Host-Feeding Behavior of Mosquitoes in the Florida Everglades

Background: West Nile virus (WNV), Everglades virus (EVEV), and five species of Orthobunyavirus were isolated from mosquitoes collected in the Everglades in 2016-2017. Prior studies of blood meals of mosquitoes in southern Florida have related findings to acquisition and transmission of EVEV, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and WNV, but not the Orthobunyavirus viruses associated with the subgenus Melanoconion of the genus Culex. Materials and Methods: In the present study, blood-fed mosquitoes were collected in the Everglades in 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2022, and from an industrial site in Naples, FL in 2017. Blood meals were identified to host species by PCR assays using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Results: Blood meals were identified from Anopheles crucians complex and 11 mosquito species captured in the Florida Everglades and from 3 species collected from an industrial site. The largest numbers of blood-fed specimens were from Culex nigripalpus, Culex erraticus, Culex cedecei, and Aedes taeniorhynchus. Cx. erraticus fed on mammals, birds, and reptiles, particularly American alligator. This mosquito species could transmit WNV to American alligator in the wild. Cx. nigripalpus acquired blood meals primarily from birds and mammals and frequently fed on medium-sized mammals and white-tailed deer. Water and wading birds were the primary avian hosts for Cx. nigripalpus and Cx. erraticus in the Everglades. Wading birds are susceptible to WNV and could serve as reservoir hosts. Cx. cedecei fed on five species of rodents, particularly black and hispid cotton rats. EVEV and three different species of Orthobunyavirus have been isolated from the hispid cotton rat and Cx. cedecei in the Everglades. Cx. cedecei is likely acquiring and transmitting these viruses among hispid cotton rats and other rodents. The marsh rabbit was a frequent host for An. crucians complex. An. crucians complex, and other species could acquire Tensaw virus from rabbits. Conclusions: Our study contributes to a better understanding of the host and viral associations of mosquito species in southwestern Florida.

Novel Measurement of the Neutron Magnetic Form Factor from A=3 Mirror Nuclei

The electromagnetic form factors of the proton and neutron encode information on the spatial structure of their charge and magnetization distributions. While measurements of the proton are relatively straightforward, the lack of a free neutron target makes measurements of the neutron's electromagnetic structure more challenging and more sensitive to experimental or model-dependent uncertainties. Various experiments have attempted to extract the neutron form factors from scattering from the neutron in deuterium, with different techniques providing different, and sometimes large, systematic uncertainties. We present results from a novel measurement of the neutron magnetic form factor using quasielastic scattering from the mirror nuclei ^{3}H and ^{3}He, where the nuclear effects are larger than for deuterium but expected to largely cancel in the cross-section ratios. We extracted values of the neutron magnetic form factor for low-to-modest momentum transfer, 0.6 Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

S N Santiesteban University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
S Li University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
D Abrams University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
S Alsalmi Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44240, USA King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
D Androic University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
K Aniol California State University, Los Angeles, California 90032, USA
J Arrington Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
T Averett William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, USA
C Ayerbe Gayoso William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, USA
J Bane University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37966, USA
S Barcus William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, USA
J Barrow University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37966, USA Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
A Beck Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
V Bellini INFN Sezione di Catania, Italy
H Bhatt Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
D Bhetuwal Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
D Biswas Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23669, USA
A Camsonne Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
J Castellanos Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
J Chen William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, USA
J-P Chen Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
D Chrisman Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
M E Christy Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23669, USA Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
C Clarke Stony Brook, State University of New York, New York 11794, USA
S Covrig Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
R Cruz-Torres Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
D Day University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
D Dutta Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
E Fuchey University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
C Gal University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
F Garibaldi INFN, Rome, Italy
T N Gautam Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23669, USA
T Gogami Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
J Gomez Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
P Guèye Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23669, USA Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
T J Hague Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44240, USA
J O Hansen Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
F Hauenstein Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529, USA
W Henry Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA
D W Higinbotham Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
R J Holt Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
C Hyde Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529, USA
K Itabashi Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
M Kaneta Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
A Karki Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
A T Katramatou Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44240, USA
C E Keppel Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
P M King Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA
L Kurbany University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
T Kutz Stony Brook, State University of New York, New York 11794, USA
N Lashley-Colthirst Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23669, USA
W B Li William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, USA
H Liu Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
N Liyanage University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
E Long University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
A Lovato Physics Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA Computational Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA INFN-TIFPA Trento Institute for Fundamental Physics and Applications, 38123 Trento, Italy
J Mammei University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
P Markowitz Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
R E McClellan Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
F Meddi INFN, Rome, Italy
D Meekins Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
R Michaels Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
M Mihovilovič Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Institut für Kernphysik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, DE-55128 Mainz, Germany
A Moyer Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
S Nagao Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
D Nguyen University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
M Nycz Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44240, USA
M Olson Saint Norbert College, De Pere, Wisconsin 54115, USA
L Ou Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
V Owen William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, USA
C Palatchi University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
B Pandey Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23669, USA
A Papadopoulou Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
S Park Stony Brook, State University of New York, New York 11794, USA
T Petkovic University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
S Premathilake University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
V Punjabi Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia 23529, USA
R D Ransome Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08854, USA
P E Reimer Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
J Reinhold Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
S Riordan Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
N Rocco Theoretical Physics Department, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, Illinois 60510, USA
V M Rodriguez División de Ciencias y Tecnología, Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Recinto de Cupey, San Juan 00926, Puerto Rico
A Schmidt Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
B Schmookler Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
E P Segarra Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
A Shahinyan Yerevan Physics Institute, Yerevan, Armenia
S Širca Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
K Slifer University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
P Solvignon University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
T Su Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44240, USA
R Suleiman Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
L Tang Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
Y Tian Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA
W Tireman Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan 49855, USA
F Tortorici INFN Sezione di Catania, Italy
Y Toyama Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
K Uehara Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
G M Urciuoli INFN, Rome, Italy
D Votaw Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
J Williamson University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ Scotland, United Kingdom
B Wojtsekhowski Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
S Wood Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606, USA
Z H Ye Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
J Zhang University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
X Zheng University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA

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Inhibition of ATR opposes glioblastoma invasion through disruption of cytoskeletal networks and integrin internalization via macropinocytosis

BACKGROUND

Glioblastomas have highly infiltrative growth patterns that contribute to recurrence and poor survival. Despite infiltration being a critical therapeutic target, no clinically useful therapies exist that counter glioblastoma invasion. Here, we report that inhibition of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad 3 related kinase (ATR) reduces invasion of glioblastoma cells through dysregulation of cytoskeletal networks and subsequent integrin trafficking.

METHODS

Glioblastoma motility and invasion were assessed in vitro and in vivo in response to ATR inhibition (ATRi) and ATR overexpression using time-lapse microscopy, two orthotopic glioblastoma models, and intravital imaging. Disruption to cytoskeleton networks and endocytic processing were investigated via high-throughput, super-resolution and intravital imaging.

RESULTS

High ATR expression was associated with significantly poorer survival in clinical datasets while histological, protein expression, and spatial transcriptomics using glioblastoma tumor specimens revealed higher ATR expression at infiltrative margins. Pharmacological inhibition with two different compounds and RNAi targeting of ATR opposed the invasion of glioblastoma, whereas overexpression of ATR drove migration. Subsequent investigation revealed that cytoskeletal dysregulation reduced macropinocytotic internalization of integrins at growth-cone-like structures, resulting in a tumor microtube retraction defect. The biological relevance and translational potential of these findings were confirmed using two orthotopic in vivo models of glioblastoma and intravital imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate a novel role for ATR in determining invasion in glioblastoma cells and propose that pharmacological targeting of ATR could have far-reaching clinical benefits beyond radiosensitization.

Broadening Heart Failure Care Beyond Cardiology: Challenges and Successes Within the Landscape of Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern that impairs the quality of life and is associated with significant mortality. As the prevalence of heart failure increases, multidisciplinary care is essential to provide comprehensive care to individuals.

RECENT FINDINGS

The challenges of implementing an effective multidisciplinary care team can be daunting. Effective multidisciplinary care begins at the initial diagnosis of heart failure. The transition of care from the inpatient to the outpatient setting is critically important. The use of home visits, case management, and multidisciplinary clinics has been shown to decrease mortality and heart failure hospitalizations, and major society guidelines endorse multidisciplinary care for heart failure patients. Expanding heart failure care beyond cardiology entails incorporating primary care, advanced practice providers, and other disciplines. Patient education and self-management are fundamental to multidisciplinary care, as is a holistic approach to effectively address comorbid conditions. Ongoing challenges include navigating social disparities within heart failure care and limiting the economic burden of the disease.

Abstract 4098: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells overexpressing Bcl-xL increase proliferation and antitumor activity alone and in combination with BH3 mimetics

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have become a well-established treatment option for patients, with six products approved for different hematologic diseases and new approvals allowing for their therapeutic use as early as second line. However, relapse rates of around 50% have been observed in all patient subsets, with one major mechanism associated with CAR T failure being cancer cell resistance to apoptosis. A form of cancer therapeutic named BH3-mimetics has been designed to inhibit members of the anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family and, therefore, directly activate the apoptotic machinery in malignant cells. We hypothesized that integration of these anti-apoptotic molecules into CAR T cells would induce resistance towards the BH3 mimetics and allow combinational therapeutic approaches.

Methods: 4-1BB and CD28 CAR constructs were designed to overexpress one of four anti-apoptotic proteins: wildtype Bcl-2, a Venetoclax-resistant Bcl-2 variant (G101V), B cell extra-large (Bcl-xL), or myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1). CAR T cells made from these constructs were tested against leukemia (Nalm6) and lymphoma (JeKo-1) cell lines in combination with three different BH-3 mimetics: Venetoclax (ABT-199, an FDA-approved Bcl-2 inhibitor), Navitoclax (ABT-263, a Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor), and AZD5991 (an Mcl-1 inhibitor).

Results: CAR T cells with a 4-1BB costimulatory domain tended to have increased killing over CARs with CD28 and were less susceptible to apoptosis; therefore, 4-1BB CARs were used for all further testing. Integration of Bcl-2 family proteins into CAR T cells didn’t impair or even increase tumor cell clearance in vitro; however, in combination with Venetoclax, Navitoclax, or AZD5991, killing capacity significantly increased compared to control CAR T cells. Even without combination with drugs, CAR T cells overexpressing Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 (both wildtype and mutant) provided higher anti-tumor activity and prolonged survival against JeKo-1 cells in vivo, whereas only Bcl-xL overexpression showed increased tumor control compared to regular 4-1BB CARs against Nalm6 cells.

Conclusion: Of the tested antiapoptotic proteins, Bcl-xL overexpressing CAR T cells proved superior, having higher proliferation and increased anti-tumor activity in combination with or without BH3 mimetics, providing a new strategy to optimize CAR T cell function for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.

Citation Format: Felix Korell, Michael Olson, Diego Salas-Benito, Mark B. Leick, Rebecca C. Larson, Harrison Silva, Alessandro Gasparetto, Trisha R. Berger, Amanda Bouffard, Michael C. Kann, Markus Mergen, Tamina Kienka, Marc Wehrli, Stefanie R. Bailey, Anthony Letai, Marcela V. Maus. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells overexpressing Bcl-xL increase proliferation and antitumor activity alone and in combination with BH3 mimetics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4098.

Acceptability and barriers to adopting physical therapy and rehabilitation as standard of care in hernia disease: a prospective national survey of providers and preliminary data

PURPOSE

Physical therapy (PT) and rehabilitation are widely utilized in a variety of disease processes to improve function, return to activities of daily living (ADLs), and promote overall recovery. However, hernia repair has struggled to adopt this practice despite operations occurring in one of the most dynamic parts of the body - the abdominal core. This study sought to understand perspectives and perceived barriers regarding the incorporation of PT and rehabilitation in hernia care.

METHODS

A standardized rehabilitation protocol was developed by the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC), a national quality improvement initiative specific to hernia disease, and launched in 2019. Empiric data from the ACHQC was then obtained to describe preliminary utilization. A prospective electronic survey was then deployed to all surgeons participating in the ACHQC to aid in interpreting the identified trends. The survey included questions regarding the current use of PT in their practice, as well as further opinions on the functionality, benefit, and barriers to its use.

RESULTS

We identified 1,544 patients who were listed as receiving some form of postoperative rehabilitation, of which 992 (64.2%) had a primary diagnosis of ventral hernia and 552 (35.8%) had an inguinal hernia. Among patients who had a ventral hernia, 863 (87.0%) received self-directed rehabilitation exercises compared to 488 (88.4%) of inguinal hernia patients. The subsequent survey exploring these trends was completed by 46 ACHQC surgeons (10.2%). More than half (52%) reported using PT for hernia patients, primarily in abdominal wall reconstruction cases (92%). Of those who did not report using PT, 50% cited unknown clinical benefit and another 27% cited unknown PT resources. PT utilization was typically concentrated to the postoperative period (58%), while 42% reported also using it preoperatively. Despite 72% of respondents citing a perceived benefit of PT in hernia patients, overall use of PT was primarily reported as 'occasional' by 42%, with another 27% reporting 'rarely.' Perceived benefits of PT included increased core strength, stability, mobility, patient satisfaction, education, independence, earlier return to work and ADLs, overall improved recovery, and decreased risk of postoperative issues. Reported barriers to implementing PT in practice or adapting the ACHQC Rehabilitation Protocol included lack of education, lack of evidence of clinical benefit, and difficulties operationalizing the protocol.

CONCLUSION

A national survey of hernia surgeons demonstrated willingness to adopt PT and rehabilitation protocols in their clinical practices and noted a high perceived benefit to patients. However, lack of education and evidence regarding the protocol may represent important barriers to overcome in widely disseminating these resources to patients. These gaps can be addressed through dedicated educational venues and additional studies establishing PT and rehabilitation as critical future adjuncts for the recovery of hernia repair patients.

Engineering anti-CD229 CAR T cell selectivity for multiple myeloma

T cells expressing high affinity chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) against CD229 are able to eradicate multiple myeloma (MM) cells, which express high CD229 levels. However, they also target healthy T cells expressing low CD229 levels. Reducing the affinity of the parental CD229 CAR may increase the selectivity of CD229 CAR T cells, sparing T cells while maintaining activity against MM cells. No robust approaches to engineer minimally altered low affinity variants from existing high-affinity antibodies have been developed.

We generated a site-saturation mutagenesis library of the parental CD229 antibody targeting both CDR3 domains resulting in 305 variants. Variants were expressed as soluble single-chain variable fragments and screened using high-throughput assays to determine binding and expression. Affinities were determined by biolayer interferometry. A subset of 26 binders was further characterized functionally in CAR format using primary human T cells.

Variant CD229 antibodies carrying single amino acid substitutions showed substantially altered expression and binding of recombinant CD229. Affinities of candidate antibodies varied from 150–10,000nM with mainly off-rate driven reductions in affinity. Analyzing the cytotoxic activity of CD229 CAR variants we found that, in contrast to the parental cells, two variant CAR T cells spared normal T cells while maintaining equal cytotoxic activity against MM cells.

Using a novel unbiased mutagenesis approach, we show that generation of minimally altered low affinity variants from existing antibodies is feasible and results in binders with substantially reduced affinity. Low affinity variants show increased selectivity eliminating a key liability of CD229 CAR T cells.

E.R.V received funding from the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE, Pre-Doctoral Fellowship) and the ALSAM Foundation (Skaggs Fellowship). D.A. received funding from the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI, Translational Scholar Award). T.L. received funding from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, Young Investigator Award).

Measurement of the Nucleon F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p} Structure Function Ratio by the Jefferson Lab MARATHON Tritium/Helium-3 Deep Inelastic Scattering Experiment

The ratio of the nucleon F_{2} structure functions, F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p}, is determined by the MARATHON experiment from measurements of deep inelastic scattering of electrons from ^{3}H and ^{3}He nuclei. The experiment was performed in the Hall A Facility of Jefferson Lab using two high-resolution spectrometers for electron detection, and a cryogenic target system which included a low-activity tritium cell. The data analysis used a novel technique exploiting the mirror symmetry of the two nuclei, which essentially eliminates many theoretical uncertainties in the extraction of the ratio. The results, which cover the Bjorken scaling variable range 0.19<x<0.83, represent a significant improvement compared to previous SLAC and Jefferson Lab measurements for the ratio. They are compared to recent theoretical calculations and empirical determinations of the F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p} ratio.

Targeting the tumor microenvironment of Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive tumor type with an age peak in adolescence. Despite the use of dose-intensified chemotherapy as well as radiation and surgery for local control, patients with upfront metastatic disease or relapsed disease have a dismal prognosis, highlighting the need for additional therapeutic options. Different types of immunotherapies have been investigated with only very limited clinical success, which may be due to the presence of immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment. Here we provide an overview on different factors contributing to Ewing sarcoma immune escape. We demonstrate ways to target these factors in order to make current and future immunotherapies more effective and achieve deeper and more durable responses in patients with Ewing sarcoma.

Role of immunotherapy in Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is thought to arise from mesenchymal stem cells and is the second most common bone sarcoma in pediatric patients and young adults. Given the dismal overall outcomes and very intensive therapies used, there is an urgent need to explore and develop alternative treatment modalities including immunotherapies. In this article, we provide an overview of ES biology, features of ES tumor microenvironment (TME) and review various tumor-associated antigens that can be targeted with immune-based approaches including cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, T cell receptor-transduced T cells, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. We highlight key reasons for the limited efficacy of various immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of ES to date. These factors include absence of human leukocyte antigen class I molecules from the tumor tissue, lack of an ideal surface antigen, and immunosuppressive TME due to the presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, F2 fibrocytes, and M2-like macrophages. Lastly, we offer insights into strategies for novel therapeutics development in ES. These strategies include the development of gene-modified T cell receptor T cells against cancer–testis antigen such as XAGE-1, surface target discovery through detailed profiling of ES surface proteome, and combinatorial approaches. In summary, we provide state-of-the-art science in ES tumor immunology and immunotherapy, with rationale and recommendations for future therapeutics development.

CD19 loss by CAR T cell mediated trogoctyosis is regulated by CAR affinity

CD19 CAR T cell therapy has entered the spotlight for the treatment of B cell lymphoma, however, relapse with CD19 negative disease is common in many subtypes of lymphoma. CD19 CAR T cells were recently shown to strip CD19 from the surface of B cell lymphoma cell lines in a process called “trogocytosis,” however, the clinical relevance of this phenomenon remains poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of CD19 trogocytosis on CAR T cell escape in B cell lymphoma and the importance of CAR T cell affinity to trogocytosis mediated tumor escape. We cocultured CD19 CAR T cells with primary CLL, ALL, mantle cell lymphoma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma patient material and identified rapid loss of CD19 from the surface of the malignant cells in all subtypes. CD19 was also observed to be transferred from the lymphoma cell to CD19 CAR T cells, resulting in CAR T cell autoreactivity termed “fratricide.” We then utilized a recently developed low affinity CD19 CAR to assess the importance of CAR affinity in CD19 loss by trogocytosis. Coculture of low affinity CD19 CAR T cells revealed significantly reduced loss of CD19 by trogocytosis from several ALL cell lines and primary samples when compared to high affinity CD19 CAR T cells. Finally, in vivo analysis of CAR affinity revealed increased CAR T cell efficacy and persistence by low affinity CD19 CAR T cells when compared to high affinity CD19 CAR T cells in an established ALL mouse model. Taken together, these data demonstrate that loss of CD19 by CAR T cell mediated trogocytosis occurs in many B cell malignancies and can be ameliorated by modulation of CAR affinity, providing a possible avenue for more effective CAR T cell therapies in the clinic.

Cilostazol: a Review of Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Uses

Primarily used in the treatment of intermittent claudication, cilostazol is a 2-oxyquinolone derivative that works through the inhibition of phosphodiesterase III and related increases in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. However, cilostazol has been implicated in a number of other basic pathways including the inhibition of adenosine reuptake, the inhibition of multidrug resistance protein 4, among others. It has been observed to exhibit antiplatelet, antiproliferative, vasodilatory, and ischemic-reperfusion protective properties. As such, cilostazol has been investigated for clinical use in a variety of settings including intermittent claudication, as an adjunctive for reduction of restenosis after coronary and peripheral endovascular interventions, and in the prevention of secondary stroke, although its widespread implementation for indications other than intermittent claudication has been limited by relatively modest effect sizes and lack of studies in western populations. In this review, we highlight the pleiotropic effects of cilostazol and the evidence for its clinical use.

Probing Few-Body Nuclear Dynamics via ^{3}H and ^{3}He (e,e^{'}p)pn Cross-Section Measurements

We report the first measurement of the (e,e^{'}p) three-body breakup reaction cross sections in helium-3 (^{3}He) and tritium (^{3}H) at large momentum transfer [⟨Q^{2}⟩≈1.9  (GeV/c)^{2}] and x_{B}>1 kinematics, where the cross section should be sensitive to quasielastic (QE) scattering from single nucleons. The data cover missing momenta 40≤p_{miss}≤500  MeV/c that, in the QE limit with no rescattering, equals the initial momentum of the probed nucleon. The measured cross sections are compared with state-of-the-art ab initio calculations. Overall good agreement, within ±20%, is observed between data and calculations for the full p_{miss} range for ^{3}H and for 100≤p_{miss}≤350  MeV/c for ^{3}He. Including the effects of rescattering of the outgoing nucleon improves agreement with the data at p_{miss}>250  MeV/c and suggests contributions from charge-exchange (SCX) rescattering. The isoscalar sum of ^{3}He plus ^{3}H, which is largely insensitive to SCX, is described by calculations to within the accuracy of the data over the entire p_{miss} range. This validates current models of the ground state of the three-nucleon system up to very high initial nucleon momenta of 500  MeV/c.

Is concomitant cholecystectomy safe during abdominal wall reconstruction? An AHSQC analysis

PURPOSE

Unlike routine ventral hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) can results in large pieces of mesh and extensive manipulation of the intra-abdominal contents, rendering subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy challenging. This study addresses the additional wound morbidity of concomitant cholecystectomy.

METHODS

The Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) was retrospectively reviewed and logistic regression modeling was used to control for multiple covariates. Patients that underwent open AWR with cholecystectomy were compared to a similar group of patients undergoing uncomplicated, open, clean, AWR alone.

RESULTS

130 patients undergoing concomitant cholecystectomy were compared to a control group of 6440 patients. The addition of a cholecystectomy did not cause a significant change in wound morbidity (SSI: p = 0.16; SSOPI: p = 0.65).

CONCLUSIONS

This study noted that a concomitant cholecystectomy does not increase the wound morbidity as compared to an uncomplicated, clean, AWR. This provides support for consideration of routine cholecystectomy in patients with cholelithiasis undergoing AWR.

The design of a line velocity interferometer for any reflector for inertial confinement experiments on the Z-machine

A line VISAR (Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector) has been designed and commissioned at the Sandia National Laboratory's Z-machine. The instrument consists of an F/2 collection system, beam transport, and an interferometer table that contains two Mach-Zehnder type interferometers and an eight channel Gated Optical Imaging (GOI) system. The VISAR probe laser operates at the 532 nm wavelength, and the GOI bandpass is 540-600 nm. The output of each interferometer is passed to an optical streak camera with four selectable sweep speeds. The system is designed with three interchangeable optics modules to select a full field of view of 1 mm, 2 mm, or 4 mm. The optical beam transport system connects the target image plane to the interferometers and the gated optical imagers. The target is integrated into a sacrificial final optics assembly that is integral to the transport beamline.

Abstract A82: Immune checkpoint protein VISTA controls antitumor immunity via regulating Toll-like receptor signaling and myeloid cells-mediated inflammation

Introduction: V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA, gene Vsir) is an inhibitory immune-checkpoint molecule that suppresses CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation. Vsir-/- mice developed chronic inflammatory phenotypes, and Vsir-/- CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were hyper-responsive towards self- and foreign antigens. Our recent study (Li et al., Sci Rep 2017) has identified a novel role of VISTA as a critical regulator of IL-23/IL-17 inflammatory axis induced by Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. The molecular mechanisms by which VISTA inhibits TLR signaling remain to be elucidated.

Methods: Peritoneal macrophages from WT or Vsir-/- mice were isolated and stimulated with TLR agonists. Alternatively, human monocyte THP-1 cells overexpressing VISTA were stimulated by TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4. The activation of TLR signaling pathways and the production of inflammatory cytokines were examined by Western blotting, gel shift assay, or ELISA. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with VISTA-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) and a peptide vaccine containing TLR agonists. The production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was examined via RT-PCR and ELISA.

Results: VISTA downregulates Toll-like receptor (TLR)/TRAF6/TAK1-mediated signaling pathway via promoting K48-linked polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of TRAF6 and inhibiting K63-linked polyubiquitination and activation of TRAF6. VISTA blockade by an antibody or genetic deletion augments the activation of MAPKs/AP-1 and IKK/NF-kB signaling cascades in myeloid cells and induces the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines within tumor tissues. Inflamed tumor tissues promote the infiltration and effector function of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. TLR/TRAF6-mediated inflammatory responses promote the antitumor efficacy of VISTA-blocking antibodies and contribute to a synergistic outcome when VISTA blockade is combined with a TLR agonistic vaccine.

Conclusions: Our study establishes that VISTA critically regulates the inflammatory responses of myeloid cells mediated by TLR signaling. Unlike targeting other immune checkpoint proteins, the therapeutic efficacy of VISTA inhibition benefits from the activation of myeloid cells and early induction of inflammatory cytokines may predict positive clinical responses.

Citation Format: Wenwen Xu, Yongwei Zheng, Juan Zhou, Ying Yuan, Hieu Minh Ta, Jun Dong, Halli E. Miller, Michael Olson, Kamalakannan Rajasekaran, Marc S. Ernstoff, Demin Wang, Subramaniam Malarkannan, Li Wang. Immune checkpoint protein VISTA controls antitumor immunity via regulating Toll-like receptor signaling and myeloid cells-mediated inflammation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A82.

OXA-23 and OXA-40 producing carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Central Illinois

We reviewed susceptibility of 840 A. baumannii complex isolates at two academic medical centers and explored their mechanism of carbapenem resistance. Carbapenem resistance rates among A. baumannii increased from <5% before 2005 to 55% in 2011 and declined thereafter. We subjected 86 isolates for further antibiotic susceptibility testing using E-test, screened for MBL and carbapenemase production, and performed PCR for bla_OXA genes. Statistical analyses included correlation of resistance genes with susceptibility. Sixty-one isolates were non-susceptible to carbapenems (MIC >2 μg/mL). Phenotypic screening showed carbapenemase production in 50 isolates, but none was positive for MBL. Among carbapenem non-susceptible isolates, the CHDL (group D carbapenemase) encoding genes bla_OXA-23 (52%) and bla_OXA-40 (28%) were the most frequent genes. In conclusion, carbapenem resistance rates in A. baumannii peaked in 2011 and have since declined in our region. Carbapenem resistance among A. baumannii was primarily associated with production of acquired CHDLs including OXA-23 and OXA-40.

The promise of adoptive cellular immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Current systemic therapies result only in modest benefits and new therapeutic options are critically needed. Some patients show promising clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, however, additional immunotherapeutic approaches, such as adoptive cell therapies (ACT), need to be developed. This review summarizes recent ACT studies and discusses the promise and obstacles of this approach. We further discuss ways of improving the efficacy of ACT in HCC including the use of combination therapies and locoregional delivery methods.

Immune-Checkpoint Protein VISTA Regulates Antitumor Immunity by Controlling Myeloid Cell-Mediated Inflammation and Immunosuppression

Immune-checkpoint protein V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) controls antitumor immunity and is a valuable target for cancer immunotherapy. This study identified a role of VISTA in regulating Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in myeloid cells and controlling myeloid cell-mediated inflammation and immunosuppression. VISTA modulated the polyubiquitination and protein expression of TRAF6. Consequently, VISTA dampened TLR-mediated activation of MAPK/AP-1 and IKK/NF-κB signaling cascades. At cellular levels, VISTA regulated the effector functions of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tolerogenic dendritic cell (DC) subsets. Blocking VISTA augmented their ability to produce proinflammatory mediators and diminished their T cell-suppressive functions. These myeloid cell-dependent effects resulted in a stimulatory tumor microenvironment that promoted T-cell infiltration and activation. We conclude that VISTA is a critical myeloid cell-intrinsic immune-checkpoint protein and that the reprogramming of tolerogenic myeloid cells following VISTA blockade promotes the development of T cell-mediated antitumor immunity.

Outcomes of transversus abdominis release in non-elective incisional hernia repair: a retrospective review of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC)

PURPOSE

Elective repair of large incisional hernias using posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (TAR) has acceptable wound morbidity and long-term recurrence rates. The outcomes of using this reconstructive technique in the non-elective setting remains unknown. We aim to report 30-day outcomes of TAR in non-elective settings.

METHODS

All patients undergoing open TAR in non-elective settings were identified within the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC). A retrospective review was conducted and outcomes of interest were 30-day Surgical Site Infections (SSI), Surgical Site Occurrences (SSO), SSOs requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI), medical complications, and unplanned readmissions and reoperations.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Mean BMI was 36.6 ± 8.9 kg/m² and mean hernia width was 14.4 ± 7.2 cm. Forty (67.8%) were recurrent hernias. Pain (88%) and bowel obstruction (79.7%) were the most frequent indications for surgery. Surgical field was classified as clean in 69.5% of cases, with an 88% use of permanent synthetic mesh and fascial closure achieved in 93.2% of cases. There were 15 (25.4%) total wound events, 8 (13.6%) were SSIs. There were 8 (13.6%) SSOPIs, 6 of which were wound opening, 1 wound debridement, and 1 percutaneous drainage. At least one wound or medical complication was reported for 37% of the patients. There were no mortalities.

CONCLUSION

Not surprisingly, TAR in the non-elective setting is associated with increased wound morbidity requiring procedural interventions and reoperations compared to what has previously been reported for elective cases. The long-term consequences of this wound morbidity with regard to hernia recurrence are as of yet unknown.

Variability in the time to initiation of CPR in continuously monitored pediatric ICUs

AIM

To study the influence of patient characteristics and unit ergonomics and human factors on the time to initiation of CPR.

METHODS

A single center study of children, 0 to 21 years old, admitted to an ICU who experienced cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) requiring >1 min of chest compressions. Time of CPA was determined by analysis of continuous ECG, plethysmography, arterial blood pressure, and end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) waveforms. Initiation of CPR was identified by the onset of cyclic artifact in the ECG waveform. Patient characteristics and unit ergonomics and human factors were examined including CPA cause, identification on the High-Risk Checklist (HRC), existing monitoring, ICU type, time of day, nursing shift change, and outcome.

RESULTS

The median time from CPA to initiation of CPR was 50.5 s (IQR 26.5 to 127.5) in 36 CPAs. Forty-seven percent of patients experienced time from CPA to initiation of CPR of >1 min. There was no difference in CPA cause, ICU type, time of day, or nursing shift change.

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of pediatric patients who experienced CPA in an ICU setting did not meet AHA guidelines for early initiation of CPR. This is an opportunity to study the recognition phase of CPA using continuous monitoring data with the aim of improving the understanding of and factors contributing to delays in initiation of CPR.

Abstract OT2-07-04: A phase 2 study of ONC201 in recurrent/refractory metastatic breast cancer and advanced endometrial carcinoma

Background: Advanced breast cancer (BC) and endometrial cancer (EC) have limited treatment options with no treatments improving survival. ONC201 is the founding member of a novel class of anticancer drugs called impiridones. The drug is orally bioavailable and crosses the blood brain barrier. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that ONC201 selectively kills various cancer cells, including all subtypes of BC and EC, while having little effect on normal cells. An on-going Phase 1 study of ONC201 has demonstrated clinical benefit in some solid tumors, including EC and glioblastomas.

Trial Design: Phase 2 single arm study of ONC201 with 3 cohorts: Cohort 1, female and male hormone receptor positive breast cancer (HR+BC); Cohort 2, female and male triple negative breast cancer (TNBC); and Cohort 3, EC. All patients will receive ONC201 at the recommended Phase 2 dose of 625mg by mouth q7 days (1 cycle = 28 days). Patients will undergo a baseline biopsy as well as a biopsy after 5 doses of ONC201 (C2D2). Patients will be evaluated for response every two cycles (8 weeks) by RECIST 1.1.

Eligibility Criteria: Measurable disease with &gt;1 biopsiable lesion, willing to undergo biopsies. Cohort 1 (HR+BC) requires prior treatment with &gt;2 lines of hormonal treatment. No prior treatment required for the other cohorts. Patients must have ECOG 0-1 and adequate organ function. Patients with asymptomatic or brain metastases treated &gt; 4 weeks from study entry are eligible. Exclusion criteria include: symptomatic CNS metastases, radiotherapy ≤ 4 weeks from study entry, HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.

Specific Aims: Primary objectives for this study are progression free survival (PFS) at 8 months for Cohort 1 (HR+BC) and overall response rate (ORR) for Cohorts 2 and 3 (TNBC and EC). Secondary objectives include safety, clinical benefit rate (CBR = partial response + complete response + stable disease), and overall survival.

Statistical Methods: This study has been designed to pause prior to full accrual to allow for evaluation of futility prior to proceeding to full accrual. In Cohort 1, if &gt;1 of 5 patients is progression-free at 8 months, then we will recruit up to 24 patients. In Cohort 2, if &gt;2 of 10 patients has clinical benefit then we will recruit up to 29 patients. For Cohort 3, if 1 of 13 patients has clinical benefit, then we will recruit up to 25 patients. Additional evaluations of tumor or blood samples performed will be done in an exploratory fashion, with results presented without any formal adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Target Accrual: 24 patients with HR+BC, 29 patients with TNBC, and 25 patients with EC.This trial will open Summer 2017 at the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, MD).

Contact Information: Principal Investigator Alexandra S Zimmer, MD; alexandra.zimmer@nih.gov

Citation Format: Gatti-Mays ME, Greer Y, Steinberg S, Soltani S, Collins J, Olson M, Ojemuyiwa M, Annunziata C, Lee J-M, Nunes A, Lipkowitz S, Zimmer A. A phase 2 study of ONC201 in recurrent/refractory metastatic breast cancer and advanced endometrial carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-07-04.

Outcomes of lung transplant recipients with preoperative atrial fibrillation

Background

Preoperative atrial fibrillation is associated with poor outcomes after cardiac surgery, but its effect on lung transplantation outcomes remains unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 235 patients who underwent lung transplantation in our institution from 2013 to 2015, analyzing demographics, length of stay, survival, readmissions, and cardiac events. Mean recipient age was 59 ± 11 years, and 142 (60.4%) were men. Patients were grouped according to pre-transplantation atrial fibrillation status (atrial fibrillation/no atrial fibrillation).

Results

The atrial fibrillation group ( n = 38; 16.2%) was significantly older with a longer ischemic time, more postoperative atrial arrhythmias (73.7% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.01), and a longer median postoperative length of stay (16 vs. 13 days, p = 0.02). The median total hospital stay in the first postoperative year was also higher in the atrial fibrillation group (27 vs. 21 days, p = 0.25). Short-term survival and survival during follow-up did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

Lung transplant recipients with preoperative atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and longer hospital stay. Preoperative atrial fibrillation may portend adverse events after lung transplantation.

Publisher's Note: JLab Measurements of the ^{3}He Form Factors at Large Momentum Transfers [Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 162501 (2017)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.162501.

JLab Measurements of the ^{3}He Form Factors at Large Momentum Transfers

The charge and magnetic form factors, F_{C} and F_{M}, respectively, of ^{3}He are extracted in the kinematic range 25  fm^{-2}≤Q^{2}≤61  fm^{-2} from elastic electron scattering by detecting ^{3}He recoil nuclei and scattered electrons in coincidence with the two High Resolution Spectrometers of the Hall A Facility at Jefferson Lab. The measurements find evidence for the existence of a second diffraction minimum for the magnetic form factor at Q^{2}=49.3  fm^{-2} and for the charge form factor at Q^{2}=62.0  fm^{-2}. Both minima are predicted to exist in the Q^{2} range accessible by this Jefferson Lab experiment. The data are in qualitative agreement with theoretical calculations based on realistic interactions and accurate methods to solve the three-body nuclear problem.

An apical MRCK-driven morphogenetic pathway controls epithelial polarity

Polarized epithelia develop distinct cell surface domains, with the apical membrane acquiring characteristic morphological features such as microvilli. Cell polarization is driven by polarity determinants including the evolutionarily conserved partitioning-defective (PAR) proteins that are separated into distinct cortical domains. PAR protein segregation is thought to be a consequence of asymmetric actomyosin contractions. The mechanism of activation of apically polarized actomyosin contractility is unknown. Here we show that the Cdc42 effector MRCK activates myosin-II at the apical pole to segregate aPKC-Par6 from junctional Par3, defining the apical domain. Apically polarized MRCK-activated actomyosin contractility is reinforced by cooperation with aPKC-Par6 downregulating antagonistic RhoA-driven junctional actomyosin contractility, and drives polarization of cytosolic brush border determinants and apical morphogenesis. MRCK-activated polarized actomyosin contractility is required for apical differentiation and morphogenesis in vertebrate epithelia and Drosophila photoreceptors. Our results identify an apical origin of actomyosin-driven morphogenesis that couples cytoskeletal reorganization to PAR polarity signalling.

Abstract 4685: Immune checkpoint protein VISTA is a critical regulator of the IL-23/IL-17 inflammatory axis

V-domain Immunoglobulin Suppressor of T cell Activation (VISTA) is an inhibitory immune-checkpoint molecule that suppresses CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation when expressed on antigen-presenting cells. Vsir-/- mice developed loss of peripheral tolerance and multi-organ chronic inflammatory phenotypes. Vsir-/- CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were hyper-responsive towards self- and foreign antigens. Whether or not VISTA regulates innate immunity has not been demonstrated. Our current study shows that VISTA-blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) enhanced anti-tumor T cell response, and synergized with a peptide vaccine and TLR7 agonist imiquimod as adjuvant to suppress tumor growth in the B16 melanoma model. Surprisingly, the therapeutic effect of this combination therapy was abolished in the IL17R knockout hosts, indicating that the IL-17-mediated inflammation is regulated by VISTA and is required for anti-tumor immunity in the context of VISTA blockade. To better define the regulatory role of VISTA in inflammation, we employed a murine model of psoriasis induced by topical treatment of IMQ. Our data show that VISTA deficiency exacerbated the psoriasiform inflammation. Enhanced TLR7 signaling in Vsir-/- dendritic cells (DCs) led to the hyper-activation of Erk1/2 signaling and augmented the production of IL-23. IL-23, in turn, promoted the expression of IL-17A in both TCRgd+ T cells and CD4+ Th17 cells. Furthermore, VISTA regulates the peripheral homeostasis of CD27- gd T cells, and their activation upon TCR-mediated or cytokine-mediated stimulation. IL-17A-producing CD27- gd T cells were expanded in the Vsir-/- mice and amplified the inflammatory cascade. Together, these results indicate that VISTA is a critical regulator of the IL-23/IL-17-mediated inflammatory axis. Ongoing studies will define how IL-17 regulates tumor-reactive immunity in the context of VISTA blockade and TLR vaccine adjuvant.

Citation Format: Na Li, Wenwen Xu, Ying Yuan, Natarajan Ayithan, Yasutomo Imai, Xuesong Wu, Halli Miller, Michael Olson, Samuel T. Hwang, Subramaniam Malarkannan, Li Wang. Immune checkpoint protein VISTA is a critical regulator of the IL-23/IL-17 inflammatory axis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4685. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4685

Abstract 2996: Immune checkpoint protein VISTA suppresses Toll-like receptor signaling and the production of inflammatory cytokines

Introduction: V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA, gene Vsir) is an inhibitory immune-checkpoint molecule that suppresses CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation. Previous studies have shown that Vsir-/- mice developed chronic inflammatory phenotypes, and Vsir-/- CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were hyper-responsive towards self- and foreign antigens. Whether VISTA regulates innate immunity is still unknown.

Methods: Peritoneal macrophages from WT or Vsir-/- mice were isolated and stimulated with TLR agonists such as CpG (TLR9), R848 (TLR7), LPS (TLR4), Pam3csk4 (TLR2), and poly (I:C) (TLR3). Alternatively, human monocyte THP-1 cells overexpressing VISTA were stimulated by TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4. The activation of TLR signaling pathways and the production of inflammatory cytokines were examined by Western Blotting, gel shift assay, or ELISA. The ubiquitination status of key signaling molecules such as TRAF6, IRAK1/4 and MyD88 was examined by immunoprecipitation and Western Blotting. To examine the role of VISTA in regulating TLR-mediated inflammatory responses in the context of cancer vaccine, tumor-bearing mice were treated with VISTA-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) and a peptide vaccine containing TLR agonists. The production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines within the tumor microenvironment (TME) was examined via quantitative RT-PCR.

Results: Vsir-/- macrophages were hyper-responsive towards TLR2/4/7/9 agonists, but not TLR3 agonist, resulting in increased production of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, and TNFa. Analysis of signaling cascade revealed that VISTA inhibited the activation of MyD88-dependent TLR signaling, via suppressing the activation of MAPKs, and the activation of transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kB. Consistent with the role of VISTA in regulating TLR-mediated innate immunity, treatment with VISTA-blocking mAb augmented levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines within the TME, and synergized with TLR/peptide vaccine, resulting in an optimal therapeutic outcome.

Conclusions: Our study establishes that VISTA critically regulates the inflammatory responses of myeloid cells mediated by TLR signaling. In the context of cancer vaccine therapy, VISTA-blocking mAb treatment enhanced levels of inflammatory cytokine and chemokines within the TME, which is critical for the development of optimal tumor-specific T cell responses and the tumor-controlling therapeutic outcome.

Citation Format: Wenwen Xu, Ying Yuan, Na Li, Yongwei Zheng, Kamal Rajasekaran, Halli Miller, Michael Olson, Demin Wang, Subramaniam Malarkannan, Li Wang. Immune checkpoint protein VISTA suppresses Toll-like receptor signaling and the production of inflammatory cytokines [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2996. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2996

Immune-checkpoint protein VISTA critically regulates the IL-23/IL-17 inflammatory axis

V-domain Immunoglobulin Suppressor of T cell Activation (VISTA) is an inhibitory immune-checkpoint molecule that suppresses CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell activation when expressed on antigen-presenting cells. Vsir ^-/- mice developed loss of peripheral tolerance and multi-organ chronic inflammatory phenotypes. Vsir ^-/- CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were hyper-responsive towards self- and foreign antigens. Whether or not VISTA regulates innate immunity is unknown. Using a murine model of psoriasis induced by TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ), we show that VISTA deficiency exacerbated psoriasiform inflammation. Enhanced TLR7 signaling in Vsir ^-/- dendritic cells (DCs) led to the hyper-activation of Erk1/2 and Jnk1/2, and augmented the production of IL-23. IL-23, in turn, promoted the expression of IL-17A in both TCRγδ⁺ T cells and CD4⁺ Th17 cells. Furthermore, VISTA regulates the peripheral homeostasis of CD27^- γδ T cells and their activation upon TCR-mediated or cytokine-mediated stimulation. IL-17A-producing CD27^- γδ T cells were expanded in the Vsir ^-/- mice and amplified the inflammatory cascade. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that VISTA critically regulates the inflammatory responses mediated by DCs and IL-17-producing TCRγδ⁺ and CD4⁺ Th17 T cells following TLR7 stimulation. Our finding provides a rationale for therapeutically enhancing VISTA-mediated pathways to benefit the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

COI haplotype groups in Mesocriconema (Nematoda: Criconematidae) and their morphospecies associations

Without applying an a priori bias for species boundaries, specimen identities in the plant-parasitic nematode genus Mesocriconema were evaluated by examining mitochondrial COI nucleotide sequences, morphology, and biogeography. A total of 242 specimens that morphologically conformed to the genus were individually photographed, measured, and amplified by a PCR primer set to preserve the linkage between specimen morphology and a specific DNA barcode sequence. Specimens were extracted from soil samples representing 45 locations across 23 ecoregions in North America. Dendrograms constructed by neighbor-joining, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian Inference using a 721-bp COI barcode were used to group COI haplotypes. Each tree-building approach resulted in 24 major haplotype groups within the dataset. The distinctiveness of these groups was evaluated by node support, genetic distance, absence of intermediates, and several measures of distinctiveness included in software used for the exploration of species boundaries. Five of the 24 COI haplotype groups corresponded to morphologically characterized, Linnaean species. Morphospecies conforming to M. discus, Discocriconemella inarata, M. rusticum, M. onoense, and M. kirjanovae were represented by groups composed of multiple closely related or identical COI haplotypes. In other cases, morphospecies names could be equally applied to multiple haplotype groups that were genetically distant from each other. Identification based on morphology alone resulted in M. curvatum and M. ornatum species designations applied to seven and three groups, respectively. Morphological characters typically used for species level identification were demonstrably variable within haplotype groups, suggesting caution in assigning species names based on published compendia that solely consider morphological characters. Morphospecies classified as M. xenoplax formed a monophyletic group composed of seven genetically distinct COI subgroups. The species Discocriconemella inarata is transferred to Mesocriconema inaratum based on its phylogenetic position on the COI tree as well as previous phylogenetic analyses using 18S, ITS1, and cytochrome b nucleotide sequences. This study indicates that some of the species considered cosmopolitan in their distribution are actually multispecies polyphyletic groupings and an accurate assessment of Mesocriconema species distributions will benefit from molecular determination of haplotype relationships. The groups revealed by COI analysis should provide a useful framework for the evaluation of additional Mesocriconema species and will improve the reliability of designating taxonomic units in studies of nematode biodiversity. 

JLab measurement of the 4He charge form factor at large momentum transfers

The charge form factor of 4He has been extracted in the range 29  fm(-2) ≤ Q2 ≤ 77  fm(-2) from elastic electron scattering, detecting 4He recoil nuclei and electrons in coincidence with the high resolution spectrometers of the Hall A Facility of Jefferson Lab. The measurements have uncovered a second diffraction minimum for the form factor, which was predicted in the Q2 range of this experiment. The data are in qualitative agreement with theoretical calculations based on realistic interactions and accurate methods to solve the few-body problem.