Cytokine-based models for efficient differentiation between infection and cytokine release syndrome in patients with hematological malignancies.

Although the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has been widely demonstrated, its clinical application is hampered by the complexity and fatality of its side effects. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is the most common toxicity following CAR-T cell infusion, and its symptoms substantially overlap with those of infection. Whereas, current diagnostic techniques for infections are time-consuming and not highly sensitive. Thus, we are aiming to develop feasible and efficient models to optimize the differential diagnosis in clinical practice. This study included 191 febrile patients from our center, including 85 with CRS-related fever and 106 with infectious fever. By leveraging the serum cytokine profile at the peak of fever, we generated differential models using a classification tree algorithm and a stepwise logistic regression analysis, respectively. The first model utilized three cytokines (IFN-ß, CXCL1, and CXCL10) and demonstrated high sensitivity (90% training, 100% validation) and specificity (98.44% training, 90.48% validation) levels. The five-cytokine model (CXCL10, CCL19, IL-4, VEGF, and CCL20) also showed high sensitivity (91.67% training, 95.65% validation) and specificity (98.44% training, 100% validation). These feasible and accurate differentiation models may prompt early diagnosis of infections during immune therapy, allowing for early and appropriate intervention.

Incidence, clinical characteristics and prognosis of tumor lysis syndrome following B-cell maturation antigen-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Background aims: B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CAR-T) therapy is used for refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma (r/r MM). However, CAR-T-related tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) has been observed. We aimed to elucidate the incidence, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and prognosis of CAR-T cell-related TLS. Methods: Patients (n=105) with r/r MM treated with BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy were included. Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: Eighteen (17.1%) patients developed TLS after BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy. The median time till TLS onset was 8 days. Patients with TLS had steep rise in uric acid (UA), creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) within 6 days following CAR-T cell infusion and presented earlier and persistent escalation of cytokines (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], interferon-γ [IFN-γ], and ferritin levels). All 18 patients had cytokine release syndrome (CRS), of which 13 (72.2%) developed grade 3-4 CRS. Three of 18 patients (16.7%) developed immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS): two patients with grade 1 ICANS and one with grade 2 ICANS. TLS development had a negative effect on the objective response rate (77.8% in the TLS group vs. 95.4% in the non-TLS group, p<0.01). During the median follow-up of 15.1 months, the median PFS was poorer of patients with TLS (median: 3.4 months in the TLS group vs. 14.7 months in the non-TLS group, p<0.001, hazard ratio [HR]=3.5 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-8.5]). Also, TLS development exhibited significant effects on OS (median: 5.0 months in the TLS group vs. 39.8 months in the non-TLS group, p<0.001, hazard ratio [HR]=3.7 [95% CI 1.3-10.3]). TLS was associated with a higher tumor burden, elevated baseline creatinine and UA levels, severe CRS, pronounced CAR-T cell expansion, and corticosteroid use. Conclusion: TLS is a frequently observed CAR-T therapy complication and negatively influences clinical response and prognosis. Close monitoring for TLS should be implemented during CAR-T cell therapy, especially for those at high TLS risk.

HBV reactivation in patients with chronic or resolved HBV infection following BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy.

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CAR-T) therapy is used for refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma (r/r MM). Concern of the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in patients with chronic or resolved HBV infection is raised. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 99 patients with r/r MM treated with BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy, of which 7 (7.1%) patients had chronic HBV infection, 43 (43.4%) with resolved HBV infection, and the remaining 49 (49.49%) HBV-uninfected. Patients' characteristics before CAR-T cell administration were comparable in different status of HBV infection. Patients' liver function, cytokine levels, CAR-T cell expansion and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) grade after CAR-T cell therapy did not differ in different HBV serologic status. Furthermore, chronic HBV infection or resolved HBV infection did not affect clinical response, progress-free survival (PFS), or overall survival (OS). Four (4.04%) patients experienced HBV reactivation, 3 (6.98%) with resolved HBV infection, and 1 (14.29%) chronic HBV infection. Of 4 patients with HBV reactivation, 2 cases (50%) of severe hepatitis were noted and reported. Drops of serum IgG and elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TB) were observed in all four patients around the date of HBV reactivation.

Cytokine profiles are associated with prolonged hematologic toxicities after B-cell maturation antigen targeted chimeric antigen receptor-T-cell therapy.

BACKGROUND AIMS: The considerable efficacy of B-cell maturation antigen-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has been extensively demonstrated in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Nevertheless, in clinical practice, prolonged hematologic toxicity (PHT) extends hospital stay and impairs long-term survival. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 99 patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who underwent B-cell maturation antigen CAR-T-cell therapy at our institution between April 2018 and September 2021 (ChiCTR1800017404). RESULTS: Among 93 evaluable patients, the incidence of prolonged hematologic toxicities was high after CAR-T-cell infusion, including 38.71% (36/93) of patients with prolonged neutropenia, 22.58% (21/93) with prolonged anemia and 59.14% (55/93) with prolonged thrombocytopenia. In addition, 9.68% (9/93) of patients experienced prolonged pancytopenia. Our multivariate analyses identified that cytokine profiles were independent risk factors for PHTs, whereas a sufficient baseline hematopoietic function and high CD4/CD8 ratio of CAR-T cells were protective factors for PHTs after CAR-T-cell infusion. Subgroup analyses found that the kinetics of post-CAR-T hematologic parameters were primarily determined by the collective effects of cytokine release syndrome and baseline hematopoietic functions, and showed influential weights for the three lineages. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings improve the understanding of the impact of cytokines on hematopoietic functions, which could contribute to the mechanism investigation and exploration of potential intervention strategies.

Biology and clinical relevance of follicular cytotoxic T cells.

Follicular cytotoxic T (Tfc) cells are a newly identified subset of CD8+ T cells enriched in B cell follicles and their surroundings, which integrate multiple functions such as killing, memory, supporting and regulation. Tfc cells share similarities with follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, conventional cytotoxic CD8+ T (Tc cells)cells and follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells, while they express distinct transcription factors, phenotype, and perform different functions. With the participation of cytokines and cell-cell interactions, Tfc cells modulate Tfh cells and B cells and play an essential role in regulating the humoral immunity. Furthermore, Tfc cells have been found to change in their frequencies and functions during the occurrence and progression of chronic infections, immune-mediated diseases and cancers. Strategies targeting Tfc cells are under investigations, bringing novel insights into control of these diseases. We summarize the characteristics of Tfc cells, and introduce the roles and potential targeting modalities of Tfc cells in different diseases.

A Meta-Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Patients with Posterior Circulation Stroke after Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Posterior circulation stroke is characterized by poor prognosis because its optimal thrombolysis "time window" is always missed. After mechanical thrombectomy (MT), the recanalization rate of posterior circulation obstruction is significantly increased, but prognosis remains poor. To best manage patients, prognostic factors are needed to inform MT triaging after posterior circulation stroke. METHODS: A systematic literature search was done for the period through April 2020. Studies included those with posterior circulation stroke cases that underwent MT. The primary outcome measure in this study was the modified Rankin Scale on day 90. RESULTS: No outcome differences were found in gender, atrial fibrillation, smoking, and coronary artery disease (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.90-1.28; OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.82-1.26; OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.94-1.68; and OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.58-1.22, respectively). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and previous stroke correlated with poorer prognosis (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48-0.77; OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50-0.73; and OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55-0.99, respectively). However, hyperlipidemia correlated with better prognosis (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.58). CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicates that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or previous stroke correlate with poorer outcomes. Intriguingly, hyperlipidemia correlates with better prognosis. These factors may help inform triage decisions when considering MT for posterior circulation stroke patients. However, large, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these observations.

Smokers or non-smokers: who benefits more from immune checkpoint inhibitors in treatment of malignancies? An up-to-date meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are a milestone in anti-cancer therapy, have been applied in the treatment of multiple malignancies. Real-world data have suggested that smoking status may be associated with the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Hereby, to evaluate "smoking benefit or not", we included numerous high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) without any restriction on category. METHODS: A systematic search of online database was performed from July 2010 to July 2019. Eligible studies included phase II/III RCTs comparing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with chemotherapy in the treatment of multiple carcinomas and contained subgroup analysis of smoking status. Then, related hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of overall survival (OS) were pooled. RESULTS: In the initial meta-analysis, compared with chemotherapy, the OS of non-smokers (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.98) and smokers (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71-0.83) were significantly prolonged with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Outcomes from subgroup analysis showed that in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy groups, non-smokers showed no significant improvement in OS (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83-1.06), while the OS of smokers was significantly prolonged (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.74-0.85); in groups of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy, the OS of non-smokers (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.71) and smokers (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.61-0.85) were significantly prolonged. Combined ipilimumab and chemotherapy showed no significance in both groups. CONCLUSION: Smokers benefit from either anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy or the combined regimen compared with chemotherapy. Considering cost-effectiveness, monotherapy was recommended to smokers. For non-smokers, only the combined regimen was feasible in non-small cell lung cancer.

Blockade of SDF-1/CXCR4 reduces adhesion-mediated chemoresistance of multiple myeloma cells via interacting with interleukin-6.

Resistance to chemotherapy represents a major cause for treatment failure in multiple myeloma (MM). Herein, this study was conducted to explore the effect of SDF-1/CXCR4 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in MM cell adhesion-mediated chemoresistance. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to detect expressions of SDF-1α and IL-6 in MM patients and healthy controls. RPMI-8226 cells and isolated bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were stimulated using recombinant SDF-1α and IL-6. Effect of cocultured BMSCs and RPMI-8226 cells on chemosensitivity and apoptosis of RPMI-8226 cells was analyzed. Effect of doxorubicin on the adhesion rate of RPMl-8226 cells to BMSCs was analyzed by calcitonin test. Effect of SDF-1α-induced upregulation of IL-6 on chemotherapeutic resistance and apoptosis of RPMI-8226 cells in adhesion state was analyzed. Cell adhesion model was treated with recombinant protein SDF-1α and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (P13K) inhibitor Wortmarmin. The levels of P13K and protein kinase B (AKT) and its phosphorylation as well as the expression of IL-6 were analyzed. SDF-1α was positively correlated with IL-6. Recombinant human SDF-1α increased IL-6 expression and induced IL-6 secretion in a time- and dose-dependent manner in BMSCs, which was inhibited by IL-6 and SDF-1α neutralizing antibodies. Coculture of MM cells with BMSCs increased the drug resistance and inhibited the apoptosis on MM cells. SDF-1α-induced IL-6 upregulation mediates chemoresistance and apoptosis of RPMI-8226 cells in adhesion state. SDF-1α may up-regulate the expression of IL-6 by activating the P13K/AKT signaling pathway. SDF-1/CXCR4 may up-regulate the expression of IL-6 through the activation of the P13K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby affecting the chemoresistance mediated by adhesion in MM cells.

Deep sequencing of transcriptome profiling of GSTM2 knock-down in swine testis cells.

Glutathione-S-transferases mu 2 (GSTM2), a kind of important Phase II antioxidant enzyme of eukaryotes, is degraded by nonsense mediated mRNA decay due to a C27T substitution in the fifth exon of pigs. As a reproductive performance-related gene, GSTM2 is involved in embryo implantation, whereas, functional deficiency of GSTM2 induces pre- or post-natal death in piglets potentially. To have some insight into the role of GSTM2 in embryo development, high throughput RNA sequencing is performed using the swine testis cells (ST) with the deletion of GSTM2. Some embryo development-related genes are observed from a total of 242 differentially expressed genes, including STAT1, SRC, IL-8, DUSP family, CCL family and integrin family. GSTM2 affects expression of SRC, OPN, and SLCs. GSTM2 suppresses phosphorylation of STAT1 by binding to STAT1. In addition, as an important transcription factor, STAT1 regulates expression of uterus receptive-related genes including CCLs, IRF9, IFITs, MXs, and OAS. The present study provides evidence to molecular mechanism of GSTM2 modulating embryo development.

Enhancing the Activity of Peptide-Based Artificial Hydrolase with Catalytic Ser/His/Asp Triad and Molecular Imprinting.

In this study, an artificial hydrolase was developed by combining the catalytic Ser/His/Asp triad with N-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF), followed by coassembly of the peptides into nanofibers (CoA-HSD). The peptide-based nanofibers provide an ideal supramolecular framework to support the functional groups. Compared with the self-assembled catalytic nanofibers (SA-H), which contain only the catalytic histidine residue, the highest activity of CoA-HSD occurs when histidine, serine, and aspartate residues are at a ratio of 40:1:1. This indicates that the well-ordered nanofiber structure and the synergistic effects of serine and aspartate residues contribute to the enhancement in activity. Additionally, for the first time, molecular imprinting was applied to further enhance the activity of the peptide-based artificial enzyme (CoA-HSD). p-NPA was used as the molecular template to arrange the catalytic Ser/His/Asp triad residues in the proper orientation. As a result, the activity of imprinted coassembled CoA-HSD nanofibers is 7.86 times greater than that of nonimprinted CoA-HSD and 13.48 times that of SA-H.