Beauty in experiment: A qualitative analysis of aesthetic experiences in scientific practice.

A growing literature in philosophy of science focuses on the role of aesthetics in scientific practice, with the experiment recently recognized for its aesthetic value. However, the literature on aesthetics in experimentation grows out of case studies from the history of science, leaving open the question as to how contemporary scientists experience aesthetics in their experimental work. In this paper we offer the first qualitative, empirical analysis of aesthetic experiences regarding experimental practice, drawing from in-depth interviews with 215 scientists in four countries. We identify six categories of aesthetic experience we find in experimentation, their function, and new questions emerging from our study.

Possible impact of HLA class I and class II on malignancies driven by a single germ-line BRCA1 mutation.

This study provides the first immunogenetic preliminary evidence that specific human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I and class II alleles and haplotypes may be relevant for BRCA1 c.5263_5264insC driven oncogenesis. Observed HLA associations might have practical implications for establishment of predictive markers for the response to immunotherapies in malignancies driven by this germ-line mutation.

The role of non-classical and chain-related human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the major pathological subtype of laryngeal cancer. It has been shown that alterations of the expression of non-classical human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and the chain-related MIC molecules by malignant cells can lead to escape from the immune system control and certain allele variants may participate in immune editing and therefore be associated with modulation of cancer risk. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of non-classical HLA class Ib and chain-related MIC polymorphisms, determined at the allelic level by next-generation sequencing (NGS), in patients from the Bulgarian population, diagnosed with LSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study DNA samples from 48 patients with LSCC were used. Data was compared to 63 healthy controls analysed in previous studies. HLA genotyping was performed by using the AlloSeq Tx17 early pooling protocol and the library preparation AlloSeq Tx17 kit (CareDx). Sequencing was performed on MiniSeq sequencing platform (Illumina) and HLA genotypes were assigned with the AlloSeq Assign analysis software v1.0.3 (CareDx) and the IPD-IMGT/HLA database 3.45.1.2. RESULTS: The HLA disease association tests revealed a statistically significant predisposing association of HLA-F*01:01:02 (Pc = 0.0103, OR = 24.0194) with LSCC, while HLA-F*01:01:01 (Pc = 8.21e-04, OR = 0.0485) has a possible protective association. Additionally we observed several haplotypes with statistically significant protective and predisposing associations. The strongest association was observed for F*01:01:01-H*01:01:01 (P = 0.0054, haplotype score=-2.7801). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary study suggests the involvement of HLA class Ib in cancer development and the possible role of the shown alleles as biomarkers of LSCC.

Exploration of the role of NKG2D ligands MICA and MICB in JAK2 V617F-positive myeloproliferative neoplasms.

JAK2 V617F-driven myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can escape immune surveillance through PD-L1 up-regulation and HLA class I pathway down-regulation. To complement these data we assessed the role of major histocompatibility complex class I-related genes (MICA and MICB) in JAK2 V617F+ MPNs. Using high resolution genotyping we identified two protective alleles, MICA*008:01 and MICA*016. MPN patients had significantly higher levels of soluble sMICA molecules. Peripheral blood JAK2 V617F+ granulocytes had higher surface expression of MICB but did not differ in the amount of MICA and MICB transcripts from normal granulocytes. MICA and MICB genes were significantly down-regulated in JAK2 V617F+ CD34+ cells from primary myelofibrosis patients in comparison to normal CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells. These data suggest minor but significant role of MICA and MICB genes in the pathogenesis of MPNs. It is also possible that MICA targeting approaches could be of clinical benefit for some of those patients.

The relevance of HLA class II genes in JAK2 V617F-positive myeloproliferative neoplasms.

In the present study we analyzed the relevance of HLA class II in JAK2 V617F-positive (JAK2 V617F+) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) focusing on genotype diversity, associations with specific alleles and haplotypes and the level of gene expression. One hundred and thirty-nine JAK2 V617F+ MPN patients and 1083 healthy controls, typed by Next generation sequencing (NGS) were included in the study. Multivariate generalized linear models with age as a covariate were applied for analysis of HLA-II allele and haplotype associations. Publicly available gene expression datasets were used to analyze HLA-II pathway genes expression in CD34+ stem cells (SCs) from MPN patients and healthy controls. We did not observe differences in HLA evolutionary divergence (HED) between JAK2 V617F+ MPNs and healthy controls. Two alleles: HLA-DPB1*03:01, DQB1*04:02 and 4 haplotypes: DPB1*02:01-DQA1*05:05-DQB1*03:01-DRB1*11:01, DPB1*04:02-DQA1*05:05-DQB1*03:01-DRB1*11:03, DPB1*02:01-DQA1*01:04-DQB1*05:03-DRB1*14:04, and DPB1*04:01-DQA1*03:01-DQB1*03:02-DRB1*04:01 had significantly lower frequency in MPN patients compared to controls. Additionally, we observed HLA-II alleles and haplotypes with statistically higher frequencies in JAK2 V617F+ patients. Differential gene expression analysis showed down-regulation of HLA-DRB1, -DRA, -DMA, -DMB, -DOA,-DRB4, CIITA, and CD74 genes in JAK2 V617F+ MPN CD34+ SCs as compared to normal CD34 + SCs. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the pleiotropic effects of HLA-II genes in JAK2 V617F-driven MPNs.

Association of specific HLA alleles and haplotypes with pemphigus vulgaris in the Bulgarian population.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous dermatosis with uneven geographic distribution and higher incidence in certain populations. In previous studies, a relatively high incidence of PV was reported in Bulgaria (0.47/100,000/year) comparable to that in other countries. The genetic background was considered responsible for the disease susceptibility, and multiple reports have proven PV to be an HLA-associated condition. The aim of our study was to analyze the role of genetic factors in the development of PV in Bulgaria. HLA genotyping was performed in 56 PV patients, ethnic Bulgarians whose diagnosis was confirmed based on clinical, histological, and immunofluorescent findings. The control group consisted of 204 healthy individuals from the Bulgarian population without evidence for HLA-associated autoimmune diseases. HLA-A,-B,-DRB1,-DQB1 analysis was performed by PCR-SSP. Our results revealed predisposing associations with DRB1*14, DRB1*04:02, and B*38, B*55, while allele DRB1*03:01 and the corresponding haplotypes were significantly decreased in the PV patients. The predisposing role of these alleles has been observed in other populations. All reported predisposing DRB1 alleles have the same amino acids at key positions of the beta chain of the HLA molecules, 26 (Phe), 67 (Leu or Ileu), 70 and 71 (hydrophobic AA: Gln, Arg, Asp, or Glu), and 86 (Val), which is important for the selective presentation of desmoglein 3 peptides. Additionally, specific alleles HLA-A*01 and DRB1*11 were identified with decreased frequencies in the patients' group, the last one being a common protective allele for autoimmune diseases in the Bulgarian population. The elucidation of the role of genetic factors for the development of pemphigus will help explain its higher incidence and clinical variability in certain populations.

HLA class I chain-related MICA and MICB genes polymorphism in healthy individuals from the Bulgarian population.

Although human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene polymorphism has been investigated in many populations around the world, the data on MHC class I chain-related (MIC) genes are still limited. The present study is aimed to analyze the allelic polymorphism of MICA and MICB genes and haplotype associations with HLA-B locus in 132 healthy, unrelated individuals from the Bulgarian population by next generation sequencing (NGS). A total of 36 MICA and 16 MICB alleles were observed with the highest frequency detected for MICA*008:01 (17.1%) and MICB*005:02 (32.4%). Further, two and three-loci haplotype frequencies and pairwise linkage disequilibrium were estimated. Highly significant global linkage disequilibrium was found between either HLA-B and MICA and MICB genes. This is the first study on MICA and MICB allelic polymorphism, linkage disequilibrium, and haplotype polymorphism in the Bulgarian population. These results will allow for better characterization of the genetic heterogeneity of the Bulgarian population and could contribute to further analyses on MICA and MICB clinical significance.

Associations of high-resolution-typing-defined MICA and MICB polymorphisms, and the levels of soluble MICA and MICB with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Bulgarian patients.

BACKGROUND: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignancy characterized by an aggressive tumor growth and significant mortality. Clarifying mechanisms responsible for immunomodulation are among the main challenges for the development of personalized approaches for the management of patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relevance of MICA and MICB to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma pathogenesis focusing on allele polymorphisms and the levels of soluble MICA and MICB molecules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 73 patients diagnosed with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and 149 healthy controls from the Bulgarian population were included in the study. MICA and MICB polymorphism was analyzed at high-resolution level using Next-Generation Sequencing. Serum levels of soluble MICA and MICB molecules were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Our results show significant protective association with MICB*002:01, while relatively rare alleles MICB*018, *019, and *020 were observed with statistically significant increased frequency in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma patients compared to controls. Additionally, a predisposing association was observed for MICA*008:01-MICB*019 haplotype. A correlation analysis between functionally relevant MICA polymorphisms and sMICA showed that homozygosity for MICA-A5.1 or 129Val in OSCC patients was associated with significantly higher serum levels of sMICA. CONCLUSION: This is the first study showing significant associations between MICB alleles and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and suggesting the possible role of MICB in immunosurveillance in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma development. Observed correlations between the levels of soluble MICA molecules and functionally relevant polymorphisms might represent a further step toward a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and developing strategies for therapeutic targeting harnessing effective immunosurveillance.

HLA genotyping meets response to immune checkpoint inhibitors prediction: A story just started.

The implementation of the immune checkpoint blockade as a therapeutic option in contemporary oncology is one of the significant immunological achievements in the last century. Constantly accumulating evidence suggests that the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is not universal. Therefore, it is critical to identify determinants for response, resistance and adverse effects of immune checkpoint therapy that could be developed as prognostic and predictive markers. Recent large scale analyses of cancer genome data revealed the key role of HLA class I and class II molecules in cancer immunoediting, and it appears that HLA diversity can predict response to ICIs. In the present review, we summarize the emerging data on the role of HLA germline variations as a marker for response to ICIs.

Review of Genetic Variation as a Predictive Biomarker for Chronic Graft-Versus-Host-Disease After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is one of the major complications of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). cGvHD is an autoimmune-like disorder affecting multiple organs and involves a dermatological rash, tissue inflammation and fibrosis. The incidence of cGvHD has been reported to be as high as 30% to 60% and there are currently no reliable tools for predicting the occurrence of cGvHD. There is therefore an important unmet clinical need for predictive biomarkers. The present review summarizes the state of the art for genetic variation as a predictive biomarker for cGvHD. We discuss three different modes of action for genetic variation in transplantation: genetic associations, genetic matching, and pharmacogenetics. The results indicate that currently, there are no genetic polymorphisms or genetic tools that can be reliably used as validated biomarkers for predicting cGvHD. A number of recommendations for future studies can be drawn. The majority of studies to date have been under-powered and included too few patients and genetic markers. Like in all complex multifactorial diseases, large collaborative genome-level studies are now needed to achieve reliable and unbiased results. Some of the candidate genes, in particular, CTLA4, HSPE, IL1R1, CCR6, FGFR1OP, and IL10, and some non-HLA variants in the HLA gene region have been replicated to be associated with cGvHD risk in independent studies. These associations should now be confirmed in large well-characterized cohorts with fine mapping. Some patients develop cGvHD despite very extensive immunosuppression and other treatments, indicating that the current therapeutic regimens may not always be effective enough. Hence, more studies on pharmacogenetics are also required. Moreover, all of these studies should be adjusted for diagnostic and clinical features of cGvHD. We conclude that future studies should focus on modern genome-level tools, such as machine learning, polygenic risk scores and genome-wide association study-transcription meta-analyses, instead of focusing on just single variants. The risk of cGvHD may be related to the summary level of immunogenetic differences, or whole genome histocompatibility between each donor-recipient pair. As the number of genome-wide analyses in HSCT is increasing, we are approaching an era where there will be sufficient data to incorporate these approaches in the near future.

Probable HLA-mediated immunoediting of JAK2 V617F-driven oncogenesis.

Human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) genotype has been found to influence cancer development through the presentation of mutational neoepitopes. However, our understanding of its effect on the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) remains limited. We aimed to elucidate the putative protective role of HLA-I alleles in the development of JAK2 V617F-driven MPNs using a population genetics approach. The variability of the HLA-I genotype had no effect on the presence of JAK2 V617F mutation. However, three alleles were found to be inversely correlated with the presence of JAK2 V617F mutation: HLA-A*02:01 (p = 0.036), HLA-B*35:01 (p = 0.017), and HLA-C*15:02 (p = 0.033). The HLA-B*35:01 allele was predicted to bind to a 9-mer peptide derived from JAK2 V617F mutant protein. Gene expression analysis revealed a lower expression of HLA-A and -B in MPN CD34+ cells compared with normal CD34+ cells, which was modulated by ruxolitinib and interferon-α treatment. In summary, we provide robust evidence that specific HLA-I molecules restrict JAK2 V617F-driven oncogenesis. JAK2 V617F+ stem cells evade immune surveillance through downregulation of the HLA-I expression. Therefore, the presence of specific HLA-I alleles might be a predictive marker for response to certain immunotherapies upregulating HLA-I expression. Finally, our findings have implications in the development of mutational neoepitope-based vaccines in MPNs.

Clonal haematopoiesis and COVID-19: A possible deadly liaison.

We provide evidence for a linear correlation between the frequency of clonal haematopoiesis and COVID-19 mortality rate. We discuss the mechanistic explanations for this association mediated by a pathological inflammatory response. Our hypothesis can be tested in COVID-19-infected patients and eventually lead to new approaches to risk stratification and therapy.

17th IHIW component "Immunogenetics of Ageing" - New NGS data.

The 'Immunogenetics of Aging' project is a component introduced in the 14th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIW) and developed further within subsequent workshops. The aim was to determine the relevance of immunogenetic markers, focusing on HLA, cytokine genes, and some innate immunity genes, for successful aging and an increased capacity to reach the extreme limits of life-span. Within the 17th IHIW we applied Next Generation Sequencing methods to refine further HLA associations at allele level in longevity, and to extend our knowledge to additional loci such as HLA-DQA1, HLA-DPB1 and HLA-DPA1. Analysis of relatively small number of healthy elderly and young controls from four populations showed that some HLA class I and class II alleles were significantly positively associated with healthy aging. Additionally we observed statistically significant differences in HLA allele distribution when the analysis was performed separately in elderly females and males compared to sex-matched young controls. Haplotypes, probably associated with better control of viral and malignant diseases were increased in the elderly sample. These preliminary NGS data could confirm our hypotheses that survival and longevity might be associated with selection of HLA alleles and haplotypes conferring disease resistance or susceptibility. Therefore HLA alleles and haplotypes could be informative immunogenetic markers for successful ageing.

Quality control project of NGS HLA genotyping for the 17th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop.

The 17th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIW) organizers conducted a Pilot Study (PS) in which 13 laboratories (15 groups) participated to assess the performance of the various sequencing library preparation protocols, NGS platforms and software in use prior to the workshop. The organizers sent 50 cell lines to each of the 15 groups, scored the 15 independently generated sets of NGS HLA genotyping data, and generated "consensus" HLA genotypes for each of the 50 cell lines. Proficiency Testing (PT) was subsequently organized using four sets of 24 cell lines, selected from 48 of 50 PS cell lines, to validate the quality of NGS HLA typing data from the 34 participating IHIW laboratories. Completion of the PT program with a minimum score of 95% concordance at the HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 loci satisfied the requirements to submit NGS HLA typing data for the 17th IHIW projects. Together, these PS and PT efforts constituted the 17th IHIW Quality Control project. Overall PT concordance rates for HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DPA1, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB3, HLA-DRB4 and HLA-DRB5 were 98.1%, 97.0% and 98.1%, 99.0%, 98.6%, 98.8%, 97.6%, 96.0%, 99.1%, 90.0% and 91.7%, respectively. Across all loci, the majority of the discordance was due to allele dropout. The high cost of NGS HLA genotyping per experiment likely prevented the retyping of initially failed HLA loci. Despite the high HLA genotype concordance rates of the software, there remains room for improvement in the assembly of more accurate consensus DNA sequences by NGS HLA genotyping software.

Calreticulin Mutations in Bulgarian MPN Patients.

Somatic mutations in JAK2, MPL and CALR are recurrently identified in most of the cases with Philadelphia chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). We applied four molecular genetic methods for identification of CALR exon 9 mutations, including high resolution melt (HRM) analysis, Sanger sequencing, semiconductor target genes sequencing and whole exome sequencing. A total of 78 patients with myeloid malignancies were included in the study. We identified 14 CALR exon 9 mutated cases out of 78 studied patients with myeloid malignancies. All mutated patients were diagnosed with MPN being either PMF (n = 7) or ET (n = 7). Nine cases had type 1 mutations and 5 cases had type 2 mutations. CALR exon 9, MPL exon 10 and JAK2 p. V617F were mutually exclusive. There were no statistically significant differences in the hematological parameters between the cases with CALR and JAK2 or MPL mutations. Notably, all four techniques were fully concordant in the detection of CALR mutations. This is one of the few reports on the CALR mutations frequency in South-eastern populations. Our study shows that the frequency and patterns of these mutations is identical to those in the patients' cohorts from Western countries. Besides we demonstrated the utility of four different methods for their detection.