Potent induction of trained immunity by Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-glucans

Candida albicans cell wall component β-glucan has been extensively studied for its ability to induce epigenetic and functional reprogramming of innate immune cells, a process termed trained immunity. We show that a high-complexity blend of two individual β-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses strong bioactivity, resulting in an enhanced trained innate immune response by human primary monocytes. The training required the Dectin-1/CR3, TLR4, and MMR receptors, as well as the Raf-1, Syk, and PI3K downstream signaling molecules. By activating multiple receptors and downstream signaling pathways, the components of this β-glucan preparation are able to act synergistically, causing a robust secondary response upon an unrelated challenge. In in-vivo murine models of melanoma and bladder cell carcinoma, pre-treatment of mice with the β-glucan preparation led to a significant reduction in tumor growth. These insights may aid in the development of future therapies based on β-glucan structures that induce an effective trained immunity response.

Decoding the Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Lymphoid Malignancies

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature myeloid precursors which emerged as a potent regulator of the immune system, exerting suppressive properties in diverse disease settings. In regards to cancer, MDSCs have an established role in solid tumors; however, their contribution to immune regulation during hematologic malignancies and particularly in lymphomas remains ill-defined. Herein focused on lymphoma, we discuss the literature on MDSC cells in all histologic types, and we also refer to lessons learned by animal models of lymphoma. Furthermore, we elaborate on future directions and unmet needs and challenges in the MDSC field related to lymphoma malignancies which may shed light on the complex nature of the immune system in malignancies.

A double-blind study on a patient with tardive dyskinesia treated with pallidal deep brain stimulation

BACKGROUND

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological disorder typically induced by long-term exposure to neuroleptics. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) may represent a therapeutic alternative for TD, which is often resistant to conservative treatment.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This report's objective is to present a case of TD successfully treated with DBS, as well as to indicate a putative role of brain perfusion scintigraphy as a helpful tool correlating functional imaging findings with clinical responsiveness to DBS.

METHODS/RESULTS

A 42-year-old male patient suffering from refractory TD underwent bilateral GPi DBS surgery. Post-operative Burke-Fahn-Mardsen Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) total scores have been reduced by 90.7% and 76.7% respectively on the 6-month follow-up assessment. Brain perfusion scintigraphy, performed post-operatively in the two stimulation states, revealed a decrease in cerebral blood flow, during the 'on-DBS', compared with the 'off-DBS' state.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical improvement of this patient, correspondent to previous studies, suggests that continuous bilateral GPi DBS may provide a promising treatment option for TD. Furthermore, this report could imply, as no previous such comparison study exists, a possible correlation between brain functional imaging findings and the movement disorder's response to DBS.