Controlling neural territory patterning from pluripotency using a systems developmental biology approach

Trained mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy HXB-319 for treating diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in a pristane-induced murine model

INTRODUCTION

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can modulate immune responses and suppress inflammation in autoimmune diseases. Although their safety has been established in clinical trials, the efficacy of MSCs is inconsistent due to variability in potency among different preparations and limited specificity in targeting mechanisms driving autoimmune diseases.

METHODS

We utilized high-dimensional design of experiments methodology to identify factor combinations that modulate gene expression by MSCs to mitigate inflammation. This led to a novel MSC-based cell therapy, HXB-319. Its anti-inflammatory properties were validated in vitro by flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and mass spectrophotometry. To evaluate in vivo efficacy, we treated a diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) mouse model (C57Bl/6). Seven days post-DAH induction with pristane, mice received either MSCs or HXB-319 (2X106 cells, IP). On day 14, peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) and lung tissue were collected for flow cytometry, histopathological examination, and mRNA.

RESULTS

HXB-319 increased gene expression levels of anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and anti-fibrotic factors (eg, TSG-6, VEGF, and HGF). KEGG pathway analysis confirmed significant activation of relevant anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and anti-fibrotic proteins, corroborating RT-PCR results. In the DAH model, HXB-319 significantly reduced lung inflammation and alveolar hemorrhage compared to MSC-treated and untreated DAH mice. HXB-319 treatment also significantly decreased neutrophils, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and RORγT cells, increased FoxP3+ cells in PLF, and reversed alterations in mRNA encoding IL-6, IL-10, and TSG-6 in lung tissue compared to DAH mice.

CONCLUSION

HXB-319 effectively controls inflammation and prevents tissue damage in pristine-induced DAH, highlighting its therapeutic potential for autoimmune inflammatory diseases.

Mechanism of action, potency and efficacy: considerations for cell therapies

One of the most challenging aspects of developing advanced cell therapy products (CTPs) is defining the mechanism of action (MOA), potency and efficacy of the product. This perspective examines these concepts and presents helpful ways to think about them through the lens of metrology. A logical framework for thinking about MOA, potency and efficacy is presented that is consistent with the existing regulatory guidelines, but also accommodates what has been learned from the 27 US FDA-approved CTPs. Available information regarding MOA, potency and efficacy for the 27 FDA-approved CTPs is reviewed to provide background and perspective. Potency process and efficacy process charts are introduced to clarify and illustrate the relationships between six key concepts: MOA, potency, potency test, efficacy, efficacy endpoint and efficacy endpoint test. Careful consideration of the meaning of these terms makes it easier to discuss the challenges of correlating potency test results with clinical outcomes and to understand how the relationships between the concepts can be misunderstood during development and clinical trials. Examples of how a product can be "potent but not efficacious" or "not potent but efficacious" are presented. Two example applications of the framework compare how MOA is assessed in cell cultures, animal models and human clinical trials and reveals the challenge of establishing MOA in humans. Lastly, important considerations for the development of potency tests for a CTP are discussed. These perspectives can help product developers set appropriate expectations for understanding a product's MOA and potency, avoid unrealistic assumptions and improve communication among team members during the development of CTPs.

Morphogenetic theory of mental and cognitive disorders: the role of neurotrophic and guidance molecules

Mental illness and cognitive disorders represent a serious problem for the modern society. Many studies indicate that mental disorders are polygenic and that impaired brain development may lay the ground for their manifestation. Neural tissue development is a complex and multistage process that involves a large number of distant and contact molecules. In this review, we have considered the key steps of brain morphogenesis, and the major molecule families involved in these process. The review provides many indications of the important contribution of the brain development process and correct functioning of certain genes to human mental health. To our knowledge, this comprehensive review is one of the first in this field. We suppose that this review may be useful to novice researchers and clinicians wishing to navigate the field.