Shared target antigens on cancer cells and tissue stem cells: go or no-go for CAR T cells?

Introduction: Adoptive therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells redirected towards CD19 produces remissions of B cell malignancies, however, it also eradicates healthy B cells sharing the target antigen. Such ‘on-target off-tumor’ toxicity raises serious safety concerns when the target antigen is also expressed by tissue stem cells, with the risk of lasting tissue destruction.

Areas covered: We discuss CAR T cell targeting of activation antigens versus lineage associated antigens on the basis of recent experimental and animal data and the literature in the field.

Expert commentary: Targeting an activation associated antigen which is transiently expressed by stem cells seems to be safe, like CAR T cells targeting CD30 spare CD30⁺ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells while eliminating CD30⁺ lymphoma cells, whereas targeting lineage associated antigens which increase in expression during cell maturation, like folate receptor-β and CD123, is of risk to destruct tissue stem cells.     

不成熟CD8α+DC经同种白血病抗原冲击后移植物抗白血病效应的体外研究

目的: 观察不成熟CD8α⁺树突状细胞(DC)体外经同种异基因白血病细胞全抗原冲击后的移植物抗白血病(GVL)效应。方法: C57BL/6(H-2^b)小鼠的骨髓细胞以GM-CSF +IL-4 +SCF +Flt3L体外诱导不成熟CD8α⁺DC,第3 d加入0 mg/L、2.5 mg/L、5 mg/L、10 mg/L和20 mg/LBALB/c(H-2^d)小鼠来源的同种异基因EL9611红白血病细胞抗原冲击,冲击后DC与同系(H-2^b)T细胞按DC/T 1∶1、2∶1、4∶1比例共培养,MTT法观察T细胞增殖情况,ELISA法检测上清中IFN-γ和IL-10的含量,LDH释放法检测T细胞对EL9611细胞的杀伤活性。以成熟DC为对照,观察同种异基因不成熟CD8α⁺DC体外对EL9611白血病细胞的GVL效应。结果: 同种红白血病全抗原冲击后不成熟CD8α⁺DC可有效刺激同系T细胞增殖,作用随DC/T比例增加而增加,增殖效应在 小剂量抗原(≤5 mg/L)冲击时更明显(P<0.05);Ag冲击后不成熟CD8α⁺DC刺激T细胞分泌IFN-γ和IL-10明显增高(P<0.05),IL-10的分泌与不成熟CD8α⁺DC发挥GVL效应存在一定的负相关关系,Ag冲击浓度较低而IL-10分泌少时,T细胞增殖活性较强。杀伤实验结果显示,白血病特异性T细胞对EL9611靶细胞的杀伤活性随抗原冲击浓度的增加而升高,浓度为2.5 mg/L时,杀伤率即可达90%,非特异性杀伤实验显示白血病特异性T细胞对同种异基因正常脾细胞的杀伤活性低于对照组(P<0.05),表明杀伤作用为抗原特异性杀伤,对正常细胞无明显杀伤。结论: 经同种异基因白血病抗原冲击后不成熟CD8α⁺DC体外能刺激同系T细胞产生一定的GVL效应。     

PD-1 silencing improves anti-tumor activities of human mesothelin-targeted CAR T cells

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy is a new pillar in cancer therapeutics, and has been successfully used for the treatment of cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia and solid cancers. Following immune attack, many tumors upregulate inhibitory ligands which bind to inhibitory receptors on T cells. For example, the interaction between programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on activated T cells and its ligands (widely known as PD-L1) on a target tumor limits the efficacy of CAR T cells therapy against poorly responding tumors. Here, we use mesothelin (MSLN)-expressing human ovarian cancer cells (SKOV3) and human colon cancer cells (HCT116) to investigate whether PD-1–mediated T cell exhaustion affects the anti-tumor activity of MSLN-targeted CAR T cells. We utilized cell-intrinsic PD-1-targeting shRNA overexpression strategy, resulting in a significant PD-1 silencing in CAR T cells. The reduction of PD-1 expression on T cell surface strongly augmented CAR T cell cytokine production and cytotoxicity towards PD-L1-expressing cancer cells in vitro. This study indicates the enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of PD-1-silencing MSLN-targeted CAR T cells against several cancers and suggests the potential of other specific gene silencing on the immune checkpoints to enhance the CAR T cell therapies against human tumors.     

Addition of the C-terminus of CD6 to a chimeric antigen receptor enhances cytotoxicity and does not compromise expression

T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are a promising new cancer immunotherapy that has now reached the clinic. CARs are synthetic receptors that redirect T cells towards a tumour-associated antigen and activate them through various fused signalling regions, for example derived from CD3ζ, 4-1BB or CD28. Analysis of the optimal combination of CAR components including signalling domains is not yet comprehensive and may vary with the particular application. The C-terminus of the T-cell surface receptor CD6 is critical for its co-stimulatory effects and signals through two phospho-tyrosine motifs that bind to the intracellular adaptor proteins GADS and SLP-76. Addition of the C terminus of CD6 did not compromise CAR expression, showing it was a stable moiety that can be used independently of the native receptor. A third-generation CAR containing 4-1BB, CD3ζ and the C terminus of CD6 (4-1BBz-CD6) enhanced interferon-γ release and cytotoxicity when compared with the second-generation 4-1BB CD3ζ (4-1BBz) CAR. The CD6 C terminus is a valuable addition to potential components for modular design of CARs to improve effector function, particularly cytotoxicity.     

Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid Nanoparticles Containing Human Gastric Tumor Lysates as Antigen Delivery Vehicles for Dendritic Cell-Based Antitumor Immunotherapy

ABSTRACT

Stimulating antitumor T cells using dendritic cells (DCs) is a novel and promising method in cancer therapy. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid is one of the best-known polymers used for encapsulating antigen to protect them against proteolytic enzymes. In this study, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (NPs) were used as DC antigen delivery vehicles in a preclinical model of immunotherapy of gastric cancer. The DCs were generated from peripheral blood monocytes by conventional in vitro differentiation and loaded with either soluble tumor lysate or lysate encapsulated in NPs using a double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. Morphology of NPs was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Tumor lysate, either in the soluble form or encapsulated in NPs, was loaded into DC and stimulatory capacity was compared using patient-derived autologous CD3+ T cells as responders. The amount of relevant cytokines produced by Ag-loaded DC and in DC/T cell cocultures was evaluated as a measure of initial DC stimulation and T-cell responses, respectively. Significance increases in expression of DC surface molecules (i.e., CD80, CD83, CD86, and Human Leukocyte Antigen–DR (HLA-DR)) and cytokine production by both DC and DC/T cell cocultures (i.e., interleukin (IL)-12:IL-10 and interferon [IFN]-γ:IL-4 ratios) was observed following loading with lysate NP versus controls. The results suggest that NP-encapsulated antigen can shift antitumor T-cell responses toward a Th1 bias, which potentially increases DC vaccine potency in clinical settings.     

Chemotherapy alters the increased numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor and regulatory T cells in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer diagnosed in children. The precise mechanism behind the relapse in this disease is not clearly known. One possible mechanism could be the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and T regulatory cells (T_regs) which we and others have reported to mediate suppression of anti-tumor immune responses.

Aim: In this study, we aimed to analyze the numbers of these cells in a population of B-ALL pediatric patients.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples withdrawn from B-ALL pediatric patients (n?=?45 before, during and after the induction phase of chemotherapy. Using multi parametric flow cytometric analysis. MDSCs were identified as Lin^–HLA-DR^–CD33⁺CD11b⁺; and T_reg cells were defined as CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^–/low.

Results: Early diagnosed B-ALL patients showed significant increases in the numbers of MDSCs and T_regs as compared to healthy volunteers. During induction of chemotherapy, however, the patients showed higher and lower numbers of MDSCs and T_reg cells, respectively as compared to early diagnosed patients (i.e., before chemotherapy). After induction of chemotherapy, the numbers of MDSCs and T_reg cells showed higher increases and decreases, respectively as compared to the numbers in patients during chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that B-ALL patients harbor high numbers of both MDSCs and T_regs cells. This pilot study opens a new avenue to investigate the mechanism mediating the emergence of these cells on larger number of B-ALL patients at different treatment stages.     

Chronic myelogenous leukemia maintains specific CD8+ T cells through IL‐7 signaling

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a malignant myeloproliferative disease of hematopoietic stem cells. The disease progresses after several years from an initial chronic phase to a blast phase. Leukemia‐specific T cells are regularly detected in CML patients and may be involved in the immunological control of the disease. Here, we analyzed the role of leukemia‐specific CD8⁺ T cells in CML disease control and the mechanism that maintains CD8⁺ T‐cell immunosurveillance in a retroviral‐induced murine CML model. To study antigen‐specific immune responses, the glycoprotein of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus was used as model leukemia antigen. Leukemia‐specific CTL activity was detectable in vivo in CML mice and depletion of CD8⁺ T cells rapidly led to disease progression. CML‐specific CTL were characterized by the expression of the IL‐7 receptor α‐chain. In addition, leukemia cells produced IL‐7 that was crucial for the maintenance of leukemia‐specific CTL and for disease control. Therefore, CML cells maintain the specific CD8⁺ T‐cell‐mediated immune control by IL‐7 secretion. This results in prolonged control of disease and probably contributes to the characteristic chronic phase of the disease.     

Interleukin-35 suppresses antitumor activity of circulating CD8+ T cells in osteosarcoma patients

Purpose/Aim of the study: Interleukin (IL)-35 is a newly identified IL-12 cytokine family member and reveals immunosuppressive activity to CD8⁺ T cells in inflammation, infectious diseases, and cancers. However, little is known regarding IL-35 function in osteosarcoma. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the regulatory function of IL-35 to CD8+ T cells in osteosarcoma.

Materials and methods: Thirty-five osteosarcoma patients and 20 healthy individuals were enrolled. Serum CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^dim/– regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD8⁺ T cells were purified. IL-35 concentration in serum and cultured supernatants was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 cells and CD8⁺ T cells were stimulated with recombinant IL-35 in vitro, and modulatory function of IL-35 on these cells was assessed by investigation of cellular proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and cytokine production.

Results: Serum IL-35 and Treg-secreting IL-35 were significantly elevated in osteosarcoma patients. IL-35 stimulation did not affect proliferation, apoptosis, or cell cycle of MG-63 cells. Purified peripheral CD8⁺ T cells from osteosarcoma patients revealed dysfunctional property, which presented as decreased mRNA expressions for perforin, granzyme B, and granulysin, as well as reduced cytolytic (direct lysis of target MG-63 cells) and noncytolytic (interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α production) function in coculture systems. Moreover, IL-35 stimulation further diminished cytolytic and noncytolytic activity of CD8⁺ T cells from osteosarcoma patients.

Conclusions: The current data indicated that IL-35 contributed to CD8⁺ T-cell dysfunction and limited antitumor immune response in osteosarcoma.     

Direct Engagement of TLR9 Ligand with T Helper Cells Leads to Cell Proliferation & Up-regulation of Cytokines

Purpose: Toll like receptor (TLR) engagement is primarily a function of the innate immune cells. The purpose of the study was to assess direct uptake of ODN 2216 in T helper cells and effects on cell proliferation and cytokine expression.

Methods: We isolated CD4+ CD25- T helper cells by magnetic sorting and studied the uptake of ODN 2216 using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. We then studied the effect of ODN 2216 engagement on cell proliferation and cytokine expression using flow cytometry and gene expression of TLR9 signaling genes using real time RT-PCR.

Results: We made a chance observation that purified T helper cells from healthy individuals consistently bind to the TLR9 ligand ODN 2216. In PBMCs, on the other hand, 98% of monocytes preferentially bound to ODN 2216 FITC, indicating that they competed with the lymphocytes. We confirmed intracellular localization of ODN 2216 FITC as well as intracellular expression of TLR9 in Thelper cells. Furthermore, ODN 2216 FITC was also co-localized with the lysosomal membrane associated protein 1. The uptake of TLR9 ligand culminated in cellular proliferation, up-regulation of cytokines and increased mRNA expression of TLR9 and IRF7 in T helper cells, in the absence of antigen presenting cells. ODN 2216 uptake was inhibited by promethazine as well as by TLR9 antagonist.

Conclusions: Our results show a direct engagement of TLR9 ligand in T helper cells and suggest involvement of TLR9 signalling in CD4+T cells, which may envisage novel targets for TLR inhibitors.     

Building a Safer and Faster CAR: Seatbelts,Airbags, and CRISPR

Therapeutic T cell engineering has recently garnered widespread interest because of the success of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy. CARs are synthetic receptors for antigen that redirect the specificity and reprogram the function of the T cells in which they are genetically introduced. CARs targeting CD19, a cell surface molecule found in most leukemias and lymphomas, have yielded high remission rates in patients with chemorefractory, relapsed disease, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The toxicities of this treatment include B cell aplasia, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and neurotoxicity. Although reversible in most instances, these toxicities may require specific medical interventions, including transfer to intensive care to treat severe CRS. Guidelines for managing these toxicities are emerging. The recent report of a nonhuman primate model for CRS is poised to help advance the management of this syndrome. Finally, new engineering modalities, based on the use of targeted nucleases like CRISPR, may further enhance the efficacy and safety of CAR T cells.     

Natural Killer Cell Subsets and Their Functional Activity in Behçet’s Disease

Background: Behçet’s disease (BD) is a rare, chronic autoinflammatory disorder of unknown origin. Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the major immunoregulatory cell groups of the innate immune system, but their role in BD pathogenesis is not well documented.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the role of NK cell subsets and their cytokine secretion and cytotoxic activity in patients with BD.

Patients and methods: The study group consisted of BD patients who had only mucocutaneous involvement, and they were compared with healthy subjects. BD patients were divided into two groups according to their frequencies of oral ulcerations. NK cell cytotoxicity was determined using CD107a expression and a CFSE-based cytotoxicity test. Expression of NK cell receptors and surface markers and the intracellular IL-5, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ levels in CD16⁺ NK cells were assessed by flow cytometry.

Results: Although the cytokine secretion pattern was different, no difference was obtained in cytotoxic activity, expression of activatory receptors, or degranulation of NK cells.

Conclusion: Increases in NK1/NK2 ratio and CD16⁺IFN-γ⁺ NK1 cells might support the idea of a biased IFN-γ dominant immune response in the mucocutaneous involvement of BD pathogenesis. Although the cytokine secretion pattern was different, no difference was obtained in cytotoxic activity, expression of activatory receptors, or degranulation of NK cells.     

CD38-targeting antibodies in multiple myeloma: mechanisms of action and clinical experience

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is generally an incurable hematological malignancy with heterogeneous overall survival rates ranging from a few months to more than 10 years. Survival is especially poor for patients who developed disease that is refractory to immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors.

Areas covered: This review will discuss the importance of CD38-targeting antibodies for the treatment of MM patients to improve their outcome.

Expert commentary: Intense immuno-oncological laboratory research has resulted in the development of functionally active monoclonal antibodies against cell surface markers present on MM cells. In this respect, CD38-targeting antibodies such as daratumumab, MOR202, and isatuximab, have high single agent activity in heavily pretreated MM patients by virtue of their pleiotropic mechanisms of action including Fc-dependent effector mechanisms and immunomodulatory activities. Importantly, CD38-targeting antibodies are well tolerated, with infusion reactions as most frequent adverse event. Altogether, this makes them attractive combination partners with other anti-MM agents. Daratumumab is already approved as monotherapy and in combination with lenalidomide-dexamethasone as well as bortezomib-dexamethasone in pretreated MM patients. Furthermore, results from studies evaluating CD38-targeting antibodies in newly diagnosed MM patients are also promising, indicating that CD38-targeting antibodies will be broadly used in MM, resulting in further improvements in survival.     

Immune Profiling of T Cells Infiltrating Vitreous Humor in Tubercular Uveitis

Purpose: To assess cellular composition and local cytokine response in vitreous humor of tubercular uveitis.

Methods: Cells were collected from vitreous cassettes and peripheral blood of 8 tubercular uveitis and 5 control subjects, undergoing vitrectomy and analyzed by flow cytometry for cellular composition, activation status, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and uptake of TLR9 ligand, CpG ODN 2216.

Results: CD3 + T cells with equal proportion of CD4+ and CD8 + T cells formed major fraction of infiltrating cells. The vitreous humor showed higher expression of recent activation marker, CD69, and proinflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-17A, in CD4 + T cells as compared to peripheral blood. Lastly, intraocular CD4 + T cells showed reduced uptake of ODN 2216 than peripheral blood.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that local antigenic stimuli trigger T cell infiltration and activation of CD4 + T cells that are hyporesponsive to TLR9 stimulation. These infiltrating T cells might be responsible in further aggravating ocular inflammation.     

Antigen-Presenting Cell Characteristics of Human γδ T Lymphocytes in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Human γδ T lymphocytes play a role in the immune system defense against cancer. Their broad anti-cancer activity against different types of cancers makes them outstanding candidates for cancer immunotherapy. An issue of recent interest is whether their antigen presentation features are similar to mature dendritic cells. The antigen-presenting cell (APC)-like phenotype and function of γδ T lymphocytes have been confirmed in many clinical trials. In this study, to support the strong role played by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against cancer, we provide evidence that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells activated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell lysate antigens can efficiently express an APC phenotype and function. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells derived from normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated with tumor cell lysate, and the tumor-activated Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could recognize and kill CML through their cytotoxic activity. In conclusion, the Vγ9Vδ2 T cells activated by cancer cell lysate showed APC characteristics, and this may greatly increase interest in investigating their therapeutic potential in hematologic malignancies.

Abbreviations: CML: chronic myeloid leukemia; APC: antigen-presenting cell; TCR: T cell receptor; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; N-BPs: nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates; IPP: isopentenyl pyrophosphate; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cells; NKG2D: natural killer receptor group 2, member D; TRAIL: tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.     

AML-M2a细胞诱导自体及异体克隆性增殖T细胞及其特异性细胞毒性作用的研究

目的:了解急性粒细胞白血病(AML)M_2a细胞诱导自体及异体T细胞受体(TCR)Vβ亚家族T细胞克隆性增殖情况及其细胞毒性。方法:采用混合淋巴细胞/肿瘤细胞培养(MLTC)方法,用M_2a细胞体外诱导正常人和M_2a患者自体的外周血T细胞,用RT-PCR扩增经MLTC获得的自体和异体T细胞的24个TCRVβ亚家族基因的互补决定区(CDR3),阳性产物进一步经基因扫描分析确定M_2a细胞诱导的T细胞克隆性特点。同时用MTT法对淋巴细胞因子激活的杀伤细胞(LAK细胞)和MLTC获得的T细胞进行细胞毒性分析。结果:M_2a细胞诱导的自体及异体T细胞均出现了4-17个TCRVβ亚家族的优势表达,部分表达的Vβ亚家族T细胞具有克隆性增殖的特点。MLTC的不同时期和不同个体来源对TCRVβ亚家族T细胞表达及克隆性增殖有所影响。与LAK细胞相比,MLTC获得的T细胞以CD8⁺T细胞为主,对M_2a细胞具有较高的特异性细胞毒性作用。结论:MLTC获得的TCRVβ亚家族克隆性T细胞是自体和异体T细胞对M_2a细胞刺激所产生的一种特异性细胞免疫反应。M_2a细胞诱导后的T细胞对M_2a细胞具有特异性细胞毒性作用。     

Serum IL-21 levels from celiac disease patients correlates with anti-tTG IgA autoantibodies and mucosal damage

Abstract

Objectives: Coeliac disease is a multifactorial disorder influenced by environmental, genetic and immunological factors. Interleukin (IL)-21 has been linked to an increase disease risk and the serum level of IL-21 seems to be increased in CD compared to a healthy control population.

Methods: Sera were collected from 160?CD patients, 120 untreated and 40 following a gluten-free diet, and form 45 healthy subjects. Serum IL-21 was evaluated by specific ELISA tests.

Results: Our data show that patients with untreated CD display IL-21 concentrations significantly higher than both treated-CD patients (following a gluten-free diet) and controls. In addition, serum IL-21 correlates with serum titres of anti-tTG IgA autoantibodies. Finally, our results show a correlation of this cytokine with duodenal mucosal damage.

Conclusions: A role of gluten, as antigen with stimulatory function on IL-21 production, seems to be confirmed by the longitudinal analyses showing that the gluten-free diet decreases to a nearly undetectable amount this cytokine. In addition, the finding of a positive correlation between the serum amount of IL-21 and the grade of duodenal mucosa damage suggests a strong immunomodulatory effect of this cytokine on cytotoxic T lymphocyte functions. This study provides an extra evidence to emerging data on the potential role IL-21 in CD pathogenesis, suggesting its involvement in the development and progression of CD.

Significance statement: In untreated CD, serum IL-21 shows higher levels compared with treated CD and healthy subjects. Serum amounts of IL-21 correlate with anti-tTG IgA autoantibodies and with duodenal mucosa damage.     

An unconventional TRAIL to cancer therapy

Cellular immunotherapy offers novel, safe, and effective routes to treating cancer. However, approaches utilizing cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells are hampered by the need to identify suitable target antigens that are expressed by tumor cells but not healthy tissues, and that are recognized with sufficient affinity. Most importantly, the applicability of CD8⁺ T‐cell‐based therapies is governed by the MHC restriction of tumor‐specific epitopes, thereby limiting the potential benefit to patients carrying the appropriate MHC haplotype. Alternative approaches to harness the immune system against tumors exploit non‐MHC‐restricted γδ T cells that recognize stress‐induced changes in transformed cells. A new report in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2013. 43: 3175–3182] shows that human γδ T cells efficiently kill lung cancer cells through recognition of the NKG2D ligand ULBP2 and secretion of soluble TRAIL. This finding provides new evidence for a TCR‐independent cytotoxicity of γδ T cells and supports their promising potential for non‐MHC‐restricted immunotherapies.     

The cell of origin and the leukemia stem cell in acute myeloid leukemia

There is experimental and observational evidence that the cells of the leukemic clone in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have different phenotypes even though they share the same somatic mutations. The organization of the malignant clone in AML has many similarities to normal hematopoiesis, with leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that sustain leukemia and give rise to more differentiated cells. LSCs, similar to normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), are those cells that are able to give rise to a new leukemic clone when transplanted into a recipient. The cell of origin of leukemia (COL) is defined as the normal cell that is able to transform into a leukemia cell. Current evidence suggests that the COL is distinct from the LSC. Here, we will review the current knowledge about LSCs and the COL in AML.     

CXCL4 promoted the production of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+treg cells in mouse sepsis model through regulating STAT5/FOXP3 pathway

Abstract

Background: CXCL4 plays an essential role in the regulation of multiple immune diseases. However, the underlying role of CXCL4 is still not clear in sepsis. Aim: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the function of CXCL4 in sepsis.

Methods: Sepsis model was constructed on mouse. Flow cytometry was used to determine the ratio of CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺Treg cells. ELISA assays were used to determine the levels of CXCL4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α respectively. Western blot was used to examine protein contents.

Results: Our results suggested that the serum level of CXCL4 was upregulated in patients with sepsis and positively associated with the ratio of human CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺Treg cells. To further examine the role of CXCL4 in sepsis, we constructed the mouse sepsis model. Our results indicated that the mouse antibody of CXCL4 treatment reduced the expression of urine creatinine and urea nitrogen in sepsis model. Moreover, the frequency of CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ mouse regulatory T cells (Tregs) cells was decreased in mouse CD4⁺ T cells in the presence of mouse CXCL4 antibody. Further, the mouse recombinant protein CXCL4 was used to culture normal mouse CD4⁺ T cells in vitro. Our finding indicated that the recombinant protein CXCL4 promoted the percentage of mouse CD25⁺FOXP3⁺Treg cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of STAT5 in mouse CD4⁺ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, these effects were significantly reversed by the STAT5 inhibitor (p?<?.001). Conclusion: our findings not only indicated the function and signalling pathway of CXCL4 in CD4⁺ T cells but also provided novel insight and target in sepsis treatment.     

急性髓系白血病干细胞NOD/SCID小鼠白血病模型的建立

目的探讨用非肥胖型糖尿病/严重联合免疫缺陷（NOD/SCID）小鼠和经流式细胞仪分选出的KG1a中CD34＋CD38-的干细胞亚群建立白血病干细胞（LSCs）动物模型,为靶向治疗LSCs的药物筛选奠定体内实验基础。方法 18只雌性NOD/SCID小鼠,体质量18～20 g,鼠龄6～8周龄。实验组12只,应用流式细胞仪分选KG1a细胞中具有LSCs特性的CD34＋CD38-亚群,以2×106个/只尾静脉注射经全身X射线照射2Gy的NOD/SCID小鼠;正常对照组6只,只注射磷酸盐缓冲溶液。观察两组小鼠的一般情况和白血病发生情况,应用形态学、组织病理检查、流式细胞术、骨髓染色体检查等检测实验组小鼠的外周血、骨髓、肝脏、脾脏的白血病细胞标志。结果接种2周后实验组小鼠外周血可见白血病细胞,接种30 d实验组小鼠的白血病发病率为100%,无自发缓解;外周血、骨髓、肝、脾中均可发现大量的白血病细胞浸润;实验组小鼠骨髓细胞中CD13抗原阳性率15.47%～23.66%,并可见KG1a细胞的核型特征。结论尾静脉接种流式细胞仪分选后的CD34＋CD38-KG1a细胞于全身亚致死量X射线照射后的NOD/SCID小鼠,能成功建成全身播散的白血病模型,为进一步研究LSCs的靶向治疗药物奠定实验基础。