DAP10 Predicted the Outcome of Pediatric B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Was Associated with the T-Cell Exhaustion

Deciphering the molecular and clinical characteristics of TREM2, HCST, and TYROBP in cancer immunity: A comprehensive pan-cancer study

Background

Hematopoietic cell signal transducer (HCST) and tyrosine kinase-binding protein (TYROBP) are triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), which are pivotal in the immune response to disease. Despite growing evidence underscoring the significance of TREM2, HCST, and TYROBP in certain forms of tumorigenesis, a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of these proteins is lacking.

Methods

Multiple databases were synthesized to investigate the relationship between TREM2, HCST, TYROBP, and various cancer types. These include prognosis, methylation, regulation by long non-coding RNAs and transcription factors, immune signatures, pathway activity, microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutational burden (TMB), single-cell transcriptome profiling, and drug sensitivity.

Results

TREM2, HCST, and TYROBP displayed extensive somatic changes across numerous tumors, and their mRNA expression and methylation levels influenced patient outcomes across multiple cancer types. long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) -messenger RNA (mRNA) and TF-mRNA regulatory networks involving TREM2, HCST, and TYROBP were identified, with lncRNA MEG3 and the transcription factor SIP1 emerging as potential key regulators. Further immune analyses indicated that TREM2, HCST, and TYROBP play critical roles in immune-related pathways and macrophage differentiation, and may be significantly associated with TGF-β and SMAD9. Furthermore, the expression of TREM2, HCST, and TYROBP correlated with the immunotherapy markers TMB and MSI, and influenced sensitivity to immune-targeted drugs, thereby indicating their potential as predictors of immunotherapy outcomes.

Conclusion

This study offers valuable insights into the roles of TREM2, HCST, and TYROBP in tumor immunotherapy, suggesting their potential as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for various cancers.

Potency assays and biomarkers for cell-based advanced therapy medicinal products

Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) based on somatic cells expanded in vitro, with or without genetic modification, is a rapidly growing area of drug development, even more so following the marketing approval of several such products. ATMPs are produced according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in authorized laboratories. Potency assays are a fundamental aspect of the quality control of the end cell products and ideally could become useful biomarkers of efficacy in vivo. Here we summarize the state of the art with regard to potency assays used for the assessment of the quality of the major ATMPs used clinic settings. We also review the data available on biomarkers that may substitute more complex functional potency tests and predict the efficacy in vivo of these cell-based drugs.

Expression of Galectin-9-related immune checkpoint receptors in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Objectives

Exhausted CD8+ T-cells over-express immune checkpoint receptors (ICRs), which interact with their ligands on malignant cells. However, some ICRs have been reported to be expressed on both T-cells and tumor cells, including V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), Galectin-9, and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3). We aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of VISTA, Galectin-9, and TIM-3 on CD8+ T-cells and leukemic cells in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).

Materials and Methods

Samples were obtained from 26 untreated B-ALL patients and 25 control subjects. CD8+ T-cells were isolated using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS). Relative gene expression was then evaluated by qRT-PCR with specific primers for VISTA, Galectin-9, and TIM-3. Also, the mRNA expression profile and clinical data of 154 B-ALL patients were obtained from the TARGET.

Results

mRNA expression of Galectin-9 on CD8+ T-cells in B-ALL patients was significantly lower than those in the control group (P=0.043), while VISTA expression was not significantly different between the two study groups (P=0.259). Besides, TIM-3 expression was significantly higher in B-ALL patients than in the control group (P<0.001). Also, data obtained from TARGET showed that the relapse incidence was not significantly different between patients with high and low expression of Galectin-9 and TIM-3 in leukemic cells (P=0.360 and P=0.655, respectively).

Conclusion

Collectively, gene expression results suggest an important role for TIM-3, but not VISTA and Galectin-9, in B-ALL and it seems that TIM-3 could be a candidate for immune checkpoint therapy.

A Multicenter Cohort Study on Children Suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Effects of Obesity on Mortality

Background

Overweight and obesity have been reported in specific patients and disease survivors compared to other types of childhood cancer. This study is aimed at determining the effect of children's obesity on the mortality of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Method

Children admitted to Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Hospital from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020 participated in this study. 1070 children were analyzed. A multi-middle-class poll was conducted. All children under the age of 15 were followed up within 24 months of diagnosis. Overweight and obesity are identified according to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Premature death and reoccurrence of emergencies are the main consequences.

Results

The initial ethical rate for the first 24 months of testing was 19.9% (NS 213). The lowest cancer survival rate (DFS) was childhood obesity (73%) (24 months), compared with average weight (81%). Diagnosis of overweight/obesity is a predictor of early death (WHO: HR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-2.0; CDC: HR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3). However, there was no association between overweight and obesity (WHO: HR = 1.5, 95% effective interval: 0.9-2.5; CDC: human resources = 1.0, 95% effective interval: 0.6-1.6) and obesity (WHO: HR = 1.5, 95% effective interval: 0.7-3.2; CDC: HR = 1.4, 95% effective interval: 0.9-2.3). Early recurrence was observed.

Conclusion

Overweight and obese people belong to the subclass with a high risk of death in the treatment of leukemia.