Injection Of IL-2 Research Articles

Transfusion of allogenic cord blood to patients with multiple myeloma: safety analysis and influence on the immunophenotype of blood lymphocytes in the early period

Severe immune dysfunction occurs in the majority of cancer patients. One of the methods for overcoming immune disorders is transplantation of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells, both autologous and allogeneic, and transfusion of allogeneic natural killer cells (NK cells). Umbilical cord blood is a known source of not only hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) but also NK cells, characterized by the rapid availability of blood samples from public cord blood banks. Purpose of the study: to analyze the safety of simultaneous transfusion of three allogeneic cord blood to patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in the early period (7 days after administration), and also to study the response of subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients to this intervention. The pilot study included 10 patients (7 men and 3 women) with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who had previously received more than 3 lines of therapy. The age of the patients was 59.4±3.4 years; all of them received a single transfusion of three allogeneic samples of umbilical cord blood with an average dose of leukocytes of 60.50±8.2 × 108 (NK cells – 4.36±1.2 × 108) per one patient. A total of 30 samples of umbilical cord blood, alloreactive for KIR receptors of the receptor-ligand type, were transfused. The selection of HSCs concentrates was carried out in the umbilical cord blood bank of the Dynasty Medical Center. Before transfusion of umbilical cord blood, patients received cyclophosphamide 5 mg/kg. After transfusion, patients received five subcutaneous injections of IL-2 (roncoleukin) in the amount of 1 million units per day. Observation at the time of assessment of preliminary results: 7 days after transfusion. Analysis of the immunophenotype of patient lymphocytes was studied twice: on the day of transfusion before the start of the protocol and 7 days after transfusion of umbilical cord blood. No early adverse reactions to transfusions were observed. Simultaneous transfusion of three allogeneic cord blood to patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma is a safe procedure. There are no adverse reactions, serious adverse events, or significant reactions/changes in the immunophenotype of patient lymphocytes in the early observation period within 7 days after the intervention.

Interim results from the ELiPSE-1 study: A phase 1, multicenter, open-label study of CNTY-101 in subjects with relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell malignancies.

7023 Background: CNTY-101 is an allogeneic, iPSC-derived anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor NK (CAR-iNK) cell product with Allo-Evasion edits to avoid host rejection. Potential benefits of CNTY-101 include immediate availability for treatment, repeat dosing without the need for lymphodepletion, and the potential for improved safety over T-cell based therapies. The first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial of CNTY-101, ELiPSE-1 (NCT05336409), evaluates safety, preliminary efficacy, PK, and translational biomarkers in patients with CD19-positive B-cell malignancies. Methods: Subjects with R/R aggressive and indolent B-cell NHL received lymphodepletion (LDC) followed by assignment to 100e6, 300e6 or 1e9 cells at either Day 1 (Schedule A) or Days 1, 8 and 15 (Schedule B). Eligible subjects (ie, achieved SD or better at Day 28 by PET/CT) can receive additional cycles, with or without one additional regimen of LDC. Subjects also receive daily subcutaneous injections of IL-2 for 8 days (A) or 4 days (B) following each infusion. Results: At time of abstract submission, 10 subjects have been treated (n=4 DL1A; n=3 DL2A; n=2 DL3A; n=1 DL2B). Three subjects (1 at DL1A, 2 at DL2A) received additional cycle(s) of CNTY-101. Three subjects have not yet been evaluated for full safety and efficacy within the DLT window. Seven subjects (n=5 DLBCL; n=1 FL; n=1 MZL) had data available as of the data cut (Nov 30, 2023). All had stage 4 disease, 6/7 were refractory to last line of therapy, with a median of 4 (2-5) prior lines of therapy including CAR T (3/7). No DLTs, GvHD or ICANs were observed. Two subjects had cytokine release syndrome (n=1 Gr 1, n=1 Gr 2), all responding promptly to treatment. ORR/CRR was 25%/25% for 100e6 cells (DL1A) and 67%/33% for 300e6 cells (DL2A). Dose escalation is ongoing. In subjects from all three dose levels, CNTY-101 rapidly traffics out of circulation after infusion and is observed via cell-free DNA on Day 3 and detected up to 28 days. CNTY-101 persistence was not adversely impacted when given without lymphodepletion in two subjects who received additional cycles of CNTY-101. Induction of functional humoral immunogenicity against CNTY-101 was not observed at any of the dose levels, regardless of single or multiple cycles of CNTY-101. Adaptive immune responses were observed in the tumor microenvironment on Day 8. Conclusions: CNTY-101 administered as a single dose in multiple cycles has demonstrated a manageable safety profile and preliminary evidence of efficacy. Allo-Evasion edits may allow for repeat dosing for multiple cycles without allorejection in the absence of lymphodepletion. Preliminary efficacy supports dosing at higher dose levels and with more dose-intense regimens. Updated safety, efficacy, PK, and CNTY-101's impact on tumor for DL3A and DL2B will be provided. Clinical trial information: NCT05336409 .

In the mouse cortex, oligodendrocytes regain a plastic capacity, transforming into astrocytes after acute injury.

Acute brain injuries evoke various response cascades directing the formation of the glial scar. Here, we report that acute lesions associated with hemorrhagic injuries trigger a re-programming of oligodendrocytes. Single-cell RNA sequencing highlighted a subpopulation of oligodendrocytes activating astroglial genes after acute brain injuries. By using PLP-DsRed1/GFAP-EGFP and PLP-EGFPmem/GFAP-mRFP1 transgenic mice, we visualized this population of oligodendrocytes that we termed AO cells based on their concomitant activity of astro- and oligodendroglial genes. By fate mapping using PLP- and GFAP-split Cre complementation and repeated chronic invivo imaging with two-photon laser-scanning microscopy, we observed the conversion of oligodendrocytes into astrocytes via the AO cell stage. Such conversion was promoted by local injection of IL-6 and was diminished by IL-6 receptor-neutralizing antibody as well as by inhibiting microglial activation with minocycline. In summary, our findings highlight the plastic potential of oligodendrocytes in acute brain trauma due to microglia-derived IL-6.

In Situ Vaccination Following Intratumoral Injection of IL2 and Poly-l-lysine/Iron Oxide/CpG Nanoparticles to a Radiated Tumor Site.

The in situ vaccine effect of radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to be limited in both preclinical and clinical settings, possibly due to the inadequacy of RT alone to stimulate in situ vaccination in immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironments (TMEs) and the mixed effects of RT in promoting tumor infiltration of both effector and suppressor immune cells. To address these limitations, we combined intratumoral injection of the radiated site with IL2 and a multifunctional nanoparticle (PIC). The local injection of these agents produced a cooperative effect that favorably immunomodulated the irradiated TME, enhancing the activation of tumor-infiltrating T cells and improving systemic anti-tumor T cell immunity. In syngeneic murine tumor models, the PIC+IL2+RT combination significantly improved the tumor response, surpassing the single or dual combinations of these treatments. Furthermore, this treatment led to the activation of tumor-specific immune memory and improved abscopal effects. Our findings suggest that this strategy can be used to augment the in situ vaccine effect of RT in clinical settings.

19 Effects of recombinant equine intra-articular IL-1 on synovial fluid PGE2 and movement asymmetry: A pilot study

Synovitis is a common feature of osteoarthritis (OA). Exogeneous intra-articular inflammatory compounds such as lipopolysaccharide or interleukin 1β (human or equine) produce a convenient, self-limiting, and reversible synovitis in horses, which can be useful to evaluate putative OA interventions. Although biochemical responses to this minimally invasive synovitis model have been described, its effects on functional adaptations in movement remains unclear. The aim of this pilot study was to correlate synovial fluid biochemical responses to intra-articular injection of recombinant equine IL-1b (IL-1) with objective measures of movement asymmetry. Horses (n = 3) randomly received 0, 50 or 75ng reIL-1 in 500μL of sterile saline into the left or right intercarpal joint in a 3-way crossover design, with 50 and 75ng treatments applied to the contralateral carpus and 24 h between treatments. Synovial fluid was collected by aseptic arthrocentesis at 0 (before IL-1 injection), 6, 12 and 24 h after IL-1 injection and analyzed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by ELISA. To quantify movement asymmetry, MinDiff was calculated using withersvertical displacement data (2000 Hz) acquired from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) (Delsys Trigno) during in-hand trot trials at each time point/condition. PGE2 and MinDiff data were analyzed using 2-way repeated measures ANOVA with respect to IL-1 challenge dose and time. Correlations between variables were determined using the Spearman correlation. PGE2 significantly increased at 6 h (314.4 ± 136.4 pg/mL) compared with 0 h (128.0 ± 43.2 pg/mL) following challenge with 75ng IL-1 (P = 0.04). An increase in MinDiff 6 h following 75ng challenge was not significant (P = 0.13). MinDiff and PGE2 peaked simultaneously at 6 h after injection of 75ng IL-1, but the correlation was not significant (P = 0.27). Data from this small pilot study indicate that low intra-articular dose of reIL-1b induces measurable increase in local synovial fluid PGE2, which is a key pro-inflammatory biomarker. Effects on adaptations in gait asymmetry warrant further investigation.

The protective effect of IL-12/23 neutralizing antibody in sarcopenia associated with dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis.

The improvement of colitis symptoms by treatment with IL-12/23 p40 neutralizing antibody should increase the muscle mass and the function of the sarcopenia phenotype. An experimental colitis model was induced by oral administration of 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7days. During induction of colitis, IL-12/23 p40 neutralizing antibody was injected twice on Days 3 and 5. The total body mass index was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The muscle function was measured by forelimb grip strength and fatigue running distance. The muscle fibre cross-sectional area (CSA) was calculated after the transverse section and haematoxylin and eosin staining, and gene expression was confirmed by RT-qPCR. Differentiated C2C12 cells were used as in vitro models and treated with recombinant IL12/23 proteins to mimic the enhanced cytokines in colitis. The symptoms of colitis were alleviated by injection of IL-12/23 p40 neutralizing antibody compared with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and the disease activity index score was significantly lower on Day 8 (0.0±0.00 of cont. vs. 11.3±0.9 of DSS+PBS, P<0.0001; DSS+PBS vs. 7.7±1.25 of DSS+p40Ab, P<0.0001). The CSA of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle fibres decreased in mice with DSS-induced colitis (gastrocnemius, 1258.2 μm2 ± 176.45 of cont. vs. 640.1 μm2 ± 59.83 of DSS + PBS, P < 0.0001; tibialis anterior, 1251.8 μm2 ± 331.48 of cont. vs. 678.9 μm2 ± 67.59 of DSS + PBS, P < 0.0001), and the treatment of IL-12/23 p40 neutralizing antibody partially restored CSA of the gastrocnemius (640.1 μm2 ± 59.83 of DSS + PBS vs. 1062.0 μm2 ± 83.41 of DSS + p40Ab, P < 0.0001) and tibialis anterior (678.9 μm2 ± 67.59 of DSS + PBS vs. 1105.3 μm2 ± 143.15 of DSS + p40Ab, P = 0.0003).vs. 640.1μm2 ±59.83 of DSS+PBS, P<0.0001) and tibialis anterior (1251.8μm2 ±331.48 of cont. vs. 678.9μm2 ±67.59 of DSS+PBS, P<0.0001), and the treatment of IL-12/23 p40 neutralizing antibody partially restored CSA of the gastrocnemius (640.1μm2 ±59.83 of DSS+PBS vs. 1062.0μm2 ±83.41 of DSS+p40Ab, P<0.0001) and tibialis anterior (678.9μm2 ±67.59 of DSS+PBS vs. 1105.3μm2 ±143.15 of DSS+p40Ab, P=0.0003). In the evaluation of muscle function, grip strength and fatigue distance decreased by colitis were partially restored (grip strength: 139.9g±5.38 of cont. vs. 83.9g±5.48 of DSS+PBS, P<0.0001; DSS+PBS vs. 118.6g±4.05 of DSS+p40Ab, P<0.0001; fatigue distance: 872.5m±104.01 of cont. vs. 58.2m±107.72 of DSS+PBS, P<0.0001; DSS+PBS vs. 328.0m±109.71 of DSS+p40Ab, P=0.0015) by injection of IL-12/23 p40 neutralizing antibody. Our study demonstrates that Il-12/23 acts directly on muscle to induce atrophy, and the IL-12/23 p40 neutralizing antibody is effective not only in suppressing colitis but also in maintaining muscle mass and improving muscle function in an experimental colitis model.

Scheduling BCG and IL-2 Injections for Bladder Cancer Immunotherapy Treatment

Cancer is one of the most common families of diseases today with millions of new patients every year around the world. Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent types of cancer affecting both genders, and it is not known to be associated with a specific group in the population. The current treatment standard for BC follows a standard weekly Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy-based therapy protocol which includes BCG and IL-2 injections. Unfortunately, due to the biological and clinical complexity of the interactions between the immune system, treatment, and cancer cells, clinical outcomes vary significantly among patients. Unfortunately, existing models are commonly developed for a non-existing average patient or pose strict, unrealistic, expectations on the treatment process. In this work, we propose the most extensive ordinary differential equation-based biological model of BCG treatment to date and a deep learning-based scheduling approach to obtain a personalized treatment schedule. Our results show that resulting treatment schedules favorably compare with the current standard practices and the current state-of-the-art scheduling approach.

Identification of an immune-related gene prognostic index for predicting prognosis, immunotherapeutic efficacy, and candidate drugs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Considering the great insufficiency in the survival prediction and therapy of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it is fundamental to determine an accurate survival prediction for both the clinical practices and the design of treatment trials. Therefore, there is a need for more accurate biomarkers that can be used to identify the subtype of ALS which carries a high risk of progression to guide further treatment. The transcriptome profiles and clinical parameters of a total of 561 ALS patients in this study were analyzed retrospectively by analysis of four public microarray datasets. Based on the results from a series of analyses using bioinformatics and machine learning, immune signatures are able to be used to predict overall survival (OS) and immunotherapeutic response in ALS patients. Apart from other comprehensive analyses, the decision tree and the nomogram, based on the immune signatures, were applied to guide individual risk stratification. In addition, molecular docking methodology was employed to screen potential small molecular to which the immune signatures might response. Immune was determined as a major risk factor contributing to OS among various biomarkers of ALS patients. As compared with traditional clinical features, the immune-related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) had a significantly higher capacity for survival prediction. The determination of risk stratification and assessment was optimized by integrating the decision tree and the nomogram. Moreover, the IRGPI may be used to guide preventative immunotherapy for patients at high risks for mortality. The administration of 2MIU IL2 injection in the short-term was likely to be beneficial for the prolongment of survival time, whose dosage should be reduced to 1MIU if the long-term therapy was required. Besides, a useful clinical application for the IRGPI was to screen potential compounds by the structure-based molecular docking methodology. Ultimately, the immune-derived signatures in ALS patients were favorable biomarkers for the prediction of survival probabilities and immunotherapeutic responses, and the promotion of drug development.

Modification of the Tumor Microenvironment Enhances Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy in Metastatic Melanoma.

Resistance to checkpoint-blockade treatments is a challenge in the clinic. Both primary and acquired resistance have become major obstacles, greatly limiting the long-lasting effects and wide application of blockade therapy. Many patients with metastatic melanoma eventually require further therapy. The absence of T-cell infiltration to the tumor site is a well-accepted contributor limiting immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. In this study, we combined intratumoral injection of plasmid IL-12 with electrotransfer and anti-PD-1 in metastatic B16F10 melanoma tumor model to increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and improve therapeutic efficacy. We showed that effective anti-tumor responses required a subset of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Additionally, the combination therapy induced higher MHC-I surface expression on tumor cells to hamper tumor cells escaping from immune recognition. Furthermore, we found that activating T cells by exposure to IL-12 resulted in tumors sensitized to anti-PD-1 treatment, suggesting a therapeutic strategy to improve responses to checkpoint blockade.

Peripheral interleukin-6-associated microglial QUIN elevation in basolateral amygdala contributed to cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model of postoperative delirium.

BackgroundDeveloping effective approaches for postoperative delirium has been hampered due to the lack of a pathophysiologically similar animal model to offer insights into the pathogenesis. The study, therefore, aimed to develop a delirium-like mouse model and explore the underlying mechanism.MethodsThe three cycles of 10-min clamp following 5-min reopening of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were performed in adult male C57BL/6 mice to induce a delirium-like phenotype. Composite Z score calculated based on the results of Open Field, Y Maze and Buried Food Tests was employed to assess the delirium phenotype in mice. Microglia activities were monitored by immunofluorescence staining and comprehensive morphological analysis. Systemic administration of minocycline (MINO), IL-6 antibody or IL-6 neutralizing antibody, was applied to manipulate microglia. The expressions of Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) and quinolinic acid (QUIN) were examined by RT-PCR and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, respectively. Cytokines were measured using fluorescence activated cell sorting method.ResultsThe repeated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) surgery caused significant anxiety (P < 0.05) and cognition decline in working memory and orientation (P < 0.05) in mice at postoperative 24 h. The composite Z score, indicating an overall disturbance of brain function, fluctuated over 24 h after I/R surgery (P < 0.001). Immunofluorescent staining showed that the percentage of microglia in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) (P < 0.05) was reactivated after I/R surgery and was negatively correlated with dwell time at Y maze (R = −0.759, P = 0.035). Inhibiting microglia activities by MINO reduced QUIN productions (P < 0.01) that improved cognitive deficits (P < 0.05). The peripheral IL-6 might cause IL-6 elevation in the BLA. Systemic administration of IL-6 antibodies suppressed I/R-induced IL-6 elevations (P < 0.05), microglial reactivations (P < 0.05), IDO-1 expressions (P < 0.01), and neuroactive metabolite QUIN productions (P < 0.05) in the BLA, resulting in a recovery of cognitive deficits (P < 0.05). Injection of IL-6 exerted opposite effects.ConclusionThe repeated intestinal I/R surgery-induced mouse model is a simple and reproducible one of postoperative delirium. Peripheral IL-6-associated microglial QUIN elevations in the BLA contributed to cognitive dysfunction in the model of postoperative delirium.

Combined Regulatory T-Lymphocyte and IL-2 Treatment Is Safe, Tolerable, and Biologically Active for 1 Year in Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Background and ObjectivesIn a phase 1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) study, autologous infusions of expanded regulatory T-lymphocytes (Tregs) combined with subcutaneous interleukin (IL)-2 were safe and well tolerated. Treg suppressive function increased and disease progression stabilized during the study. The present study was conducted to confirm the reliability of these results.MethodsParticipants with ALS underwent leukapheresis, and their Tregs were isolated and expanded in a current Good Manufacturing Practice facility. Seven participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive Treg infusions (1 × 106 cells/kg) IV every 4 weeks and IL-2 (2 × 105 IU/m2) injections 3 times/wk or matching placebo in a 24-week randomized controlled trial (RCT). Six participants proceeded into a 24-week dose-escalation open-label extension (OLE). Two additional participants entered directly into the OLE. The OLE included dose escalation of Treg infusions to 2 × 106 cells/kg and 3 × 106 cells/kg at 4-week intervals.ResultsThe Treg/IL-2 treatments were safe and well tolerated, and Treg suppressive function was higher in the active group of the RCT. A meaningful evaluation of progression rates in the RCT between the placebo and active groups was not possible due to the limited number of enrolled participants aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 24-week OLE, the Treg/IL-2 treatments were also safe and well tolerated in 8 participants who completed the escalating doses. Treg suppressive function and numbers were increased compared with baseline. Six of 8 participants changed by an average of −2.7 points per the ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised, whereas the other 2 changed by an average of −10.5 points. Elevated levels of 2 markers of peripheral inflammation (IL-17C and IL-17F) and 2 markers of oxidative stress (oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 and oxidized LDL) were present in the 2 rapidly progressing participants but not in the slower progressing group.DiscussionTreg/IL-2 treatments were safe and well tolerated in the RCT and OLE with higher Treg suppressive function. During the OLE, 6 of 8 participants showed slow to no progression. The 2 of 8 rapid progressors had elevated markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, which may help delineate responsiveness to therapy. Whether Treg/IL-2 treatments can slow disease progression requires a larger clinical study (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04055623).Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class IV evidence that Treg infusions and IL-2 injections are safe and effective for patients with ALS.

Preventive exercise attenuates IL-2-driven mood disorders in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundElevated levels of specific proinflammatory molecules in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been associated with disability progression, enhanced neurodegeneration and higher incidence of mood disorders in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies in animal models of MS suggest that preventive exercise may play an immunomodulatory activity, with beneficial effects on both motor deficits and behavioral alterations. Here we explored the impact of lifestyle physical activity on clinical presentation and associated central inflammation in a large group of newly diagnosed patients with MS. Furthermore, we addressed the causal link between exercise-mediated immunomodulation and mood symptoms in the animal setting. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 235 relapsing-remitting MS patients at the time of the diagnosis. Patients were divided into 3 groups (“sedentary”, “lifestyle physical activity” and “exercise”) according to the level of physical activity in the six months preceding the evaluation. Patients underwent clinical, neuropsychological and psychiatric evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging and lumbar puncture for diagnostic purposes. The CSF levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed and compared with a group of 80 individuals with non-inflammatory and non-degenerative diseases. Behavioral and electrophysiological studies were carried out in control mice receiving intracerebral injection of IL-2 or vehicle. Behavior was also assessed in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), animal model of MS, reared in standard (sedentary group) or running wheel-equipped (exercise group) cages. ResultsIn exercising MS patients, depression and anxiety were reduced compared to sedentary patients. The CSF levels of the interleukin-2 and 6 (IL-2, IL-6) were increased in MS patients compared with control individuals. In MS subjects exercise was associated with normalized CSF levels of IL-2. In EAE mice exercise started before disease onset reduced both behavioral alterations and striatal IL-2 expression. Notably, a causal role of IL-2 in mood disorders was shown. IL-2 administration in control healthy mice induced anxious- and depressive-like behaviors and impaired type-1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor-mediated neurotransmission at GABAergic synapses, mimicking EAE-induced synaptic dysfunction. ConclusionsOur results indicate an immunomodulatory effect of exercise in MS patients, associated with reduced CSF expression of IL-2, which might result in reduced mood disorders. These data suggest that exercise in the early stages may act as a disease-modifying therapy in MS although further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify this issue.

γδ T Cell‒Mediated Wound Healing Is Diminished by Allergic Skin Inflammation

Atopic dermatitis results in profound changes in the function of the skin that include diminished barrier function and altered production of antimicrobial peptides. Our previous work in a model of allergic skin inflammation identified a defect in the wound healing process that was dependent on IL-4. In this report, we show that allergic skin inflammation results in a dramatic decrease in the presence of the Vγ3+ dendritic epidermal T-cell (DETC) population of γδ T cells in the skin. In mice that express an active signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 in T cells, DETCs are lost early in life. The loss of DETCs is entirely dependent on IL-4 and is recovered with a genetic deficiency of IL-4. Moreover, injection of IL-4 into wild-type mice results in acute loss of the DETC population. A similar loss of DETCs was observed in mice treated topically with MC903. Wounding of skin from Stat6VT-transgenic or MC903-treated mice resulted in decreased production of DETC-dependent cytokines in the skin, coincident with diminished wound closure. Importantly, intradermal injection of the DETC-produced cytokine fibroblast GF 7 rescued the rate of wound closure in mice with allergic skin inflammation. Together, these results suggest that the atopic environment diminishes prohealing T-cell populations in the skin, resulting in attenuated wound healing responses.

Subcutaneous Interleukin-2 Monotherapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in Korean Patients

Purpose: This study was a prospective single-arm clinical trial aimed at assessing the efficacy and toxicity of subcutaneous interleukin (IL)-2 monotherapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Materials and Methods: We enrolled 26 patients with metastatic RCC in this multicenter controlled trial. The patients received subcutaneous injections of recombinant IL-2 (BMI-rh-IL2, an aldesleukin biosimilar, BMIKOREA Co., Ltd.) in 5-week cycles. In the first week, the patients received a subcutaneous IL-2 loading dose of 18×10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; IU once on treatment days 1–5, followed by 2 days of rest. In the following 3 weeks, they received a dose of 18×10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; IU via subcutaneous injection once on treatment days 1 and 2. Then, the patients received a dose of 9×10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; IU via subcutaneous injection once on treatment days 3, 4, and 5, followed by 2 days of rest. The primary end point was the objective response rate; the secondary end points were progressionfree survival (PFS) and safety.Results: Overall, 22 patients were included in the final per-protocol analysis. The objective response and the disease control rates were 13.64% (3 of 22), and 90.9% (20 of 22), respectively. The mean PFS was 5.55 months (95% confidence interval, 2.71–8.4). The proportion of patients who experienced a treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse event was 3.85% (1 of 26). There were no treatment-related deaths.Conclusions: In this study, the subcutaneous IL-2 monotherapy regimen demonstrated efficacy and safety comparable to those reported in previous studies of subcutaneous IL-2 monotherapy and was effective in Korean patients with metastatic RCC.

Modulation of Peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells Ameliorates Surgical Stress-Induced Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression in ApoE-Deficient Mice.

Systemic inflammation associated with major surgery rapidly accelerates atherosclerotic plaque progression in mice. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have emerged as important modulators of atherogenesis. In coronary artery disease patients, low frequency of Tregs constitutes an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications after non-cardiac surgery. In this exploratory analysis, we investigate whether preoperative Treg levels affect surgery-induced atherosclerotic lesion destabilization in a murine model of perioperative stress. After 9 weeks of high-cholesterol diet, atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice with modulated Treg levels were subjected to a 30-minute surgical procedure consisting of general isoflurane anesthesia, laparotomy and moderate blood loss. Controls underwent general anesthesia only. Brachiocephalic arteries were harvested 3 days after the intervention for histomorphological analyses of atherosclerotic plaques. Tregs were depleted by a single dose of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (mAb) administered 6 days prior to the intervention. Expansion of Tregs was induced by daily injections of IL-2/anti-IL-2 complex (IL-2C) on three consecutive days starting 3 days before surgery. Isotype-matched antibodies and PBS served as controls. Antibody-mediated modulation was Treg-specific. IL-2C treatment resulted in an eight-fold elevation of peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs compared to mice administered with anti-CD25 mAb. In mice treated with PBS and anti-CD25 mAb, surgical stress response caused a significant increase of atherosclerotic plaque necrosis (PBS: p < 0.001; anti-CD25 mAb: p = 0.037). Preoperative Treg expansion abrogated perioperative necrotic core formation (p = 0.556) and significantly enhanced postoperative atherosclerotic plaque stability compared to PBS-treated mice (p = 0.036). Postoperative plaque volume (p = 0.960), stenosis (p = 0.693), lesional collagen (p = 0.258), as well as the relative macrophage (p = 0.625) and smooth muscle cell content (p = 0.178) remained largely unaffected by preoperative Treg levels. In atherosclerotic mice, therapeutic expansion of Tregs prior to major surgery mitigates rapid effects on perioperative stress-driven atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. Future studies will show, whether short-term interventions modulating perioperative inflammation qualify for prevention of cardiovascular events associated with major non-cardiac surgery.

Interleukin-6 induces spatially dependent whole-body hypersensitivity in rats: implications for extracephalic hypersensitivity in migraine

BackgroundMigraine is a complex neurological disorder that is characterized by throbbing head pain, increased sensitivity to light, sound, and touch, as well as nausea and fatigue. It is one of the most common and most disabling disorders globally but mechanisms causing migraine are poorly understood. While head pain is a typical feature of attacks, they also often present with cutaneous hypersensitivity in the rest of the body. In contrast, primary pain conditions in the lower parts of the body are less commonly associated with cephalic hypersensitivity. Previous studies indicate that application of stimuli to the meninges of rodents causes cutaneous facial as well as hindpaw hypersensitivity. In the present study, we asked whether widespread hypersensitivity is a unique feature of dural stimulation or whether body-wide responses occur similarly when the same stimulus is given in other locations.MethodsRats were given the same dose of IL-6 either via dural, intraplantar, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracisternal, or intrathecal injection. Cutaneous facial and hindpaw allodynia was assessed using Von Frey following injection into each location.ResultsHindpaw allodynia was observed following dural and intraplantar injection of IL-6 in both males and females. Hindpaw allodynia was only observed in females following intracisternal and intrathecal IL-6 injections. In contrast, facial allodynia was only observed in either sex following dural and intracisternal injections, which would activate meningeal afferents and the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC), respectively.ConclusionsHere we show that while stimulation of upper body regions with IL-6 including the meninges and brainstem can cause widespread hypersensitivity spreading to the paws, similar stimulation of the lower body does not cause the spread of hypersensitivity into the head. These data are consistent with the observations that whole body hypersensitivity is specific to conditions such as migraine where pain is present in the head and they may provide insight into co-morbid pain states associated with migraine.

Interleukin-2 Transiently Inhibits Pulsatile Growth Hormone Secretion in Young but not Older Healthy Men.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a proinflammatory cytokine, has been used to treat malignancies. Increased cortisol and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) were noted, but growth hormone (GH) secretion was not investigated in detail. We quantified GH secretion after a single subcutaneous injection of IL-2 in 17 young and 18 older healthy men in relation to dose, age, and body composition. This was a placebo-controlled, blinded, prospectively randomized, crossover study. At 20:00 hours IL-2 (3 or 6 million units/m2) or saline was injected subcutaneously. Lights were off between 23:00 and 07:00 hours. Blood was sampled at 10-minute intervals for 24 hours. Outcome measures included convolution analysis of GH secretion. GH profiles were pulsatile under both experimental conditions and lower in older than young volunteers. Since the effect of IL-2 might be time limited, GH analyses were performed on the complete 24-hour series and the 6 hours after IL-2 administration. Total and pulsatile 24-hour GH secretion decreased nonsignificantly. Pulsatile secretion fell over the first 6 hours after IL-2 (P = .03), with visceral fat as a covariate (P = .003), but not age (P = .10). Plots of cumulative 2-hour bins of GH pulse mass showed a distinction by treatment and age groups: A temporary GH decrease of 32% and 28% occurred in the first 2-hour bins after midnight (P = .02 and .04) in young participants, whereas in older individuals no differences were present at any time point. This study demonstrates that IL-2 temporarily diminishes GH secretion in young, but not older, men.

Abstract 1569: Role of NK and CD8+T cells in the antitumor effect elicited by combined treatment with radiation, tumor-specific antibody, and IL2 in a syngeneic murine model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Background: Radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to activate an in situ vaccine (ISV) effects. Recently, we reported that combining tumor-antigen-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), RT, and intratumoral (IT) injection of IL2 activates a much greater ISV response compared to RT alone. In this combination, RT can enhance the mAb-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity response by NK cells when delivered with a tumor-specific mAb. Here we evaluated the role of NK cells in activating the CD8+ T cell-dependent ISV effect following RT, mAb, and IT-IL2. Methods: MOC2 murine head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells expressing human epidermal growth factor receptor (MOC2-huEGFR+) were engrafted on the right flank of C57BL/6 mice. Tumors were treated with RT, the anti-huEGFR mAb cetuximab, and IT-IL2. In mice rendered tumor-free, immune memory was tested by re-engraftment with MOC2 wild-type tumor cells on the left flank. Splenic cells were isolated from a cohort of treated mice and cultured with MOC2 cells. These were analyzed by flow cytometry to quantify IFNγ expression. To test ISV efficacy in metastatic settings, mice were engrafted with MOC2-huEGFR+ right flank tumors and MOC2 wild-type left flank tumors. After treatment, immune infiltration was analyzed in both tumors, blood, and spleen. To assess the necessity of immune cells, CD4+, CD8+, or NK1.1+ cells were depleted. Results: Combining RT and IT cetuximab and IL2 resulted in greater tumor regression and overall survival compared to single or dual treatments in mice with MOC2-huEGFR+ tumors. Six of 7 disease-free mice exhibited immune memory. Coculture of splenocytes from ISV treated mice with MOC2-huEGFR cells in vitro showed increased IFNγ expression in CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells. However, when splenocytes were first sorted and then co-cultured, only CD8+ T cells showed increased IFNγ expression after coculture with MOC2-huEGFR+. In a two-tumor model, delivering this ISV regimen to a right flank MOC2-huEGFR+ tumor increased CD8+ T cell infiltration in a distant left flank MOC2 wild-type tumor without affecting the number of, or IFNγ expression in, CD4+ or NK cells. Depletion of CD8+ cells eliminated antitumor response at both the right and left flank tumors in this model. Interestingly, NK cells, while not necessary for tumor response at the ISV-targeted right flank, were essential to the activation of a systemic CD8+ T cell response at the distant left flank tumor. Conclusions: In a syngeneic murine model of HNSCC, the local combination of RT, cetuximab, and IL2 destroys the targeted tumor and enables this site to serve as a potent immune stimulus and personalized source of antigenicity for activation of adaptive T cell immunity. NK cells are necessary for the activation of this ISV effect and the resulting CD8+ T cell-dependent systemic antitumor response. Citation Format: Wonjong Jin. Role of NK and CD8+T cells in the antitumor effect elicited by combined treatment with radiation, tumor-specific antibody, and IL2 in a syngeneic murine model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1569.

Early Administration of Low-Dose IL-2 Intensify Graft-Versus-Leukemia Effect without Worsening GVHD through Sequential Enhancement of Effector T Cell and CD62L+ Regulatory T Cell Subset

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the curative treatment of many hematological malignancies, but the relapse is one of the major causes of treatment failure and mortality. Previous clinical studies have shown that low-dose IL-2 was well tolerated and could lower the relapse rate in human T cell depleted allogeneic BMT. On the other hand, we also demonstrated that low-dose IL-2 could preferentially enhance regulatory T cell (Treg) and improve the symptoms of chronic GVHD (NEJM 2011,Sci Trans Med 2013). In murine bone marrow transplantation (BMT) model showed that Treg can protect from lethal GVHD while preserving graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Especially, CD62L+ Tregs has a higher capacity in suppressing GVHD than their CD62L- counterpart. Our recent study reported that exogenous low-dose IL-2 induced the expression of PD-1 on Treg preferentially and it was most evident in CD44+CD62L+central-memory Treg (Blood 2016). However, the impact of CD62L+ Treg enhanced by low-dose IL-2 on GVHD and GVL has not been well investigated. In this study, we studied the effect of exogenous IL-2 on the lymphocyte phenotypic profiles including naïve- versus memory-type balance and also examined donor-derived immunity, especially GVHD and GVL, by using leukemia-bearing BMT model. Lethally irradiated B6D2F1 recipients were transplanted spleen cells and BM cells from B6 donors and 5000 IU Teceleukin (recombinant IL-2) was injected once a day for 14 days. The number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg, CD4+CD25-Foxp3- conventional T cell (Tcon) and CD8+ T cell was compared between IL2- and vehicle-treated groups. The expressions of CD44, CD62L, CCR4, CCR7, Ki-67, PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG3, GITR, ICOS and TIM-3 in each subset were also examined. Lymphocytes profiling analysis showed that IL-2 treatment in the first 7 days resulted in the dominant expansion of effector T cells without Treg increase (Treg 0.10 vs 0.16,p=0.35, Tcon 2.83 vs 4.20, p=0.01, CD8 T cell 5.52 vs 10.4, p=0.01, million). On the contrary, the extended IL-2 treatment in the next 7 days increased CD62L+ Treg (21.5 vs 48.2 % of total Treg, p<0.001, 0.02 vs 0.07 million, p=0.006) without increasing effector T cells. PD-1 on Treg was very high in BMT-recipients even without receiving IL-2, so further enhancement of PD-1 expression by IL-2 was not observed. However, the expression of other inhibitory molecules including CTLA-4 (MFI, 6.61 vs 9.92, p=<0.001), LAG-3 (1.73 vs 2.17, p=0.04) and ICOS (2.41 vs 3.84, P<0.001) was enhanced by the IL-2 treatment. To elucidate the mechanisms of the increase in CD62L+ Treg, the in vivo violet dye dilution assay was performed. We first sorted out CD62L+ T cells by micro-beads from spleen cells, and then adaptively transferred into recipients. Five days treatment of low-dose IL-2 resulted in the enhancement of the division of CD62L+ Treg (% divided cells; 19.5 vs 29.8 % of Treg, p=0.005, 62.3 vs 108 in number, p=0.002). Interestingly, when CD62L- T cells were transferred, IL-2 treatment also induced the division of the cells and, of note, induced the phenotypic change of CD62L- into CD62L+ Treg (7.63 vs 19.8 % of Treg, p=0.009, 91.3 vs 361, p=0.01). These results suggested that IL-2 have the possibility to enhance the proliferative activity of Treg with the up-regulation of CD62L expression. Lastly, we transplanted lucipherase+P815 leukemia cells into this BMT model and evaluated the clinical impact of low-dose IL-2 on GVL by using in vivo bioluminescence system. To assesse the GVL and GVHD independently, we used two different tumor burden models. In the high tumor burden model, IL-2 injection decreased bioluminescence intensity (BLI) of P815 (BLI at week3, 8.3x10E7 vs 8.1x10E6 photon/second, p<0.001) and significantly extends overall survival. On the other hand, in the low tumor burden model, both treatment groups did not die from leukemia but vehicle-treated control group showed a significant higher clinical GVHD score and died from GVHD. These data demonstrated the clinical benefits on anti-tumor effect of IL-2, which could enhance the GVL activity without the detrimental effect on GVHD. In conclusion, our data indicate multiple effects of IL-2 on post-transplant immunity can coordinate to intensify GVL separately from GVHD on the mechanism of sequential enhancement of effector T cell and CD62L+ Treg in the different phases. These data provide the important information for developing Treg-targeted therapy. DisclosuresMaeda:Toko Pharmaceutical Industries: Other: Investigational drug is provided free of charge.

Selective expansion of regulatory T cells using an orthogonal IL-2/IL-2 receptor system facilitates transplantation tolerance.

Adoptive transfer of Tregs has been shown to improve alloengraftment in animal models. However, it is technically challenging to expand Tregs ex vivo for the purpose of infusing large numbers of cells in the clinic. We demonstrate an innovative approach to engineering an orthogonal IL-2/IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) pair, the parts of which selectively interact with each other, transmitting native IL-2 signals, but do not interact with the natural IL-2 or IL-2R counterparts, thereby enabling selective stimulation of target cells in vivo. Here, we introduced this orthogonal IL-2R into Tregs. Upon adoptive transfer in a murine mixed hematopoietic chimerism model, orthogonal IL-2 injection significantly promoted orthogonal IL-2R+Foxp3GFP+CD4+ cell proliferation without increasing other T cell subsets and facilitated donor hematopoietic cell engraftment followed by acceptance of heart allografts. Our data indicate that selective target cell stimulation enabled by the engineered orthogonal cytokine receptor improves Treg potential for the induction of organ transplantation tolerance.