Dexamethasone potentiates chimeric antigen receptor T cell persistence and function by enhancing IL-7Rα expression.

Dexamethasone (dex) is a glucocorticoid that is a mainstay for the treatment of inflammatory pathologies, including immunotherapy-associated toxicities, yet the specific impact of dex on the activity of CAR T cells is not fully understood. We assessed whether dex treatment given ex vivo or as an adjuvant in vivo with CAR T cells impacted the phenotype or function of CAR T cells. We demonstrated that CAR T cell expansion and function were not inhibited by dex. We confirmed this observation using multiple CAR constructs and tumor models, suggesting that this is a general phenomenon. Moreover, we determined that dex upregulated interleukin-7 receptor α on CAR T cells and increased the expression of genes involved in activation, migration, and persistence when supplemented ex vivo. Direct delivery of dex and IL-7 into tumor-bearing mice resulted in increased persistence of adoptively transferred CAR T cells and complete tumor regression. Overall, our studies provide insight into the use of dex to enhance CAR T cell therapy and represent potential novel strategies for augmenting CAR T cell function during production as well as following infusion into patients.

Sequential CAR T cell and targeted alpha immunotherapy in disseminated multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is still an incurable disorder despite improved antibody and cellular therapies against different MM antigens. Single targeted antigens have so far been ineffective against MM with most patients relapsing after initial response. Hence, sequential immunotherapies directed at different targets are expected to perform better than monotherapy alone. Here, we optimized and established in preclinical studies the therapeutic rationale of using targeted alpha therapy (TAT) directed against CD38 antigen (225Ac-DOTA-daratumumab) with CAR T cell therapy directed at CS1 antigen in a systemic MM model. The sequential therapies compared CAR T therapy followed by TAT to TAT followed by CAR T therapy. CAR T cell monotherapy increased median survival from 49 days (d) in untreated controls to 71d with a modest improvement to 89d for 3.7 kBq of TAT given 14d later. When CAR T was followed by 7.4 kBq of TAT 29d later, sequential therapy increased median survival from 47d in untreated controls to 106d, compared to 68d for CAR T monotherapy. When CAR T therapy was followed by untargeted alpha immunotherapy using 7.4 kBq of 225Ac-DOTA-trastuzumab (anti-HER2) antibody 29d later, there was only a slight improvement in response over CAR T monotherapy demonstrating the role of tumor targeting. TAT (7.4 kBq) followed by CAR T therapy was also effective when CAR T therapy was delayed for 21d vs 14d or 28d post TAT, highlighting the importance of timing sequential therapies. Sequential targeted therapies using CS1 CAR T or 225Ac-DOTA-CD38 TAT in either order shows promise over monotherapies alone.

The Cross-Talk between miR-511-3p and C-Type Lectin Receptors on Dendritic Cells Affects Dendritic Cell Function.

MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs that function as posttranscriptional modulators of gene expression by binding target mRNAs and inhibiting translation. They are therefore crucial regulators of several biological as well as immunological events. Recently, miR-511-3p has been implicated in the development and differentiation of APCs, such as dendritic cells (DCs), and regulating several human diseases. Interestingly, miR-511-3p is embedded within the human MRC1 gene that encodes the mannose receptor. In this study, we sought to examine the impact of miR-511-3p up- or downregulation on human DC surface phenotype, cytokine profile, immunogenicity (using IDO activity as a surrogate), and downstream T cell polarization. Using gene silencing and a selection of microRNA mimics, we could successfully suppress or induce the expression of miR-511-3p in DCs. Consequently, we show for the first time, to our knowledge, that inhibition and/or overexpression of miR-511-3p has opposing effects on the expression levels of two key C-type lectin receptors, namely the mannose receptor and DC-specific ICAM 3 nonintegrin at protein and mRNA levels, thereby affecting C-type lectin receptor-induced modulation of IDO activity in DCs. Furthermore, we show that downregulation of miR-511-3p drives an anti-inflammatory DC response characterized by IL-10 production. Interestingly, the miR-511-3plow DCs also promoted IL-4 secretion and suppressed IL-17 in cocultures with autologous T cells. Together, our data highlight the potential role of miR-511 in regulating DC function and downstream events leading to Th polarization and immune modulation.

Holographic optical trapping Raman micro-spectroscopy for non-invasive measurement and manipulation of live cells.

We present a new approach for combining holographic optical tweezers with confocal Raman spectroscopy. Multiple laser foci, generated using a liquid-crystal spatial light modulator, are individually used for both optical trapping and excitation of spontaneous Raman spectroscopy from trapped objects. Raman scattering from each laser focus is spatially filtered using reflective apertures on a digital micro-mirror device, which can be reconfigured with flexible patterns at video rate. We discuss operation of the instrument, and performance and viability considerations for biological measurements. We then demonstrate the capability of the instrument for fast, flexible, and interactive manipulation with molecular measurement of interacting live cell systems.

The mannose receptor negatively modulates the Toll-like receptor 4-aryl hydrocarbon receptor-indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase axis in dendritic cells affecting T helper cell polarization.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) are key players in the induction and re-elicitation of TH2 responses to allergens. We have previously shown that different C-type lectin receptors on DCs play a major role in allergen recognition and uptake. In particular, mannose receptor (MR), through modulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling, can regulate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity, favoring TH2 responses. Interestingly, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor with an emerging role in immune modulation, has been implicated in IDO activation in response to TLR stimulation. OBJECTIVE: Here we investigated how allergens and lectins modulate the TLR4-AhR-IDO axis in human monocyte-derived DCs. METHODS: Using a combination of genomics, proteomics, and immunologic studies, we investigated the role of MR and AhR in IDO regulation and its effect on T helper cell differentiation. RESULTS: We have demonstrated that LPS induces both IDO isoforms (IDO1 and IDO2) in DCs, with partial involvement of AhR. Additionally, we found that, like mannan, different airborne allergens can effectively downregulate TLR4-induced IDO1 and IDO2 expression, most likely through binding to the MR. Mannose-based ligands were also able to downregulate IL-12p70 production by DCs, affecting T helper cell polarization. Interestingly, AhR and some components of the noncanonical nuclear factor κB pathway were shown to be downregulated after MR engagement, which could explain the regulatory effects of MR on IDO expression. CONCLUSION: Our work demonstrates a key role for MR in the modulation of the TLR4-AhR-IDO axis, which has a significant effect on DC behavior and the development of immune responses against allergens.

Neutralization of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites by antibodies against PfRH5.

There is intense interest in induction and characterization of strain-transcending neutralizing Ab against antigenically variable human pathogens. We have recently identified the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRH5) as a target of broadly neutralizing Abs, but there is little information regarding the functional mechanism(s) of Ab-mediated neutralization. In this study, we report that vaccine-induced polyclonal anti-PfRH5 Abs inhibit the tight attachment of merozoites to erythrocytes and are capable of blocking the interaction of PfRH5 with its receptor basigin. Furthermore, by developing anti-PfRH5 mAbs, we provide evidence of the following: 1) the ability to block the PfRH5-basigin interaction in vitro is predictive of functional activity, but absence of blockade does not predict absence of functional activity; 2) neutralizing mAbs bind spatially related epitopes on the folded protein, involving at least two defined regions of the PfRH5 primary sequence; 3) a brief exposure window of PfRH5 is likely to necessitate rapid binding of Ab to neutralize parasites; and 4) intact bivalent IgG contributes to but is not necessary for parasite neutralization. These data provide important insight into the mechanisms of broadly neutralizing anti-malaria Abs and further encourage anti-PfRH5-based malaria prevention efforts.

The evolution of media reportage on GMOs in Ghana following approval of first GM crop.

Ghana's parliament in 2011 passed the Biosafety Act to allow for the application of genetically modified organism (GMO) technology in the country's agriculture. In a vibrant democracy, there have been extensive media discussions on whether GM crops will benefit or harm citizens. In June 2022, the state GMO regulator, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), approved the country's first GM crop (Bt cowpea) for environmental release, declaring the crop does not present an altered environmental risk or a food/feed safety concern. This study identified 3 of the country's most vibrant digital news outlets and did a content analysis of all GMO stories reported 18 months pre- and post-approval to assess whether the approval changed the focus of GMO issues the media reports on. 91 articles were identified. The results show media reports on the likely impact of GMOs on the country's food security shot up after the approval. However, media reports on the possible health, sociocultural, and environmental impact of GMOs declined. We observe the media and the public appear interested in deliberations on how the technology could address or worsen food insecurity and urge agricultural biotechnology actors in Ghana to focus on that in their sensitization activities.

Designing combination therapies for cancer treatment: application of a mathematical framework combining CAR T-cell immunotherapy and targeted radionuclide therapy.

Introduction: Cancer combination treatments involving immunotherapies with targeted radiation therapy are at the forefront of treating cancers. However, dosing and scheduling of these therapies pose a challenge. Mathematical models provide a unique way of optimizing these therapies. Methods: Using a preclinical model of multiple myeloma as an example, we demonstrate the capability of a mathematical model to combine these therapies to achieve maximum response, defined as delay in tumor growth. Data from mice studies with targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell monotherapies and combinations with different intervals between them was used to calibrate mathematical model parameters. The dependence of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and the time to minimum tumor burden on dosing and scheduling was evaluated. Different dosing and scheduling schemes were evaluated to maximize the PFS and optimize timings of TRT and CAR-T cell therapies. Results: Therapy intervals that were too close or too far apart are shown to be detrimental to the therapeutic efficacy, as TRT too close to CAR-T cell therapy results in radiation related CAR-T cell killing while the therapies being too far apart result in tumor regrowth, negatively impacting tumor control and survival. We show that splitting a dose of TRT or CAR-T cells when administered in combination is advantageous only if the first therapy delivered can produce a significant benefit as a monotherapy. Discussion: Mathematical models are crucial tools for optimizing the delivery of cancer combination therapy regimens with application along the lines of achieving cure, maximizing survival or minimizing toxicity.

Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytaemia in asymptomatic school children before and after treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP).

Background: Asymptomatic Plasmodium carriers form the majority of malaria-infected individuals in most endemic areas. A proportion of these asymptomatically infected individuals carry gametocytes, the transmissible stages of malaria parasites, that sustain human to mosquito transmission. Few studies examine gametocytaemia in asymptomatic school children who may form an important reservoir for transmission. We assessed the prevalence of gametocytaemia before antimalarial treatment and monitored clearance of gametocytes after treatment in asymptomatic malaria children. Methods: A total of 274 primary school children were screened for P. falciparum parasitaemia by microscopy. One hundred and fifty-five (155) parasite positive children were treated under direct observation with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP). Gametocyte carriage was determined by microscopy seven days prior to treatment, day 0 before treatment, and on days 7, 14 and 21 post initiation of treatment. Results: The prevalence of microscopically-detectable gametocytes at screening (day -7) and enrolment (day 0) were 9% (25/274) and 13.6% (21/155) respectively. Following DP treatment, gametocyte carriage dropped to 4% (6/135), 3% (5/135) and 6% (10/151) on days 7, 14 and 21 respectively. Asexual parasites persisted in a minority of treated children, resulting in microscopically detectable parasites on days 7 (9%, 12/135), 14 (4%, 5/135) and 21 (7%, 10/151). Gametocyte carriage was inversely correlated with the age of the participants (p = 0.05) and asexual parasite density (p = 0.08). In a variate analysis, persistent gametocytaemia 7 or more days after treatment was significantly associated with post-treatment asexual parasitaemia at day 7 (P = 0.027) and presence of gametocytes on the day of treatment (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Though DP provides both excellent cure rates for clinical malaria and a long prophylactic half-life, our findings suggest that after treatment of asymptomatic infections, both asexual parasites and gametocytes may persist in a minority of individuals during the first 3 weeks after treatment. This indicates DP may be unsuitable for use in mass drug administration strategies towards malaria elimination in Africa.

Ex-vivo CS1-OKT3 dual specific bivalent antibody-armed effector T cells mediate cellular immunity against multiple myeloma.

Bispecific T cell engaging antibodies (bsAbs) have emerged as novel and powerful therapeutic agents for redirecting T cells towards antigen-specific tumor killing. The cell surface glycoprotein and SLAM family member, CS1, exhibits stable and high-level expression on malignant plasma cells including multiple myeloma, which is indicative of an ideal target for bsAb therapy. Here, we developed a CS1 bsAb (CS1-dbBiTE) using Click chemistry to conjugate intact anti-CS1 antibody (Elotuzumab) and anti-huOKT3 antibody at their respective hinge regions. Using a cellular therapy approach, human T cells were armed ex-vivo with CS1-dbBiTE prior to examining effector activity. Our data indicates that arming T cells with CS1-dbBiTE induced T cell activation and expansion and subsequent cytotoxic activity against CS1-bearing MM tumors, demonstrated by significant CD107a expression as well as inflammatory cytokine secretion. As expected, CS1-dbBiTE armed T cells showed significantly reduced effector activity in the absence of CS1 expression. Similarly, in MM mouse xenograft studies, armed T cells exhibited effective anti-tumor efficacy highlighted by reduced tumor burden in MM.1S tumor-bearing mice compared to controls. On the basis of these findings, the rationale for CS1 targeting by human T cells armed with CS1-dbBiTE presents a potentially effective therapeutic approach for targeting MM.

CD19/BAFF-R dual-targeted CAR T cells for the treatment of mixed antigen-negative variants of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting CD19 mediate potent antitumor effects in B-cell malignancies including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but antigen loss remains the major cause of treatment failure. To mitigate antigen escape and potentially improve the durability of remission, we developed a dual-targeting approach using an optimized, bispecific CAR construct that targets both CD19 and BAFF-R. CD19/BAFF-R dual CAR T cells exhibited antigen-specific cytokine release, degranulation, and cytotoxicity against both CD19-/- and BAFF-R-/- variant human ALL cells in vitro. Immunodeficient mice engrafted with mixed CD19-/- and BAFF-R-/- variant ALL cells and treated with a single dose of CD19/BAFF-R dual CAR T cells experienced complete eradication of both CD19-/- and BAFF-R-/- ALL variants, whereas mice treated with monospecific CD19 or BAFF-R CAR T cells succumbed to outgrowths of CD19-/BAFF-R+ or CD19+/BAFF-R- tumors, respectively. Further, CD19/BAFF-R dual CAR T cells showed prolonged in vivo persistence, raising the possibility that these cells may have the potential to promote durable remissions. Together, our data support clinical translation of BAFF-R/CD19 dual CAR T cells to treat ALL.

A Mathematical Modeling Approach for Targeted Radionuclide and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Combination Therapy.

Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) has recently seen a surge in popularity with the use of radionuclides conjugated to small molecules and antibodies. Similarly, immunotherapy also has shown promising results, an example being chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy in hematologic malignancies. Moreover, TRT and CAR-T therapies possess unique features that require special consideration when determining how to dose as well as the timing and sequence of combination treatments including the distribution of the TRT dose in the body, the decay rate of the radionuclide, and the proliferation and persistence of the CAR-T cells. These characteristics complicate the additive or synergistic effects of combination therapies and warrant a mathematical treatment that includes these dynamics in relation to the proliferation and clearance rates of the target tumor cells. Here, we combine two previously published mathematical models to explore the effects of dose, timing, and sequencing of TRT and CAR-T cell-based therapies in a multiple myeloma setting. We find that, for a fixed TRT and CAR-T cell dose, the tumor proliferation rate is the most important parameter in determining the best timing of TRT and CAR-T therapies.

Photocrosslinkable Gelatin Hydrogels Modulate the Production of the Major Pro-inflammatory Cytokine, TNF-α, by Human Mononuclear Cells.

Hydrogels are an attractive class of biomaterials in tissue engineering due to their inherently compatible properties for cell culture. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) has shown significant promise in the fields of tissue engineering and drug delivery, as its physical properties can be precisely tuned depending on the specific application. There is a growing appreciation for the interaction between biomaterials and cells of the immune system with the increasing usage of biomaterials for in vivo applications. Here, we addressed the current lack of information regarding the immune-modulatory properties of photocrosslinked GelMA. We investigated the ability of human mononuclear cells to mount inflammatory responses in the context of a GelMA hydrogel platform. Using lipopolysaccharide to stimulate a pro-inflammatory immune response, we found tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression was suppressed in GelMA culture conditions. Our findings have important implications on the future use of GelMA, and potentially similar hydrogels, and highlight the significance of investigating the potential immune-modulatory properties of biomaterials.

The role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway in the TLR4-induced tolerogenic phenotype in human DCs.

A controlled inflammatory response is required for protection against infection, but persistent inflammation causes tissue damage. Dendritic cells (DCs) have a unique capacity to promote both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. One key mechanism involved in DC-mediated immunosuppression is the expression of tryptophan-metabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). IDO has been implicated in diverse processes in health and disease but its role in endotoxin tolerance in human DCs is still controversial. Here we investigated the role of IDO in shaping DCs phenotype and function under endotoxin tolerance conditions. Our data show that TLR4 ligation in LPS-primed DCs, induced higher levels of both IDO isoforms together with the transcription factor aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), compared to unprimed controls. Additionally, LPS conditioning induced an anti-inflammatory phenotype in DCs - with an increase in IL-10 and higher expression of programmed death ligand (PD-L)1 and PD-L2 - which were partially dependent on IDO. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the AhR-IDO pathway was responsible for the preferential activation of non-canonical NF-κB pathway in LPS-conditioned DCs. These data provide new insight into the mechanisms of the TLR4-induced tolerogenic phenotype in human DCs, which can help the better understanding of processes involved in induction and resolution of chronic inflammation and tolerance.

Unbiased Analysis of the Impact of Micropatterned Biomaterials on Macrophage Behavior Provides Insights beyond Predefined Polarization States.

Macrophages are master regulators of immune responses toward implanted biomaterials. The activation state adopted by macrophages in response to biomaterials determines their own phenotype and function as well as those of other resident and infiltrating immune and nonimmune cells in the area. A wide spectrum of macrophage activation states exists, with M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) representing either ends of the spectrum. In biomaterials research, cell-instructive surfaces that favor or induce M2 macrophages have been considered as beneficial due to the anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative properties of these cells. In this study, we used a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel platform to determine whether micropatterned surfaces can modulate the phenotype and function of human macrophages. The effect of microgrooves/ridges and micropillars on macrophage phenotype, function, and gene expression profile were assessed using conventional methods (morphology, cytokine profile, surface marker expression, phagocytosis) and gene microarrays. Our results demonstrated that micropatterns did induce distinct gene expression profiles in human macrophages cultured on microgrooves/ridges and micropillars. Significant changes were observed in genes related to primary metabolic processes such as transcription, translation, protein trafficking, DNA repair, and cell survival. However, interestingly conventional phenotyping methods, relying on surface marker expression and cytokine profile, were not able to distinguish between the different conditions, and indicated no clear shift in cell activation towards M1 or M2 phenotypes. This highlights the limitations of studying the effect of different physicochemical conditions on macrophages by solely relying on conventional markers that are primarily developed to differentiate between cytokine polarized M1 and M2 macrophages. We therefore propose the adoption of unbiased screening methods in determining macrophage responses to biomaterials. Our data clearly show that the exclusive use of conventional markers and methods for determining macrophage activation status could lead to missed opportunities for understanding and exploiting macrophage responses to biomaterials.