Innate Immune Activation Research Articles

Post-transcriptional regulation of IFI16 promotes inflammatory endothelial pathophenotypes observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease driven by endothelial cell inflammation and dysfunction, resulting in the pathological remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature. Innate immune activation has been linked to PAH development; however, the regulation, propagation, and reversibility of the induction of inflammation in PAH is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a role for interferon inducible protein 16 (IFI16), an innate immune sensor, as a modulator of endothelial inflammation in pulmonary hypertension, utilizing human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). Inflammatory stimulus of PAECs with IL-1β up-regulates IFI16 expression, inducing proinflammatory cytokine up-regulation and cellular apoptosis. IFI16 mRNA stability is regulated by post-transcriptional m6A modification, mediated by Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), a structural stabilizer of the methyltransferase complex, via regulation of m6A methylation of IFI16. Additionally, m6A levels are increased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of PAH patients compared to control, indicating that quantifying this epigenetic change in patients may hold potential as a biomarker for disease identification. In summary, our study demonstrates IFI16 mediates inflammatory endothelial pathophenotypes seen in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Characterization of Neutrophil Functional Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Translational Feline Model for COVID-19.

There is a complex interplay between viral infection and host innate immune response regarding disease severity and outcomes. Neutrophil hyperactivation, including excessive release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), is linked to exacerbated disease in acute COVID-19, notably in hospitalized patients. Delineating protective versus detrimental neutrophil responses is essential to developing targeted COVID-19 therapies and relies on high-quality translational animal models. In this study, we utilize a previously established feline model for COVID-19 to investigate neutrophil dysfunction in which experimentally infected cats develop clinical disease that mimics acute COVID-19. Specific pathogen-free cats were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.617.2; Delta variant) (n = 24) or vehicle (n = 6). Plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissues were collected at various time points over 12 days post-inoculation. Systematic and temporal evaluation of the kinetics of neutrophil activation was conducted by measuring markers of activation including myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE), and citrullinated histone H3 (citH3) in SARS-CoV-2-infected cats at 4 and 12 days post-inoculation (dpi) and compared to vehicle-inoculated controls. Cytokine profiling supported elevated innate inflammatory responses with specific upregulation of neutrophil activation and NET formation-related markers, namely IL-8, IL-18, CXCL1, and SDF-1, in infected cats. An increase in MPO-DNA complexes and cell-free dsDNA in infected cats compared to vehicle-inoculated was noted and supported by histopathologic severity in respiratory tissues. Immunofluorescence analyses further supported correlation of NET markers with tissue damage, especially 4 dpi. Differential gene expression analyses indicated an upregulation of genes associated with innate immune and neutrophil activation pathways. Transcripts involved in activation and NETosis pathways were upregulated by 4 dpi and downregulated by 12 dpi, suggesting peak activation of neutrophils and NET-associated markers in the early acute stages of infection. Correlation analyses conducted between NET-specific markers and clinical scores as well as histopathologic scores support association between neutrophil activation and disease severity during SARS-CoV-2 infection in this model. Overall, this study emphasizes the effect of neutrophil activation and NET release in SARS-CoV-2 infection in a feline model, prompting further investigation into therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating excessive innate inflammatory responses in COVID-19.

Genomic investigation of innate sensing pathways in the tumor microenvironment

The innate immune system is the first responder to infectious agents, cellular debris, and cancerous growths. This system plays critical roles in the antitumor immune responses by boosting and priming T cell-mediated cytotoxicity but is understudied due to the complexity and redundancy of its various downstream signaling cascades. We utilized a mathematical tool to holistically quantify innate immune signaling cascades and immunophenotype over 8,000 tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We found that innate immune activation was predictive of patient mortality in a subset of cancers. Further analysis identified PHF genes as transcripts that were associated with genomic stability and innate activation. Knockdown of PHF gene transcripts in vitro led to an increase in cell death and IFNB1 expression in a cGAS-dependent manner, validating PHF genes as potential anti-tumor targets. We also found an association between innate immune activation and both tumor immunogenicity and intratumor microbes, which highlights the versatility of this model. In conclusion, interrogating activation of innate immune signaling cascades demonstrated the importance of studying innate signaling in cancer and broadened the search for new therapeutic adjuvants.

The Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor: A Drug Target to Reduce the Risk of Organ Transplant Rejection

: Allograft rejection is one of the main problems that must be overcome. Evidence suggests a role of the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the progress of chronic allograft injury. Angiotensin II, generated by the renin-angiotensin system, is well-known as a major regulator molecule to control the blood pressure and fluid system. Evidence suggests that this bioactive molecule and its receptor increase the risk of tissue injuries and organ transplant rejection through different molecular mechanisms such as activation of innate and cellular immunity, upregulation of inflammatory pathways, and accumulation of extracellular matrix by expression pro-fibrotic molecules like transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) to increase the risk of fibrosis. Based on these findings, AT1R antagonists might have therapeutic potential to prevent the risk of tissue injuries and allograft rejection by regulating immune response, inflammation pathway, and fibrogenesis to improve organ functions.

The Study of Pro-Inflammatory Molecules Induced by Genetically and Phenotypically Diverse Strains of Haemophilus influenzae Type a in an in vitro Infection Model

Introduction: Haemophilus influenzae type a (Hia) has recently emerged as a cause of invasive disease in North American Indigenous children. Factors determining the outcomes of exposure to the pathogen, from asymptomatic carriage to fatal disease, are poorly understood. The role of innate immune activation in the pathogenesis of invasive Hia disease remains unexplored. We used clinical Hia isolates to determine whether innate immune responses depended on the presence of the capsule, strain genetic background, and abilities to cause invasive disease. Methods: Differentiated THP-1 cells and HL-60 neutrophil-like cells were stimulated with four Hia strains (invasive or noninvasive; encapsulated or nonencapsulated), in comparison to 1 invasive and 1 noninvasive non-typeable H. influenzae. Surface expression of ICAM-1 and CD64 and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β were quantified. Results: In vitro Hia infection resulted in robust activation of inflammatory responses in terms of expression of ICAM-1 and release of TNF-α and IL-1β, irrespective of the presence or absence of the capsule, or abilities to cause invasive disease. Inhibition of TLR4 decreased TNF-α release by THP-1 cells stimulated by Hia. Conclusion: Powerful activation of pro-inflammatory responses induced by Hia may contribute to the pathogenesis of invasive Hia disease. As the activation of macrophages and neutrophils did not depend on encapsulation or source of Hia isolation, the functional abilities of phagocytic cells unlikely represent a limiting factor in host defenses. The development of invasive versus noninvasive disease may depend on the functional abilities of the adaptive immune system.

Aspergillus fumigatus-derived gliotoxin impacts innate immune cell activation through modulating lipid mediator production in macrophages.

Gliotoxin (GT), a secondary metabolite and virulence factor of the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, suppresses innate immunity and supports the suppression of host immune responses. Recently, we revealed that GT blocks the formation of the chemotactic lipid mediator leukotriene (LT)B4 in activated human neutrophils and monocytes, and in rodents in vivo, by directly inhibiting LTA4 hydrolase. Here, we elucidated the impact of GT on LTB4 biosynthesis and the entire lipid mediator networks in human M1- and M2-like monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and in human tissue-resident alveolar macrophages. In activated M1-MDMs with high capacities to generate LTs, the formation of LTB4 was effectively suppressed by GT, connected to attenuated macrophage phagocytic activity as well as human neutrophil movement and migration. In resting macrophages, especially in M1-MDMs, GT elicited strong formation of prostaglandins, while bacterial exotoxins from Staphylococcus aureus evoked a broad spectrum of lipid mediator biosynthesis in both MDM phenotypes. We conclude that GT impairs functions of activated innate immune cells through selective suppression of LTB4 biosynthesis, while GT may also prime the immune system by provoking prostaglandin formation in macrophages.

C1orf106 (INAVA) Is a SMAD3-Dependent TGF-β Target Gene That Promotes Clonogenicity and Correlates with Poor Prognosis in Breast Cancer.

Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) can have both tumour-promoting and tumour-suppressing activity in breast cancer. Elucidating the key downstream mediators of pro-tumorigenic TGF-β signalling in this context could potentially give rise to new therapeutic opportunities and/or identify biomarkers for anti-TGF-β directed therapy. Here, we identify C1orf106 (also known as innate immunity activator INAVA) as a novel TGF-β target gene which is induced in a SMAD3-dependent but SMAD2/SMAD4-independent manner in human and murine cell lines. C1orf106 expression positively correlates with tumourigenic or metastatic potential in human and murine breast cancer cell line models, respectively, and is required for enhanced migration and invasion in response to TGF-β stimulation. C1orf106 promoted self-renewal and colony formation in vitro and may promote tumour-initiating frequency in vivo. High C1orf106 mRNA expression correlates with markers of aggressiveness and poor prognosis in human breast cancer. Taken together, our findings indicate that C1orf106 may act as a tumour promoter in breast cancer.

Limited O-specific polysaccharide (OSP)-specific functional antibody responses in young children with Shigella infection in Bangladesh.

Shigellosis is the second leading cause of diarrheal death in children younger than five years of age globally. At present, there is no broadly licensed vaccine against shigella infection. Previous vaccine candidates have failed at providing protection for young children in endemic settings. Improved understanding of correlates of protection against Shigella infection and severe shigellosis in young children living in endemic settings is needed. Here, we applied a functional antibody profiling approach to define Shigella-specific antibody responses in young children versus older individuals with culture-confirmed shigellosis in Bangladesh, a Shigella endemic area. We analyzed Shigella-specific antibody isotypes, FcR binding and antibody-mediated innate immune cell activation in longitudinal serum samples collected at clinical presentation and up to 1 year later. We found that higher initial Shigella O-specific polysaccharide (OSP)-specific and protein-specific IgG and FcγR binding levels correlated with less severe disease regardless of patient age, but that individuals under 5 years of age developed a less prominent class switched, FcR-binding, functional and durable antibody response against both OSP and protein Shigella antigens than older individuals. Focusing on the largest cohort, we found that functional S. flexneri 2a OSP-specific responses were significantly induced only in individuals over age 5 years, and that these responses promoted monocyte phagocytosis and activation. Our findings suggest that in a Shigella endemic region, young children with shigellosis harbor a functional antibody response that fails to maximally activate monocytes; such a response may be important in facilitating subsequent innate cell clearance of Shigella, especially via recruitment and activation of polymorphonuclear cells capable of directly killing Shigella.

Tumor microenvironment-responsive manganese-based nano-modulator activate the cGAS-STING pathway to enhance innate immune system response

BackgroundManganese ions (Mn2+) combined with adjuvants capable of damaging and lysing tumor cells form an antitumor nano-modulator that enhances the immune efficacy of cancer therapy through the cascade activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP interferon gene synthase-stimulator (cGAS-STING) pathway, which underscores the importance of developing antitumor nano-modulators, which induce DNA damage and augment cGAS-STING activity, as a critical future research direction.Methods and ResultsWe have successfully synthesized an antitumor nano-modulator, which exhibits good dispersibility and biosafety. This nano-modulator is engineered by loading manganese dioxide nanosheets (M-NS) with zebularine (Zeb), known for its immunogenicity-enhancing effects, and conducting targeted surface modification using hyaluronic acid (HA). After systemic circulation to the tumor site, Mn2+, Zeb, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are catalytically released in the tumor microenvironment by H+ and H2O2. These components can directly or indirectly damage the DNA or mitochondria of tumor cells, thereby inducing programmed cell death. Furthermore, they promote the accumulation of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytoplasm, enhancing the activation of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway and boosting the production of type I interferon and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, Zeb@MH-NS enhances the maturation of dendritic cells, the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and the recruitment of natural killer cells at the tumor site.ConclusionsThis HA-modified manganese-based hybrid nano-regulator can enhance antitumor therapy by boosting innate immune activity and may provide new directions for immunotherapy and clinical translation in cancer.Graphical

Immunogenicity risk assessment of empty capsids present in adeno-associated viral vectors using predictive innate immune responses

Immunogenicity of gene therapy and the impacts on safety and efficacy are of increasing interest in the pharmaceutical industry. Unique structural aspects of gene therapy delivery vectors, such as adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, are expected to activate the innate immune system. The risk of innate immune activation is critical to understand due to the potential impacts on safety and on subsequent adaptive immune responses. In this study, we investigated the responses of key innate immune players—dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and the complement system—to AAV8 capsids. Immunogenicity risk was also predicted in the presence empty AAV capsids for AAV gene therapy. Compared to genome-containing "full" AAV8 capsids, empty AAV8 capsids more strongly induced proinflammatory cytokine production and migration by human and mouse dendritic cells, but the “full” capsid increased expression of co-stimulatory markers. Furthermore, in an NK cell degranulation assay, we found mixtures of empty and full AAV8 capsids to activate expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and CD107a more strongly in multiple NK cell populations compared to either capsid type alone. Serum complement C3a was also induced more strongly in the presence of mixed empty and full AAV8 capsid formulations. Risk for innate immune activation suggests the importance to determine acceptable limits of empty capsids. Immunogenicity risk assessment of novel biological modalities will benefit from the aforementioned in vitro innate immune activation assays providing valuable mechanistic information.

Posttransplant complications: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.

Posttransplantation complications pose a major challenge to the long-term survival and quality of life of organ transplant recipients. These complications encompass immune-mediated complications, infectious complications, metabolic complications, and malignancies, with each type influenced by various risk factors and pathological mechanisms. The molecular mechanisms underlying posttransplantation complications involve a complex interplay of immunological, metabolic, and oncogenic processes, including innate and adaptive immune activation, immunosuppressant side effects, and viral reactivation. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical features, risk factors, and molecular mechanisms of major posttransplantation complications. We systematically summarize the current understanding of the immunological basis of allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease, the metabolic dysregulation associated with immunosuppressive agents, and the role of oncogenic viruses in posttransplantation malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss potential prevention and intervention strategies based on these mechanistic insights, highlighting the importance of optimizing immunosuppressive regimens, enhancing infection prophylaxis, and implementing targeted therapies. We also emphasize the need for future research to develop individualized complication control strategies under the guidance of precision medicine, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life of transplant recipients.

1622P A phase II study of the first-in-class oral innate immune activator BXCL701 with pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Long-term follow-up

1622P A phase II study of the first-in-class oral innate immune activator BXCL701 with pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Long-term follow-up

Mechanisms and Effects of Activation of Innate Immunity by Mitochondrial Nucleic Acids.

In recent years, a growing number of roles have been identified for mitochondria in innate immunity. One principal mechanism is that translocation of mitochondrial nucleic acid species from the mitochondrial matrix to the cytosol and endolysosomal lumen in response to an array of microbial and non-microbial environmental stressors has been found to serve as a second messenger event in the cell signaling of the innate immune response. Thus, mitochondrial DNA and RNA have been shown to access the cytosol through several regulated mechanisms involving remodeling of the mitochondrial inner and outer membranes and to access lysosomes via vesicular transport, thereby activating cytosolic (e.g., cyclic GMP-AMP synthase [cGAS]; retinoic acid-inducible gene-I [RIG-I]-like receptors) and endolysosomal (Toll-like Receptor [TLR]7, -9) nucleic acid receptors that induce type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this mini-review, we discuss these molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial nucleic acid mislocalization and their roles in host defense, autoimmunity, and auto-inflammatory disorders. The emergent paradigm is one in which host-derived DNA interestingly serves as a signal amplifier in the innate immune response and also as an alarm signal for disturbances in organellar homeostasis. The apparent vast excess of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA nucleoids per cell may thus serve to sensitize the cell response to stressors while ensuring an underlying reserve of intact mitochondria to sustain cellular metabolism. An improved understanding of these molecular mechanisms will hopefully afford future opportunities for therapeutic intervention in human disease.

E3 ubiquitin ligase ANKIB1 attenuates antiviral immune responses by promoting K48-linked polyubiquitination of MAVS

Upon sensing cytosolic viral RNA, retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptors (RLRs) interact with mitochondrial antiviral signaling proteins (MAVSs) to activate IRF3 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling, initiating innate immune responses. Thus, RLR activation plays a vital role in the removal of invasive RNA viruses while maintaining immune homeostasis. However, inadequate or excessive activation of immunity can cause harm and can even lead to lethal consequences. In this study, we identify an E3 ligase, ankyrin repeat and IBR domain containing 1 (ANKIB1), which suppresses RLR signaling via MAVS. ANKIB1 binds to MAVS to enhance K48-linked polyubiquitination with K311R, causing proteasomal degradation of MAVS. Deficiency of ANKIB1 significantly increases the RLR-mediated production of type I interferon (IFN) along with pro-inflammatory factors. Consequently, ANKIB1 deficiency remarkably increases antiviral immunity and decreases viral replication invivo. Therefore, we reveal that ANKIB1 restricts RLR-induced innate immune activation, indicating its potential role as a therapeutic target for viral infections.

Parkin activates innate immunity and promotes anti-tumor immune responses.

The activation of innate immunity and associated interferon (IFN) signaling have been implicated in cancer, but the regulators are elusive and a link to tumor suppression undetermined. Here, we found that Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase altered in Parkinson's Disease was epigenetically silenced in cancer and its re-expression by clinically approved demethylating therapy stimulated transcription of a potent IFN response in tumor cells. This pathway required Parkin E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, involved the subcellular trafficking and release of the alarmin High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and was associated with inhibition of NFκB gene expression. In turn, Parkin-expressing cells released an IFN secretome that upregulated effector and cytotoxic CD8 T cell markers, lowered the expression of immune inhibitory receptors, TIM3 and LAG3, and stimulated high content of the self-renewal/stem cell factor, TCF1. Parkin-induced CD8 T cells selectively accumulated in the microenvironment and inhibited transgenic and syngeneic tumor growth, in vivo. Therefore, Parkin is an epigenetically regulated activator of innate immunity and dual mode tumor suppressor, inhibiting intrinsic tumor traits of metabolism and cell invasion, while simultaneously reinvigorating CD8 T cell functions in the microenvironment.

Fibrin drives thromboinflammation and neuropathology in COVID-19.

Life-threatening thrombotic events and neurological symptoms are prevalent in COVID-19 and arepersistent in patients with long COVID experiencing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection1-4. Despite the clinical evidence1,5-7, the underlying mechanisms of coagulopathy in COVID-19 and its consequences in inflammation and neuropathology remain poorly understood and treatment options are insufficient. Fibrinogen, the central structural component of blood clots, is abundantly deposited in the lungs and brains of patients with COVID-19, correlates with disease severity and is a predictive biomarker for post-COVID-19 cognitive deficits1,5,8-10. Here we show that fibrin binds to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, forming proinflammatory blood clots that drive systemic thromboinflammation and neuropathology in COVID-19. Fibrin, acting through its inflammatory domain, is required for oxidative stress and macrophage activation in the lungs, whereas itsuppresses natural killer cells, after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fibrin promotes neuroinflammation and neuronal loss after infection, as well as innate immune activation in the brain and lungs independently of active infection. Amonoclonal antibody targeting the inflammatory fibrin domain providesprotection from microglial activation and neuronal injury, as well as from thromboinflammation in the lung after infection. Thus, fibrin drives inflammation and neuropathology in SARS-CoV-2 infection, and fibrin-targeting immunotherapy may represent a therapeutic intervention for patients with acute COVID-19 and long COVID.

Correlations between level of vitamin D serum and disease severity COVID-19

Background: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) Was a respiratory disease. Severity of the disease was related to inflammation process. SCAP scoring system can be used to asses COVID-19 severity. Asses the severity of the disease is an important thing to determine the management. Vitamin D is shown to have anti-inflammatory effect. Vitamin D can downregulate cytokines storm and also induce innate immune activity. Here we want to know about the correlation between level of vitamin D and disease severity of COVID-19. Methods: Cross sectional study was observed 68 patient COVID-19 in Prof. Dr. I. G. N. G Ngoerah Denpasar hospital. They were asses with SCAP scoring system dan measured their vitamin D level at the same time. The correlation between two variable was analyze by Spearman correlation. Results: Among those 68 Sample, the median age of the sample is 64 years old, and 52.9 % of them are male. There is correlation between level of vitamin D and severity of COVID-19, the coefficient correlation was -0.47 with p<0.001. Conclusions: There is correlation between level of vitamin D and severity of COVID-19.

Injectable thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with irradiated tumor cell-derived microparticles and manganese activate anti-tumor immunity

Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and inadequate activation of the innate immune system are important reasons for the failure of systemic anti-tumor immunotherapy. Irradiated tumor cell-derived microparticles (RMPs) can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells and inhibit the M2-like phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The current study found that double-stranded DNA was enriched in RMPs, which combined with manganese ions (Mn2+), the natural activator of cGAS-STING signaling, and synergistically amplified cGAS-STING signaling cascade in antigen-presenting cells (APCs). On this basis, a polyamino acid thermosensitive hydrogel delivery system was designed to simultaneously load RMPs and Mn2+. The obtained RMPs@Mn2+ hydrogel exhibited thermosensitivity, biocompatibility and sustained release characteristics. The intratumoral injection of RMPs@Mn2+ slowly released RMPs and Mn2+, inducing ICD of tumor cells, continuously activating cGAS-STING signaling of APCs, reprograming TAMs to M1-like phenotype, and promoting the activation of dendritic cells in tumor draining lymph nodes. The full activation of innate immunity at the tumor site further promoted priming and tumor infiltration of T cells, leading to tumor regression. RMPs@Mn2+ combined with anti-PD-1 achieved strong anti-cancer efficacy in a refractory malignant ascites model, in which more than 50 % of mice with malignant ascites achieved complete regression and long-term immune memory.

Inhibition of glycolytic reprogramming suppresses innate immune-mediated inflammation in experimental amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Innate immune activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, metabolic pathways that govern this bioenergetically demanding process in ALS remains elusive. Here we investigated whether and how immunometabolic transformation of innate immune cells contributes to disease progression in an experimental model of this neurodegenerative disease. We utilized multidimensional flow cytometry and integrative metabolomics to characterize the immunometabolic phenotype of circulating and spinal cord innate immune cells in the B6SJL-Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur/J model of ALS (SOD1-G93A) at various disease stages (before vs. after the onset of motor dysfunction). Behavioral and survival analyses were also conducted to determine the impact of an energy-regulating compound on innate immune cell metabolism, inflammation, and disease development. Temporally coordinated accumulation of circulating inflammatory Ly6C + monocytes and spinal cord F4/80 + CD45hi infiltrates precedes the onset of motor dysfunction in SOD1-G93A mice. Subsequent metabolomic analysis reveals that this phenomenon is accompanied by glycolytic reprogramming of spinal cord inflammatory CD11b + cells, comprising both resident F4/80 + CD45low microglia and F4/80 + CD45hi infiltrates. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of glycolysis by ZLN005, a small molecule activator of Ppargc1a, restrains inflammatory glycolytic activation of spinal cord CD11b + cells, enhances motor function, and prolongs survival in SOD1-G93A mice. These observations suggest that modulation of inflammatory glycolytic reprogramming of innate immune cells may represent a promising therapeutic approach in ALS.

CAR T-cell-mediated delivery of bispecific innate immune cell engagers for neuroblastoma

Novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell approaches are needed to improve therapeutic efficacy in solid tumors. High-risk neuroblastoma is an aggressive pediatric solid tumor that expresses cell-surface GPC2 and GD2 with a tumor microenvironment infiltrated by CD16a-expressing innate immune cells. Here we engineer T-cells to express a GPC2-directed CAR and simultaneously secrete a bispecific innate immune cell engager (BiCE) targeting both GD2 and CD16a. In vitro, GPC2.CAR-GD2.BiCE T-cells induce GPC2-dependent cytotoxicity and secrete GD2.BiCE that promotes GD2-dependent activation of antitumor innate immunity. In vivo, GPC2.CAR-GD2.BiCE T-cells locally deliver GD2.BiCE and increase intratumor retention of NK-cells. In mice bearing neuroblastoma patient-derived xenografts and reconstituted with human CD16a-expressing immune cells, GD2.BiCEs enhance GPC2.CAR antitumor efficacy. A CAR.BiCE strategy should be considered for tumor histologies where antigen escape limits CAR efficacy, especially for solid tumors like neuroblastoma that are infiltrated by innate immune cells.