TNFSF15 facilitates the differentiation of CD11b^(+) myeloid cells into vascular pericytes in tumors

Objective:Immature vasculature lacking pericyte coverage substantially contributes to tumor growth,drug resistance,and cancer cell dissemination.We previously demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor superfamily 15(TNFSF15)is a cytokine with important roles in modulating hematopoiesis and vascular homeostasis.The main purpose of this study was to explore whether TNFSF15 might promote freshly isolated myeloid cells to differentiate into CD11b^(+) cells and further into pericytes.Methods:A model of Lewis lung cancer was established in mice with red fluorescent bone marrow.After TNFSF15 treatment,CD11b^(+) myeloid cells and vascular pericytes in the tumors,and the co-localization of pericytes and vascular endothelial cells,were assessed.Additionally,CD11b^(+) cells were isolated from wild-type mice and treated with TNFSF15 to determine the effects on the differentiation of these cells.Results:We observed elevated percentages of bone marrow-derived CD11b^(+)myeloid cells and vascular pericytes in TNFSF15-treated tumors,and the latter cells co-localized with vascular endothelial cells.TNFSF15 protected against CD11b^(+)cell apoptosis and facilitated the differentiation of these cells into pericytes by down-regulating Wnt3a-VEGFR1 and up-regulating CD49e-FN signaling pathways.Conclusions:TNFSF15 facilitates the production of CD11b^(+) cells in the bone marrow and promotes the differentiation of these cells into pericytes,which may stabilize the tumor neovasculature.

Gut microbiota-astrocyte axis: new insights into age-related cognitive decline

With the rapidly aging human population,age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota,microbial metabolites,and the functions of astrocytes.The microbiota–gut–brain axis has been the focus of multiple studies and is closely associated with cognitive function.This article provides a comprehensive review of the specific changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in older individuals and discusses how the aging of astrocytes and reactive astrocytosis are closely related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.This article also summarizes the gut microbiota components that affect astrocyte function,mainly through the vagus nerve,immune responses,circadian rhythms,and microbial metabolites.Finally,this article summarizes the mechanism by which the gut microbiota–astrocyte axis plays a role in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.Our findings have revealed the critical role of the microbiota–astrocyte axis in age-related cognitive decline,aiding in a deeper understanding of potential gut microbiome-based adjuvant therapy strategies for this condition.

Heterogeneity of neutrophils in cancer:one size does not fit all

Neutrophils play an essential role in the defense against bacterial infections and orchestrate both the innate and adaptive immune responses.With their abundant numbers,diverse function and short life span,these cells are at the forefront of immune responses,and have gained attention in recent years because of their presence in tumor sites.Neutrophil involvement pertains to tumor cells'ability to construct a suitable tumor microenvironment(TME)that accelerates their own growth and malignancy,by facilitating their interaction with surrounding cells through the circulatory and lymphatic systems,thereby influencing tumor development and progression.Studies have indicated both pro-and anti-tumor properties of infiltrating neutrophils.The TME can exploit neutrophil function,recruitment,and even production,thus resulting in pro-tumor properties of neutrophils,including promotion of genetic instability,tumor cell proliferation,angiogenesis and suppression of anti-tumor or inflammatory response.In contrast,neutrophils can mediate anti-tumor resistance by direct cytotoxicity to the tumor cells or by facilitating anti-tumor functions via crosstalk with T cells.Here,we summarize current knowledge regarding the effects of neutrophil heterogeneity under homeostatic and tumor conditions,including neutrophil phenotype and function,in cancer biology.

Favorable outcomes of front-line risk-adapted therapy in young patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with clinically or biologically high-risk features

To the Editor:Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)exhibits clinical significance and biological diversity.Over the last two decades,rituximab with cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,and prednisone(R-CHOP)has substantially improved outcomes for DLBCL patients.However,approximately one-third of DLBCL cases continue to experience disease progression,resulting in long-term survival ranging from 50%to 60%.[1]Efforts to improve DLBCL patient outcomes by modifying R-CHOP dosing schedules have yielded limited success,and the addition of new drugs has benefited only specific patient subgroups.Nevertheless,intensive immunochemotherapy(IIC)has demonstrated promise and cost-effectiveness in recent years.The regimen of dose-adjusted etoposide.

Pharmacokinetic characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells in translational challenges

Over the past two decades,mesenchymal stem/stromal cell(MSC)therapy has made substantial strides,transitioning from experimental clinical applications to commercial products.MSC therapies hold considerable promise for treating refractory and critical conditions such as acute graft-versus-host disease,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,and acute respiratory distress syndrome.Despite recent successes in clinical and commercial applications,MSC therapy still faces challenges when used as a commercial product.Current detection methods have limitations,leaving the dynamic biodistribution,persistence in injured tissues,and ultimate fate of MSCs in patients unclear.Clarifying the relationship between the pharmacokinetic characteristics of MSCs and their therapeutic effects is crucial for patient stratification and the formulation of precise therapeutic regimens.Moreover,the development of advanced imaging and tracking technologies is essential to address these clinical challenges.This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the kinetic properties,key regulatory molecules,different fates,and detection methods relevant to MSCs and discusses concerns in evaluating MSC druggability from the perspective of integrating pharmacokinetics and efficacy.A better understanding of these challenges could improve MSC clinical efficacy and speed up the introduction of MSC therapy products to the market.

Efficacy and safety of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of refractory immune thrombocytopenia:a prospective,single arm,phase I trial

Patients with refractory immune thrombocytopenia(ITP)frequently encounter substantial bleeding risks and demonstrate limited responsiveness to existing therapies.Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells(UC-MSCs)present a promising alternative,capitalizing on their low immunogenicity and potent immunomodulatory effects for treating diverse autoimmune disorders.This prospective phase I trial enrolled eighteen eligible patients to explore the safety and efficacy of UC-MSCs in treating refractory ITP.The research design included administering UC-MSCs at escalating doses of 0.5×10^(6)cells/kg,1.0×10^(6)cells/kg,and 2.0×10^(6)cells/kg weekly for four consecutive weeks across three cohorts during the dose-escalation phase,followed by a dose of 2.0×10^(6)cells/kg weekly for the dose-expansion phase.Adverse events,platelet counts,and changes in peripheral blood immunity were monitored and recorded throughout the administration and follow-up period.Ultimately,12(with an addition of three patients in the 2.0×10^(6)cells/kg group due to dose-limiting toxicity)and six patients were enrolled in the dose-escalation and dose-expansion phase,respectively.Thirteen patients(13/18,72.2%)experienced one or more treatment emergent adverse events.Serious adverse events occurred in four patients(4/18,22.2%),including gastrointestinal hemorrhage(2/4),profuse menstruation(1/4),and acute myocardial infarction(1/4).The response rates were 41.7%in the dose-escalation phase(5/12,two received 1.0×10^(6)cells/kg per week,and three received 2.0×10^(6)cells/kg per week)and 50.0%(3/6)in the dose-expansion phase.The overall response rate was 44.4%(8/18)among all enrolled patients.To sum up,UC-MSCs are effective and well tolerated in treating refractory ITP(ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT04014166).

Identifying a competency improvement strategy for infection prevention and control professionals:A rapid systematic review and cluster analysis

Remarkable progress has been made in infection prevention and control(IPC)in many countries,but some gaps emerged in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Core capabilities such as standard clinical precautions and tracing the source of infection were the focus of IPC in medical institutions during the pandemic.Therefore,the core competences of IPC professionals during the pandemic,and how these contributed to successful prevention and control of the epidemic,should be studied.To investigate,using a systematic review and cluster analysis,fundamental improvements in the competences of infection control and prevention professionals that may be emphasized in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.We searched the PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang Data,and CBM databases for original articles exploring core competencies of IPC professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic(from January 1,2020 to February 7,2023).Weiciyun software was used for data extraction and the Donohue formula was followed to distinguish high-frequency technical terms.Cluster analysis was performed using the within-group linkage method and squared Euclidean distance as the metric to determine the priority competencies for development.We identified 46 studies with 29 high-frequency technical terms.The most common term was“infection prevention and control training”(184 times,17.3%),followed by“hand hygiene”(172 times,16.2%).“Infection prevention and control in clinical practice”was the most-reported core competency(367 times,34.5%),followed by“microbiology and surveillance”(292 times,27.5%).Cluster analysis showed two key areas of competence:Category 1(program management and leadership,patient safety and occupational health,education and microbiology and surveillance)and Category 2(IPC in clinical practice).During the COVID-19 pandemic,IPC program management and leadership,microbiology and surveillance,education,patient safety,and occupational health were the most important focus of development and should be given due consideration by IPC professionals.

Current treatment paradigm and survival outcomes among patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in China:a retrospective multicenter study

Objective:Evidence on the prognostic value of autologous stem cell transplantation(ASCT)and minimal residual disease(MRD)dynamics of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma(NDMM)in China is limited.Our objective in the current study was to understand the current care paradigm and outcomes of these patients.Methods:This longitudinal cohort study used historical data from three top-tier hematologic disease care hospitals that contributed to the National Longitudinal Cohort of Hematological Diseases-Multiple Myeloma.Treatment regimens[proteasome inhibitor(PI)-,immunomodulatory drug(IMiD)-,PI+IMiD-based,and conventional],post-induction response,ASCT and MRD status,and survival outcomes[progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)]were evaluated.Results:In total,454 patients with NDMM were included(median age,57 years;59.0%males)with a median follow-up of 58.7 months.The overall response rate was 91.0%,83.9%,90.6%,and 60.9%for PI-,IMiD-,PI+IMiD-based,and conventional regimens,respectively.Patients with ASCT during first-line therapy(26.2%)had a longer PFS and OS than patients who did not receive ASCT[median PFS,42.9 vs.21.2 months,P<0.001;median OS,not reached(NR)vs.65.8 months,P<0.001].The median OS was NR,71.5,and 56.6 months among patients with sustained MRD negativity,loss of MRD negativity,and persistent MRD,respectively(P<0.001).Multivariate analysis revealed that the lactic dehydrogenase level,International Staging System stage,extra-medullary disease,and upfront ASCT were independent factors in predicting OS among NDMM patients.Conclusions:Our study showed that novel agent-based regimens,first-line ASCT,and sustained MRD negativity were associated with a superior outcome for patients with NDMM in China(Identifier:NCT04645199).

Clinical development of chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy for hematological malignancies

Cellular therapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies since their conception and rapid development.Chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)-T cell therapy is the most widely applied cellular therapy.Since the Food and Drug Administration approved two CD19-CAR-T products for clinical treatment of relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B cell lymphoma in 2017,five more CAR-T cell products were subsequently approved for treating multiple myeloma or B cell malignancies.Moreover,clinical trials of CAR-T cell therapy for treating other hematological malignancies are ongoing.Both China and the United States have contributed significantly to the development of clinical trials.However,CAR-T cell therapy has many limitations such as a high relapse rate,adverse side effects,and restricted availability.Various methods are being implemented in clinical trials to address these issues,some of which have demonstrated promising breakthroughs.This review summarizes developments in CAR-T cell trials and advances in CAR-T cell therapy.

γδT cells:Major advances in basic and clinical research in tumor immunotherapy

γδT cells are a kind of innate immune T cell.They have not attracted sufficient attention because they account for only a small proportion of all immune cells,and many basic factors related to these cells remain unclear.However,in recent years,with the rapid development of tumor immunotherapy,γδT cells have attracted increasing attention because of their ability to exert cytotoxic effects on most tumor cells without major histocompatibility complex(MHC)restriction.An increasing number of basic studies have focused on the development,antigen recognition,activation,and antitumor immune response ofγδT cells.Additionally,γδT cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies are being developed,and the number of clinical trials investigating such strategies is increasing.This review mainly summarizes the progress of basic research and the clinical application ofγδT cells in tumor immunotherapy to provide a theoretical basis for further the development ofγδT cell-based strategies in the future.

Divergent expression of Neurl3 from hemogenic endothelial cells to hematopoietic stem progenitor cells during development

Prior to the generation of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)from the hemogenic endothelial cells(HECs)mainly in the dorsal aorta in midgestational mouse embryos,multiple hematopoietic progenitors including erythro-myeloid progenitors and lymphoid progenitors are generated from yolk sac HECs.These HSCindependent hematopoietic progenitors have recently been identified as major contributors to functional blood cell production until birth.However,little is known about yolk sac HECs.Here,combining integrative analyses of multiple single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets and functional assays,we reveal that Neurl3-EGFP,in addition to marking the continuum throughout the ontogeny of HSCs from HECs,can also serve as a single enrichment marker for yolk sac HECs.Moreover,while yolk sac HECs have much weaker arterial characteristics than either arterial endothelial cells in the yolk sac or HECs within the embryo proper,the lymphoid potential of yolk sac HECs is largely confined to the arterial-biased subpopulation featured by the Unc5b expression.Interestingly,the B lymphoid potential of hematopoietic progenitors,but not for myeloid potentials,is exclusively detected in Neurl3-negative subpopulations in midgestational embryos.Taken together,these findings enhance our understanding of blood birth from yolk sac HECs and provide theoretical basis and candidate reporters for monitoring step-wise hematopoietic differentiation.

Immunotherapy for multiple myeloma: new chances and hope

Introduction Multiple myeloma(MM),characterized by the proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow,has the second highest incidence among hematologic malignancies1.Because of its incurable nature,treatments for MM are aimed primarily at obtaining minimal residual disease(MRD)negativity and achieving persistent control,both of which are believed to be important strategies to prolong survival and improve prognosis in patients with MM.

Single-cell analysis of transcription factor regulatory networks reveals molecular basis for subtype-specific dysregulation in acute myeloid leukemia

Highly heterogeneous acute myeloid leukemia(AML)exhibits dysregulated transcriptional programs.Transcription factor(TF)regulatory networks underlying AML subtypes have not been elucidated at single-cell resolution.Here,we comprehensively mapped malignancy-related TFs activated in different AML subtypes by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data from AMLs and healthy donors.We first identified six modules of regulatory networks which were prevalently dysregulated in all AML patients.AML subtypes featured with different malignant cellular composition possessed subtype-specific regulatory TFs associated with differentiation suppression or immune modulation.At last,we validated that ERF was crucial for the development of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells by performing loss-and gain-of-function experiments in zebrafish embryos.Collectively,our work thoroughly documents an abnormal spectrum of transcriptional regulatory networks in AML and reveals subtype-specific dysregulation basis,which provides a prospective view to AML pathogenesis and potential targets for both diagnosis and therapy.

Identification and characterization of human hematopoietic mesoderm

The embryonic mesoderm comprises heterogeneous cell subpopulations with distinct lineage biases.It is unclear whether a bias for the human hematopoietic lineage emerges at this early developmental stage.In this study,we integrated single-cell transcriptomic analyses of human mesoderm cells from embryonic stem cells and embryos,enabling us to identify and define the molecular features of human hematopoietic mesoderm(HM)cells biased towards hematopoietic lineages.We discovered that BMP4 plays an essential role in HM specification and can serve as a marker for HM cells.Mechanistically,BMP4 acts as a downstream target of HDAC1,which modulates the expression of BMP4 by deacetylating its enhancer.Inhibition of HDAC significantly enhances HM specification and promotes subsequent hematopoietic cell differentiation.In conclusion,our study identifies human HM cells and describes new mechanisms for human hematopoietic development.

Towards a blood ecosystem approach to dissect systemic diseases

Systemic diseases,in contrast to localized ailments,exert widespread effects and can impact the entire body.Examples of systemic diseases encompass autoimmune disorders,infectious diseases,metabolic disorders,and chronic conditions like cancer.These diseases often entail intricate interactions among diverse organs,tissues,and physiological systems,influenced by a myriad of factors.

Development,growth,and future of the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences&Peking Union Medical College:65 years tackling medical research paradigms

The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences(IBMS)is a global leader in biomedical research and advanced medical education.This year(2023)marks the 65^(th)anniversary of its foundation at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(CAMS)and School of Basic Medicine(SBM)of the Peking Union Medical College(PUMC).In the beginning,the IBMS and SBM incorporated the premedical departments of the PUMC,which was established by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1917.Since then,these departments have been committed to undertakingrstrate medical science research in China.

Oncogenic β-catenin-driven liver cancer is susceptible to methotrexate-mediated disruption of nucleotide synthesis

Background:Liver cancer is largely resistant to chemotherapy.This study aimed to identify the effective chemotherapeutics forβ-catenin-activated liver cancer which is caused by gain-of-function mutation of catenin beta 1(CTNNB1),the most frequently altered proto-oncogene in hepatic neoplasms.Methods:Constitutiveβ-catenin-activated mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs)were established by deleting exon 3(β-catenin^(Δ(ex3)/+)),the most common mutation site in CTNNB1 gene.A screening of 12 widely used chemotherapy drugs was conducted for the ones that selectively inhibitedβ-catenin^(Δ(ex3)/+)but not for wild-type MEFs.Untargeted metabolomics was carried out to examine the alterations of metabolites in nucleotide synthesis.The efficacy and selectivity of methotrexate(MTX)onβ-catenin-activated human liver cancer cells were determined in vitro.Immuno-deficient nude mice subcutaneously inoculated withβ-catenin wild-type or mutant liver cancer cells and hepatitis B virus(HBV);β-catenin^(lox(ex3)/+)mice were used,respectively,to evaluate the efficacy of MTX in the treatment ofβ-catenin mutant liver cancer.Results:MTX was identified and validated as a preferential agent against the proliferation and tumor formation ofβ-catenin-activated cells.Boosted nucleotide synthesis was the major metabolic aberration inβ-catenin-active cells,and this alteration was also the target of MTX.Moreover,MTX abrogated hepatocarcinogenesis of HBV;β-catenin^(lox(ex3)/+)mice,which stimulated concurrent Ctnnb1-activated mutation and HBV infection in liver cancer.Conclusion:MTX is a promising chemotherapeutic agent forβ-catenin hyperactive liver cancer.Since repurposing MTX has the advantages of lower risk,shorter timelines,and less investment in drug discovery and development,a clinical trial is warranted to test its efficacy in the treatment ofβ-catenin mutant liver cancer.

REDH:A database of RNA editome in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancy

Background:The conversion of adenosine(A)to inosine(I)through deamination is the prevailing form of RNA editing,impacting numerous nuclear and cytoplasmic transcripts across various eukaryotic species.Millions of high-confidence RNA editing sites have been identified and integrated into various RNA databases,providing a convenient platform for the rapid identification of key drivers of cancer and potential therapeutic targets.However,the available database for integration of RNA editing in hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic malignancies is still lacking.Methods:We downloaded RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)data of 29 leukemia patients and 19 healthy donors from National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI)Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database,and RNA-seq data of 12 mouse hematopoietic cell populations obtained from our previous research were also used.We performed sequence alignment,identified RNA editing sites,and obtained characteristic editing sites related to normal hematopoietic development and abnormal editing sites associated with hematologic diseases.Results:We established a new database,"REDH",represents RNA editome in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancy.REDH is a curated database of associations between RNA editome and hematopoiesis.REDH integrates 30,796 editing sites from 12 murine adult hematopoietic cell populations and systematically characterizes more than 400,000 edited events in malignant hematopoietic samples from 48 cohorts(human).Through the Differentiation,Disease,Enrichment,and knowledge modules,each A-to-I editing site is systematically integrated,including its distribution throughout the genome,its clinical information(human sample),and functional editing sites under physiological and pathological conditions.Furthermore,REDH compares the similarities and differences of editing sites between different hematologic malignancies and healthy control.Conclusions:REDH is accessible at http://www.redhdatabase.com/.This user-friendly database would aid in understanding the mechanisms of RNA editing in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancies.It provides a set of data related to the maintenance of hematopoietic homeostasis and identifying potential therapeutic targets in malignancies.

Understanding autoimmune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the pathogenesis/mechanisms of long COVID

COVID-19 posed a major challenge to the healthcare systemandresourcesworldwide.Thepopularizationofvaccines and the adoption of numerous prevention and control measures enabled the gradual end of the COVID-19 pandemic.However,successive occurrence of autoimmune diseases in patients with COVID-19cannot beoverlooked.Long COVID has been themajor focus of research due to the long duration of different symptoms and the variety of systems involved.Autoimmunity may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of long COVID.Here,we reviewed several autoimmune disorders occurring after COVID-19 infection and the pathogenesis of long COVID.

An engineered DNA aptamer-based PROTAC for precise therapy of p53-R175H hotspot mutant-driven cancer

Targeting oncogenic mutant p53 represents an attractive strategy for cancer treatment due to the high frequency of gain-of-function mutations and ectopic expression in various cancer types.Despite extensive efforts,the absence of a druggable active site for small molecules has rendered these mutants therapeutically non-actionable.Here we develop a selective and effective proteolysis-targeting chimera(PROTAC)for p53-R175H,a common hotspot mutant with dominant-negative and oncogenic activity.Using a novel iterative molecular docking-guided post-SELEX(systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment)approach,we rationally engineer a high-performance DNA aptamer with improved affinity and specificity for p53-R175H.Leveraging this resulting aptamer as a binder for PROTACs,we successfully developed a selective p53-R175H degrader,named dp53m.dp53m induces the ubiquitin–protea some-dependent degradation of p53-R175H while sparing wildtype p53.Importantly,dp53m demonstrates significant antitumor efficacy in p53-R175H-driven cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo,without toxicity.Moreover,dp53m significantly and synergistically improves the sensitivity of these cells to cisplatin,a commonly used chemotherapy drug.These findings provide evidence of the potential therapeutic value of dp53m in p53-R175H-driven cancers.