Low-affinity Receptor Research Articles

Pharmacogenomics of inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers: a systematic review

Pharmacogenetics studies of anti-inflammatory medication of asthma have expanded rapidly in recent decades, but the clinical value of their findings remains limited. To perform a systematic review of pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and leukotriene modifiers (LTMs) in patients with asthma. Articles published between 1999 and June 2015 were searched using PubMed and EMBASE. Pharmacogenomics/genetics studies of patients with asthma using ICS or LTMs were included if ≥1 of the following outcomes were studied: lung function, exacerbation rates or asthma symptoms. The studies of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that had been replicated at least once were assessed in more detail. In total, 59 publications were included in the systematic review: 26 addressed LTMs (including two genomewide Genome-Wide association studies [GWAS]) and 33 addressed ICS (including four GWAS). None of the GWAS reported similar results. Furthermore, none of the SNPs assessed in candidate gene studies were identified in a GWAS. No consistent reports were found for candidate gene studies of LTMs. In candidate gene studies of ICS, the most consistent results were found for rs28364072 in FCER2. This SNP was associated with all three outcomes of poor response, and the largest effect was reported with the risk of exacerbations (hazard ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.64-9.51). There is a lack of replication of genetic variants associated with poor ICS or LTM response. The most consistent results were found for the FCER2 gene [encoding for a low-affinity IgE receptor (CD23)] and poor ICS response. Larger studies with well-phenotyped patients are needed to assess the clinical applicability of ICS and LTM pharmacogenomics/genetics.

Off-the-Shelf Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy for Enhanced Antibody Directed Cellular Cytotoxicity

Natural Killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immunosurveillance and form a first line of defense against cancer. In comparison to other lymphocytes, NK cells are unique in their capability to elicit tumoricidal responses without the need for antigen presentation or prior sensitization. Clinical data from bone marrow transplant and allogeneic NK immunotherapy suggest that MHC mismatch is advantageous in promoting graft-versus-leukemia without eliciting graft-versus-host, providing evidence that NK cells hold promisa as an allogeneic, universal immunotherapeutic. Further, the anti-tumor effect of many monoclonal antibodies is mediated through binding of the low-affinity Fc receptor CD16 on NK cells, which induces tumor cell killing through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Thus, NK cells represent a unique source of effector cells that can be combined with monoclonal antibodies, bispecific engagers or chimeric antigen receptors to direct tumor specificity and enhance cytotoxicity. Despite the significant potential of NK cell therapy, current clinical practices are limited by the need for large numbers of healthy NK cells, lack of in vivo persistence, and a burdensome manufacturing strategy that requires donor cell extraction, modulation, expansion and re-introduction per each patient.The ability to generate universally histocompatible and genetically-enhanced NK cells from continuously renewable human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines offers the potential to develop a true "off-the-shelf" cellular immunotherapy. While NK differentiation from hiPSC has been demonstrated, the clonal derivation of engineered hiPSCs to improve effector function has been challenging and the scalability and robustness of the differentiation method has been limited by skewed development towards primitive hematopoiesis and the cumbersome use of embryoid bodies.Here we highlight our "off-the-shelf" NK cell therapy preclinical program by demonstrating robust and highly scalable generation of functionally mature, genetically targeted and universally histocompatible NK cells. This program utilizes our previously described naïve hiPSC platform where we uniquely create clonal lines of precisely engineered, renewable hiPSCs and drive definitive hematopoiesis in a highly scalable manner. Because hiPSC differentiation is lineage directed, minimal cellular contamination is seen, including the lack of T and B cells, in the final product. Through precise genetic engineering of naïve hiPSC lines, we have engineered HLA-class I deficient NK cells uniformly expressing a high affinity, non-cleavable version of the Fc receptor CD16 (NcHaCD16-NK). The hiPSC-derived NcHaCD16-NKs display markers of maturity, including CD16, KIR, NCRs, and CD94. When compared to conventional cord blood and peripheral blood sourced NK cells, NcHaCD16-NKs exhibit superior cytotoxicity and production of effector cytokines in response to both solid and liquid tumor cell challenge in vitro. NcHaCD16-NKs exhibit augmented cytokine response following Fc-mediated stimulation, demonstrating function competence of the engineered CD16 construct. Because surface expression of CD16 is resistant to activation-induced shedding, NcHaCD16-NKs continuously maintain enhanced ADCC while retaining the capacity for general cytotoxicity. Importantly, the hiPSC-derived hematopoietic cells can be successfully cryopreserved and banked, serving as a highly-stable cell bank for subsequent therapeutic use. Preliminary data also shows NcHaCD16-NKs elicit preferred specificity for cancer stem cells as defined by expression of ALDH1 and surface markers such as CD24. In conclusion, the outlined preclinical data demonstrate the potential therapeutic utility of NK cells developed via precision genetic engineering of a renewable, scalable hiPSC platform, and highlights the therapeutic value of NcHaCD16-NKs as an ideal ADCC-mediated "off-the-shelf" NK cell-based immunotherapeutic product with augmented persistence, anti-tumor capacity and preclinical efficacy. DisclosuresBjordahl:Fate Therapeutics, Inc: Employment. Clarke:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Gaidarova:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Groff:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Rogers:Fate Therapeutics, Inc: Employment. Moreno:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Abujarour:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment. Bonello:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment. Lee:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Lan:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Burrascano:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Bauer:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Robinson:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Sasaki:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment. Kim:Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment. Robbins:Fate Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Rezner:Fate Therapeutics, Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Abbot:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Wolchko:Fate Therapeutics: Employment. Shoemaker:Fate Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Valamehr:Fate Therapeutics, Inc: Employment.

Increased Plasma IgE Accelerate Atherosclerosis in Secreted IgM Deficiency.

Deficiency of secreted IgM (sIgM-/-) accelerates atherosclerosis in Ldlr-/-mice. Several atheroprotective effects of increased levels of IgM antibodies have been suggested, including preventing inflammation induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein and promoting apoptotic cell clearance. However, the mechanisms by which the lack of sIgM promotes lesion formation remain unknown. To identify the mechanisms by which sIgM deficiency accelerates atherosclerosis in mice. We here show that both sIgM-/- and Ldlr-/-sIgM-/- mice develop increased plasma IgE titers because of impaired generation of B cells expressing the low-affinity IgE receptor CD23, which mediates the clearance of IgE antibodies. We further report that Ldlr-/-sIgM-/- mice exhibit increased numbers of activated mast cells and neutrophils in the perivascular area of atherosclerotic plaques. Treatment with an anti-IgE-neutralizing antibody fully reversed vascular inflammation and accelerated atherosclerotic lesion formation in cholesterol-fed Ldlr-/-sIgM-/- mice. Thus, our data identify a previously unsuspected mechanism by which sIgM deficiency aggravates atherosclerosis.

Monotreme glucagon-like peptide-1 in venom and gut: one gene - two very different functions.

The importance of Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) for metabolic control and insulin release sparked the evolution of genes mimicking GLP-1 action in venomous species (e.g. Exendin-4 in Heloderma suspectum (gila monster)). We discovered that platypus and echidna express a single GLP-1 peptide in both intestine and venom. Specific changes in GLP-1 of monotreme mammals result in resistance to DPP-4 cleavage which is also observed in the GLP-1 like Exendin-4 expressed in Heloderma venom. Remarkably we discovered that monotremes evolved an alternative mechanism to degrade GLP-1. We also show that monotreme GLP-1 stimulates insulin release in cultured rodent islets, but surprisingly shows low receptor affinity and bias toward Erk signaling. We propose that these changes in monotreme GLP-1 are the result of conflicting function of this peptide in metabolic control and venom. This evolutionary path is fundamentally different from the generally accepted idea that conflicting functions in a single gene favour duplication and diversification, as is the case for Exendin-4 in gila monster. This provides novel insight into the remarkably different metabolic control mechanism and venom function in monotremes and an unique example of how different selective pressures act upon a single gene in the absence of gene duplication.

Humoral Immunity Provides Resident Intestinal Eosinophils Access to Luminal Antigen via Eosinophil-Expressed Low-Affinity Fcγ Receptors.

Eosinophils are native to the healthy gastrointestinal tract and are associated with inflammatory diseases likely triggered by exposure to food allergens (e.g., food allergies and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders). In models of allergic respiratory diseases and in vitro studies, direct Ag engagement elicits eosinophil effector functions, including degranulation and Ag presentation. However, it was not known whether intestinal tissue eosinophils that are separated from luminal food Ags by a columnar epithelium might similarly engage food Ags. Using an intestinal ligated loop model in mice, in this study we determined that resident intestinal eosinophils acquire Ag from the lumen of Ag-sensitized but not naive mice in vivo. Ag acquisition was Ig-dependent; intestinal eosinophils were unable to acquire Ag in sensitized Ig-deficient mice, and passive immunization with immune serum or Ag-specific IgG was sufficient to enable intestinal eosinophils in otherwise naive mice to acquire Ag in vivo. Intestinal eosinophils expressed low-affinity IgG receptors, and the activating receptor FcγRIII was necessary for Ig-mediated acquisition of Ags by isolated intestinal eosinophils in vitro. Our combined data suggest that intestinal eosinophils acquire lumen-derived food Ags in sensitized mice via FcγRIII Ag focusing and that they may therefore participate in Ag-driven secondary immune responses to oral Ags.

Receptor-mediated toxicity of human amylin fragment aggregated by short- and long-term incubations with copper ions.

Human amylin (hA1-37) is a polypeptide hormone secreted in conjunction with insulin from the pancreatic β-cells involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The shorter fragment hA17-29 than full-length peptide is capable to form amyloids "in vitro". Here, we monitored the time course of hA17-29 β-amyloid fibril and oligomer formation [without and with copper(II)], cellular toxicity of different amyloid aggregates, and involvement of specific receptors (receptor for advanced glycation end-products, RAGE; low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor, p75-NGFR) in aggregate toxicity. Fibril and oligomer formation of hA17-29 incubated at 37°C for 0, 48, and 120h, without or with copper(II), were measured by the thioflavin T fluorescence assay and ELISA, respectively. Toxicity of hA17-29 aggregates and effects of anti-RAGE and anti-p75-NGFR antibodies were evaluated on neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y viability. Fluorescence assay of hA17-29 indicates an initial slow rate of soluble fibril formation (48h), followed by a slower rate of insoluble aggregate formation (120h). The highest quantity of oligomers was recorded when hA17-29 was pre-aggregated for 48h in the presence of copper(II) showing also the maximal cell toxicity (-44% of cell viability, p<0.01 compared to controls). Anti-RAGE or anti-p75-NGFR antibodies almost abolished cell toxicity of hA17-29 aggregates. These results indicate that copper(II) influences the aggregation process and hA17-29 toxicities are especially attributable to oligomeric aggregates. hA17-29 aggregate toxicity seems to be mediated by RAGE and p75-NGFR receptors which might be potential targets for new drugs in T2DM treatment.

Immunoglobulin Glycosylation Effects in Allergy and Immunity.

The aim of this review will be to familiarize the reader with the general area of antibody (Ab) glycosylation and to summarize the known functional roles of glycosylation and how glycan structure can contribute to various disease states with emphasis on allergic disease. Both immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype and conserved Fc glycosylation sites often dictate the downstream activity of an Ab where complexity and degree of glycosylation contribute to its ability to bind Fc receptors (FcRs) and activate complement. Most information on the effects of glycosylation center on IgG in cancer therapy and autoimmunity. In cancer therapy, glycosylation modifications that enhance affinity for activating FcRs are utilized to facilitate immune-mediated tumor cell killing. In autoimmunity, disease severity has been linked to alterations in the presence, location, and composition of Fc glycans. Significantly less is understood about the role of glycosylation in the setting of allergy and asthma. However, recent data demonstrate that glycosylation of IgE at the asparagine-394 site of Cε3 is necessary for IgE interaction with the high affinity IgE receptor but, surprisingly, glycosylation has no effect on IgE interaction with its low-affinity lectin receptor, CD23. Variations in the specific glycoform may modulate the interaction of an Ig with its receptors. Significantly more is known about the functional effects of glycosylation of IgG than for other Ig isotypes. Thus, the role of glycosylation is much better understood in the areas of autoimmunity and cancer therapy, where IgG is the dominant isotype, than in the field of allergy, where IgE predominates. Further work is needed to fully understand the role of glycan variation in IgE and other Ig isotypes with regard to the inhibition or mediation of allergic disease.

Особенности действия производных аминоадамантана на этанол-индуцированную атаксию, седацию и гиперлокомоторную реакцию у мышей

В опытах in vivo изучено влияние 2 производных аминоадамантана, являющихся низкоаффинными антагонистами NMDA-рецепторов и обладающих выраженной активностью на экспериментальных моделях паркинсонизма и у пациентов с болезнью Паркинсона, на острые эффекты этанола в эксперименте. Гимантан (гидрохлорид N-2-адамантил-гексаметиленимина) в дозах 5 – 20 мг/кг, внутрибрюшинно, дозозависимо предотвращал вызываемую этанолом атаксию у мышей CD-1, седацию у — C57Bl/6 и гиперлокомоторную реакцию у DBA/2 мышей. Амантадин (1-аминоадамантан) в дозах 10 – 20 мг/кг, внутрибрюшинно, не обладал способностью ослаблять острые эффекты этанола (2 г/кг, внутрибрюшинно). Гимантан и амантадин не влияли на продолжительность этанолового наркоза (5,5 г/кг, внутрибрюшинно) у мышей CD-1. Полученные данные указывают на отличие фармакодинамического профиля гимантана как низкоаффинного антагониста NMDA-рецептора при взаимодействии с этанолом в дозе, вызывающей нарушение поведения.

Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Protects Retinal Photoreceptors: Evidence From a Rat Model of Light-Induced Photoreceptor Degeneration.

To test whether remote ischemic preconditioning (RIP) is protective to photoreceptors, in a light damage model, and to identify mechanisms involved. A pressure cuff was used to induce ischemia (2 × 5 minutes) in one hind limb of 4- to 6-month-old albino Sprague-Dawley rats raised in dim, cyclic light (12 hours 5 lux, 12 hours dark). Immediately following the ischemia, rats were exposed to bright continuous light (1000 lux) for 24 hours. After 7-day survival in dim, cyclic light conditions, retinal function was assessed using the flash electroretinogram (ERG) and retinal structure was examined for photoreceptor survival and death, as well as for stress. Messenger RNA and protein expression of growth factors and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptors was also assessed at 7-day survival. Bright light exposure reduced the amplitude of the a- and b-waves of the ERG, upregulated the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by Müller cells, increased the number of dying (TUNEL+) photoreceptors, and reduced the number of surviving photoreceptors. Remote ischemic preconditioning mitigated all of these bright light-induced effects. Remote ischemic preconditioning-induced protection was associated with increased retinal expression of BDNF and its low-affinity receptor NGFR. The present study provides evidence, for the first time, that RIP protects photoreceptors against bright light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. This observation is consistent with previous reports of RIP-induced protection of the inner retina and of other vital organs. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor may play a role in mediating the RIP-induced neuroprotection through activation of NGFR.

The Neurotrophic Factor Receptor p75 in the Rat Dorsolateral Striatum Drives Excessive Alcohol Drinking.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) keeps alcohol intake in moderation. For example, activation of the BDNF receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the DLS reduces intake in rats that consume moderate amounts of alcohol. Here, we tested whether long-term excessive consumption of alcohol produces neuroadaptations in BDNF signaling in the rat DLS. We found that BDNF was no longer able to gate alcohol self-administration after a history of repeated cycles of binge alcohol drinking and withdrawal. We then elucidated the possible neuroadaptations that could block the ability of BDNF to keep consumption of alcohol in moderation. We report that intermittent access to 20% alcohol in a two-bottle choice paradigm that models excessive alcohol drinking produces a mobilization of DLS p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), whose activities oppose those of the Trk receptors, including TrkB. These neuroadaptations were not observed in the DLS of rats exposed to continuous access to 10% alcohol or in rats consuming sucrose. Furthermore, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of the p75NTR gene in the DLS, as well as intra-DLS infusion or systemic administration of the p75NTR modulator, LM11A-31, significantly reduced binge drinking of alcohol. Together, our results suggest that excessive alcohol consumption produces a change in BDNF signaling in the DLS, which is mediated by the recruitment of p75NTR. Our data also imply that modulators of p75NTR signaling could be developed as medications for alcohol abuse disorders. Neuroadaptations gate or drive excessive, compulsive alcohol drinking. We previously showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor, TrkB, in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), are part of an endogenous system that keeps alcohol drinking in moderation. Here, we show that a history of excessive alcohol intake produces neuroadaptations in the DLS that preclude BDNF's ability to gate alcohol self-administration in rats by the recruitment of the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR, whose activities opposes those of the Trk receptors. Finally, we show that the administration of the p75NTR modulator, LM11A-31, significantly reduces excessive alcohol intake suggesting that the drug may be developed as a new treatment for alcohol abuse disorders.

Pharmacotherapy of Tobacco Use Disorder

Pharmacotherapy of Tobacco Use Disorder

OR24 Recipient FCGR3A-158V homozygous genotype is associated with an increased risk of chronic lung allograft dysfunction

Aim Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is a major obstacle in the long-term success of lung transplantation. Recipient natural killer (NK) cells substantially influence the immune response to the allografts. NK cells can respond to allograft via three distinct mechanisms: missing-self, induced-self, and antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). NK cell ADCC is regulated by CD16 (FcRIIIa), a low-affinity cell-surface receptor for the Fc portion of IgG antibodies. CD16 is encoded byFCGR3A, which carries a functional single nucleotide polymorphism that substitutes phenylalanine (F) for valine (V) at residue 158. Despite identical levels of CD16 expression, 158V homozygotes have higher binding affinity for IgG compared with 158F homozygotes. We hypothesized that the recipients carrying high binding FCGR3A-158V variants would have worse outcome compared to the weakly binding FCGR3A-158F carriers. Methods We developed a melting curve based q-PCR method to analyze FCGR3A-V158F variants in a cohort of 252 lung transplant recipients. CLAD was determined by date of FEV1 or FVC drop to Results Numbers of recipients with FCGR3A-158 FF, VV, and VF genotypes are 107 (42%), 30 (12%) and 115 (46%), respectively. CLAD-free survival was shorter in the 158VV group (3.0 median years) than the 158FF group (6.0 median years, HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.7, P = 0.05) and VF group (5.3 median years, ns) (Figure). Conclusions We observed an association between theFCGR3A-158 VV genotype and worse CLAD-free survival. Recipients with this genotype would presumably have more NK cell-mediated ADCC activity and could be at increased risk of graft dysfunction in the context of donor-specific antibodies. Mechanistic studies and validation in other cohorts will be needed to determine the significance of this finding to lung transplant outcomes. Download : Download high-res image (64KB) Download : Download full-size image

Cholinergic profiles in the Goettingen miniature pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) brain.

Central cholinergic structures within the brain of the even-toed hoofed Goettingen miniature domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) were evaluated by immunohistochemical visualization of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR . ChAT-immunoreactive (-ir) perikarya were seen in the olfactory tubercle, striatum, medial septal nucleus, vertical and horizontal limbs of the diagonal band of Broca, and the nucleus basalis of Meynert, medial habenular nucleus, zona incerta, neurosecretory arcuate nucleus, cranial motor nuclei III and IV, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, parabigeminal nucleus, pedunculopontine nucleus, and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus. Cholinergic ChAT-ir neurons were also found within transitional cortical areas (insular, cingulate, and piriform cortices) and hippocampus proper. ChAT-ir fibers were seen throughout the dentate gyrus and hippocampus, in the mediodorsal, laterodorsal, anteroventral, and parateanial thalamic nuclei, the fasciculus retroflexus of Meynert, basolateral and basomedial amygdaloid nuclei, anterior pretectal and interpeduncular nuclei, as well as select laminae of the superior colliculus. Double immunofluorescence demonstrated that virtually all ChAT-ir basal forebrain neurons were also p75NTR -positive. The present findings indicate that the central cholinergic system in the miniature pig is similar to other mammalian species. Therefore, the miniature pig may be an appropriate animal model for preclinical studies of neurodegenerative diseases where the cholinergic system is compromised. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:553-573, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Memantine, a Low-Affinity NMDA Receptor Antagonist, Protects against Methylmercury-Induced Cytotoxicity of Rat Primary Cultured Cortical Neurons, Involvement of Ca2+ Dyshomeostasis Antagonism, and Indirect Antioxidation Effects

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an extremely dangerous environmental pollutant that induces severe toxic effects in the central nervous system. Neuronal damage plays critical roles mediating MeHg-induced loss of brain function and neurotoxicity. The molecular mechanisms of MeHg neurotoxicity are incompletely understood. The objective of the study is to explore mechanisms that contribute to MeHg-induced neurocyte injuries focusing on neuronal Ca2+ dyshomeostasis and alteration of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) expression, as well as oxidative stress in primary cultured cortical neurons. In addition, the neuroprotective effects of memantine against MeHg cytotoxicity were also investigated. The cortical neurons were exposed to 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, or 2μM methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl) for 0.5-12h, or pre-treated with 2.5, 5, 10, or 20μM memantine for 0.5-6h, respectively; cell viability and LDH release were then quantified. For further experiments, 2.5, 5, and 10μM of memantine pre-treatment for 3h followed by 1μM MeHgCl for 6h were performed for evaluation of neuronal injuries, specifically addressing apoptosis; intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations; ATPase activities; calpain activities; expressions of NMDAR subunits (NR1, NR2A, NR2B); NPSH levels; and ROS formation. Exposure of MeHgCl resulted in toxicity of cortical neurons, which were shown as a loss of cell viability, high levels of LDH release, morphological changes, and cell apoptosis. Moreover, intracellular Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, ATPase activities inhibition, calpain activities, and NMDARs expression alteration were observed with 1μM MeHgCl administration. Last but not least, NPSH depletion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction showed an obvious oxidative stress in neurons. However, memantine pre-treatment dose-dependently antagonized MeHg-induced neuronal toxic effects, apoptosis, Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, NMDARs expression alteration, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, the cytoprotective effects of memantine against MeHg appeared to be mediated not only via its NMDAR binding properties and Ca2+ homeostasis maintenance but also by indirect antioxidation effects.

The Structure of a High-Affinity Kainate Receptor: GluK4 Ligand-Binding Domain Crystallized with Kainate

Ionotropic glutamate receptors play a key role in fast neurotransmission in the CNS and have been linked to several neurological diseases and disorders. Onesubfamily is the kainate receptors, which are grouped into low-affinity (GluK1-3) and high-affinity (GluK4-5) receptors based on their affinity for kainate. Although structures of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of all low-affinity kainate receptors have been reported, no structures of the high-affinity receptor subunits are available. Here, we present theX-ray structure of GluK4-LBD with kainate at 2.05Å resolution, together with thermofluor and radiolabel binding affinity data. Whereas binding-site residues in GluK4 are most similar to the AMPA receptor subfamily, the domain closure and D1-D2 interlobe contacts induced by kainate are similar to the low-affinity kainate receptor GluK1. These observations provide a likely explanation for the high binding affinity of kainate at GluK4-LBD.

Activation of delta-opioid receptor contributes to the antinociceptive effect of oxycodone in mice

Oxycodone has been used clinically for over 90 years. While it is known that it exhibits low affinity for the multiple opioid receptors, whether its pharmacological activities are due to oxycodone activation of the opioid receptor type or due to its active metabolite (oxymorphone) that exhibits high affinity for the mu-opioid receptors remains unresolved. Ross and Smith (1997) reported the antinociceptive effects of oxycodone (171nmol, i.c.v.) are induced by putative kappa-opioid receptors in SD rat while others have reported oxycodone activities are due to activation of mu- and/or delta-opioid receptors. In this study, using male mu-opioid receptor knock-out (MOR-KO) mice, we examined whether delta-opioid receptor was involved in oxycodone antinociception. Systemic subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of oxycodone (above 40mg/kg) could induce a small but significant antinociceptive effect in MOR-KO mice by the tail flick test. Delta-opioid receptor antagonist (naltrindole, 10mg/kg or 20mg/kg, i.p.) could block this effect. When oxycodone was injected directly into the brain of MOR-KO mice by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) route, oxycodone at doses of 50nmol or higher could induce similar level of antinociceptive responses to those observed in wild type mice at the same doses by i.c.v. Delta-opioid receptor antagonists (naltrindole at 10nmol or ICI 154,129 at 20μg) completely blocked the supraspinal antinociceptive effect of oxycodone in MOR-KO mice. Such oxycodone antinociceptive responses were probably not due to its active metabolites oxymorphone because (a) the relative low level of oxymorphone was found in the brain after systemically or centrally oxycodone injection using LC/MS/MS analysis; (b) oxymorphone at a dose that mimics the level detected in the mice brain did not show any significant antinocieption effect; (c) oxycodone exhibits equal potency as oxymorphone albeit being a partial agonist in regulating [Ca2+]I transients in a clonal cell line expressing high level of mu-opioid receptor. These data suggest that oxycodone by itself can activate both the mu- and delta-opioid receptors and that delta-opioid receptors may contribute to the central antinociceptive effect of oxycodone in mice.

Dock10 regulates CD23 expression and sustains B-cell lymphopoiesis in secondary lymphoid tissue

Dock10, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rho GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42, affects cell morphology, membrane protrusive activity, and cell movement. Dock10 is prominently expressed in lymphoid tissue and upregulated by IL-4 in B cells. To investigate the physiological role of Dock10, WT mice and Dock10 KO mice were used. KO mice showed decreased numbers of B cells in spleen, both follicular B cells and marginal zone B cells, and in peripheral blood, but not in bone marrow. The antiapoptotic effect of IL-4 in vitro, the migratory response to CXCL13 or CCL21 in vitro, and the whole genome expression profile were intact in spleen B cells from KO mice. CD23, the low-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E, was overexpressed on follicular B cells from KO mice, suggesting that Dock10 negatively regulates membrane CD23 expression. Negative regulation of CD23 expression by Dock10 could play a role in B cell maturation and function.

Abstract CT143: A phase I/II trial of cetuximab in combination with interleukin-12 administered to patients with unresectable primary or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract Introduction: Preclinical investigations demonstrated that IL-12 significantly enhances the lytic actions and cytokine production of NK cells against cetuximab-coated HER1-positive SCCHN cell lines via synergistic activation of the MAP kinase pathway regardless of tumor cell HPV infection status. This phase I/II trial evaluated the combination of IL-12 with cetuximab to enhance NK cell effector mechanisms in patients with unresectable primary or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Patients/Methods: The phase I dose escalation portion of the trial included 6 patients that received 500 mg/m2 cetuximab i.v. on day 1 of a 2 week cycle with either 0.2 mcg/kg or 0.3 mcg/kg IL-12 given s.c. on days 2 and 5 of the 2 week cycle, beginning with cycle 2. The phase II portion of the trial included 17 patients that received a combination of 500 mg/m2 cetuximab i.v. plus 0.3 mcg/kg IL-12 s.c. (MTD) following the phase I schema. Correlative immune studies using patient blood and plasma obtained prior to and during therapy included measurement of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC), serum cytokine analysis, determination of NK cell FcγRIIIa polymorphisms, and myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC) frequency. Results: 23 patients with unresectable primary or recurrent SCCHN were accrued (22 male, 1 female, avg. age 60.2 yrs). The combination therapy was well tolerated. Grade 4 AST and ALT increase was the only adverse event reported in the phase I portion which accrued 6 patients. The MTD was determined to be 0.3 mcg/kg s.c. 15 patients achieved stable disease for an average of 35 weeks (range 6-87). 60% of patients showed heightened ADCC from a baseline reading by the end of cycle 4, averaging an increase of 8.6% lysis. but there was not correlation with overall survival. Patients with progression-free survival (PFS) greater than 100 days showed an increased secretion of IFNγ, IP-10, MIP-1α, and TNF-α in sera from baseline to end of cycle 5, increasing by 81.7%, 53.3%, and 29.6% respectively. 6 patients carried the VV high affinity NK cell FcγRIIIa polymorphism, and PBMCs from these patients were able to better lyse cetuximab-coated SCCHN tumor cells compared to 10 patients with the FF low affinity receptor (25.7% lysis compared to 5.4% lysis at the 25:1 E:T ratio). MDSCs comprised an average of 5.3% of circulating cells. An analysis of MDSC incidence revealed that 15 of 23 majority of patients had a greater percentage of the monocytic subset of MDSCs versus the granulocytic MDSC subset, and these patients achieved an average of 28 weeks of progression free survival (PFS), compared to 13 week PFS in patients with a higher granulocytic MDSC population. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the addition of IL-12 to cetuximab may lead to enhanced efficacy through the induction of anti-tumor immunity. Citation Format: Elizabeth McMichael, Amanda Campbell, Megan Duggan, Tiffany Noel, Melanie Davis, Kallan Opheim, Kala Levine, Lakhvir Atwal, Gonzalo Olaverria Salavaggione, Akansha Gansu, Sarvani Uppati, Bonnie Paul, Thomas Olencki, Theodoros Teknos, Panayiotis Savvides, Stephen Liu, William Carson. A phase I/II trial of cetuximab in combination with interleukin-12 administered to patients with unresectable primary or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT143.

Synthesis and Evaluation of a New Series of 8-(2-Nitroaryl)Xanthines as Adenosine Receptor Ligands.

Preclinical Research A new series of 1,3-dimethylxanthine derivatives bearing 8-(2-nitroaryl) residue was synthesized and evaluated for affinity for recombinant human adenosine receptors subtypes. Nitrate esters of 7-substituted-1,3-dimethyl-8-phenylxanthines were also synthesized and tested. Introducing a nitro substituent at the 2-position of the 8-substituted phenyl ring resulted in generally low affinity for adenosine receptors (ARs), selectivity toward the A2A subtype was enhanced in some of the compounds. 8-(4-Cyclopentyloxy-5-methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)-1,3-dimethylxanthine (9e) proved to be a potent compound among the 2-nitrophenyl substituted xanthines exhibiting a Ki = 1 μM at human A2A ARs with at least 30 fold selectivity versus human A1 and A2B ARs. Replacement of 8-chloropropoxy phenyl with 8-nitrooxypropoxy phenyl resulted in a negligible change in binding affinity of the 8-substituted xanthines for various AR subtypes. Drug Dev Res 77 : 241-250, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Allosteric nanobodies reveal the dynamic range and diverse mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptor activation.

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) modulate many physiological processes by transducing a variety of extracellular cues into intracellular responses. Ligand binding to an extracellular orthosteric pocket propagates conformational change to the receptor cytosolic region to promote binding and activation of downstream signaling effectors such as G proteins and β-arrestins. It is widely appreciated that different agonists can share the same binding pocket but evoke unique receptor conformations leading to a wide range of downstream responses (i.e., ‘efficacy’)1. Furthermore, mounting biophysical evidence, primarily using the β-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) as a model system, supports the existence of multiple active and inactive conformational states2–5. However, how agonists with varying efficacy modulate these receptor states to initiate cellular responses is not well understood. Here we report stabilization of two distinct β2AR conformations using single domain camelid antibodies (nanobodies): a previously described positive allosteric nanobody (Nb80) and a newly identified negative allosteric nanobody (Nb60)6,7. We show that Nb60 stabilizes a previously unappreciated low affinity receptor state which corresponds to one of two inactive receptor conformations as delineated by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. We find that the agonist isoproterenol has a 15,000-fold higher affinity for the β2AR in the presence of Nb80 compared to Nb60, highlighting the full allosteric range of a GPCR. Assessing the binding of 17 ligands of varying efficacy to the β2AR in the absence and presence of Nb60 or Nb80 reveals large ligand-specific effects that can only be explained using an allosteric model which assumes equilibrium amongst at least three receptor states. Agonists generally exert efficacy by stabilizing the active Nb80-stabilized receptor state (R80). In contrast, for a number of partial agonists, both stabilization of R80 and destabilization of the inactive, Nb60-bound state (R60) contribute to their ability to modulate receptor activation. These data demonstrate that ligands can initiate a wide range of cellular responses by differentially stabilizing multiple receptor states.