Analysis Of Serum Proteins Research Articles

Proteomic Analysis of Human Serum Proteins Adsorbed onto Collagen Barrier Membranes.

Collagen barrier membranes are frequently used in guided tissue and bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to analyze the signature of human serum proteins adsorbed onto collagen membranes using a novel protein extraction method combined with mass spectrometry. Native porcine-derived collagen membranes (Geistlich Bio-Gide®, Wolhusen, Switzerland) were exposed to pooled human serum in vitro and, after thorough washing, subjected to protein extraction either in conjunction with protein enrichment or via a conventional surfactant-based method. The extracted proteins were analyzed via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic analysis of global profiling, gene ontology, and functional enrichment of the identified proteins was performed. Overall, a total of 326 adsorbed serum proteins were identified. The enrichment and conventional methods yielded similar numbers of total (315 vs. 309), exclusive (17 vs. 11), and major bone-related proteins (18 vs. 14). Most of the adsorbed proteins (n = 298) were common to both extraction groups and included several growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, cell adhesion molecules, and angiogenesis mediators involved in bone regeneration. Functional analyses revealed significant enrichment of ECM, exosomes, immune response, and cell growth components. Key proteins [transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP-5, -6, -7)] were exclusively detected with the enrichment-based method. In summary, native collagen membranes exhibited a high protein adsorption capacity in vitro. While both extraction methods were effective, the enrichment-based method showed distinct advantages in detecting specific bone-related proteins. Therefore, the use of multiple extraction methods is advisable in studies investigating protein adsorption on biomaterials.

Evaluation of serum and urine biomarkers for severe COVID-19.

The new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, poses complex challenges exacerbated by several factors, with respiratory tissue lesions being notably significant among them. Consequently, there is a pressing need to identify informative biological markers that can indicate the severity of the disease. Several studies have highlighted the involvement of proteins such as APOA1, XPNPEP2, ORP150, CUBN, HCII, and CREB3L3 in these respiratory tissue lesions. However, there is a lack of information regarding antibodies to these proteins in the human body, which could potentially serve as valuable diagnostic markers for COVID-19. Simultaneously, it is relevant to select biological fluids that can be obtained without invasive procedures. Urine is one such fluid, but its effect on clinical laboratory analysis is not yet fully understood due to lack of study on its composition. Methods used in this study are as follows: total serum protein analysis; ELISA on moderate and severe COVID-19 patients' serum and urine; bioinformatic methods: ROC analysis, PCA, SVM. The levels of antiAPOA1, antiXPNPEP2, antiORP150, antiCUBN, antiHCII, and antiCREB3L3 exhibit gradual fluctuations ranging from moderate to severe in both the serum and urine of COVID-19 patients. However, the diagnostic value of individual anti-protein antibodies is low, in both blood serum and urine. On the contrary, joint detection of these antibodies in patients' serum significantly increases the diagnostic value as demonstrated by the results of principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machine (SVM). The non-linear regression model achieved an accuracy of 0.833. Furthermore, PCA aided in identifying serum protein markers that have the greatest impact on patient group discrimination. The study revealed that serum serves as a superior analyte for describing protein quantification due to its consistent composition and lack of organic salts and drug residues, which can otherwise affect protein stability.

Поздние преждевременные спонтанные роды: версии и контраверсии

Aim. To study modern ideas about late premature spontaneous labor, identify unresolved issues and identify tasks for further research on this theme. Key points. The problem of late premature labor occupies a leading position in modern obstetrics and perinatology. Currently, there is no single opinion and no identical approaches in predicting late premature spontaneous labor. This prevents the creation of a single algorithm of actions to prevent them. The article presents up-to-date information on the marker serum proteins and transcriptomic analysis of the placenta, as well as highlights some aspects of the pathogenesis of premature labor on the model of fetoplacental homeostasis disorders. Conclusion. To reduce the risk of adverse outcomes of late premature spontaneous labor, it is necessary to create clear criteria for their prediction and early diagnosis, as well as timely implementation of organizational and therapeutic measures for this obstetric complication. Keywords: late premature spontaneous labor, marker serum proteins, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, placental growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, gene expression.

Joint Analyses of Serum Proteins and Circulating Tumor DNA Improves Risk Assessment and Subtype Stratification in Large B-Cell Lymphomas

Introduction Inadequate dismantling of clinical and biological heterogeneity is an obstacle for improving outcome in large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based stratification holds great potential in resolving these challenges. However, the assessment is limited to genetic content, and excludes host response from the estimates. Previously, we have shown that an inflammatory signature identified from the pretreatment serum proteins translates to poor survival, and multiple serum proteins correlate with LBCL genetic subtypes. To further improve risk stratification and molecular characterization of LBCL from the liquid biopsy, we co-analyzed serum protein and ctDNA levels in LBCL patients treated in two Nordic Lymphoma Group (NLG) trials. Materials and methods Our discovery cohort consisted of 122 patients less than 65 years of age with clinically high-risk (age adjusted IPI ≥ 2) LBCL, who were treated in NLG-LBC-06 trial with immunochemotherapy. Plasma and serum samples were collected prior to treatment. Cell free DNA was extracted from plasma and sequenced with in-house adapted duplex sequencing platform using custom targeted panel of 347 lymphoma driver genes and immunoglobulin loci. An inflammation score was composed as log transformed mean of the most pertinent inflammatory serum proteins detected in the inflammatory signature (IL10, IL2RA, CXCL9, IL18, GZMB, PD-L1 and IFNG), and their levels were measured using antibody-based Luminex assay (pg/ml, R&D Systems). In addition, CCL17 and TNFRSF13B levels were analyzed to uncover their associations with genetic subtypes. An independent cohort of 91 patients treated in our previous NLG-LBC-05 trial was used for validation. Results Combined analysis of serum proteins and ctDNA identified a group of patients (n=12, 10%) with high serum inflammation scores and ctDNA burden (≥ 3.75 hGE/ml), which translated to poor survival compared to the patients with low concentrations of either inflammatory proteins or ctDNA, or both (progression free survival, PFS, hazard ratio 7.33, 95%-CI 2.59-20.79, P < 0.001, Figure 1A). This finding was confirmed in the independent validation cohort. In both cohorts, the combined analysis showed higher specificity in survival prediction as compared to the ctDNA-based assessment alone, indicating that inflammatory serum markers alongside with ctDNA can identify those patients who, despite of having high ctDNA burden, have excellent survival. Beyond inflammation, the levels of serum TNFRSF13B and CCL17 correlated with mutations associating with non-germinal center diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (non-GCB DLBCL)/MCD subtype and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma/grey-zone lymphoma (PMBCL/GZL), respectively. For example, serum TNFRSF13B levels correlated positively with mutations in MCD genes, such as CD79B, SETD1B, PIM2 and PRDM1, and negatively with mutations in EZB genes EZH2 and CREBBP in both cohorts (P < 0.05, Figure 1B). Supporting our earlier findings, high CCL17 levels revealed a group of patients diagnosed with DLBCL not otherwise specified or high-grade lymphoma but with a mutational landscape resembling PMBCL/GZL, including mutations in TNFAIP3, ITPKB, B2M, BTG1 and STAT6 (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that co-analysis of inflammatory serum markers along with the ctDNA improves ctDNA-based survival prediction. Moreover, analysis of serum proteins refines molecular classification. Altogether, joint analysis of serum proteins and ctDNA provides new tools to dismantle LBCL heterogeneity.

Effect of gamma-irradiated honey bee venom on blood parameter and histopathological observations of liver and kidney in a mice animal model

Honey bee venom is a valuable product with a wide range of biological effects, whose use is rapidly increasing in apitherapy. In this study, the effect of gamma-irradiated honey bee venom (doses of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kGy, volume of 0.1 ml, and concentration of 0.2 mg/ml) was evaluated on median lethal dose (LD50) determinations, liver and kidney histology, biochemical marker level, and serum protein analyses. Hence, the LD50 induced by the honey bee venom irradiated at 4, 6, and 8 kGy was increased, compared with the one at 0 and 2 kGy. Normal histology was observed in the liver and kidney of the mice receiving the honey bee venom irradiated at 4, 6, and 8 kGy. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and all serum proteins were reduced at 4, 6, and 8 kGy compared with 0 and 2 kGy. Therefore, gamma irradiation at 4, 6, and 8 kGy had no negative effect on LD50, liver and kidney tissues, ALT, and serum protein levels by decreasing the allergen compounds of the honey bee venom.

Dried serum spots on pre-punched filter paper discs are ready-to-use storage and shipping devices for blood-borne antigens and antibodies

Dried serum spots that are well prepared can be attractive alternatives to frozen serum samples for shelving specimens in a medical or research center's biobank and mailing freshly prepared serum to specialized laboratories. During the pre-analytical phase, complications can arise which are often challenging to identify or are entirely overlooked. These complications can lead to reproducibility issues, which can be avoided in serum protein analysis by implementing optimized storage and transfer procedures. With a method that ensures accurate loading of filter paper discs with donor or patient serum, a gap in dried serum spot preparation and subsequent serum analysis shall be filled. Pre-punched filter paper discs with a 3 mm diameter are loaded within seconds in a highly reproducible fashion (approximately 10% standard deviation) when fully submerged in 10 μl of serum, named the “Submerge and Dry” protocol. Such prepared dried serum spots can store several hundred micrograms of proteins and other serum components. Serum-borne antigens and antibodies are reproducibly released in 20 μl elution buffer in high yields (approximately 90%). Dried serum spot-stored and eluted antigens kept their epitopes and antibodies their antigen binding abilities as was assessed by SDS-PAGE, 2D gel electrophoresis-based proteomics, and Western blot analysis, suggesting pre-punched filter paper discs as handy solution for serological tests.

Expression of lymphoid structure-associated cytokine/chemokine gene transcripts in tumor and protein in serum are prognostic of melanoma patient outcomes.

Proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines support development and maturation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the current study, we sought to investigate the prognostic value of TLS-associated chemokines/cytokines (TLS-kines) expression levels in melanoma patients by performing serum protein and tissue transcriptomic analyses, and to then correlate these data with patients clinicopathological and TME characteristics. Levels of TLS-kines in patients' sera were quantitated using a custom Luminex Multiplex Assay. The Cancer Genomic Atlas melanoma cohort (TCGA-SKCM) and a Moffitt Melanoma cohort were used for tissue transcriptomic analyses. Associations between target analytes and survival outcomes, clinicopathological variables, and correlations between TLS-kines were statistically analyzed. Serum of 95 patients with melanoma were evaluated; 48 (50%) female, median age of 63, IQR 51-70 years. Serum levels of APRIL/TNFSF13 were positively correlated with levels of both CXCL10 and CXCL13. In multivariate analyses, high levels of serum APRIL/TNFSF13 were associated with improved event-free survival after adjusting for age and stage (HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.43-0.95; p = 0.03). High expression of APRIL/TNFSF13 tumor transcripts was significantly associated with improved OS in TCGA-SKCM (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.52-0.93; p = 0.01) and in Moffitt Melanoma patients (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.32-0.82; p = 0.006). Further incorporation of CXCL13 and CXCL10 tumor transcript levels in a 3-gene index revealed that high APRIL/CXCL10/CXCL13 expression was associated with improved OS in the TCGA SKCM cohort (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.19-0.94; p = 0.035). Melanoma differentially expressed genes positively associated with high APRIL/CXCL10/CXCL13 tumor expression were linked to tumor infiltration by a diverse array of proinflammatory immune cell types. Serum protein and tumor transcript levels of APRIL/TNFSF13 are associated with improved survival outcomes. Patients exhibiting high coordinate expression of APRIL/CXCL10/CXCL13 transcripts in their tumors displayed superior OS. Further investigation of TLS-kine expression profiles related to clinical outcomes in larger cohort studies is warranted.

Expression of lymphoid structure-associated cytokine/chemokine gene transcripts in tumor and protein in serum: Outcomes for patients with melanoma.

9565 Background: Proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines support development and maturation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). In the current study, we sought to investigate the prognostic value of TLS-associated chemokine/cytokine (TLS-kine) expression levels in melanoma patients (MEL PTs) by performing serum protein and tissue transcriptomic analyses, and to then correlate these data with PT tumor clinicopathological and TIME characteristics. Methods: Levels of TLS-kines in PT sera were quantitated using a custom Luminex Multiplex Assay. The Cancer Genomic Atlas MEL cohort (TCGA-SKCM) and a Moffitt MEL cohort were used for tissue transcriptomic analyses. Associations between target analytes and survival outcomes, clinicopathological variables, and correlations between TLS-kines were statistically analyzed. Results: Serum of 95 PTs with MEL were evaluated; 48 (50%) female, median age of 63, IQR 51-70 years. Serum levels of APRIL/TNFSF13 were positively correlated with levels of both CXCL10 and CXCL13. Tumors with brisk/non-brisk tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) vs. absence of TIL exhibited significantly higher levels of APRIL/TNFSF13 (p = 0.01), CCL19 (p = 0.01) and CXCL13 (p = 0.01). In multivariate analyses, high levels of serum APRIL/TNFSF13 were associated with improved event-free survival after adjusting for age and stage (HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.43-0.95; p = 0.03). High expression of APRIL/TNFSF13 transcripts was significantly associated with improved OS in TCGA-SKCM[n = 448](HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.52-0.93; p = 0.01) and in Moffitt MEL PTs [n = 134] (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.32-0.82; p = 0.006). Further incorporation of CXCL10 and CXCL13 transcript levels in a 3-gene index revealed that high APRIL/CXCL10/CXCL13 expression was associated with improved OS in the TCGA SKCM cohort (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.19-0.94; p = 0.035). High coordinate expression of the TNFSF13/CXCL10/CXCL13 transcripts in MEL was correlated with an increased presence of naïve B cells, plasma B cells, CD8+ T cells, and M1 macrophages and decreased levels of M2 macrophages and mast cells as well as a reduced neural network gene signature. Conclusions: Serum protein and tumor transcript levels of APRIL/TNFSF13 are associated with improved survival outcomes. PTs exhibiting high coordinate expression of APRIL/CXCL10/CXCL13 transcripts in their tumors displayed superior OS. MEL differentially expressed genes positively associated with high coordinate APRIL/CXCL10/CXCL13 expression were linked to tumor infiltration by a diverse array of proinflammatory immune cell types. Further investigation of TLS-kine expression profiles related to clinical outcomes is warranted.

Abstract 5712: Anti-TIGIT antibody tiragolumab leverages myeloid cells and regulatory T cells to improve PD-L1 checkpoint blockade

Abstract Background: TIGIT is a co-inhibitory receptor and immune checkpoint associated with T cell and natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction in cancer. Tiragolumab is an anti-TIGIT antibody with an active IgG1/kappa Fc. In a randomized double-blind phase 2 clinical trial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), tiragolumab + atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) combination treatment demonstrated significant improvement relative to atezolizumab alone. However, the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this combination are not well understood. Methods: In CITYSCAPE (phase 2, NCT03563716), chemotherapy-naïve patients with locally advanced/metastatic NSCLC received either placebo + 1200 mg atezolizumab or 600 mg tiragolumab + 1200 mg atezolizumab q3w IV. We collected tumor pretreatment samples and serum samples (baseline and on-treatment) from patients enrolled in the trial, which were subject to bulk RNA-seq and proteomics, respectively. In the mouse tumor model, BALB/c mice were implanted with syngeneic CT26 tumors. After tumor establishment, mice were randomized by tumor volume and then treated with control IgG2a, anti-PD-L1, anti-TIGIT IgG2a-LALAPG (Fc-inactive) ± anti-PD-L1, anti-TIGIT IgG2b ± anti-PD-L1, or anti-TIGIT IgG2a ± anti-PD-L1. Three days after treatment, CD45+ immune cells were collected from the peripheral blood and tumor from selected treatment groups and underwent single cell RNA sequencing or flow cytometry profiling. Tumor growth was also monitored to determine efficacy. Results: Here, we show that tiragolumab functions as both a conventional checkpoint inhibitor and, via Fc gamma receptor engagement, as a modulator of immunosuppressive myeloid cells and T regulatory (Treg) cells. Gene expression analysis of patient tumor samples revealed high levels of these cell subsets, were instead associated with treatment benefit in the tiragolumab + atezolizumab arm but not atezolizumab arm. Analysis of patient serum proteins suggested an association of myeloid cell activation with clinical benefit mediated by the combination therapy. In mouse tumor models, treatment with anti-PD-L1 + anti-TIGIT IgG2a (but not anti-TIGIT IgG2b or Fc-silent anti-TIGIT) led to effective tumor control in mice, suggesting a pivotal role for activating Fc receptors. Phenotypic profiling by single cell RNAseq and flow cytometry revealed that Fc-active anti-TIGIT remodels the tumor microenvironment, most prominently by inducing antigen presentation machinery in myeloid cells, counteracting of anti-PDL1-enforced CD8+ T cell exhaustion, and reducing Treg suppressive capacity. Conclusions: These findings reveal that FcR engagement is one of several distinct mechanisms by which tiragolumab unleashes antitumor immune responses, and inform further clinical development of anti-TIGIT therapies. Citation Format: Namrata S. Patil, Shyam Srivats, Yoonha Choi, Xiangnan Guan, Barzin Nabet, Lisa McGinnis, Eugene Chiang, Alexis Dunkle, Bill O’Gorman, Patrick S. Chang, Ruozhen Hu, John Silva, Joy Han, Amelia Au-Yeung, Chikara Takahashi, Nandini Molden, Pallavi Daggumati, Wendy Connolly, Melissa Johnson, Delvys Rodriguez Abreu, Byoung Chul Cho, Antoine Italiano, Ignacio Gil-Bazo, Enriqueta Felip, Ira Mellman, Raymond Meng, Sanjeev Mariathasan, Robert Johnston, David S. Shames. Anti-TIGIT antibody tiragolumab leverages myeloid cells and regulatory T cells to improve PD-L1 checkpoint blockade. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5712.

The use of serum protein analysis in the diagnosis of fatal envenomation via Crotalus horridus (timber rattlesnake)

Deaths occurring due to rattlesnake envenomization are extremely rare and must be thoroughly investigated in the same manner as any other type of death. Our research presents the case of an adult white male who suffered a fatal timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) envenomation in northwest Florida in 2018. Blood samples were taken from the decedent's heart and vasculature of the chest and sent for serum proteomic analysis. Serum proteomic analysis was utilized in order to identify proteins from timber rattlesnake (C.horridus) found within the victim's blood. The confirmation of the presence of timber rattlesnake venom within the victim's blood allows the forensic pathologist to determine the cause of death most accurately and likewise, assists with the manner of death determination. Blood samples were separated into two groups: one with the abundant endogenous proteins depleted to facilitate detection of lower abundant proteins and one undepleted. In the depleted sample, a total of 712 proteins were identified, with 47 of the proteins (6.6%) occurring originating from timber rattlesnake (C.horridus). Likewise, a total of 742 proteins were identified in the undepleted sample, with 52 of the proteins (7.0%) occurring in timber rattlesnake (C.horridus). No timber rattlesnake (C.horridus) proteins were found in control human serum.

Retracted: Proteomics Analysis of Serum Proteins in Gestational Diabetes.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/4724590.].

Identification of two theranostic biomarker panels for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Epithelial Ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of death associated with gynecologic tumors. Because the disease is asymptomatic in early-stage, the majority of patients are not diagnosed until late stages, highlighting the need for the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers. Mediators of tumoral microenvironment may affect EOC progression and resistance to treatment. Analysis of serum proteins to identify a panel of theranostic biomarkers for EOC. Serum levels of 65 analytes were determined in EOC patients, and healthy controls with the ProcartaPlex Human Immune Monitoring 65-Plex Panel. Twenty-one analytes: 7 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-18 and TSLP), 7 chemokines (Eotaxin, eotaxin-2, IP-10, BLC, I-TAC, SDF-1α, and fractalkine), 2 growth factors (MMP-1, VEGF-α), and 5 soluble receptors (APRIL, CD40L, TWEAK, CD30 and TNFRII; were significantly differentially expressed between the two groups. ROC curves showed that only seven of them (IL-9, TNF-α, Eotaxin, IP-10, BLC, Fractalkine, and Tweak) had AUC values greater than 0.70 and thus had potential clinical utility. Moreover, five cytokines: IFN-γ, IL-1 β, IL-8, MIP-1β, and TNF-α are positively associated with patients who developed resistance to taxol-platinum-based chemotherapy (CT). This study has revealed a first panel of 7 analytes (IL-9, TNF-α, Eotaxin, IP-10, BLC, Fractalkine and Tweak) that can be used for early detection of EOC and a second panel of five cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-8, MIP-1β, TNF-α) that can help clinicians to identify EOC patients who are at higher risk to develop resistance to CT of EOC.

Clinical and Etiological Profile of an Exudative Pleural Effusion in a Tertiary Care Center

Background: Pleural effusion is common clinical entity in day-to-day clinical practice. There are various etiologies for pleural effusion. Among those tubercular pleural effusion, parapneumonic effusion, malignant effusion, and congestive heart failure were the most common causes of pleural effusion. Here, we have done a retrospective study to see the etiology of pleural effusion in our tertiary care center. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care center over 1 year period. A total of 63 patients were included in this study after verifying in patient records of all patients who were admitted with exudative pleural effusion. The demographic data collected and complete history was obtained. Investigations such as complete hemogram, random blood sugar; renal function tests, serum proteins, chest x-ray, and pleural fluid analysis and investigations such as ultrasonogram of the chest and abdomen, echocardiogram, computed tomography scan of chest, fine-needle aspiration cytology, and pleural biopsy reports (if done) were collected. Results: Among the study participants, 40 were male and 23 were female patients with male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1. Mean age of the study population was 48.8 ± 18.7 years. The most common presenting symptom was dyspnea (84%) followed by cough (80%), fever (65%), and chest pain (43%). The most frequent cause of pleural effusion was tuberculosis in 38% of patients, followed by parapneumonic effusion (28.5%) and malignant pleural effusion (22.2%). Three patients had chylothorax, two patients had pancreatic pleural effusion and the diagnosis was unknown in two patients. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) adenosine deaminase (ADA) value of the study population was 45.3 ± 28.1. Mean ± SD of ADA values in tuberculous, parapneumonic, and malignant pleural effusion was 54.5 ± 16.8, 65.2 ± 30.7, and 18.2 ± 11.0, respectively. Conclusions: Tuberculosis is one of the common causes of exudative effusions along with parapneumonic effusions and malignancy. Pleural fluid ADA levels are highly sensitive with good specificity for the diagnosis of etiology of tubercular effusions. However in view of high levels of ADA in pleural fluid in parapneumonic effusions also, other measures such as clinical evaluation, lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio, and glucose levels are necessary to separate both these entities.

Role of Surface Charge of Nanoscale Ultrasound Contrast Agents in Complement Activation and Phagocytosis.

To prepare nanoscale ultrasound contrast agents (Nano-UCAs) and examine the role of their surface charge in complement activation and phagocytosis. We analyzed serum proteins present in the corona formed on Nano-UCAs and evaluated two important protein markers of complement activation (C3 and SC5b-9). The effect of surface charge on phagocytosis was further assessed using THP-1 macrophages. When Nano-UCAs were incubated with human serum, they were opsonized by various blood proteins, especially C3. Highly charged Nano-UCAs, whether positive or negative, were favorably opsonized by complement proteins and phagocytized by macrophages. Charged Nano-UCAs show a higher tendency to activated complement system, and are efficiently engulfed by macrophages. The present results provide meaningful insights into the role of the surface charge of nanoparticles in the activation of the innate immune system, which is important not only for the design of targeted Nano-UCAs, but also for the effectiveness and safety of other theranostic agents.

Serum Proteome Profiling Reveals Inflammatory, Molecular and Prognostic Information Beyond the Ctdna in Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas

Introduction Large B-cell lymphomas (LBCL) constitute a group of aggressive B-cell lymphomas, which have striking genetic heterogeneity, variable tumor microenvironment (TME), clinical presentation and treatment outcome. Although LBCL patients are treated with a curative intent, their survival is suboptimal, and the current prognostic tool, the International Prognostic Index (IPI), cannot capture the biological heterogeneity of the disease. We studied serum proteome in a uniformly treated cohort of the patients with LBCL to characterize host response to lymphoma and to identify clinically relevant circulating proteins. Materials and methods We applied proximity extension assay of 1463 proteins (Olink Proteomics) to pretherapeutic serum samples of 109 patients with primary LBCL and five healthy volunteers. The LBCL patients included in the study were 21-65 years of age and had clinically high-risk disease (age adjusted IPI ≥ 2) and/or site-specific risk factors for central nervous system (CNS) progression. Patients were treated in a Nordic phase II protocol with a dose-dense immunochemotherapy and early CNS prophylaxis. The findings from the serum proteome profiling were correlated with clinical and molecular data (gene expression, n = 48; multiplex immunohistochemistry, n = 39) from tumor tissue and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from concurrent plasma samples (n = 91). Results Unsupervised analysis of the pre-treatment serum protein levels revealed a subgroup of patients (n=24, 22%) with a distinct protein profile compared to the other patients and healthy volunteers (Figure 1A). The patients with this profile had elevated levels of inflammatory proteins, such as interferon gamma (IFNg) related T-cell response markers. Clinically, the patients with the inflamed serum protein profile had more often B-symptoms and lymphoma infiltration in the bone marrow, and dismal survival as compared to the patients with the non-inflamed profile (overall survival, HR 4.31, 95%-CI 1.71-10.88, P < .01, Figure 1B). In addition, T-cell/histiocyte rich large B-cell lymphoma and activated B-cell (ABC) molecular subtype were more common entities in these patients. Lymphomas in the inflamed serum cohort were characterized by a higher proportion of tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes and macrophages expressing immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM3) and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3). In liquid biopsy, a striking association between the inflamed serum protein profile and high plasma ctDNA levels was discovered (P < .0001). However, the profile associated with poor outcome independently of ctDNA levels (P < .01). Integrative analysis of ctDNA and serum proteins revealed synergistic potential for tumor profiling that extended beyond inflammatory markers. For example, circulating protein levels of tumor protein 53 (TP53) associated with p53 mutations, TP53 expression in the lymphoma tissue and high tumor burden. Moreover, high levels of serpin family A member 9 (SERPINA9) and TNF receptor superfamily member 13B (TNFRSF13B) characterized germinal center B-cell like/EZB and ABC/MCD diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, respectively. Conclusions Our findings reveal an inflamed serum protein profile, which reflects host response to lymphoma, correlates with TME features, extends beyond ctDNA characteristics, and translates to poor outcome. Moreover, by integrating serum protein and plasma ctDNA profiling we uncover new associations that broaden the opportunities of liquid biopsies in LBCL. Together, our data establish a novel interaction between lymphoma and the host. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Emergency Vaccination as a Control Strategy against Sheeppox Outbreak in a Highly Susceptible Population.

Simple SummarySheeppox is an emerging disease in different parts of the world with a huge impact on animal health and production. Emergency vaccination might be an effective strategy to overcome this disease. In this study we characterized in detail an outbreak of sheeppox in a susceptible naive sheep population in Egypt. The local and the systemic signs as well as postmortem and the histopathological findings of the disease were confirmed. We also compared the efficacies of two commercial sheeppox vaccines (Romanian strain and RM-65 vaccines). Our results confirmed the superiority of the RM-65 vaccine compared to the Romanian strain vaccine in protecting the animals. Furthermore, we highlighted the validity of emergency vaccination to control a sheeppox outbreak.This study aimed to investigate a sheeppox outbreak in a highly susceptible naive sheep population in Kharsit village, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. Moreover, to compare commercial sheeppox vaccines, the Romanian strain and RM-65 vaccines, as emergency vaccination against sheeppox under field conditions. In December 2018, a sheeppox outbreak occurred in a flock of 65 sheep upon the purchase of an apparently healthy ewe from outside the village. This ewe showed a systemic disease with cutaneous lesions after a few days, thereafter more cases began to appear. Cutaneous lesions in other sheep in the flock in the form of macules, papules, and scabs were common in wool-less areas of the body, in addition to fever and respiratory disorders. Postmortem findings revealed the congestion of visceral organs with apparent gross pathology of the lung. Biopsies of cutaneous lesions and visceral organs were collected, and sheeppox was identified by histopathology and transmission electron microscopy, which showed the existence of sheeppox cells and intracytoplasmic brick-shape sheeppox virions. The Romanian strain and RM-65 vaccines were used for the emergency vaccination for two different groups of animals and the third group was left as a control group. Serum samples were collected before vaccination as well as 21 days post-vaccination, and serum protein fractionation analysis was performed for all groups. The outbreak ended after 2.5 months, the cumulative incidence was 66.2%, and the overall case fatality was 51.1%. There was significantly higher protection against sheeppox infection and mortalities among RM-65 vaccine immunized group compared to Romanian strain vaccine-immunized animals at p < 0.05. RM-65-vaccinated animals did not show sheeppox cases or mortalities, compared to Romanian strain-vaccinated animals, which had mild pox signs in 78% of animals and case fatality of 35.7%. The serum protein analysis also indicated the superior performance of the RM-65 vaccine; it increased the level of α1-globulin and β-globulin compared to the Romanian strain, which increased the level of β-globulin only. The current study shows a better performance of the tested RM-65 than the Romanian strain vaccine for emergency vaccination against sheeppox under field conditions. These findings point to the validity of emergency vaccination against sheeppox and the importance of the comparative field evaluation of vaccines; however, wide-scale studies are required for further evaluation. Future investigation of whether the Romanian strain itself or vaccine-production-related issues are responsible for these findings is required.

Research priority setting for paediatric rheumatology in the UK.

The evidence base that underlies the management of children and young people with paediatric rheumatic diseases is deficient. In this field, there are many crucial unanswered questions. The UK Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Studies Group, supported by UK National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network: children and Versus Arthritis, elicited ideas for research priorities from paediatric rheumatologists, trainees, allied health-care professionals, nurse specialists, patients, parents of patients, carers, and charities. These ideas were collected through online surveys and face-to-face meetings. A modified Delphi process was used, which included online research priority ranking surveys and a consensus workshop. A longlist of 55 disease-specific research priorities and 37 general research priorities were voted on in the first survey. A list of 11 top general research priorities was produced. The top ten disease-specific research priorities were discussed in depth at a Delphi workshop to determine their final ranking. This Health Policy paper will help to guide clinicians, academics, and funding bodies to prioritise research in paediatric rheumatic diseases, specifically in areas of unmet patient needs.

Proteomic Analysis of Serum Proteins from Patients with Severe Coronary Artery Calcification.

Proteomic studies investigating novel molecular markers of coronary artery calcification (CAC) are scarce.This study compared the protein expression in the serum of patients with severe CAC and non-CAC. The serum from 30 patients with severe CAC and 30 matched-controls were screened by data-independent acquisition(DIA)-based proteomic technology. Bioinformatics analysis tools were used to analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms of the differentially expressed proteins. Candidate proteins were further validated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in an independent cohort. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to estimate the diagnostic power of the candidate proteins. Among the 110 identified proteins, the expression of 81 was significantly upregulated, whereas 29 proteins were downregulated (fold change 1.5; p 0.05) between patients with and without CAC. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the differential proteins are involved in complement and coagulation cascades, platelet activation, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, or glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Further verification showed that serum levels of complement C5 (C5), fibrinogen gamma (FGG), pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2), and tropomyosin 4 (TPM4) were consistent with the proteomic findings, which could allow discrimination between CAC and non-CAC patients. This study revealed that high serum levels of serum C5, FGG, PKM2, and TPM4 proteins were linked to severe CAC. These proteins may be developed as biomarkers to predict coronary calcification.

PB1962: COMPARISON OF EXPRESSION OF NSD2, CYCLIN D1 AND C-MAF BY PLASMA CELLS IN BONE MARROW AND BONE PLASMACYTOMA IN PATIENTS WITH PLASMA CELL MYELOMA

Background: Bone plasmacytomas forms as a result of destruction of bone structures by tumor proliferate and its escape out of the medullar cavity. According published data, the incidence of bone plasmacytomas at the time of plasma cell myeloma (PCM) diagnosis ranges from 7 to 32,5%, whereas rates are higher in a relapse. Bone plasmacytomas in most cases are composed of mature plasma cells, while immature morphology is mainly characteristic for extramedullary plasmacytomas. It is shown, that plasmacytoma cells are the descendants of bone marrow tumor plasma cells. Due to acquisition of new qualities as a downregulation of adhesion molecules, secretion of growth factors, activation of oncogenes and antiapoptotic factors, new subclones of tumor cells can survive without support from bone marrow microenvironment. Aims: to compare morphological consistency and immunohistochemical characteristics of PCM substrate in bone marrow trephines and bone plasmacytomas biopsy specimens. Methods: In retrospective study were included 13 patients with PCM aged from 36 to 67 years (median 55 years). At the time of diagnosis all patients underwent biopsy of bone plasmacytoma. The diagnosis of PCM verified according to IMWG criteria (2014). All patients have been examined with routine laboratory tests, immunochemical analysis of serum proteins and urine, cytologic examination of bone marrow smears, histologic and immunohistochemical examinations of bone marrow trephines and bone plasmacytomas biopsy specimens, instrumental examinations (CT, MRI). Immunohistochemical staining of bone marrow trephines and bone plasmacytomas biopsy specimens made with using a stainer Leica Bond-Max, reactions with antibodies to CCND1 (clone SPA4, Cell Marque), NSD2 (clone 29D1, Abcam), c-MAF (clone ERP16484, Abcam). The cut-off scores for determining positivity for markers have been taken 5% for CCND1, 10% for NSD2 and c-MAF (by T. Murase et al., 2019). Microscopic examination of histologic and immunohistochemical slides have been done on light microscope Leica 3000. Results: PCM substrate by histologic examination in bone marrow trepnines and bone plasmacytomas biopsy specimens were presented by mature plasma cells. In two patients (1 and 8) in bone plasmacytoma have been seen proplasmocytes between mature plasma cells, but in bone marrow have been seen only clusters of mature plasma cells. According to the results of immunohistochemical examination the expression of proteins-products of oncogenes have been revealed in most patients (12 of 13) in plasma cells of bone marrow and bone plasmacytomas, wherein in half of the patients (patients 7-12) the expression of proteins-products of oncogenes coincides in bone marrow and bone plasmacytoma. We have revealed a discordant expression in another patients (tabl. 1). We’ve paid a special attention to the patients 1-3, in whom in bone marrow have been revealed an expression of 1/3 protein, but in bone plasmacytoma – 2/3 (patients 2 and 3) or all of 3 studied proteins (patient 1). This phenomenon is possible to consider as a heterogeneity of clonal composition of bone plasmacytoma as a consequence of tumor evolution. Image:Summary/Conclusion: Discordant expression of proteins-products of oncogenes NSD2, cyclin D1 and c-Maf in tumor cells in bone marrow and bone plasmacytoma could be evidence of different tumor clones activation in PCM.

Dynamic changes in serum analyte levels associated with clinical outcome in squamous cell lung cancer trial SWOG Lung-MAP S1400I of nivolumab ± ipilimumab.

9044 Background: While Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is standard treatment for lung cancer there are limited biomarkers that predict benefit, pharmacokinetic on-treatment activity or explain progression. S1400I was a randomized Phase III trial of nivolumab(N)+ipilimumab(I) versus N (NCT02154490, PMID 34264316) for ICB naïve, previously treated stage IV or recurrent squamous cell lung cancer. We performed circulating serum protein analysis of serial blood specimens from patients enrolled in S1400I to evaluate if serum proteins levels changed over time, changes differed by treatment arm, and if they were associated with overall survival. Methods: 561 serial blood specimens (baseline, weeks (wk) 3, 7, 9, and progression [PD]) from 160 of 252 eligible patients enrolled to S1400I were analyzed for 92 immuno-oncology analytes with the Olink proximity extension assay. Protein levels were normalized with use of internal controls and quantified as log2 protein expression (denoted as NPX). Linear mixed models evaluated change in expression from baseline at each time point (wks 3,7,9 and PD), and NPX differences at baseline, wk3, and PD depending on best objective response. A Cox model was used to evaluate the association between baseline NPX and survival. Overall survival and longitudinal cytokine expression were jointly modeled using a linear mixed model to estimate dynamic biomarker changes in NPX and a Cox model for survival. The joint models for time-varying NPX values included a random intercept and modeled time using a natural spline with three knots. Significance was defined as P &lt; 0.05. Results: Serum proteins PCDC1, CXCL9, and CXCL10 were increased from baseline at wks 3,7,9 and at PD. CCL19 was increased at wks 3 and 7 but not at wk 9 and PD. IL10 and IFNγ were increased at wk 3 but subsequently returned to baseline. Change in CXCL13 from baseline to PD was larger for N+I versus N. Baseline CCL23, CSF-1, IL6, and MUC-16 were associated with shorter survival (HR &gt; 1). Joint modeling of survival with cytokines showed an increased risk of death (HR &gt; 1) with higher longitudinal serum levels of CXCL13, MMP12, CSF-1, and IL8. Patients achieving objective response had higher IL4 and LAMP3 and lower IL6 and IL8 at baseline and wk 3 compared to non-responders. Conclusions: Measurements of blood circulating soluble proteins represent easily accessible biomarkers that may be useful as indicators of outcome, and that will need to be prospectively confirmed. Clinical trial information: NCT02154490.