Granzyme B Research Articles

Early Response of CD8+ T Cells in COVID-19 Patients.

Healthy and controlled immune response in COVID-19 is crucial for mild forms of the disease. Although CD8+ T cells play important role in this response, there is still a lack of studies showing the gene expression profiles in those cells at the beginning of the disease as potential predictors of more severe forms after the first week. We investigated a proportion of different subpopulations of CD8+ T cells and their gene expression patterns for cytotoxic proteins (perforin-1 (PRF1), granulysin (GNLY), granzyme B (GZMB), granzyme A (GZMA), granzyme K (GZMK)), cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and apoptotic protein Fas ligand (FASL) in CD8+ T cells from peripheral blood in first weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sixteen COVID-19 patients and nine healthy controls were included. The absolute counts of total lymphocytes (p = 0.007), CD3+ (p = 0.05), and CD8+ T cells (p = 0.01) in COVID-19 patients were significantly decreased compared to healthy controls. In COVID-19 patients in CD8+ T cell compartment, we observed lower frequency effector memory 1 (EM1) (p = 0.06) and effector memory 4 (EM4) (p < 0.001) CD8+ T cells. Higher mRNA expression of PRF1 (p = 0.05) and lower mRNA expression of FASL (p = 0.05) at the fifth day of the disease were found in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. mRNA expression of PRF1 (p < 0.001) and IFN-γ (p < 0.001) was significantly downregulated in the first week of disease in COVID-19 patients who progressed to moderate and severe forms after the first week, compared to patients with mild symptoms during the entire disease course. GZMK (p < 0.01) and FASL (p < 0.01) mRNA expression was downregulated in all COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Our results can lead to a better understanding of the inappropriate immune response of CD8+ T cells in SARS-CoV2 with the faster progression of the disease.

Immunophenotyping of intraepithelial lymphocytes in canine chronic enteropathy and intestinal T-cell lymphoma using endoscopic samples.

Human enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is considered to be derived from intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs); however, the origin of canine intestinal T-cell lymphoma (ITCL) remains unclear. Histological, immunohistochemical, and clonality examinations were performed using endoscopically collected canine duodenum samples of mucosal lesions of chronic enteropathy (CE; 73 cases) and ITCL without transmural neoplastic mass lesions (64 cases). Histopathological examinations revealed the intraepithelial accumulation of lymphocytes (called "intraepithelial lymphocytosis") in 54/73 CE cases (74%) and the epitheliotropism of neoplastic lymphocytes in 63/64 ITCL cases (98%). Immunohistochemically, IELs in CE with intraepithelial lymphocytosis (IEL+CE) were diffusely immunopositive for CD3, with scattered immunopositivity for CD5, CD8, CD20, and granzyme B (GRB). The percentage of CD8+ in CD3+ IELs was significantly lower in IEL+CE than in CE without intraepithelial lymphocytosis (IEL-CE). Double-labeling immunohistochemistry revealed a high percentage of GRB expression in CD8- IEL among IEL+CE. Among 64 ITCL cases, CD3 was immunopositive in 64 (100%), CD5 in 22 (34%), CD8 in 8 (13%), CD20 in 12 (19%), CD30 in 13 (20%), and GRB in 49 (77%). In CD3+ cells, Ki67 immunopositivity was highest in ITCL, intermediate in IEL+CE, and lower in IEL-CE. A clonal TCR gene rearrangement was detected in 1/19 IEL-CE cases (5%), 15/54 IEL+CE (28%), and 38/58 ITCL (66%). These results indicate that the immunophenotype of canine ITCL (CD8-GRB+) is similar to that of the increased IELs in CE. The high proliferative activity and clonality of T cells in IEL+CE suggest that canine ITCL originates from these IELs, similar to human EATL.

Granzyme B: a double-edged sword in the response to influenza infection in vaccinated older adults.

Background: Influenza-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) have a critical role in clearing the virus from the lungs, but are poorly stimulated by current inactivated influenza vaccines. Our previous work suggests that granzyme B (GrB) activity predicts protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (LCII) in older adults. However, basal GrB (bGrB) activity increases with age and the frequency of GrB+ CTL that do not co-express perforin increases following influenza infection, thereby acting as a potential contributor to immune pathology. Objectives: Using data from a 4-years randomized trial of standard-versus high-dose influenza vaccination, we sought to determine whether measurements of GrB activity alone indicate a protective vs pathologic response to influenza infection. We compared LCII to No-LCII subsets according to: pre-vaccination bGrB activity; and induced GrB activity in ex vivo influenza-challenged peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at four and 20weeks post-vaccination. Results: Over four influenza seasons (2014–2018), 27 of 608 adult participants aged 65 years and older developed influenza A/H3N2-LCII (n = 18) or B-LCII (n = 9). Pre-vaccination, there was a significant correlation between bGrB and ex vivo GrB activity in each of the H3N2-LCII, B-LCII, and No-LCII subsets. Although pre-vaccination ex vivo GrB activity was significantly higher in B-LCII vs No-LCII with a trend for H3N2-LCII vs No-LCII, there was no difference in the response to vaccination. In contrast, there was a trend toward increased pre-vaccination bGrB activity and LCII: Odds Ratio (OR) (95% confidence intervals) OR = 1.46 (0.94, 2.33). By 20-weeks post-vaccination, there were significant fold-increases in ex vivo GrB activity specific for the infecting subtype in H3N2-LCII: OR = 1.63 (1.35, 2.00) and B-LCII: OR = 1.73 (1.34, 2.23). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the poor GrB responses to influenza vaccination that led to development of LCII can be attributed to inactivated formulations rather than the aging immune system since LCII cases generated robust ex vivo GrB responses following natural infection. Further, we identified bGrB as a biomarker of those who remain at risk for LCII following vaccination. Future studies will focus on understanding the mechanisms responsible for the shift in GrB-mediated protection vs potential immune pathology caused by GrB release.

Impaired granzyme B-producing regulatory B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

Granzyme B (GrB)-producing B cells are proposed to be a kind of regulatory B cells (Bregs) and have been revealed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, their role in SLE remains elusive. In this study, the frequencies of GrB-producing Bregs in peripheral blood of heathy control (HC) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were evaluated by flow cytometry, and their correlation with SLE patient clinical and immunological features were analyzed. The expression of GrB in HC and SLE B cells were also further detected by RT-qPCR analysis and ELISpot. The function of GrB-producing Bregs in HC and SLE patients was further investigated by in vitro CD4+ effector T cells-B cells co-culture assays with GrB blockade. We found that GrB-producing Bregs were significantly decreased in SLE patients and correlated with the clinical and immunological features. Moreover, these cells were functionally impaired under SLE circumstance. The negative correlation between GrB-producing Bregs and CD4+ T cells observed in healthy individuals disappeared in SLE patients. In vitro cell co-culture assay further showed that GrB-producing Bregs from SLE patients failed to suppress the Th1, Th2 and Th17 cell inflammatory responses, partially due to the dampened capacity of down-regulating TCR zeta and inducing T cell apoptosis. Taken together, these results revealed the disturbance of GrB-producing Bregs in SLE that might contribute to the disease initiation and progression.

Evolving Exhaustion of T Cells during the Course of the Disease in AML Can be Abrogated By CD33 BiTE ® Construct Mediated Cytotoxicity

Evolving Exhaustion of T Cells during the Course of the Disease in AML Can be Abrogated By CD33 BiTE ® Construct Mediated Cytotoxicity

Decreased Expression of Cytotoxic Proteins in Decidual CD8+ T Cells in Preeclampsia.

Simple SummaryCD8+ T cells are prominent decidual cells in the third trimester of healthy human pregnancy. They have a cytotoxic capacity which may control invasion of extravillous trophoblast and therefore affect placentation and play the role in development of preeclampsia. In this study, we examined the expression of CD8+ T cells in decidual tissue and peripheral blood of women with severe and mild preeclampsia in comparison to gestational age-matched healthy pregnancies. Additionally, the expression of cytotoxic proteins in CD8+ T cells was examined in order to specify their subpopulations.In our study, we aimed to establish expression of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in the decidua basalis and the maternal peripheral blood (mPBL) of severe and mild preeclampsia (PE) and compare to healthy pregnancies. Decidual tissue and mPBL of 10 women with mild PE, 10 women with severe PE, and 20 age-matched healthy pregnancy controls were analyzed by double immunofluorescence and qPCR, respectively. By double immunofluorescence staining, we found a decreased total number of cells/mm2 in decidua basalis of granulysin (GNLY)+ (p ˂ 0.0001), granzyme B (GzB)+(p ˂ 0.0001), GzB+CD8+(p ˂ 0.0001), perforin (PRF1)+ (p ˂ 0.0001), and PRF1+CD8+ (p ˂ 0.01) in the severe PE compared to control group. Additionally, we noticed the trend of lower mRNA expression for GNLY, granzyme A (GZMA), GzB, and PRF1 in CD8+ T cells of mPBL in mild and severe PE, with the latter marker statistically decreased in severe PE (p ˂ 0.001). Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) mRNA in CD8+ T cells mPBL was increased in mild PE (p ˂ 0.001) compared to controls. In conclusion, severe PE is characterized by altered expression of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in decidua and mPBL, suggesting their role in pathophysiology of PE and fetal-maternal immune tolerance.

IL-12 enhanced the cytolytic function of zoledronate-expanded TCR/Vγ9Vδ2 cells from peripheral blood of breast cancer patients

Background: In a series of preclinical studies, we have reported that IL-12 can enhance the phenotype and functionality of CD8+ T cells during their in vitro expansion for anti-cancer adoptive T cell therapy (ACT). Vγ9 +Vδ2+ T cells can be used in ACT since they are expanded and activated upon their stimulation with aminobisphosphonates such as zoledronate (ZOL). Aim: We aimed in this study to utilize IL-12 to enhance the expansion and functions of ZOL/ IL-2-expanded Vγ9 +Vδ2+ T cells as well as CD8+ T cells from breast cancer patients in comparison to healthy control subjects upon the condition in vitro. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCS) were separated from healthy donors (HD) and stage II breast cancer patients (BCII). PBMCs were cultured (1x106 cells/mL) in a complete RPMI medium, and treated with combinations of ZOL+IL-2, ZOL+IL-2+IL-12 or IL-2+IL-12. Cultured cells were harvested on days 7 and 14 of culture and their phenotypic analysis and cytolytic function were performed by flow cytometry. Results: The addition of IL-12 during expansion by ZOL+IL-2 promoted the responsiveness of expanded Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells from breast cancer patients significantly as ZOL+IL-2 effect. Interestingly, ZOL+IL-12+IL-2 induced a robust granzyme B (GZB) and perforin (PER) production from Vγ9+Vδ2+ at D7 of the stimulation. Conclusion: ZOL+IL-2+IL-12 effect on cytolytic activity from Vγ9+Vδ2+ was instantly at D7 and gradual increase of CD8+ cytolytic activity at D14. Which supported a balanced activation level during the expansion process.

Target-Initiated Great Change in Electrochemical Steric Hindrance for an Assay of Granzyme B Activity.

To improve long-term graft patient outcomes and develop more effective antirejection therapies, noninvasive monitoring of acute cellular rejection (ACR) after organ transplantation is urgently needed. As a biomarker of ACR, Granzyme B (GrB) is expected to be applied in the noninvasive monitoring of ACR. Herein, we have developed a method for detecting the GrB activity based on the target-initiated great change in electrochemical steric hindrance by designing a nanoprobe. The nanoprobe is prepared by conjugating a specific peptide, which is responsive to GrB cleavage activity, to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Meanwhile, a piece of DNA sequence with G-quadruplex (G4) is attached at the distal end of the peptide. Upon exposure to GrB, the peptide substrate is cleaved to eliminate the steric hindrance between inter-nanoprobes as well as nanoprobe and DNA tetrahedron (TDN), allowing the released DNA strand to hybridize with TDN, giving sensitive signal output. The method can also be used to detect GrB activity in complex biological settings, so it has a great potential for monitoring GrB activity in the blood or urine of graft patients.

In Vivo Measurement of Granzyme Proteolysis from Activated Immune Cells with PET.

The biology of human granzymes remains enigmatic in part due to our inability to probe their functions outside of in vitro assays or animal models with divergent granzyme species. We hypothesize that the biology of human granzymes could be better elaborated with a translational imaging technology to reveal the contexts in which granzymes are secreted and biochemically active in vivo. Here, we advance toward this goal by engineering a Granzyme targeting Restricted Interaction Peptide specific to family member B (GRIP B) to measure secreted granzyme B (GZMB) biochemistry with positron emission tomography. A proteolytic cleavage of 64Cu-labeled GRIP B liberates a radiolabeled form of Temporin L, which sequesters the radioisotope by binding to adjacent phospholipid bilayers. Thus, at extended time points postinjection (i.e., hours, not seconds), tissue biodistribution of the radioisotope in vivo reflects relative units of the GZMB activity. As a proof of concept, we show in three syngeneic mouse cancer models that 64Cu-GRIP B detects GZMB from T cells activated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI). Remarkably, the radiotracer detects the proteolysis within tumors but also in lymphoid tissue, where immune cells are activated by a systemic CPI. Control experiments with an uncleavable analogue of 64Cu-GRIP B and tumor imaging studies in germline GZMB knockout mice were applied to show that 64Cu-GRIP B is specific for GZMB proteolysis. Furthermore, we explored a potential noncytotoxic function for GZMB by applying 64Cu-GRIP B to a model of pulmonary inflammation. In summary, we demonstrate that granzyme biochemistry can be assessed in vivo using an imaging modality that can be scaled vertically into human subjects.

Lymphocyte activating gene 3 protein expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is correlated with programmed cell death-1 and programmed cell death ligand-1, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

BackgroundImmunotherapy has shown promising efficacy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Lymphocyte activating 3 gene (LAG-3) represents a significant immune target, however, its relationship with NPC remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate LAG-3 expression in NPC and its association with CD3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), Granzyme B (GZMB), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and programmed death 1 (PD-1) expression.MethodsA total of 182 patients with NPC from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, China, were included in this retrospective study. LAG-3 expression in 15 NPC cell lines and LAG-3, CD3+ TILs, GZMB, PD-L1 and PD-1 in clinical samples were estimated using immunohistochemistry. The Chi-square test was used to estimate the association between LAG-3, other biomarkers, and clinical characteristics. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox regression model.ResultsLAG-3 was negatively expressed in all of the 15 NPC cell lines, whereas, 147 patients with NPC (80.8%) exhibited high LAG-3 expression on TILs from tumor tissues. Male patients and those who were EBV-positive presented higher LAG-3 expression. Correlation analyses showed that LAG-3 expression was related to PD-1 expression on TILs, as well as, PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (TCs) and TILs. Both the univariate and multivariate Cox models indicated that pathological type III (P = 0.036), higher LAG-3 on TILs (P < 0.001), higher PD-L1 on TCs (P = 0.027), and higher PD-1 on TILs (P < 0.001) were associated with poorer disease-free survival (DFS). However, lower PD-L1 expression on TILs was related to superior DFS only in the univariate Cox analyses (P = 0.002).ConclusionHigher LAG-3 and PD-1 on TILs, and higher PD-L1 expression on TCs, and pathological type III were identified as independent risk factors for poorer DFS in NPC patients. Our data demonstrate that LAG-3 is a promising inhibitory receptor that may play an important role in anti-NPC therapy.

A preliminary investigation into the immune cell landscape of schistosome-associated liver fibrosis in humans.

Schistosomiasis is a widespread helminth disease that poses a heavy social and economic burden on people worldwide. Advanced schistosomiasis often develops into schistosome‐associated liver fibrosis, the pathogenesis of which remains unclear. This study aimed preliminarily to profile immune cells of schistosome‐associated liver fibrosis using single‐cell RNA sequencing. Three patient groups were enrolled, including an Schistosomiasis japonicum (SJ) group (n = 1), a chronic liver failure (CLF) group (n = 3) and a healthy control (HC) group (n = 2), revealing 17 cell clusters out of 20 093 cells. From these limited datasets, it was observed that T cell(1), mononuclear phagocytes‐1 and dendritic cells (DCs) were higher in the SJ group. CAVIN2+ MP(2) was the predominant cell type in the MP subset of the SJ group (53%), and was higher than that in both the CLF (8%) and HC (1%) groups. Kupffer cell marker genes (CD163, MARCO and TIMD4) were enriched in caveolae‐associated protein 2 (CAVIN2)+ MP(2), which was also an important source of TGFB1. The KEGG pathways of CAVIN2 + MP(2) indicated that they were associated with lysosome, endocytosis, phagosome and antigen processing and presentation. The preliminary study showed that granzyme B (GZMB)+ T cell(1) and ankyrin repeat domain‐containing protein 36B+ T cell(3) were the most common T cells in the SJ group (50% and 32%, respectively). The KEGG pathways of GZMB + T cell(1) were mainly related to natural killer cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. The percentage of ring1 and YY1 binding protein (RYBP)+ DC(1) was higher in the SJ group (57%) than in the CLF (16%) and HC (6%) groups. The KEGG pathway of RYBP + DC(1) was related to Fc gamma R‐mediated phagocytosis and antigen processing and presentation. Overall, CAVIN2 + Kupffer cells were the main source of TGFB1, consisting primarily of mononuclear phagocytes in the livers of the SJ group subjects and potentially playing an irreplaceable role in hepatic fibrosis of schistosomiasis.

Circulating PD-L1 is associated with T cell infiltration and predicts prognosis in patients with CRLM following hepatic resection.

Exosomal PD-L1 (exoPD-L1) could induce immunosuppression functionally, thus impairing patients' survival in melanoma, NSCLC, and gastric cancer. However, no evidence demonstrates the feasibility of circulating exoPD-L1 and soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) as biomarkers for prognosis and early recurrence in colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) patients following hepatectomy or their association with T cell infiltration at liver metastases. In cohort 1, exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 were preoperatively tested using ELISA. CD3, CD8, granzyme B (GB) and PD1 expressed at liver metastases were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. In cohort 2, exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 were detected at baseline, before hepatectomy, after hepatectomy, and after disease progression. In cohort 1, higher preoperative exoPD-L1 or sPD-L1 significantly impaired RFS (exoPD-L1, P=0.0043; sPD-L1, P=0.0041) and OS (exoPD-L1, P=0.0034; sPD-L1, P=0.0061). Furthermore, preoperative exoPD-L1 was negatively correlated with CD3+T-lymphocytes infiltrated at tumor center (CT), and GB and PD1 were expressed at tumor invasive margin (IM). Preoperative sPD-L1 was negatively correlated with CD3+and CD8+T-lymphocytes' infiltration at IM and CT, GB and PD1 expression at IM. In cohort 2, exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 levels decreased following hepatectomy but increased when tumor progressed. Moreover, higher postoperative exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 or a small reduction in exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 levels after hepatectomy suggested higher early recurrence rate. Both preoperative exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 had promising prognostic values and were associated with T cell infiltration at liver metastases in CRLM patients following hepatectomy. Dynamically tracking exoPD-L1 and sPD-L1 levels could monitor disease status and detect early recurrence.

A comprehensive analysis of immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment of osteosarcoma.

BackgroundEven though immunotherapy has been an effective treatment for solid tumors, its efficacy in osteosarcoma remains sub‐optimal. It is therefore imperative to understand the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) of osteosarcoma to facilitate the development of immunotherapies against this cancer.MethodsThe mRNA expression profiles of osteosarcoma tissues were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, the ssGSEA, MCP‐counter, CIBERSORT, and Xcell algorithm analyses were performed to characterize the tumor microenvironment of osteosarcoma tissues. The tumor tissues were divided into inflammatory and non‐inflammatory. A comprehensive assessment of immune cell infiltration in osteosarcoma tissues was then performed. Sub‐group analysis of immune cell infiltration between men and women patients with osteosarcoma was also carried out.ResultsThe results revealed that the infiltration of immune cells including activated B cell, activated CD8 T cell, CD56dim natural killer cell, and cytotoxic lymphocytes cells, in osteosarcoma tissues was higher in male than in female patients. Based on the infiltration profile of different immune cells, the osteosarcoma tissues were grouped into four clusters. The four clusters were further divided into hot and cold tumors. The differently expressed genes (DEGs) between cold and hot tumors were mainly associated with the activation and regulation of immune response. Additionally, a neuronal pentraxin (NPTX2) expression which was upregulated in cold tumors was found to be negatively correlated with the expression of CD8a Molecule (CD8A), Granzyme B (GZMB), and Interferon Gamma (IFNG). NPTX2 decreased CCL4 secretion. Knockdown of NPTX2 in osteosarcoma cells inhibited tumor growth and increased tumor cell apoptosis. Moreover, a prognosis prediction model of osteosarcoma was constructed and validated in patients receiving immunotherapy using external data.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the infiltration of immune cells in osteosarcoma tissues from patients receiving immune infiltration therapy.

In Silico Designing of a Novel Antibody Conjugate as a Potential Immunotherapeutic for the Treatment of CD19-Positive Hematologic Malignancies

Background: Immunotherapy can now be considered as game changer of cancer treatment. So far, numerous monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their derivatives, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have been approved by regulatory agencies for medical use. This implies that the recombinant or chemical conjugation of mAbs to cytotoxic agents can be regarded as a potential cancer treatment modality. Objectives: This study aimed to design an antibody conjugate through the recombinant conjugation of a humanized CD19-specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv), named HuFMC63, to granzyme B (GrB) using precise in silico approaches. Methods: Four different linker peptides were used for the conjugation of HuFMC63 to GrB, and the 3D structure of these antibody conjugates were predicted using GalaxyWEB. The antibody conjugate whose linker peptide had the least impact on the structural conformation of HuFMC63 and GrB was subsequently selected. Additionally, the solubility and melting temperature of the selected conjugate was compared with those of HuFMC6 and GrB, and its physicochemical properties and flexibility were also assessed. Ultimately, the binding capacity and the dissociation constant (Kd) of the selected conjugate to CD19 were compared with those of HuFMC63 (concisely referred to as Hu63), and then the residues that contributed to antigen binding were identified using LigPlot+ software. Results: The Hu63-(G4S)3-GrB conjugate, which is constructed using the (G4S)3 linker, was selected as the best conjugate. The solubility of Hu63-(G4S)3-GrB was predicted to be higher than HuFMC63 and GrB (from 60% in the unconjugated to 98% in the conjugated format). Moreover, it was elucidated that Hu63-(G4S)3-GrB binds CD19 in the same orientation as that of HuFMC63 and with the same Kd of 17 and 33 nM at 25.0°C and 37.0°C, respectively. Conclusions: In silico techniques, such as those employed in this study, could be utilized for the early development of immune-based therapeutics. Moreover, Hu63-(G4S)3-GrB could be introduced as a potent therapeutic for the elimination of CD19-positive malignant cells after careful preclinical and clinical evaluations.

Overview of serpinB9 and its roles in cancer (Review).

Serine proteinase inhibitorB9 (serpinB9) is a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily, which is widely found in animals, plants and microorganisms. SerpinB9 has been reported to protect cells from the immune‑killing effect of granzymeB (GrB) released by lymphocytes. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have indicated that serpinB9 is involved in tumour apoptosis, immune evasion, tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, drug resistance and even in maintaining the stemness of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Moreover, according to clinical studies, serpinB9 has been demonstrated to be significantly associated with the development of precancerous lesions, a poor prognosis and ineffective therapies, suggesting that serpinB9 may be a potential target for cancer treatment and an indicator of cancer diagnosis; thus, it has begun to attract increased attention from scholars. The present review concisely described the structure and biological functions of the serpin superfamily and serpinB9. In addition, related research on serpins in cancer is discussed in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of serpinB9 in cancer, as well as its clinical significance for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Granzyme B gene polymorphism in vitiligo: does it have an association?

Objectives To study the role of granzyme B (GZMB) gene polymorphism (rs8192917) in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo and to correlate the results with the available clinical information. Background Vitiligo is considered the most common acquired disease of depigmented skin characterized by depigmented patches of the skin, hair, and mucous membranes owing to destruction of melanocytes. Vitiligo is a multifactorial polygenic condition with a multifaceted pathogenesis, linked to both genetic and nongenetic aspects, such as autoimmune, cytotoxic, oxidant–antioxidant, and neural therories working in performance. Patients and methods GZMB gene polymorphism (rs8192917) was identified using real-time PCR technique in 40 patients having nonsegmental vitiligo and 40 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Assessment of disease severity was done using Vitiligo Area Severity Index score, and disease activity was assessed using Vitiligo Disease Activity score. Results CC and TC genotypes were significantly higher in the patients' group [P = 0.005; odds ratio (OR) = 7.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.61–32.2 for CC and OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 0.42–8.15 for TC], with significant statistical preponderance of C allele in cases (P = 0.001; OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.55–6.01). Conclusion GZMB gene polymorphism (rs8192917) is associated with the susceptibility to nonsegmental vitiligo in a sample of Egyptian population.

Granzyme B Expression in Conventional CD4+ T-Cells Is Strongly Associated with Increased Relapse Rate during First 6 Months after Allo-HSCT

Introduction. Granzyme B (GZMB) is a serine protease commonly found in the granules of cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells. It is secreted with the pore forming protein perforin and mediates apoptosis in target cells. Previously we have already reported about impact of GZMB expression in T-regulatory cells on acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) development (Drokov et al. 2017). Recent publication of W. Du et al. shown that GZMB in conventional CD4+CD25- T-cells (Tcon) contributes to the optimal graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect in mouse models. Here we reported data about GZMB expression in Tcon on day +30 and its influence on relapse rate during first 6 months in allo-HSCT patients.Patients and methods. The study included 65 patients with hematological malignancies who underwent allo-HSCT. Detailed patients' characteristics are given in Table 1. Peripheral blood samples were collected in EDTA-tubes at day +30 after allo-HSCT. We use PBMC obtained by density gradient media. This method was used due to lymphopenia in this group of patients. The anti-CD4-APC-Cy7, anti-CD25-APC and anti-Granzyme B-PE (Becton Dickinson, USA) antibodies were used to determine Tcon cells as CD4+CD25- population by flow cytometry. At least 30000 of CD4+ cells were analyzed on a BD FACSCanto II to achieve sufficient statistical power (Becton Dickinson, USA). Our data was not normally distributed (Shapiro-Wilk test, p <0.05). For this reason, the Mann-Whitney U test was used for nonparametric data analysis. Fisher's exact test was used for 2×2 tables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results. As we can see on Chart 1A level of GZMB+ Tcon on day +30 was higher in patients who developed relapse during 6 months after allo-HSCT. GZMB+ Tcon in group of patients who developed relapse was 16.77±4.19% in comparison with 7.95±1.74% in group who did not relapse during this period (p=0.011*). As Du W. et al. we assume that Tcon cells use GZMB for optimal GVT. Due to that fact GZMB+ Tcon fraction is low. On the other hand, when Tcon is not involved in GVT or work not properly, Tcon cells do not use GZMB. So fraction of GZMB+ Tcon is high.Further ROC-curve analysis was used to estimate the cut-off value as 4.4% (Area under curve - 0.71; sensitivity - 80.00%; specificity - 52.94%). According to that all patients were divided in two groups with >4.4%(“high”) and <4.4% (“low”) of GZMB+ Tcon respectively. Study groups were balanced (similarly distributed) on disease status before allo-HSCT, HLA-disparity, aGVHD incidence and conditioning regimen (p>0.05). According to Kaplan-Meier analysis (with Log-rank test) probability of relapse was 36.7% vs 10% in patients with >4.4% (“high”) and <4.4%(“low”) of GZMB+ Tcon respectively (p=0.021*) (see Chart 1B). Hazard ratio (logrank method) for relapse during 6 months after allo-HSCT in group with “high” level of GZMB+ Tcon (>4.4%) was 3.9 (95% CI, 1.4 - 10.8).Conclusion. Here we report that group with “high” level relapsed 3.9 times higher than group with “low” level of GZMB+ Tcon. Also, our data shows that level of GZMB+ Tcon cells on day +30 after allo-HSCT may help to predict relapse during 6 months from allo-HSCT with satisfactory test results (AUC=0.71; sensitivity - 80%; specificity - 52.94%). [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Catenin Alpha-2 Mutation Changes the Immune Microenvironment in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Background: Lung cancer has always been the most prevalent cancer. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common lung cancer subtype and has a high tumor mutation rate. In addition to KRAS, EGFR, ALK, HER2, ROS1, and BRAF, which are known to have high mutation rates, we discovered some new mutated genes, such as catenin alpha-2 (CTNNA2), in LUAD patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These mutant genes are potential therapeutic targets for LUAD. Methods: We analyzed a cohort of LUAD patients with somatic mutation and survival data in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and a cohort of LUAD patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors with clinical data and whole-exome sequencing (WES) mutation data to evaluate the role of CTNNA2 gene mutation in LUAD. In addition, CIBERSORT was used to analyze the immune characteristics of CTNNA2 wild-type patients and CTNNA2 mutant-type patients, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was employed for pathway enrichment analysis. The results were verified by downloading data regarding the drug sensitivity of LUAD cell lines from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database. Results: We found that CTNNA2 mutation was associated with longer overall survival (OS) in LUAD patients. Analysis of the cohort from the Cancer Genome Atlas showed that patients with CTNNA2 mutation had more tumor neoantigens and a greater tumor mutation burden (TMB). Through further analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment, we found that in LUAD patients with CTNNA2 mutations, the gene expression levels of chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine 9 (CXCL9) and granzyme B (GZMB) were elevated, and the gene expression level of inhibitory receptor killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 2DL1 (KIR2DL1) was significantly reduced. These alterations might affect gene expression in macrophages, NK cells, and mast cell markers. In addition, LUAD patients with CTNNA2 mutation had a significantly increased number of mutations in DNA damage response (DDR) genes. The drug susceptibility results and gene set enrichment analysis showed that after CTNNA2 mutation occurred, changes were found in the DNA damage response pathway, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and others, indicating that CTNNA2 mutation can regulate the activation of PI3K and DDR pathways. Conclusion: Our findings provide novel insights into the underlying pathogenesis of LUAD. CTNNA2 mutation can change the immune microenvironment, thereby improving patient prognosis. The results also suggest that CTNNA2 may become a new biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD in the future.

Key Determinants of Cell-Mediated Immune Responses: A Randomized Trial of High Dose Vs. Standard Dose Split-Virus Influenza Vaccine in Older Adults.

Background: Efforts to improve influenza vaccine effectiveness in older adults have resulted in some successes, such as the introduction of high-dose split-virus influenza vaccine (HD-SVV), yet studies of cell-mediated immune responses to these vaccines remain limited. We have shown that granzyme B (GrB) activity in influenza A/H3N2 challenged peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) correlates with protection against influenza following standard dose vaccination (SD-SVV) in older adults. Further, the interferon-γ (IFNγ) to interleukin-10 (IL-10) ratio can be a correlate of protection. Methods: In a double-blind trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02297542) older adults (≥65 years, n = 582) were randomized to receive SD-SVV or HD-SVV (Fluzone®) from 2014/15 to 2017/18. Young adults (20–40 years, n = 79) received SD-SVV. At 0, 4, 10, and 20 weeks post-vaccination, serum antibody titers, IFNγ, IL-10, and inducible GrB (iGrB) were measured in ex vivo influenza-challenged PBMC. iGrB is defined as the fold change in GrB activity from baseline levels (bGrB) in circulating T cells. Responses of older adults were compared to younger controls, and in older adults, we analyzed effects of age, sex, cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus, frailty, and vaccine dose. Results: Prior to vaccination, younger compared to older adults produced significantly higher IFNγ, IL-10, and iGrB levels. Relative to SD-SVV recipients, older HD-SVV recipients exhibited significantly lower IFNγ:IL-10 ratios at 4 weeks post-vaccination. In contrast, IFNγ and iGrB levels were higher in younger SD vs. older SD or HD recipients; only the HD group showed a significant IFNγ response to vaccination compared to the SD groups; all three groups showed a significant iGrB response to vaccination. In a regression analysis, frailty was associated with lower IFNγ levels, whereas female sex and HD-SVV with higher IL-10 levels. Age and SD-SVV were associated with lower iGrB levels. The effect of prior season influenza vaccination was decreased iGrB levels, and increased IFNγ and IL-10 levels, which correlated with influenza A/H3N2 hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers. Conclusion: Overall, HD-SVV amplified the IL-10 response consistent with enhanced antibody responses, with little effect on the iGrB response relative to SD-SVV in either younger or older adults. These results suggest that enhanced protection with HD-SVV is largely antibody-mediated. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02297542).

Autoantibodies targeting LINE-1-encoded ORF1p are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis but not disease activity.

Long Interspersed Element 1 (LINE-1) is an endogenous retroelement that constitutes a significant portion of the human genome and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The LINE-1 RNA chaperone protein ORF1p was recently identified as an SLE autoantigen. Here we analyse ORF1p for qualities underlying SLE autoantigen status, compared anti-ORF1p antibodies to markers of SLE disease activity, and performed screening for antibodies against LINE-1 reverse transcriptase ORF2p. ORF1p was examined in epithelial cell lines treated with cytotoxic lymphocyte granules and UV irradiation. Anti-ORF1p and anti-ORF2p antibodies were assayed by ELISA and analysed in two SLE cohorts. We found that ORF1p localises to cytoplasmic RNA-containing blebs in apoptotic cells, and is a substrate of the cytotoxic protease granzyme B (GrB). Anti-ORF1p antibodies were present in 4.2% of healthy controls, compared to 15.8% (p=0.0157) and 15.5% (p=0.036) of subjects in the two SLE cohorts. Anti-ORF1p antibodies were not associated with SLE disease activity nor peripheral blood markers of interferon (IFN) activation. Anti-ORF1p titres demonstrated stability over serial time points. Anti-ORF1p antibodies were not associated with anti-DNA, anti-RNP, or other SLE autoantibodies. There was no difference in anti-ORF2p ELISA results in controls versus SLE patients. LINE-1 ORF1p is a component of apoptotic blebs and a substrate for GrB. Anti-ORF1p antibodies are enriched in SLE subjects but are not associated with dynamic markers of disease activity. These data support a potential role for LINE-1 dysregulation in SLE pathogenesis.