Changes In Surface Expression Research Articles

Key amino acids alter activity and trafficking of a well-conserved olfactory receptor.

In this study, we elucidate factors that regulate the trafficking and activity of a well-conserved olfactory receptor (OR), olfactory receptor 558 (Olfr558), and its human ortholog olfactory receptor 51E1 (OR51E1). Results indicate that butyrate activates Olfr558/OR51E1 leading to the production of cAMP, and evokes Ca2+ influx. We also find olfactory G protein (Golf) increases cAMP production induced by Olfr558/OR51E1 activation but does not affect trafficking. Given the 93% sequence identity between OR51E1 and Olfr558, it is surprising to note that OR51E1 has significantly more surface expression yet similar total protein expression. We find that replacing the Olfr558 N-terminus with that of OR51E1 significantly increases trafficking; in contrast, there is no change in surface expression conferred by the OR51E1 TM2, TM3, or TM4 domains. A previous analysis of human OR51E1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified an A156T mutant primarily found in South Asia as the most abundant (albeit still rare). We find that the OR51E1 A156T mutant has reduced surface expression and cAMP production without a change in total protein expression. In sum, this study of a well-conserved olfactory receptor identifies both protein regions and specific amino acid residues that play key roles in protein trafficking and also elucidates common effects of Golf on the regulation of both the human and murine OR.

Alterations of blood monocyte subset distribution and surface phenotype are linked to infection severity in COVID-19 inpatients.

Severe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) manifests with systemic immediate proinflammatory innate immune activation and altered iron turnover. Iron homeostasis, differentiation, and function of myeloid leukocytes are interconnected. Therefore, we characterized the cellularity, surface marker expression, and iron transporter phenotype of neutrophils and monocyte subsets in COVID‐19 patients within 72 h from hospital admission, and analyzed how these parameters relate to infection severity. Between March and November 2020, blood leukocyte samples from hospitalized COVID‐19 patients (n = 48) and healthy individuals (n = 7) were analyzed by flow cytometry enabling comparative analysis of 40 features. Inflammation‐driven neutrophil expansion, depletion of CD16+ nonclassical monocytes, and changes in surface expression of neutrophil and monocyte CD64 and CD86 were associated with COVID‐19 severity. By unsupervised self‐organizing map clustering, four patterns of innate myeloid response were identified and linked to varying levels of systemic inflammation, altered cellular iron trafficking and the severity of disease. These alterations of the myeloid leukocyte compartment during acute COVID‐19 may be hallmarks of inefficient viral control and immune hyperactivation and may help at risk prediction and treatment optimization.

Quantitative Assessment of the Evolution of Therapeutic Target Antigen Expression Level in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Response to Treatment

Introduction:Approximately one-third of patients (pts.) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) develop relapsed or refractory (R/R) disease after frontline rituximab-(R) based chemo immunotherapy. Variability in expression of the B-cell surface antigen CD20, and possibly CD19, is thought to be an important mechanism of treatment failure, but there is vast heterogeneity in the reported incidence, with most reports utilizing Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining which is non-quantitative in nature. New therapeutics including CAR T-cells, antibodies (Ab) (tafasitimab) and Ab-drug conjugates (loncastuximab teserine) target CD19, while several bispecific engager Abs. in development target CD20. Understanding the evolution of target antigen expression in R/R DLBCL can provide information regarding selection and sequencing of therapies. We sought to quantitate the change in surface expression of CD19 and CD20 in R/R DLBCL after R-based chemo immunotherapy relative to pretreatment levels, to provide insight into the relative stability of these targets.Methods:Pts. diagnosed with DLBCL after January 2014, who were R/R to frontline R-based chemo immunotherapy (R-CHOP or R-EPOCH) were retrospectively identified. Pt. and disease related clinical variables at diagnosis (Dx) and first R/R were recorded. Data from IHC were obtained, as were archival flow cytometry assays performed on tumor biopsies at Dx and in the R/R setting. Using FCS Express® software, neoplastic cells were gated, and fluorescence intensity (FI) of CD19 and CD20 expression were reported (using fluorochromes APC-A for CD19 and PECy7 for CD20, respectively). Multivariate linear mixed model was used to compare median and geometric mean FI of CD19 and CD20 between Dx and R/R, while adjusting for other clinical variables.Results:A total of 51 flow cytometry assays (26 Dx and 25 R/R) were analyzed for 33 pts. Median age at Dx was 64 (range, 41-76) yrs., 24 pts. (73%) were male and 29 (88%) had IPI ≥ 2. 11 (33%) pts. had a prior indolent lymphoma. Cell of origin at Dx was GCB in 16 (49%) and non-GCB in 12 (36%) pts., while two had a double-hit rearrangement at diagnosis. Treatment was R-CHOP in 27 cases (82%) and R-EPOCH in 6 (18%). Median time to R/R was 10.4 months.There was a significant reduction in median FI of CD20 from Dx [median: 40,610 (range: 167 - 259,962)] to R/R [median: 11,596 (range: 63 - 79,592)], representing a mean reduction of 63% at R/R relative to Dx (P= 0.01; 95% CI: 20-73%). Similar change was observed in geometric mean FI of CD20, which was reduced 65% at R/R relative to Dx (P< 0.01; 95%CI: 31-82%). In comparison, on IHC, CD20 was reported to be negative at R/R relative to Dx in only one of 16 pts. for whom IHC results were available. Median and geometric mean FI of CD19 at R/R were 38% and 20% lower compared to Dx, respectively, but these differences were not statistically significant (P= 0.08 and 0.39, respectively) (Table). When examining the relative change in FI at R/R in individual cases, compared to the mean FI of all Dx cases, we observed that 21 out 25 R/R cases (84%) had reduction of CD20 whereas only 14/25 (56%) had reduction of CD19. Interestingly, 7/25 (28%) R/R cases had an increase in CD19 expression by >80% (Figure).When adjusting for clinical variables such as age, sex, presence of B symptoms, bone marrow (BM) involvement, PS and prior indolent lymphoma, the change in CD20 median FI from Dx to R/R maintained statistical significance (p=0.01). Reduction in CD20 geometric mean FI from Dx to R/R was significantly associated with age >60 years (p=0.04), BM involvement (p <0.01) and >1 site of extra nodal involvement (p= 0.03) at Dx.Conclusions:Quantitative assessment by flow cytometry revealed a significant decline in expression of CD20 at R/R compared to Dx in the majority of patients with DLBCL treated with R-based chemo immunotherapy. CD19 expression was unchanged in most R/R cases but was found to be dramatically upregulated in a subset of R/R cases. Given the role of CD19 mediated pathways in B-cell NHL and its association with PI3K pro-survival signaling, these data merit further exploration as a potential mechanism of treatment resistance. These findings also highlight the importance for repeat tissue biopsy at the time of suspected R/R DLBCL, with focus on therapeutic target expression, as it may influence treatment decisions or enrollment in clinical trials exploring efficacy of newer agents. [Display omitted] DisclosuresCaimi: TG Therapeutics: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Amgen Therapeutics.: Consultancy; XaTek: Patents & Royalties: Royalties from patents (wife); Verastem: Consultancy; Genentech: Research Funding; Kite Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; ADC Theraputics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Hill: Celgene (BMS): Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel Support, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AstraZenica: Consultancy, Honoraria; Epizyme: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Gentenech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte/Morphysis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Beigene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Loss of the exocyst complex component EXOC3 promotes hemostasis and accelerates arterial thrombosis

AbstractThe exocyst is an octameric complex comprising 8 distinct protein subunits, exocyst complex components (EXOC) 1 to 8. It has an established role in tethering secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane, but its relevance to platelet granule secretion and function remains to be determined. Here, EXOC3 conditional knockout (KO) mice in the megakaryocyte/platelet lineage were generated to assess exocyst function in platelets. Significant defects in platelet aggregation, integrin activation, α-granule (P-selectin and platelet factor 4), dense granule, and lysosomal granule secretion were detected in EXOC3 KO platelets after treatment with a glycoprotein VI (GPVI)-selective agonist, collagen-related peptide (CRP). Except for P-selectin exposure, these defects were completely recovered by maximal CRP concentrations. GPVI surface levels were also significantly decreased by 14.5% in KO platelets, whereas defects in proximal GPVI signaling responses, Syk and LAT phosphorylation, and calcium mobilization were also detected, implying an indirect mechanism for these recoverable defects due to decreased surface GPVI. Paradoxically, dense granule secretion, integrin activation, and changes in surface expression of integrin αIIb (CD41) were significantly increased in KO platelets after protease-activated receptor 4 activation, but calcium responses were unaltered. Elevated integrin activation responses were completely suppressed with a P2Y12 receptor antagonist, suggesting enhanced dense granule secretion of adenosine 5′-diphosphate as a critical mediator of these responses. Finally, arterial thrombosis was significantly accelerated in KO mice, which also displayed improved hemostasis determined by reduced tail bleeding times. These findings reveal a regulatory role for the exocyst in controlling critical aspects of platelet function pertinent to thrombosis and hemostasis.

Low-dose trans-resveratrol induce poly(ADP)-ribosylation-dependent increase of the PPAR-γ protein expression level in the in vitro model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

An effect of low-dose resveratrol treatment on lipid metabolism and pro-inflammatory processes has been studied, using an in vitro model of Non-Alcoholic-Fatty Liver Disease. The model system consisted of lipid-loaded monolayer cultures of hepatocytes (Hepa1-6) and macrophages (RAW264.7), as both cell types are present in the liver. Also a tridimensional model of hepatic spheroids has been created to mimic spatial adhesive contacts between cells. Treatment with resveratrol (5μM, 10μM) for 3h caused a decrease in lipid load in all three model systems. This decrease wasn't accompanied by any changes in surface expression of lipid transporter-CD36. The response to resveratrol (RSV) was cell type- and cell environment-dependent. In both cell types an increase of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) protein level has been revealed. The increase of the PPAR-γ protein level appeared to be poly (ADP)-ribosylation-dependent. It has been revealed, that in the resveratrol-induced signaling pathway, leading to the decrease of intracellular lipid load, an activation of poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase should happen upstream of PPAR-γ protein expression.The decrease of lipid load isn't accompanied by changes in the surface expression of lipid transporter CD36.

Transport rate of EAAT2 is regulated by amino acid located at the interface between the scaffolding and substrate transport domains

Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters (EAATs) are plasma membrane proteins responsible for maintenance of low extracellular concentrations of glutamate in the CNS. Dysfunction in their activity is implicated in various neurological disorders. Glutamate transport by EAATs occurs through the movement of the central transport domain relative to the scaffold domain in the EAAT membrane protein. Previous studies suggested that residues located within the interface of these two domains in EAAT2, the main subtype of glutamate transporter in the brain, are involved in regulating transport rates. We used mutagenesis, structure-function relationship, surface protein expression and electrophysiology studies, in transfected COS-7 cells and oocytes, to examine residue glycine at position 298, which is located within this interface. Mutation G298A results in increased transport rate without changes in surface expression, suggesting a more hydrophobic and larger alanine results in facilitated transport movement. The increased transport rate does not involve changes in sodium affinity. Electrophysiological currents show that G298A increase both transport and anion currents, suggesting faster transitions through the transport cycle. This work identifies a region critically involved in setting the glutamate transport rate.

A Comparison Of Tnfr1 And Tnfr2 Expression On Monocyte Subsets Following Continuous And Interval Exercise

PURPOSE: To examine the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) 1 and 2 response on monocyte subsets to interval and continuous aerobic exercise. METHODS: Six men (22.5±3.9 yrs; 180.8±5.0 cm; 80.5±6.6 kg; 11.8±4.3 %BF; 44.2±2.4 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed three cycling protocols: moderate continuous (MCT), sprint-interval (SIT), and high-intensity-interval (HIIT), in a randomized order. Visit 1 consisted of a maximal graded exercise test (VO2max) on a cycle ergometer. HIIT consisted of 15 90-sec bouts at 85% VO2max and 90-sec active recovery periods. SIT consisted of 15 20-sec bouts at 130% max wattage and 160-sec active recovery periods. MCT was a continuous bout at 65% VO2max. Each trial duration was 53 min, including a 5-min warm-up and a 3-min recovery. Blood was collected before (PRE), immediately (IP), 30 minutes (30M), 2 hours (2H), 6 hours (6H) and 24 hours (24H) post-exercise. Changes in surface expression, as measured by median fluorescent intensity (MFI) of TNFR 1 and 2 on monocyte subsets (classical: CD14++CD16−; intermediate: CD14++CD16+; and non-classical: CD14+CD16++) were analyzed via flow cytometry. Changes in TNFR1 and 2 expression were determined using a mixed model regression with fixed effects on time and condition. RESULTS: Analysis indicated a time effect for TNFR1 expression on classical (F=4.450, p=0.001) and intermediate (F=3.517, p=0.006) monocytes. TNFR1 expression on classical monocytes decreased (p < 0.05) from PRE (6637 ± 704 MFI), IP (6538 ± 522 MFI), 30M (6836 ± 661 MFI), and 2H (6600 ± 564 MFI) at 6H (5934 ± 814 MFI) and 24H (6156 ± 516 MFI). TNFR1 expression on intermediate monocytes decreased (p <0.05) from PRE (6391 ± 649 MFI), 30M (6618 ± 655 MFI) and 2H (6418 ± 569 MFI) at 6H (5912 ± 814 MFI) and 24H (5936 ± 443 MFI). A time effect (F= 4.079, p=0.002) was observed for TNFR2 expression on intermediate monocytes, with a decrease (p< 0.05) from PRE (25528 ± 3188 MFI) at 30M (22327 ± 4067 MFI), 2H (21008 ± 5113 MFI), and 6H (20515 ± 5918 MFI). TNFR2 expression on intermediate monocytes recovered by 24H (25483 ± 3189 MFI). CONCLUSION: Changes in TNFR1 and TNFR2 expression were observed across time, with no differences observed between conditions. Therefore, TNFR1 and TNFR2 expression on monocytes may not be dependent on intensity, but more investigation in necessary. Partially supported by the NSCA Foundation

Inhibition of Ca2+ channel surface expression by mutant bestrophin-1 in RPE cells.

The BEST1 gene product bestrophin-1, a Ca2+ -dependent anion channel, interacts with CaV 1.3 Ca2+ channels in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). BEST1 mutations lead to Best vitelliform macular dystrophy. A common functional defect of these mutations is reduced trafficking of bestrophin-1 into the plasma membrane. We hypothesized that this defect affects the interaction partner CaV 1.3 channel affecting Ca2+ signaling and altered RPE function. Thus, we investigated the protein interaction between CaV 1.3 channels and bestrophin-1 by immunoprecipitation, CaV 1.3 activity in the presence of mutant bestrophin-1 and intracellular trafficking of the interaction partners in confluent RPE monolayers. We selected four BEST1 mutations, each representing one mutational hotspot of the disease: T6P, F80L, R218C, and F305S. Heterologously expressed L-type channels and mutant bestrophin-1 showed reduced interaction, reduced CaV 1.3 channel activity, and changes in surface expression. Transfection of polarized RPE (porcine primary cells, iPSC-RPE) that endogenously express CaV 1.3 and wild-type bestrophin-1, with mutant bestrophin-1 confirmed reduction of CaV 1.3 surface expression. For the four selected BEST1 mutations, presence of mutant bestrophin-1 led to reduced CaV 1.3 activity by modulating pore-function or decreasing surface expression. Reduced CaV 1.3 activity might open new ways to understand symptoms of Best vitelliform macular dystrophy such as reduced electro-oculogram, lipofuscin accumulation, and vision impairment.

Gambogic Acid and Its Analogs Inhibit Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication.

Gap junctions (GJs) are intercellular channels composed of connexins. Cellular molecules smaller than 1 kDa can diffuse through GJs by a process termed gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), which plays essential roles in various pathological and physiological conditions. Gambogic acid (GA), a major component of a natural yellow dye, has been used as traditional medicine and has been reported to have various therapeutic effects, including an anti-cancer effect. In this study, two different GJ assay methods showed that GA and its analogs inhibited GJIC. The inhibition was rapidly reversible and was not mediated by changes in surface expression or S368 phosphorylation of Cx43, cellular calcium concentration, or redox state. We also developed an assay system to measure the intercellular communication induced by Cx40, Cx30, and Cx43. Dihydrogambogic acid (D-GA) potently inhibited GJIC by Cx40 (IC50 = 5.1 μM), whereas the IC50 value of carbenoxolone, which is known as a broad spectrum GJIC inhibitor, was 105.2 μM. Thus, D-GA can act as a pharmacological tool for the inhibition of Cx40.

Abstract 3092: Redirection of human HER2-positive breast cancer cells

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, affecting one eigth of the female population. While advances in clinical management and therapeutic modalities have been achieved, serious limitations in the improvement of outcomes after the diagnosis remain, largely due to the complexity of the underlying biology. Studying the mechanism that makes cancer cells tumorigenic and how they can lose the ability to cause malignant formations is the first step towards understanding complex mechanisms of this disease. The normal mammary microenvironment can redirect cells to assume a normal mammary epithelial phenotype. This phenomenon also applies to tumorigenic cells; cancer cells lose their tumor-forming capacity and differentiate, assuming a normal, non-tumorigenic phenotype. This phenomenon has been termed “cancer cell redirection.” Comparing cells that went through this transformation with original cancer cells, features that identify tumorigenic activity can be acknowledged. We have established an in vitro model of cancer cell redirection, in which HER2+ breast cancer cells are grown alone or in co-culture with normal human breast epithelial cells. The ratios of cells used in co-cultures, 1:1 and 1:50 (cancer: normal) were previously established through in vivo and in vitro studies. Redirection was confirmed by immunostaining. The metric used to determine cancer cell redirection was the absence of receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation without a change in surface expression of the receptor. HER2 and P-HER2 expression were both present in the HER2+ cancer cells and in the: MCF10A and 1:1 co-cultures. However, HER2 expression was observed in 1:50 co-cultures, but an absence of P-HER2 was noted. Based on attenuation of receptor phosphorylation in the 1:50 co-cultures we can confirm the breast cancer cell redirection, which matches our previous results. Furthermore, alteration of HER2 dimerization patterns in redirected cells were investigated. The capacity of cancer and redirected cells to form tumors was examined with use of mammosphere assay. Formation of mammospheres has correlated to stem cell function and tumor-initiation capacity. The HER2+ breast cancer cell lines formed significantly higher numbers of spheres compared to the non-tumorigenic breast epithelial cells. Mammosphere formation is decreased in redirected cancer cells. Breast cancer stem cells are HER2+ regardless of pathological or genetic classification. This suggests that HER2 expression is not only a target in HER2+ breast cancer but should be targeted in all breast cancers to prevent breast cancer stem cells from recapitulating tumors following treatment. Our data demonstrates that by attenuating activity of HER2 theses cancer cells lose the capacity to form tumors in vivo and lose their cancer phenotype in vitro. Citation Format: Anastasia Frank-Kamenetskii, Julia M. Mook, Brian W. Booth. Redirection of human HER2-positive breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3092.

Botulinum toxin: A review of the mode of action in migraine.

Botulinum toxin serotype A (BoNT/A) was originally used in neurology for the treatment of dystonia and blepharospasms, but is now clinically used worldwide for the treatment of chronic migraine. Still, the possible mode of action of BoNT/A in migraine is not fully known. However, the mode of action of BoNT/A has been investigated in experimental pain as well as migraine models, which may elucidate the underlying mechanisms in migraine. The aim of this study was to review studies on the possible mode of action of BoNT/A in relation to chronic migraine treatment. Observations suggest that the mode of action of BoNT/A may not be limited to the injection site, but also includes anatomically connected sites due to axonal transport. The mechanisms behind the effect of BoNT/A in chronic migraine may also include modulation of neurotransmitter release, changes in surface expression of receptors and cytokines as well as enhancement of opioidergic transmission. Clinical and experimental studies with botulinum toxin in the last decade have advanced our understanding of headache and other pain states. More research into botulinum toxin as treatment for headache is warranted as it can be an attractive alternative for patients who do not respond positively to other drugs.

Monocyte dysregulation and systemic inflammation during pediatric falciparum malaria.

Inflammation and monocytes are thought to be important to human malaria pathogenesis. However, the relationship of inflammation and various monocyte functions to acute malaria, recovery from acute malaria, and asymptomatic parasitemia in endemic populations is poorly understood. We evaluated plasma cytokine levels, monocyte subsets, monocyte functional responses, and monocyte inflammatory transcriptional profiles of 1- to 10-year-old Kenyan children at the time of presentation with acute uncomplicated malaria and at recovery 6 weeks later; these results were compared with analogous data from asymptomatic children and adults in the same community. Acute malaria was marked by elevated levels of proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines and expansion of the inflammatory "intermediate" monocyte subset that returned to levels of healthy asymptomatic children 6 weeks later. Monocytes displayed activated phenotypes during acute malaria, with changes in surface expression of markers important to innate and adaptive immunity. Functionally, acute malaria monocytes and monocytes from asymptomatic infected children had impaired phagocytosis of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes relative to asymptomatic children with no blood-stage infection. Monocytes from both acute malaria and recovery time points displayed strong and equivalent cytokine responsiveness to innate immune agonists that were independent of infection status. Monocyte transcriptional profiles revealed regulated and balanced proinflammatory and antiinflammatory and altered phagocytosis gene expression patterns distinct from malaria-naive monocytes. These observations provide insights into monocyte functions and the innate immune response during uncomplicated malaria and suggest that asymptomatic parasitemia in children is not clinically benign. Support for this work was provided by NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01AI095192-05), the Burroughs Wellcome Fund/American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and the Rainbow Babies & Children's Foundation.

Abstract 5576: BPM 31510, a clinical stage candidate demonstrates potent anti-tumor effect in an immune-competent syngeneic pancreatic cancer model

Abstract BPM 31510, a clinical stage nanodispersion of ubidecarenone, demonstrates anti-tumor effects by eliciting an anti-Warburg metabolic switch in cancer. Previous studies in an immune compromised PaCa2 xenograft model has unequivocally demonstrated significant efficacy of BPM 31510 on tumor volume and survival. The fundamental property of BPM 31510 to influence mitochondrial bioenergetics and the recognized interplay between T cell metabolism and maturation prompted investigation into the effects of BPM 31510 on T lymphocyte functions in eliciting anti-cancer effects. In this study BPM 31510 selectively influenced activation and maturation of T cells in murine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, in addition to determining changes in the CD3+ population, changes in surface expression of PD-1 and CTLA4 along with the IFN-γ secretion were examined. Murine cancer cell lines exposed to BPM 31510 were associated with variable sensitivity with highly metabolic tumor types being most sensitive. Next, the anti-cancer activity of BPM 31510 in an in vivo immunocompetent syngeneic Pan02 rodent model was investigated. Murine Pan02 pancreatic cancer cells were implanted subcutaneously into C57BL/6 mice. Tumors with mean volume of 80 mm3 were treated twice a day with vehicle control or BPM 31510 at 25, 50, 100 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneal. Tumor volumes were measured every 4 days. At day 21 post treatment, tumors were harvested and analyzed for the level of infiltrating immune cells by immunofluorescent staining with CD8+ for T cells and F4/80 for tumor macrophages. These results demonstrate a dose-dependent reduction in tumor volume following 21 days of BPM 31510 treatment. In summary, BPM 31510 exerts potent anti-tumor effects through its dual function of modulating tumor cell metabolism and potentially influencing immune check-point to improve overall survival outcomes. Citation Format: Shiva Kazerounian, Aishwarya Sarma, Nidhi Gaur, Maria D. Nastke, Tulin Dadali, Anne R. Diers, Stephane Gesta, Vivek K. Vishnudas, Rangaprasad Sarangarajan, Niven R. Narain. BPM 31510, a clinical stage candidate demonstrates potent anti-tumor effect in an immune-competent syngeneic pancreatic cancer model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5576. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5576

Measuring Leukocyte Adhesion to (Primary) Endothelial Cells after Photon and Charged Particle Exposure with a Dedicated Laminar Flow Chamber.

The vascular endothelium interacts with all types of blood cells and is a key modulator of local and systemic inflammatory processes, for example, in the adhesion of blood leukocytes to endothelial cells (EC) and the following extravasation into the injured tissue. The endothelium is constantly exposed to mechanical forces caused by blood flow, and the resulting shear stress is essential for the maintenance of endothelial function. Changes in local hemodynamics are sensed by EC, leading to acute or persistent changes. Therefore, in vitro assessment of EC functionality should include shear stress as an essential parameter. Parallel-plate flow chambers with adjustable shear stress can be used to study EC properties. However, commercially available systems are not suitable for radiation experiments, especially with charged particles, which are increasingly used in radiotherapy of tumors. Therefore, research on charged-particle-induced vascular side effects is needed. In addition, α-particle emitters (e.g., radon) are used to treat inflammatory diseases at low doses. In the present study, we established a flow chamber system, applicable for the investigation of radiation induced changes in the adhesion of lymphocytes to EC as readout for the onset of an inflammatory reaction or the modification of a pre-existing inflammatory state. In this system, primary human EC are cultured under physiological laminar shear stress, subjected to a proinflammatory treatment and/or irradiation with X-rays or charged particles, followed by a coincubation with primary human lymphocytes (peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL)). Analysis is performed by semiautomated quantification of fluorescent staining in microscopic pictures. First results obtained after irradiation with X-rays or helium ions indicate decreased adhesion of PBL to EC under laminar conditions for both radiation qualities, whereas adhesion of PBL under static conditions is not clearly affected by irradiation. Under static conditions, no radiation-induced changes in surface expression of adhesion molecules and activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling were observed after single cell-based high-throughput analysis. In subsequent studies, these investigations will be extended to laminar conditions.

Role of SLAMF immunoregulatory molecules in MS disease processes

Abstract In our proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) we found signaling lymphocyte activation molecules family (SLAMF) upregulated in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in comparison to controls. The goal of this project is to explore the role of SLAMF molecules in MS. To identify immune cells that express and secrete SLAMF molecules in the intrathecal (CSF) environment, we performed immunophenotyping of matched blood and CSF leukocytes and dynamic in-vitro experiments, co-culturing leukocytes with EBV and CMV viral lysates. This antigen-specific activation of a sizeable proportion of T and B cells allowed the investigating of changes in surface expression and secretion of SLAMF molecules. SLAMF2 was broadly expressed, however CSF CD8+ T cells and monocytes had higher SLAMF2 expression in comparison to blood. Stimulation down-modulated SLAMF2 on T cells, but upregulated it on B cells. SLAMF3 was expressed on cells of adaptive, but not innate immunity and CD4+ T cells expressed higher levels of SLAMF3 in CSF than in blood. Upon activation, SLAMF3 expression did not change and the soluble form did not accumulate in supernatants. SLAMF5 was broadly expressed, with particularly higher levels on cells of innate immunity (monocytes and dendritic cells). CSF T and B cells had lower SLAMF5 levels than blood T&amp;B cells. SLAMF6 was strongly expressed on T, B and NK cells; its expression levels did not vary between compartments or upon activation. Finally, SLAMF7 was expressed on cytotoxic T cells, NK cells and plasma cells, with significant upregulation on all antigen-presenting cells upon activation. We explored its role in cytotoxicity, but found no effect of SLAMF7 blockade or sSLAMF7 addition on NK-mediated killing of MHC-I-deficient targets.

Increased Expression of Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 in Renal Transplant Recipients that Develop Allograft Dysfunction: A Cohort Study.

The incidence of ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) in early phase post-transplantation and activation of toll-like receptor (TLR-2) and TLR-4 remarkably impact the outcome of a renal allograft. To investigate whether the expression of TLRs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can predict the clinical outcome of kidney allografts. We obtained blood samples from 52 renal transplant patients before transplant, and 2, 90, and 180 days post-transplantation in order to analyze the surface expressions of TLR-2 and TLR-4 on peripheral blood monocytes. The expression patterns of TLR-2 and TLR-4 were compared between patients with graft dysfunction (GD) and those with well-functioning graft (WFG). Significantly different mean dynamic changes in surface expression of TLR-2 according to percentage of TLR-2+ cells between (the GD and WFG) groups existed at most time-points before and after renal transplantation (p=0.007) with the exception of day 2 post-transplantation. We observed significantly higher mean fluorescence intensities of TLR-2 and TLR-4 on CD14+ cells in the GD group compared to the WFG group. This finding was particularly observed 180 days post-transplantation (p=0.001). Based on TLR-2 and TLR-4 protein expression for each step, multiple logistic regression and ROC curve analysis revealed that an increase in CD14+ TLR-2+ monocytes within the 90 days post-transplantaton was associated with increased risk of GD at 180 and 365 days post-transplantation [odds ratio (OR)=1.27, p=0.005)]. Sequential monitoring of TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression patterns in peripheral blood monocytes appear to be prognostic and predictive biomarkers for early and late kidney allograft outcomes.

Molecular Mechanism of Disease-Associated Mutations in the Pre-M1 Helix of NMDA Receptors and Potential Rescue Pharmacology.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), ligand-gated ionotropic glutamate receptors, play key roles in normal brain development and various neurological disorders. Here we use standing variation data from the human population to assess which protein domains within NMDAR GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B subunits show the strongest signal for being depleted of missense variants. We find that this includes the GluN2 pre-M1 helix and linker between the agonist-binding domain (ABD) and first transmembrane domain (M1). We then evaluate the functional changes of multiple missense mutations in the NMDAR pre-M1 helix found in children with epilepsy and developmental delay. We find mutant GluN1/GluN2A receptors exhibit prolonged glutamate response time course for channels containing 1 or 2 GluN2A-P552R subunits, and a slow rise time only for receptors with 2 mutant subunits, suggesting rearrangement of one GluN2A pre-M1 helix is sufficient for rapid activation. GluN2A-P552R and analogous mutations in other GluN subunits increased the agonist potency and slowed response time course, suggesting a functionally conserved role for this residue. Although there is no detectable change in surface expression or open probability for GluN2A-P552R, the prolonged response time course for receptors that contained GluN2A-P552R increased charge transfer for synaptic-like activation, which should promote excitotoxic damage. Transfection of cultured neurons with GluN2A-P552R prolonged EPSPs, and triggered pronounced dendritic swelling in addition to excitotoxicity, which were both attenuated by memantine. These data implicate the pre-M1 region in gating, provide insight into how different subunits contribute to gating, and suggest that mutations in the pre-M1 helix can compromise neuronal health. Evaluation of FDA-approved NMDAR inhibitors on the mutant NMDAR-mediated current response and neuronal damage provides a potential clinical path to treat individuals harboring similar mutations in NMDARs.

Extracellular Release of CD11b by TLR9 Stimulation in Macrophages.

CpG-DNA upregulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and cell surface markers. Investigators have shown that CD11b (integrin αM) regulates TLR-triggered inflammatory responses in the macrophages and dendritic cells. Therefore, we aimed to identify the effects of CpG-DNA on the expression of CD11b in macrophages. There was no significant change in surface expression of CD11b after CpG-DNA stimulation. However, CD11b was released into culture supernatants after stimulation with phosphorothioate-backbone modified CpG-DNA such as PS-ODN CpG-DNA 1826(S). In contrast, MB-ODN 4531 and non-CpG-DNA control (regardless of backbone type and liposome-encapsulation) failed to induce release of CD11b. Therefore, the context of the CpG-DNA sequence and phosphorothioate backbone modification may regulate the effects of CpG-DNA on CD11b release. Based on inhibitor studies, CD11b release is mediated by p38 MAP kinase activation, but not by the PI3K and NF-κB activation. CD11b release is mediated by lysosomal degradation and by vacuolar acidification in response to CpG-DNA stimulation. The amount of CD11b in the exosome precipitant was significantly increased by CpG-DNA stimulation in vivo and in vitro depending on TLR9. Our observations perhaps give more insight into understanding of the mechanisms involved in CpG-DNA-induced immunomodulation in the innate immunity.

Dynamic regulation of CD24 expression and release of CD24-containing microvesicles in immature B cells in response to CD24 engagement.

The glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface receptor CD24 (also called heat-stable antigen) promotes the apoptosis of progenitor and precursor B-lymphocytes. However, the immediate proximal events that occur after engagement of CD24 in B cells are not precisely understood. Using a bioinformatics analysis of mouse (Mus musculus) gene expression data from the Immunological Genome Project, we found that known vesicle trafficking and cellular organization genes have similar expression patterns to CD24 during B-cell development in the bone marrow. We therefore hypothesized that CD24 regulates vesicle trafficking. We first validated that antibody-mediated engagement of CD24 induces apoptosis in the mouse WEHI-231 cell line and mouse primary bone marrow-derived B cells. We next found that CD24 surface protein expression is rapidly and dynamically regulated in both WEHI-231 cells and primary immature B cells in response to engagement of CD24. The change in surface expression was not mediated by classical endocytosis or exocytosis. However, we found that CD24-bearing plasma membrane-derived extracellular microvesicles were released in response to CD24 engagement. Furthermore, in response to CD24 engagement we observed a clear exchange of CD24 between different populations of B cells. Hence, we show that engagement of CD24 in immature B cells results in a dynamic regulation of surface CD24 protein and a redistribution of CD24 within the population.

Altered expression of monocyte and dendritic cell membrane-associated antigens following coronary angiography

Introduction Coronary angiography is able to induce a systemic infl ammatory response. We hypothesised that this procedure may aff ect monocyte and dendritic cell count and membrane-associated antigen expression.Methods Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after coronary angiography in twenty patients with stable angina pectoris. Cell enumeration and antigen expression levels were evaluated by fl ow cytometry. Plasma levels of soluble CD14 and interleukin-6 were quantifi ed by ELISA.Results The absolute and relative numbers of circulating monocytes (Mon1, Mon2 and Mon3 subsets) and dendritic cells (myeloid and plasmacytoid subsets) were not signifi cantly diff erent pre- versus post-angiography. Expression of CD14 on Mon1 and Mon2 decreased signifi cantly by 12.01% (P =0.002) and 13.01% (P =0.012), respectively. CD16 expression on Mon2 (+10.53%; P= 0.017) and Mon3 (+12.58%; P< 0.001) increased. CD45 expressed by monocytic and dendritic cells was lowered (-5.80% and P= 0.001, -11.49% and P< 0.001, respectively). The level of plasma IL-6 decreased signifi cantly (P =0.002). The reduction in sCD14 was not signifi cant (P =0.054).Conclusion Coronary angiography leads to changes in surface expression of CD14, CD16 and CD45. These fi ndings underline the importance of blood collection prior to the angiographic procedure when aiming to study the functional analysis of monocyte and dendritic cell numbers by fl ow cytometry.