-dimensional metabolic profiling in MYCN expression systems and primary patient tumors, we comprehensively characterized the metabolic landscape driven by MYCN in NB. MYCN amplification leads to glycerolipid accumulation by promoting fatty acid (FA) uptake and biosynthesis. We found that cells expressing amplified MYCN depend highly on FA uptake for survival. Mechanistically, MYCN directly upregulates FA transport protein 2 (FATP2), encoded by SLC27A2. Genetic depletion of SLC27A2 impairs NB survival, and pharmacological SLC27A2 inhibition selectively suppresses tumor growth, prolongs animal survival, and exerts synergistic anti-tumor effects when combined with conventional chemotherapies in multiple preclinical NB models. This study identifies FA uptake as a critical metabolic dependency for MYCN-amplified tumors. Inhibiting FA uptake is an effective approach for improving current treatment regimens.

HepT1-derived murine models of high-risk hepatoblastoma display vascular invasion, metastasis, and circulating tumor cells.

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric primary liver malignancy, and survival for high-risk disease approaches 50%. Mouse models of HB fail to recapitulate hallmarks of high-risk disease. The aim of this work was to generate murine models that show high-risk features including multifocal tumors, vascular invasion, metastasis, and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). HepT1 cells were injected into the livers or tail veins of mice, and tumor growth was monitored with magnetic resonance and bioluminescent imaging. Blood was analyzed with fluorescence-activated cell sorting to identify CTCs. Intra- and extra-hepatic tumor samples were harvested for immunohistochemistry and RNA and DNA sequencing. Cell lines were grown from tumor samples and profiled with RNA sequencing. With intrahepatic injection of HepT1 cells, 100% of animals grew liver tumors and showed vascular invasion, metastasis, and CTCs. Mutation profiling revealed genetic alterations in seven cancer-related genes, while transcriptomic analyses showed changes in gene expression with cells that invade vessels. Tail vein injection of HepT1 cells resulted in multifocal, metastatic disease. These unique models will facilitate further meaningful studies of high-risk HB. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Photon Counting CT and Radiomic Analysis Enables Differentiation of Tumors Based on Lymphocyte Burden.

The purpose of this study was to investigate if radiomic analysis based on spectral micro-CT with nanoparticle contrast-enhancement can differentiate tumors based on lymphocyte burden. High mutational load transplant soft tissue sarcomas were initiated in Rag2+/- and Rag2-/- mice to model varying lymphocyte burden. Mice received radiation therapy (20 Gy) to the tumor-bearing hind limb and were injected with a liposomal iodinated contrast agent. Five days later, animals underwent conventional micro-CT imaging using an energy integrating detector (EID) and spectral micro-CT imaging using a photon-counting detector (PCD). Tumor volumes and iodine uptakes were measured. The radiomic features (RF) were grouped into feature-spaces corresponding to EID, PCD, and spectral decomposition images. The RFs were ranked to reduce redundancy and increase relevance based on TL burden. A stratified repeated cross validation strategy was used to assess separation using a logistic regression classifier. Tumor iodine concentration was the only significantly different conventional tumor metric between Rag2+/- (TLs present) and Rag2-/- (TL-deficient) tumors. The RFs further enabled differentiation between Rag2+/- and Rag2-/- tumors. The PCD-derived RFs provided the highest accuracy (0.68) followed by decomposition-derived RFs (0.60) and the EID-derived RFs (0.58). Such non-invasive approaches could aid in tumor stratification for cancer therapy studies.

Nanoprobes for Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Atherosclerosis Research.

Atheromatous lesions are characterized by intrusion into the vascular lumen, resulting in morphological changes to the blood compartment and into the vessel wall, resulting in characteristic molecular and cellular signatures in the solid tissue of the intima, tunica media, adventitia and surrounding tissue. Nanoprobes can be easily formulated to provide long blood-pool residence and molecular targeting, facilitating the imaging of atheromatous changes. Detection of nanoprobes can be accomplished by a variety of methods. We focus in this chapter on the use of cross-sectional imaging techniques, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that facilitate in vivo, noninvasive imaging of the vascular morphology and molecular/cellular signatures of the atheroma. The methods described are suitable for use in animal models, although versions of the probes are being readied for clinical trials, potentially facilitating clinical use in the future.

A Nanoradiomics Approach for Differentiation of Tumors Based on Tumor-Associated Macrophage Burden.

Objective: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the tumor immune microenvironment (TiME) of solid tumors play an important role in treatment resistance and disease recurrence. The purpose of this study was to investigate if nanoradiomics (radiomic analysis of nanoparticle contrast-enhanced images) can differentiate tumors based on TAM burden. Materials and Methods: In vivo studies were performed in transgenic mouse models of neuroblastoma with low (N = 11) and high (N = 10) tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) burden. Animals underwent delayed nanoparticle contrast-enhanced CT (n-CECT) imaging at 4 days after intravenous administration of liposomal-iodine agent (1.1 g/kg). CT imaging-derived conventional tumor metrics (tumor volume and CT attenuation) were computed for segmented tumor CT datasets. Nanoradiomic analysis was performed using a PyRadiomics workflow implemented in the quantitative image feature pipeline (QIFP) server containing 900 radiomic features (RFs). RF selection was performed under supervised machine learning using a nonparametric neighborhood component method. A 5-fold validation was performed using a set of linear and nonlinear classifiers for group separation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: N-CECT imaging demonstrated heterogeneous patterns of signal enhancement in low and high TAM tumors. CT imaging-derived conventional tumor metrics showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in tumor volume between low and high TAM tumors. Tumor CT attenuation was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between low and high TAM tumors. Machine learning-augmented nanoradiomic analysis revealed two RFs that differentiated (p < 0.002) low TAM and high TAM tumors. The RFs were used to build a linear classifier that demonstrated very high accuracy and further confirmed by 5-fold cross-validation. Conclusions: Imaging-derived conventional tumor metrics were unable to differentiate tumors with varying TAM burden; however, nanoradiomic analysis revealed texture differences and enabled differentiation of low and high TAM tumors.

MDM4 inhibition: a novel therapeutic strategy to reactivate p53 in hepatoblastoma.

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric liver malignancy. High-risk patients have poor survival, and current chemotherapies are associated with significant toxicities. Targeted therapies are needed to improve outcomes and patient quality of life. Most HB cases are TP53 wild-type; therefore, we hypothesized that targeting the p53 regulator Murine double minute 4 (MDM4) to reactivate p53 signaling may show efficacy. MDM4 expression was elevated in HB patient samples, and increased expression was strongly correlated with decreased expression of p53 target genes. Treatment with NSC207895 (XI-006), which inhibits MDM4 expression, or ATSP-7041, a stapled peptide dual inhibitor of MDM2 and MDM4, showed significant cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects in HB cells. Similar phenotypes were seen with short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated inhibition of MDM4. Both NSC207895 and ATSP-7041 caused significant upregulation of p53 targets in HB cells. Knocking-down TP53 with shRNA or overexpressing MDM4 led to resistance to NSC207895-mediated cytotoxicity, suggesting that this phenotype is dependent on the MDM4-p53 axis. MDM4 inhibition also showed efficacy in a murine model of HB with significantly decreased tumor weight and increased apoptosis observed in the treatment group. This study demonstrates that inhibition of MDM4 is efficacious in HB by upregulating p53 tumor suppressor signaling.

Early Detection of Aortic Degeneration in a Mouse Model of Sporadic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection Using Nanoparticle Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography.

[Figure: see text].

Stimuli-Responsive Iron Oxide Nanotheranostics: A Versatile and Powerful Approach for Cancer Therapy.

Recent advancements in unravelling elements of cancer biology involved in disease progression and treatment resistance have highlighted the need for a holistic approach to effectively tackle cancer. Stimuli-responsive nanotheranostics based on iron oxide nanoparticles are an emerging class of versatile nanomedicines with powerful capabilities to "seek, sense, and attack" multiple components of solid tumors. In this work, the rationale for using iron oxide nanoparticles and the basic physical principles that impact their function in biomedical applications are reviewed. Subsequently, recent advances in the integration of iron oxide nanoparticles with various stimulus mechanisms to facilitate the development of stimuli-responsive nanotheranostics for application in cancer therapy are summarized. The integration of an iron oxide core with various surface coating mechanisms results in the generation of hybrid nanoconstructs with capabilities to codeliver a wide variety of highly potent anticancer therapeutics and immune modulators. Finally, emerging future directions and considerations for their clinical translation are touched upon.

Pre-clinical dose-ranging efficacy, pharmacokinetics, tissue biodistribution, and toxicity of a targeted contrast agent for MRI of amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease.

In these preclinical studies, we describe ADx-001, an Aß-targeted liposomal macrocyclic gadolinium (Gd) imaging agent, for MRI of amyloid plaques. The targeting moiety is a novel lipid-PEG conjugated styryl-pyrimidine. An MRI-based contrast agent such as ADx-001 is attractive because of the lack of radioactivity, ease of distribution, long shelf life, and the prevalence of MRI scanners. Dose-ranging efficacy studies were performed on a 1 T MRI scanner using a transgenic APP/PSEN1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. ADx-001 was tested at 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 mmol Gd/kg. Gold standard post-mortem amyloid immunostaining was used for the determination of sensitivity and specificity. ADx-001 toxicity was evaluated in rats and monkeys at doses up to 0.30 mmol Gd/kg. ADx-001 pharmacokinetics were determined in monkeys and its tissue distribution was evaluated in rats. ADx-001-enhanced MRI demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.05) brain signal enhancement in transgenic mice relative to wild type mice at all dose levels. ADx-001 demonstrated high sensitivity at 0.20 and 0.15 mmol Gd/kg and excellent specificity at all dose levels for in vivo imaging of ß amyloid plaques. ADx-001 was well tolerated in rats and monkeys and exhibited the slow clearance from circulation and tissue biodistribution typical of PEGylated nanoparticles.

miR-18a Inhibits BMP4 and HIF-1α Normalizing Brain Arteriovenous Malformations.

RATIONALE: Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal tangles of vessels where arteries and veins directly connect without intervening capillary nets, increasing the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage and stroke. Current treatments are highly invasive and often not feasible. Thus, effective noninvasive treatments are needed. We previously showed that AVM-brain endothelial cells (BECs) secreted higher VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and lower TSP-1 (thrombospondin-1) levels than control BEC; and that microRNA-18a (miR-18a) normalized AVM-BEC function and phenotype, although its mechanism remained unclear. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the mechanism of action and potential clinical application of miR-18a as an effective noninvasive treatment to selectively restore the phenotype and functionality of AVM vasculature. METHODS AND RESULTS: The molecular pathways affected by miR-18a in patient-derived BECs and AVM-BECs were determined by Western blot, RT-qPCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), ELISA, co-IP, immunostaining, knockdown and overexpression studies, flow cytometry, and luciferase reporter assays. miR-18a was shown to increase TSP-1 and decrease VEGF by reducing PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1/SERPINE1) levels. Furthermore, miR-18a decreased the expression of BMP4 (bone morphogenetic protein 4) and HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α), blocking the BMP4/ALK (activin-like kinase) 2/ALK1/ALK5 and Notch signaling pathways. As determined by Boyden chamber assays, miR-18a also reduced the abnormal AVM-BEC invasiveness, which correlated with a decrease in MMP2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2), MMP9, and ADAM10 (ADAM metallopeptidase domain 10) levels. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that miR-18a reaches the brain following intravenous and intranasal administration. Intranasal co-delivery of miR-18a and NEO100, a good manufacturing practices-quality form of perillyl alcohol, improved the pharmacokinetic profile of miR-18a in the brain without affecting its pharmacological properties. Ultra-high-resolution computed tomography angiography and immunostaining studies in an Mgp-/- AVM mouse model showed that miR-18a decreased abnormal cerebral vasculature and restored the functionality of the bone marrow, lungs, spleen, and liver. CONCLUSIONS: miR-18a may have significant clinical value in preventing, reducing, and potentially reversing AVM.

Detection of response to tumor microenvironment-targeted cellular immunotherapy using nano-radiomics.

Immunotherapies, including cell-based therapies, targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) result in variable and delayed responses. Thus, it has been difficult to gauge the efficacy of TME-directed therapies early after administration. We investigated a nano-radiomics approach (quantitative analysis of nanoparticle contrast-enhanced three-dimensional images) for detection of tumor response to cellular immunotherapy directed against myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a key component of TME. Animals bearing human MDSC-containing solid tumor xenografts received treatment with MDSC-targeting human natural killer (NK) cells and underwent nanoparticle contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging. Whereas conventional CT-derived tumor metrics were unable to differentiate NK cell immunotherapy tumors from untreated tumors, nano-radiomics revealed texture-based features capable of differentiating treatment groups. Our study shows that TME-directed cellular immunotherapy causes subtle changes not effectively gauged by conventional imaging metrics but revealed by nano-radiomics. Our work provides a method for noninvasive assessment of TME-directed immunotherapy potentially applicable to numerous solid tumors.

Critical Role of Cytosolic DNA and Its Sensing Adaptor STING in Aortic Degeneration, Dissection, and Rupture.

BACKGROUND: Sporadic aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD), caused by progressive aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) loss and extracellular matrix degradation, is a highly lethal condition. Identifying mechanisms that drive aortic degeneration is a crucial step in developing an effective pharmacologic treatment to prevent disease progression. Recent evidence has indicated that cytosolic DNA and abnormal activation of the cytosolic DNA sensing adaptor STING (stimulator of interferon genes) play a critical role in vascular inflammation and destruction. Here, we examined the involvement of this mechanism in aortic degeneration and sporadic AAD formation. METHODS: The presence of cytosolic DNA in aortic cells and activation of the STING pathway were examined in aortic tissues from patients with sporadic ascending thoracic AAD. The role of STING in AAD development was evaluated in Sting-deficient (Stinggt/gt) mice in a sporadic AAD model induced by challenging mice with a combination of a high-fat diet and angiotensin II. We also examined the direct effects of STING on SMC death and macrophage activation in vitro. RESULTS: In human sporadic AAD tissues, we observed the presence of cytosolic DNA in SMCs and macrophages and significant activation of the STING pathway. In the sporadic AAD model, Stinggt/gt mice showed significant reductions in challenge-induced aortic enlargement, dissection, and rupture in both the thoracic and abdominal aortic regions. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that aortic challenge in wild-type mice induced the DNA damage response, the inflammatory response, dedifferentiation and cell death in SMCs, and matrix metalloproteinase expression in macrophages. These changes were attenuated in challenged Stinggt/gt mice. Mechanistically, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage in SMCs and the subsequent leak of DNA to the cytosol activated STING signaling, which induced cell death through apoptosis and necroptosis. In addition, DNA from damaged SMCs was engulfed by macrophages in which it activated STING and its target interferon regulatory factor 3, which directly induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression. We also found that pharmacologically inhibiting STING activation partially prevented AAD development. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the presence of cytosolic DNA and subsequent activation of cytosolic DNA sensing adaptor STING signaling represent a key mechanism in aortic degeneration and that targeting STING may prevent sporadic AAD development.