Nanoparticles targeting immune checkpoint protein VISTA induce potent antitumor immunity.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint protein V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) controls antitumor immunity and is a valuable target for cancer immunotherapy. Previous mechanistic studies have indicated that VISTA impairs the toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated activation of myeloid antigen-presenting cells, promoting the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and suppressing tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cell function. METHODS: The aim of this study was to develop a dual-action lipid nanoparticle (dual-LNP) coloaded with VISTA-specific siRNA and TLR9 agonist CpG oligonucleotide. We used three murine preclinical tumor models, melanoma YUMM1.7, melanoma B16F10, and colon carcinoma MC38 to assess the functional synergy of the two cargoes of the dual LNP and therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS: The dual-LNP synergistically augmented antitumor immune responses and rejected large established tumors whereas LNPs containing VISTA siRNA or CpG alone were ineffective. In comparison with therapies using the soluble CpG and a VISTA-specific monoclonal antibody, the dual-LNP demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy yet with reduced systemic inflammatory cytokine production. In three murine models, the dual-LNP treatment achieved a high cure rate. Tumor rejection was associated with influx of immune cells to tumor tissues, augmented dendritic cell activation, production of proinflammatory cytokines, and improved function of cytotoxic T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies show the dual-LNP ensured codelivery of its synergistic cargoes to tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, leading to simultaneous silencing of VISTA and stimulation of TLR9. As a result, the dual-LNP drove a highly potent antitumor immune response that rejected large aggressive tumors, thus may be a promising therapeutic platform for treating immune-cold tumors.

Noncontrast free-breathing ECG-gated 3D balanced steady-state free precession in congenital heart disease and aortopathy evaluation.

BACKGROUND: High-fidelity cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays a pivotal role in the surveillance of congenital heart disease (CHD) and aortopathy. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the quality and accuracy of free breathing, ECG-gated noncontrast three-dimensional (3D) balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) in cases of CHDs and aortopathies using contrast-enhanced 3D bSSFP as a reference. We also used one of our routinely used non-ECG-gated 2D-single-shot (SSh) bSSFP sequence as an adjunct to noncontrast 3D bSSFP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained to perform a systematic retrospective analysis of image quality and vascular measurements. Patients with CHD and aortopathy, who were undergoing clinically indicated contrast-enhanced 3D bSSFP, were prospectively identified to also undergo additional noncontrast 3D bSSFP and 2D SSh bSSFP imaging as part of a clinical quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing the use of contrast when feasible. Two readers, blinded to each other's evaluations, graded image quality on a 5-point Likert scale and performed vascular measurements in separate sessions for both 3D bSSFP images. They also reported the visibility of various mediastinal great vessels on 2D SSh bSSFP images. Raw agreement, the weighted kappa statistic, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed to assess the consistency and agreement between the two readers. Comparative analysis of noncontrast and contrast-enhanced 3D bSSFP imaging was performed in adult and pediatric patients using a two-sided paired t-test and Bland-Altman analysis. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant for all inference testing. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients (17 males, median age 20.3 years, interquartile range (IQR) 12.5, age range 7-39 years), including 11 pediatric patients under the age of 18 years (6 males, median age 14.5 years, IQR 4.0, age range 7-17 years), underwent retrospective analysis. The overall image quality score for contrast-enhanced 3D bSSFP was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that of noncontrast 3D bSSFP for both all subjects (4.4 ± 0.2, range 4.0-4.9 vs 3.7 ± 0.4, range 3.1-4.7) and only pediatric subjects (4.3 ± 0.3, range 4.0-4.9 vs 3.6 ± 0.5, range 3.1-4.4). By combining noncontrast 3D bSSFP and 2D bSSFP, reader 1 and reader 2 rated 423 and 420 vessels diagnostic, respectively, in a total of 435 vessel segments. All landmarks showed similar mean vessel diameters without significant differences between noncontrast and contrast-enhanced 3D bSSFP MR angiography (r = 0.99, bias -0.31 mm, 95% limits of agreement -2.04 mm to 1.43 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Although contrast-enhanced images had better overall image quality, an imaging protocol consisting of noncontrast 2D SSh bSSFP and 3D bSSFP whole-chest images provides diagnostically adequate image quality, and accurate vascular measurements, comparable to free-breathing contrast-enhanced 3D bSSFP in both children and adults with CHD and aortopathies.

LRIG1 engages ligand VISTA and impairs tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses.

Immune checkpoint blockade is a promising approach to activate antitumor immunity and improve the survival of patients with cancer. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is an immune checkpoint target; however, the downstream signaling mechanisms are elusive. Here, we identify leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) as a VISTA binding partner, which acts as an inhibitory receptor by engaging VISTA and suppressing T cell receptor signaling pathways. Mice with T cell-specific LRIG1 deletion developed superior antitumor responses because of expansion of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) with increased effector function and survival. Sustained tumor control was associated with a reduction of quiescent CTLs (TCF1+ CD62Lhi PD-1low) and a reciprocal increase in progenitor and memory-like CTLs (TCF1+ PD-1+). In patients with melanoma, elevated LRIG1 expression on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ CTLs correlated with resistance to immunotherapies. These results delineate the role of LRIG1 as an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor and propose a rationale for targeting the VISTA/LRIG1 axis for cancer immunotherapy.

VISTA promotes the metabolism and differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells by STAT3 and polyamine-dependent mechanisms.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) impair antitumor immune responses. Identifying regulatory circuits during MDSC development may bring new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. We report that the V-domain suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) functions as a key enabler of MDSC differentiation. VISTA deficiency reduced STAT3 activation and STAT3-dependent production of polyamines, which causally impaired mitochondrial respiration and MDSC expansion. In both mixed bone marrow (BM) chimera mice and myeloid-specific VISTA conditional knockout mice, VISTA deficiency significantly reduced tumor-associated MDSCs but expanded monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and enhanced T cell-mediated tumor control. Correlated expression of VISTA and arginase-1 (ARG1), a key enzyme supporting polyamine biosynthesis, was observed in multiple human cancer types. In human endometrial cancer, co-expression of VISTA and ARG1 on tumor-associated myeloid cells is associated with poor survival. Taken together, these findings unveil the VISTA/polyamine axis as a central regulator of MDSC differentiation and warrant therapeutically targeting this axis for cancer immunotherapy.

Ventricular global function index is associated with clinical outcomes in pediatric pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Multiple right ventricular (RV) metrics have prognostic value in pulmonary hypertension (PH). A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) derived global ventricular function index (GFI) provided improved prediction of composite adverse outcome (CAO) in adults with atherosclerosis. GFI has not yet been explored in a PH population. We explored the feasibility of GFI as a predictor of CAO in a pediatric PH population. METHODS: Two center retrospective chart review identified pediatric PH patients undergoing CMR from Jan 2005-June 2021. GFI, defined as the ratio of the stroke volume to the sum of mean ventricular cavity and myocardial volume, was calculated for each patient. CAO was defined as death, lung transplant, Potts shunt, or parenteral prostacyclin initiation after CMR. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate associations and assess model performance between CMR parameters and CAO. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 89 patients (54% female, 84% World Health Organization (WHO) Group 1; 70% WHO-FC ≤ 2; and 27% on parenteral prostacyclin). Median age at CMR was 12 years (IQR 8.1-17). Twenty-one (24%) patients experienced CAO during median follow up of 1.5 years. CAO cohort had higher indexed RV volumes (end systolic-145 vs 99 mL/m2, p = 0.003; end diastolic-89 vs 46 mL/m2, p = 0.004) and mass (37 vs 24 gm/m2, p = 0.003), but lower ejection fraction (EF) (42 vs 51%, p < 0.001) and GFI (40 vs 52%, p < 0.001). Higher indexed RV volumes (hazard ratios [HR] 1.01, CI 1.01-1.02), lower RV EF (HR 1.09, CI 1.05-1.12) and lower RV GFI (HR 1.09, CI 1.05-1.11) were associated with increased risk of CAO. In survival analysis, patients with RV GFI < 43% demonstrated decreased event-free survival and increased hazard of CAO compared to those with RV GFI ≥ 43%. In multivariable models, inclusion of GFI provided improved prediction of CAO compared to models incorporating ventricular volumes, mass or EF. CONCLUSIONS: RV GFI was associated with CAO in this cohort, and inclusion in multivariable models had increased predictive value compared to RVEF. GFI uses readily available CMR data without additional post-processing and may provide additional prognostic value in pediatric PH patients beyond traditional CMR markers.

Left Atrial Strain in the Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot Population: Comparisons to Biventricular Function, Native T1 Values, Exercise Parameters and Healthy Controls.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive imaging markers in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) are still being investigated to inform clinical decision making. Atrial function is a prognostic indicator in many acquired and congenital heart diseases. We sought to examine the relationship between cardiac MRI (CMR)-derived indices of left atrial (LA) function, native left ventricular (LV) T1 values, biventricular systolic function, and exercise capacity in rTOF. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with rTOF without prior pulmonary valve replacement who underwent CMR (median age 18.5 years) were identified. Twenty-one adult rTOF patients (age range 19-32 years) were compared with 20 age-matched healthy volunteers (age range 19-34 years). LA reservoir, conduit, and pump global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate (SR) were determined by tissue tracking. Native LV T1 values were measured on rTOF patients. Pearson correlations were performed to determine bivariate associations. RESULTS: Adult rTOF patients had higher pump GLS, pump:conduit, and pump:reservoir GLS ratios, and lower conduit:reservoir GLS ratio, LV ejection fraction (EF), and right ventricular EF compared to controls (p < 0.001 for each comparison). LA conduit:reservoir GLS and pump:reservoir GLS had correlations to native LV T1 (ρ = 0.26, p = 0.03 and ρ = - 0.26, p = 0.03, respectively). LA reservoir SR had positive correlation to RV EF (ρ = 0.27, p = 0.03). There were no statistically significant correlations between LA function and exercise capacity. CONCLUSIONS: LA function is altered in adolescent and young adult patients with rTOF indicating worse diastolic function and relates to increasing native LV T1 values. Future studies are indicated to investigate the progression of adverse atrial-ventricular interactions and poor outcomes in this population.

Modified Ventricular Global Function Index Correlates With Exercise Capacity in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

Background Cardiac MRI (CMR) derived ventricular global function index (GFI), a ratio of stroke volume to the sum of mean ventricular cavity and myocardial volumes, has demonstrated improved prediction of clinical outcomes in adults with atherosclerotic disease over ejection fraction. We sought to assess CMR derived GFI and a novel modification that accounts for unique loading conditions in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) and determine its correlation with exercise performance. Methods and Results Seventy-five patients with rTOF who underwent CMR were identified. Clinical variables were recorded and biventricular GFI calculated. A right ventricular (RV) effective GFI (eGFI) was derived by incorporating effective stroke volume. Thirty-five pediatric patients were matched with 29 age-matched healthy controls. Twenty-five patients completed cardiopulmonary exercise tests within 6 months of CMR. Stepwise regression models were used to determine univariate and multivariable predictors of indexed and percent predicted peak VO2. Median age at CMR was 20 years (interquartile range, 13-28). Pediatric rTOF patients had lower RV eGFI (P < 0.001), RV ejection fraction (P=0.002), but higher indexed RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) compared with controls. Univariate analysis demonstrated a correlation between indexed peak VO2 with RV eGFI (R2=0.32, P=0.004), but with neither RVGFI, RV ejection fraction, indexed RV volumes nor RV mass. RV eGFI remained significantly associated with indexed peak VO2 during multivariable modeling. Conclusions Reduced RV eGFI was associated with reduced exercise capacity in rTOF patients, while RV GFI, RV ejection fraction, indexed RV volumes and mass were not. Our modification of the GFI, RV eGFI, may be a valuable non-invasive marker of cardiac function in rTOF.

Atrial Function and Its Role in the Non-invasive Evaluation of Diastolic Function in Congenital Heart Disease.

Diastolic dysfunction has correlated with adverse outcomes in various forms of unrepaired and repaired or palliated congenital heart disease (CHD). The non-invasive assessment of diastolic function in pediatric and adult patients with CHD remains challenging. Atrial size has a pivotal role in the evaluation of diastolic function; however, a growing body of evidence supports the additional role of atrial function as a more sensitive parameter of ventricular diastolic dysfunction. While the importance of atrial function is becoming clearer in adult acquired heart disease, it remains ambiguous in those with CHD. In this review we set the stage with the current understanding of diastolic function assessment in CHD, followed by insight into atrial form and function including its non-invasive assessment, and conclude with the current knowledge of atrial function in CHD. A general pattern of decrease in reservoir and conduit function with compensatory increase followed by decompensatory decrease in contractile function seems to be the common pathway of atrial dysfunction in most forms of CHD.

The rotational position of the aortic root related to its underlying ventricular support.

We aimed to assess the relationship of the rotational position of the aortic root to its underlying ventricular support, and to the position of the inferior margin of the membranous septum, which serves as a surrogate of the atrioventricular conduction axis. We analyzed 40 normal heart specimens (19 children, 21 adults). The inferior margin of the membranous septum was measured relative to the virtual basal ring. The rotational position of the aortic root was determined by assessing the relationship of the aortic leaflet of the mitral valve to the interleaflet triangle between the non- and left coronary leaflets. The extent of supporting fibrous versus myocardial tissues was measured. We also performed a similar investigation of 30 adult computed tomographic data sets. The median age was 0.25 years (44% male) for children, and 64 years (33% male) for adults. The aortic root was positioned centrally in 22 specimens (55%), rotated counterclockwise in 6 (15%), and clockwise in 12 (30%). In the setting of counterclockwise rotation, 53.4% (median) of the supporting circumference was myocardial, as opposed to 41.4% (median) in those with centrally positioned roots, and 31.9% (median) in those with clockwise rotation (P < 0.0001). The position of the inferior margin of the membranous septum was not associated with the rotational position. Analysis of the 30 adult computed tomographic data sets (median age 66.5 years, 57% male) confirmed the positive relationship between clockwise rotation of the aortic root and an increase in the extent of fibrous as opposed to myocardial support. The rotational position of the aortic root correlates with variation in the extent of its fibrous as opposed to myocardial ventricular support, but not with the position of the inferior margin of the membranous septum relative to the virtual basal ring. Clin. Anat. 32:1107-1117, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Immune-Checkpoint Protein VISTA Regulates Antitumor Immunity by Controlling Myeloid Cell-Mediated Inflammation and Immunosuppression.

Immune-checkpoint protein V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) controls antitumor immunity and is a valuable target for cancer immunotherapy. This study identified a role of VISTA in regulating Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in myeloid cells and controlling myeloid cell-mediated inflammation and immunosuppression. VISTA modulated the polyubiquitination and protein expression of TRAF6. Consequently, VISTA dampened TLR-mediated activation of MAPK/AP-1 and IKK/NF-κB signaling cascades. At cellular levels, VISTA regulated the effector functions of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tolerogenic dendritic cell (DC) subsets. Blocking VISTA augmented their ability to produce proinflammatory mediators and diminished their T cell-suppressive functions. These myeloid cell-dependent effects resulted in a stimulatory tumor microenvironment that promoted T-cell infiltration and activation. We conclude that VISTA is a critical myeloid cell-intrinsic immune-checkpoint protein and that the reprogramming of tolerogenic myeloid cells following VISTA blockade promotes the development of T cell-mediated antitumor immunity.

Assessing the criteria for definition of perimembranous ventricular septal defects in light of the search for consensus.

BACKGROUND: Discussions continue as to whether ventricular septal defects are best categorized according to their right ventricular geography or their borders. This is especially true when considering the perimembranous defect. Our aim, therefore, was to establish the phenotypic feature of the perimembranous defect, and to establish the ease of distinguishing its geographical variants. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed unrepaired isolated perimembranous ventricular defects from six historic archives, subcategorizing them using the ICD-11 coding system. We identified 365 defects, of which 94 (26%) were deemed to open centrally, 168 (46%) to open to the outlet, and 84 (23%) to the inlet of the right ventricle, with 19 (5%) being confluent. In all hearts, the unifying phenotypic feature was fibrous continuity between the leaflets of the mitral and tricuspid valves. This was often directly between the valves, but in all instances incorporated continuity through the atrioventricular portion of the membranous septum. In contrast, we observed fibrous continuity between the leaflets of the tricuspid and aortic valves in only 298 (82%) of the specimens. When found, discontinuity most commonly was seen in the outlet and central defects. There were no discrepancies between evaluators in distinguishing the borders, but there was occasional disagreement in determining the right ventricular geography of the defect. CONCLUSIONS: The unifying feature of perimembranous defects, rather than being aortic-to-tricuspid valvar fibrous continuity, is fibrous continuity between the leaflets of the atrioventricular valves. While right ventricular geography is important in classification, it is the borders which are more objectively defined.

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 protects blood-brain barrier integrity following cerebral ischemia.

Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) following cerebral ischemia is closely related to the infiltration of peripheral cells into the brain, progression of lesion formation, and clinical exacerbation. However, the mechanism that regulates BBB integrity, especially after permanent ischemia, remains unclear. Here, we present evidence that astrocytic N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), a differentiation- and stress-associated molecule, may function as a modulator of BBB permeability following ischemic stroke, using a mouse model of permanent cerebral ischemia. Immunohistological analysis showed that the expression of NDRG2 increases dominantly in astrocytes following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Genetic deletion of Ndrg2 exhibited enhanced levels of infarct volume and accumulation of immune cells into the ipsilateral brain hemisphere following ischemia. Extravasation of serum proteins including fibrinogen and immunoglobulin, after MCAO, was enhanced at the ischemic core and perivascular region of the peri-infarct area in the ipsilateral cortex of Ndrg2-deficient mice. Furthermore, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after MCAO markedly increased in Ndrg2-/- mice. In culture, expression and secretion of MMP-3 was increased in Ndrg2-/- astrocytes, and this increase was reversed by adenovirus-mediated re-expression of NDRG2. These findings suggest that NDRG2, expressed in astrocytes, may play a critical role in the regulation of BBB permeability and immune cell infiltration through the modulation of MMP expression following cerebral ischemia.

Ndrg2 deficiency ameliorates neurodegeneration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a differentiation- and stress-associated molecule that is predominantly expressed in astrocytes in the central nervous system. In this study, we examined the expression and role of NDRG2 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression of NDRG2 was observed in astrocytes of spinal cord, and was enhanced after EAE induction. A comparative analysis of wild-type and Ndrg2-/- mice revealed that deletion of Ndrg2 ameliorated the clinical symptoms of EAE. Although Ndrg2 deficiency only slightly affected the inflammatory response, based on the results of flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry, it significantly reduced demyelination in the chronic phase, and, more importantly, neurodegeneration both in the acute and chronic phases. Further studies revealed that the expression of astrocytic glutamate transporters, including glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) and glutamate transporter 1, was more maintained in the Ndrg2-/- mice compared with wild-type mice after EAE induction. Consistent with these results, studies using cultured astrocytes revealed that Ndrg2 gene silencing increased the expression of GLAST, while NDRG2 over-expression decreased it without altering the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein. The effect of NDRG2 on GLAST expression was associated with the activation of Akt, but not with the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B. These findings suggest that NDRG2 plays a key role in the pathology of EAE by modulating glutamate metabolism. Cover Image for this Issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14173.

CD38 positively regulates postnatal development of astrocytes cell-autonomously and oligodendrocytes non-cell-autonomously.

Glial development is critical for the function of the central nervous system. CD38 is a multifunctional molecule with ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity. While critical roles of CD38 in the adult brain such as oxytocin release and social behavior have been reported, those in the developing brain remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that deletion of Cd38 leads to impaired development of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in mice. CD38 is highly expressed in the developing brains between postnatal day 14 (P14) and day 28 (P28). In situ hybridization and FACS analysis revealed that CD38 is expressed predominantly in astrocytes in these periods. Analyses of the cortex of Cd38 knockout (Cd38-/- ) mice revealed delayed development of astrocytes and subsequently delayed differentiation of oligodendrocytes (OLs) at postnatal stages. In vitro experiments using primary OL cultures, mixed glial cultures, and astrocytic conditioned medium showed that astrocytic CD38 regulates the development of astrocytes in a cell-autonomous manner and the differentiation of OLs in a non-cell-autonomous manner. Further experiments revealed that connexin43 (Cx43) in astrocytes plays a promotive role for CD38-mediated OL differentiation. Finally, increased levels of NAD+ , caused by CD38 deficiency, are likely to be responsible for the suppression of astrocytic Cx43 expression and OL differentiation. Our data indicate that CD38 is a positive regulator of astrocyte and OL development.

Atf6α deficiency suppresses microglial activation and ameliorates pathology of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Accumulating evidence suggests a critical role for the unfolded protein response in multiple sclerosis (MS) and in its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we investigated the relevance of activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α), an upstream regulator of part of the unfolded protein response, in EAE. The expressions of ATF6α-target molecular chaperones such as glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) were enhanced in the acute inflammatory phase after induction of EAE. Deletion of Atf6α suppressed the accumulation of T cells and microglia/macrophages in the spinal cord, and ameliorated the clinical course and demyelination after EAE induction. In contrast to the phenotypes in the spinal cord, activation status of T cells in the peripheral tissues or in the culture system was not different between two genotypes. Bone marrow transfer experiments and adoptive transfer of autoimmune CD4+ T cells to recipient mice (passive EAE) also revealed that CNS-resident cells are responsible for the phenotypes observed in Atf6α-/- mice. Further experiments with cultured cells indicated that inflammatory response was reduced in Atf6α-/- microglia, but not in Atf6α-/- astrocytes, and was associated with proteasome-dependent degradation of NF-κB p65. Thus, our results demonstrate a novel role for ATF6α in microglia-mediated CNS inflammation. We investigated the relevance of ATF6α, an upstream regulator of part of the UPR, in EAE. Deletion of Atf6α suppressed inflammation, and ameliorated demyelination after EAE. Bone marrow transfer experiments and adoptive transfer of autoimmune CD4+ T cells revealed that CNS-resident cells are responsible for the phenotypes in Atf6α-/- mice. Furthermore, inflammatory response was reduced in Atf6α-/- microglia, and was associated with degradation of NF-κB p65. Our results demonstrate a novel role for ATF6α in microglia-mediated inflammation. Cover image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13346.

Ehrlichiosis Induced Aseptic Meningitis and Second-Degree Heart Block in an Adolescent Male.

We present a previously healthy 16-year-old male with ehrlichiosis-induced aseptic meningitis and subsequent second-degree heart block.

Deletion of Herpud1 Enhances Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Herp is an endoplasmic reticulum- (ER-) resident membrane protein that plays a role in ER-associated degradation. We studied the expression of Herp and its effect on neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD), in which both the oxidative stress and the ER stress are evoked. Eight hours after administering a PD-related neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), to mice, the expression of Herp increased at both the mRNA and the protein levels. Experiments using Herpud1 (+/+) and Herpud1 (-/-) mice revealed that the status of acute degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons and reactive astrogliosis was comparable between two genotypes after MPTP injection. However, the expression of a potent antioxidant, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), was detected to a higher degree in the astrocytes of Herpud1 (-/-) mice than in the astrocytes of Herpud1 (+/+) mice 24 h after MPTP administration. Further experiments using cultured astrocytes revealed that the stress response against MPP(+), an active form of MPTP, and hydrogen peroxide, both of which cause oxidative stress, was comparable between the two genotypes. These results suggest that deletion of Herpud1 may cause a slightly higher level of initial damage in the nigrastrial neurons after MPTP administration but is compensated for by higher induction of antioxidants such as HO-1 in astrocytes.

Deletion of Atf6α impairs astroglial activation and enhances neuronal death following brain ischemia in mice.

To dissect the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response in brain ischemia, we investigated the relevance of activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α), a master transcriptional factor in the unfolded protein response, after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice. Enhanced expression of glucose-regulated protein78, a downstream molecular chaperone of ATF6α, was observed in both neurons and glia in the peri-infarct region of wild-type mice after MCAO. Analysis using wild-type and Atf6α(-/-) mice revealed a larger infarct volume and increased cell death in the peri-ischemic region of Atf6α(-/-) mice 5 days after MCAO. These phenotypes in Atf6α(-/-) mice were associated with reduced levels of astroglial activation/glial scar formation, and a spread of tissue damage into the non-infarct area. Further analysis in mice and cultured astrocytes revealed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-glial fibrillary acidic protein signaling were diminished in Atf6α(-/-) astrocytes. A chemical chaperone, 4-phenylbutyrate, restored STAT3-glial fibrillary acidic protein signaling, while ER stressors, such as tunicamycin and thapsigargin, almost completely abolished signaling in cultured astrocytes. Furthermore, ER stress-induced deactivation of STAT3 was mediated, at least in part, by the ER stress-responsive tyrosine phosphatase, TC-PTP/PTPN2. These results suggest that ER stress plays critical roles in determining the level of astroglial activation and neuronal survival after brain ischemia.

Optical measurement of depth and duty cycle for binary diffraction gratings with subwavelength features.

We describe a new and unique method for simultaneous determination of the groove depth and duty cycle of binary diffraction gratings. For a near-normal angle of incidence, the +1 and -1 diffracted orders will behave nearly the same as the duty cycle is varied for a fixed grating depth. The difference in their behavior, quantified as the ratio of their respective diffraction efficiencies, is compared to a look-up table generated by rigorous coupled-wave theory, and the duty cycle of the grating is thus obtained as a function of grating depth. Performing the same analysis for the orthogonal probe-light polarization results in a different functional dependence of the duty cycle on the grating depth. By use of both TE and TM polarizations, the depth and duty cycle for the grating are obtained by the intersection of the functions generated by the individual polarizations. These measurements can also be used to assess qualitatively both the uniformity of the grating and the symmetry of the grating profile. Comparison with scanning electron microscope images shows excellent agreement. This method is advantageous since it can be carried out rapidly, is accurate and repeatable, does not damage the sample, and uses low-cost, commonly available equipment. Since this method consists of only four fixed simple measurements, it is highly suitable for quality control in a manufacturing environment.