TNFRSF14 aberrations in follicular lymphoma increase clinically significant allogeneic T-cell responses

Cross-talk between disulfidptosis and immune check point genes defines the tumor microenvironment for the prediction of prognosis and immunotherapies in glioblastoma

Disulfidptosis is a condition where dysregulated NAPDH levels and abnormal accumulation of cystine and other disulfides occur in cells with high SLC7A11 expression under glucose deficiency. This disrupts normal formation of disulfide bonds among cytoskeletal proteins, leading to histone skeleton collapse and triggering cellular apoptosis. However, the correlation between disulfidptosis and immune responses in relation to glioblastoma survival rates and immunotherapy sensitivity remains understudied. Therefore, we utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas and The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas to identify disulfidptosis-related immune checkpoint genes and established an overall survival (OS) prediction model comprising six genes: CD276, TNFRSF 14, TNFSF14, TNFSF4, CD40, and TNFRSF18, which could also be used for predicting immunotherapy sensitivity. We identified a cohort of glioblastoma patients classified as high-risk, which exhibited an upregulation of angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition as well as an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) enriched with tumor associated macrophages, tumor associated neutrophils, CD8 + T-cell exhaustion. Immunohistochemical staining of CD276 in 144 cases further validated its negative correlation with OS in glioma. Disulfidptosis has the potential to induce chronic inflammation and an immunosuppressive TME in glioblastoma.

Non-invasive detection of lymphoma with circulating tumor DNA features and protein tumor markers

Background

According to GLOBOCAN 2020, lymphoma ranked as the 9th most common cancer and the 12th leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Traditional diagnostic methods rely on the invasive excisional lymph node biopsy, which is an invasive approach with some limitations. Most lymphoma patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage since they are asymptomatic at the beginning, which has significantly impacted treatment efficacy and prognosis of the disease.

Method

This study assessed the performance and utility of a newly developed blood-based assay (SeekInCare) for lymphoma early detection. SeekInCare utilized protein tumor markers and a comprehensive set of cancer-associated genomic features, including copy number aberration (CNA), fragment size (FS), end motif, and lymphoma-related virus, which were profiled by shallow WGS of cfDNA.

Results

Protein marker CA125 could be used for lymphoma detection independent of gender, and the sensitivity was 27.8% at specificity of 98.0%. After integrating these multi-dimensional features, 77.8% sensitivity was achieved at specificity of 98.0%, while its NPV and PPV were both more than 92% for lymphoma detection. The sensitivity of early-stage (I-II) lymphoma was up to 51.3% (47.4% and 55.0% for stage I and II respectively). After 2 cycles of treatment, the molecular response of SeekInCare was correlated with the clinical outcome.

Conclusion

In summary, a blood-based assay can be an alternative to detect lymphoma with adequate performance. This approach becomes particularly valuable in cases where obtaining tissue biopsy is difficult to obtain or inconclusive.

Clinical Validation of FusionPlex RNA Sequencing and Its Utility in the Diagnosis and Classification of Hematologic Neoplasms

Recurrent gene rearrangements result in gene fusions that encode chimeric proteins, driving the pathogenesis of many hematologic neoplasms. The fifth edition World Health Organization classification and International Consensus Classification 2022 include an expanding list of entities defined by such gene rearrangements. Therefore, sensitive and rapid methods are needed to identify a broad range of gene fusions for precise diagnosis and prognostication. In this study, we validated the FusionPlex Pan-Heme panel analysis using anchored multiplex PCR/targeted RNA next-generation sequencing for routine clinical testing. Furthermore, we assessed its utility in detecting gene fusions in myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms. The validation cohort of 61 cases demonstrated good concordance between the FusionPlex Pan-Heme panel and other methods, including chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RT-PCR, and Sanger sequencing, with an analytic sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 100%, respectively. In an independent cohort of 28 patients indicated for FusionPlex testing, gene fusions were detected in 21 patients. The FusionPlex Pan-Heme panel analysis reliably detected fusion partners and patient-specific fusion sequences, allowing accurate classification of hematologic neoplasms and the discovery of new fusion partners, contributing to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the diseases.

Single-cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Novel Cellular Factors for Response to Immunosuppressive Therapy in Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a lethal hematological disorder; however, its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Although immunosuppressive therapy (IST) is a major treatment option for AA, one-third of patients do not respond to IST and its resistance mechanism remains elusive. To understand AA pathogenesis and IST resistance, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of bone marrow (BM) from healthy controls and patients with AA at diagnosis. We found that CD34+ early-stage erythroid precursor cells and PROM1+ hematopoietic stem cells were significantly depleted in AA, which suggests that the depletion of CD34+ early-stage erythroid precursor cells and PROM1+ hematopoietic stem cells might be one of the major mechanisms for AA pathogenesis related with BM-cell hypoplasia. More importantly, we observed the significant enrichment of CD8+ T cells and T cell-activating intercellular interactions in IST responders, indicating the association between the expansion and activation of T cells and the positive response of IST in AA. Taken together, our findings represent a valuable resource offering novel insights into the cellular heterogeneity in the BM of AA and reveal potential biomarkers for IST, building the foundation for future precision therapies in AA.

Genetics of Transformed Follicular Lymphoma

Histological transformation (HT) to a more aggressive disease–mostly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma–is considered one of the most dismal events in the clinical course of follicular lymphoma (FL). Current knowledge has not found a single biological event specific for HT, although different studies have highlighted common genetic alterations, such as TP53 and CDKN2A/B loss, and MYC translocations, among others. Together, they increase genomic complexity and mutational burden at HT. A better knowledge of HT pathogenesis would presumably help to find diagnostic biomarkers allowing the identification of patients at high-risk of transformation, as well as the discrimination from patients with FL recurrence, and those who remain in remission. This would also help to identify new drug targets and the design of clinical trials for the treatment of transformation. In the present review we provide a comprehensive overview of the genetic events frequently identified in transformed FL contributing to the switch towards aggressive behaviour, and we will discuss current open questions in the field of HT.

Comprehensive assessment of cellular senescence in the tumor microenvironment

Cellular senescence (CS), a state of permanent growth arrest, is intertwined with tumorigenesis. Due to the absence of specific markers, characterizing senescence levels and senescence-related phenotypes across cancer types remain unexplored. Here, we defined computational metrics of senescence levels as CS scores to delineate CS landscape across 33 cancer types and 29 normal tissues and explored CS-associated phenotypes by integrating multiplatform data from ~20 000 patients and ~212 000 single-cell profiles. CS scores showed cancer type-specific associations with genomic and immune characteristics and significantly predicted immunotherapy responses and patient prognosis in multiple cancers. Single-cell CS quantification revealed intra-tumor heterogeneity and activated immune microenvironment in senescent prostate cancer. Using machine learning algorithms, we identified three CS genes as potential prognostic predictors in prostate cancer and verified them by immunohistochemical assays in 72 patients. Our study provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating senescence levels and clinical relevance, gaining insights into CS roles in cancer- and senescence-related biomarker discovery.

Mutational landscape of marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of various origin: organotypic alterations and diagnostic potential for assignment of organ origin

This meta-analysis aims to concisely summarize the genetic landscape of splenic, nodal and extranodal marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) in the dura mater, salivary glands, thyroid, ocular adnexa, lung, stomach and skin with respect to somatic variants. A systematic PubMed search for sequencing studies of MZL was executed. All somatic mutations of the organs mentioned above were combined, uniformly annotated, and a dataset containing 25 publications comprising 6016 variants from 1663 patients was created. In splenic MZL, KLF2 (18%, 103/567) and NOTCH2 (16%, 118/725) were the most frequently mutated genes. Pulmonary and nodal MZL displayed recurrent mutations in chromatin-modifier-encoding genes, especially KMT2D (25%, 13/51, and 20%, 20/98, respectively). In contrast, ocular adnexal, gastric, and dura mater MZL had mutations in genes encoding for NF-κB pathway compounds, in particular TNFAIP3, with 39% (113/293), 15% (8/55), and 45% (5/11), respectively. Cutaneous MZL frequently had FAS mutations (63%, 24/38), while MZL of the thyroid had a higher prevalence for TET2 variants (61%, 11/18). Finally, TBL1XR1 (24%, 14/58) was the most commonly mutated gene in MZL of the salivary glands. Mutations of distinct genes show origin-preferential distribution among nodal and splenic MZL as well as extranodal MZL at/from different anatomic locations. Recognition of such mutational distribution patterns may help assigning MZL origin in difficult cases and possibly pave the way for novel more tailored treatment concepts.

Pan-cancer investigation of CENPK gene: clinical significance and oncogenic immunology

Many studies have confirmed that the CENPK gene regulates the progression of cancers, but its specific molecular mechanism remains unidentified, as does its significance in the analysis of human cancers. We specify a comprehensive genomic architecture of the CENPK gene associated with the tumor immune microenvironment and its clinical relevance across a broad spectrum of solid tumors. Statistics from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) of over 30 solid tumors were examined. CENPK was expressed differentially in several cancers and is significantly associated in survival outcomes, with higher CENPK signifying a worse prognosis for ACC, KICH, KIRC, KIRP, LGG, LIHC, LUAD, MESO, and SARC. We further examined its clinical relevance with tumor immunogenic features. The expression level of CENPK was not only strongly linked to the tumor infiltration, such as tumor-infiltrating immune cells and immune scores but also linked to microsatellite instability and tumor mutation burden in diverse cancers (P<0.05). I mmune markers such as TNFRSF14 and VSIR were highly expressed on over 20 kinds of human cancer and mismatch repair genes like MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 were positively related with CENPK expression. Moreover, the methyltransferases and functional pathways also seem to have a relationship with the CENPK. CENPK is expected to be a guiding marker gene for clinical prognosis and tumor personalized immunotherapy.

Retinoic acid-responsive CD8 effector T cells are selectively increased in IL-23-rich tissue in gastrointestinal GVHD

Gastrointestinal (GI) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major barrier in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The metabolite retinoic acid (RA) potentiates GI-GVHD in mice via alloreactive T cells expressing the RA receptor-α (RARα), but the role of RA-responsive cells in human GI-GVHD remains undefined. Therefore, we used conventional and novel sequential immunostaining and flow cytometry to scrutinize RA-responsive T cells in tissues and blood of patients who had received allo-HSCT and to characterize the impact of RA on human T-cell alloresponses. Expression of RARα by human mononuclear cells was increased after exposure to RA. RARαhi mononuclear cells were increased in GI-GVHD tissue, contained more cellular RA-binding proteins, localized with tissue damage, and correlated with GVHD severity and mortality. By using a targeted candidate protein approach, we predicted the phenotype of RA-responsive T cells in the context of increased microenvironmental interleukin-23 (IL-23). Sequential immunostaining confirmed the presence of a population of RARαhi CD8 T cells with the predicted phenotype that coexpressed the effector T-cell transcription factor T-bet and the IL-23-specific receptor (IL-23R). These cells were increased in GI- but not skin-GVHD tissues and were also selectively expanded in the blood of patients with GI-GVHD. Finally, functional approaches demonstrated that RA predominantly increased alloreactive GI-tropic RARαhi CD8 effector T cells, including cells with the phenotype identified in vivo. IL-23-rich conditions potentiated this effect by selectively increasing β7 integrin expression on CD8 effector T cells and reducing CD4 T cells with a regulatory cell phenotype. In summary, we have identified a population of RA-responsive effector T cells with a distinctive phenotype that is selectively expanded in human GI-GVHD and that represents a potential new therapeutic target.

The Tumor Microenvironment in Follicular Lymphoma: Its Pro-Malignancy Role with Therapeutic Potential

In the follicular lymphoma (FL) microenvironment, CXCR5⁺ICOS⁺PD1⁺BCL6⁺ follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, which closely correlate with FL B cells in neoplastic follicles, play a major role in supporting FL. Interleukin-4 secreted by Tfh cells triggers the upregulation of the lymphocyte chemoattractant CXCL12 in stromal cell precursors, in particular by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). In turn, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be committed to FRC differentiation in the bone marrow and lymph nodes involved by FL. Noteworthy, MSCs can promote the differentiation of Tfh cells into highly immunosuppressive T-follicular regulatory cells. The tumor suppressor HVEM is highly mutated in FL cells, and its deficiency increases Tfh cell frequency. In contrast, PI3Kδ inhibition impedes the recruitment of Tfh/regulatory T cells and impairs the proliferation of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) and FDC-induced angiogenesis. Since TIGIT ligands are expressed by FDCs, the immune checkpoint receptor TIGIT plays an important role in tumor-infiltrating T cells. Thus, TIGIT blockade might invigorate cytotoxic T cells in the FL microenvironment. Given their potential to simultaneously reduce the neoplastic B cells, Tfh, and TFR cells could also reinforce the effects of the cytotoxic T cells. This combinatory strategy should be explored as a treatment option to tackle FL.

Detection of new drivers of frequent B-cell lymphoid neoplasms using an integrated analysis of whole genomes

B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders exhibit a diverse spectrum of diagnostic entities with heterogeneous behaviour. Multiple efforts have focused on the determination of the genomic drivers of B-cell lymphoma subtypes. In the meantime, the aggregation of diverse tumors in pan-cancer genomic studies has become a useful tool to detect new driver genes, while enabling the comparison of mutational patterns across tumors. Here we present an integrated analysis of 354 B-cell lymphoid disorders. 112 recurrently mutated genes were discovered, of which KMT2D, CREBBP, IGLL5 and BCL2 were the most frequent, and 31 genes were putative new drivers. Mutations in CREBBP, TNFRSF14 and KMT2D predominated in follicular lymphoma, whereas those in BTG2, HTA-A and PIM1 were more frequent in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Additionally, we discovered 31 significantly mutated protein networks, reinforcing the role of genes such as CREBBP, EEF1A1, STAT6, GNA13 and TP53, but also pointing towards a myriad of infrequent players in lymphomagenesis. Finally, we report aberrant expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressors associated with novel noncoding mutations (DTX1 and S1PR2), and new recurrent copy number aberrations affecting immune check-point regulators (CD83, PVR) and B-cell specific genes (TNFRSF13C). Our analysis expands the number of mutational drivers of B-cell lymphoid neoplasms, and identifies several differential somatic events between disease subtypes.

Lymphoma Heterogeneity Unraveled by Single-Cell Transcriptomics

High-definition transcriptomic studies through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) have revealed the heterogeneity and functionality of the various microenvironments across numerous solid tumors. Those pioneer studies have highlighted different cellular signatures correlated with clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. scRNA-Seq offers also a unique opportunity to unravel the intimate heterogeneity of the ecosystems across different lymphoma entities. In this review, we will first cover the basics and future developments of the technology, and we will discuss its input in the field of translational lymphoma research, from determination of cell-of-origin and functional diversity, to monitoring of anti-cancer targeted drugs response and toxicities, and how new improvements in both data collection and interpretation will further foster precision medicine in the upcoming years.

T follicular helper cells in germinal center B cell selection and lymphomagenesis

Germinal centers (GCs) are confined anatomic regions where rapidly proliferating B cells undergo somatic mutation and selection and eventual differentiation into memory B cells or long-lived plasma cells. GCs are also the origin of malignancy, namely follicular lymphoma (FL), GC B cell-diffuse large B cell lymphoma (GCB-DLBCL), and Burkitt lymphoma (BL). GC B cell lymphomas maintain their GC transcriptional signatures and sustain many features of the GC microenvironment, including CD4+ T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Tfh cells are essential for the formation and maintenance of GCs, providing critical helper signals such as CD40L. Large-scale sequencing efforts have led to new insights about the tightly regulated selection mechanisms that are commonly targeted during GC B cell lymphomagenesis. For instance, HVEM, a frequently mutated surface molecule in GC-derived lymphomas, engages the inhibitory receptor BTLA on Tfh cells and loss of HVEM leads to exaggerated T cell help. Here, we review current understanding of how Tfh cells contribute to the selection of GC B cells, with a particular emphasis on how Tfh cell signals may contribute to lymphomagenesis. The possibility of targeting Tfh cells for the treatment of GC-derived lymphomas is discussed.

Cathepsin S Regulates Antigen Processing and T Cell Activity in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Genomic alterations in cancer cells can influence the immune system to favor tumor growth. In non-Hodgkin lymphoma, physiological interactions between B cells and the germinal center microenvironment are coopted to sustain cancer cell proliferation. We found that follicular lymphoma patients harbor a recurrent hotspot mutation targeting tyrosine 132 (Y132D) in cathepsin S (CTSS) that enhances protein activity. CTSS regulates antigen processing and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell-mediated immune responses. Loss of CTSS activity reduces lymphoma growth by limiting communication with CD4⁺ T follicular helper cells while inducing antigen diversification and activation of CD8⁺ T cells. Overall, our results suggest that CTSS inhibition has non-redundant therapeutic potential to enhance anti-tumor immune responses in indolent and aggressive lymphomas.

Indolent In Situ B-Cell Neoplasms With MYC Rearrangements Show Somatic Mutations in MYC and TNFRSF14 by Next-generation Sequencing

Systemic high-grade B-cell lymphomas (HGBCLs) with MYC gene rearrangements are clinically aggressive. In situ lesions with indolent behavior have not been described to date. We have identified 2 cases of in situ B-cell neoplasms with MYC rearrangements (IS-BCN, MYC) occurring, and focally confined to ≤4 lymphoid follicles in otherwise healthy individuals and without clinical progression despite minimal intervention (surgical only). Morphologically similar to systemic HGBCLs, the low power view of these lesions showed a starry sky pattern with numerous mitotic figures. High power imaging demonstrated these cells to be medium-large in size with irregular nuclear contours, immature chromatin, and prominent nucleoli. Immunophenotypically these cells were light chain restricted, positive for CD20, CD10, c-Myc, and dim or negative for BCL2 with a Ki67 proliferative index of >95%. By fluorescence in situ hybridization studies, we detected MYC translocations in these cells but no rearrangements in BCL2 or BCL6. Microdissection of neoplastic cells in these patients followed by targeted next-generation sequencing identified a mutation in MYC, D2N, and an indel in TNFRSF14. Mutations in ID3 or TCF3 were not identified. Although rare, these lesions should be separated from HGBCLs involving follicles but with systemic spread which has been previously described. Unlike systemic lymphomas with MYC gene rearrangements, these in situ B-cell neoplasms with MYC rearrangements did not require systemic therapy and no progression has been seen in either patient beyond 1 year (29 and 16 mo). Our work offers pathologic and biologic insight into the early process of B-cell neoplasia.

Natural Autoantibodies in Chronic Pulmonary Diseases

In autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases, pathogenic autoantibodies generated by a failure of central or peripheral tolerance, have different effects mediated by a variety of mechanisms. Interestingly, even non-autoimmune chronic diseases have a set of disease-specific natural autoantibodies that are maintained for a long time. Because most of these natural autoantibodies target intracellular proteins or long non-coding RNAs, they are speculated to be non-pathological and have some important as yet unrecognized physiological functions such as debris clearance. Recently, we revealed a set of disease-specific natural autoantibodies of chronic pulmonary diseases with unknown etiology by protein arrays that enable detection of specific autoantibodies against >8000 targets. Surprisingly, some of the targeted antigens of disease-specific autoantibodies were subsequently reported by other laboratories as strongly associated with the disease, suggesting that these antigens reflect the pathology of each disease. Furthermore, some of these autoantibodies that target extracellular antigens might modify the original course of each disease. Here, we review the disease-specific natural autoantibodies of chronic pulmonary diseases, including chronic fibrosing idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, sarcoidosis, and autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and discuss their utility and effects.

Molecular and clinical progress in follicular lymphoma lacking the t(14;18) translocation (Review)

Although the majority of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) harbor the t(14;18)(q32;q21) IGH/BCL2 gene rearrangement that leads to the overexpression of BCL2 protein, approximately 20% of FL cases lack t(14;18)(q32;q21). It is considered that BCL2 overexpression underscores the development of the majority of cases of FL and their transformation to more aggressive lymphoma [known as transformed FL (tFL)]. However, FL cases lacking the t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation exhibit symptoms analogous to their t(14;18)‑positive counterparts. An important goal of recent research on FL has been to clarify the distinctions between the two different forms of FL. Numerous studies have shed light onto the genetic and molecular features of t(14;18)‑negative FL and the related clinical manifestations. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of t(14;18)‑negative FL occurring in the lymph nodes with an emphasis on the underlying molecular and clinical features. In addition, novel treatment directions are discussed.

High TNFRSF14 and low BTLA are associated with poor prognosis in Follicular Lymphoma and in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma transformation

The microenvironment influences the behavior of follicular lymphoma (FL) but the specific roles of the immunomodulatory BTLA and TNFRSF14 (HVEM) are unknown. Therefore, we examined their immunohistochemical expression in the intrafollicular, interfollicular and total histological compartments in 106 FL cases (57M/49F; median age 57-years), and in nine relapsed-FL with transformation to DLBCL (tFL). BTLA expression pattern was of follicular T-helper cells (TFH) in the intrafollicular and of T-cells in the interfollicular compartments. The mantle zones were BTLA+ in 35.6% of the cases with similar distribution of IgD. TNFRSF14 expression pattern was of neoplastic B lymphocytes (centroblasts) and “tingible body macrophages”. At diagnosis, the averages of total BTLA and TNFRSF14-positive cells were 19.2%±12.4STD (range, 0.6%-58.2%) and 46.7 cells/HPF (1-286.5), respectively. No differences were seen between low-grade vs. high-grade FL but tFL was characterized by low BTLA and high TNFRSF14 expression. High BTLA correlated with good overall survival (OS) (total-BTLA, Hazard Risk=0.479, P=0.022) and with high PD-1 and FOXP3+Tregs. High TNFRSF14 correlated with poor OS and progression-free survival (PFS) (total-TNFRSF14, HR=3.9 and 3.2, respectively, P<0.0001), with unfavorable clinical variables and higher risk of transformation (OR=5.3). Multivariate analysis including BTLA, TNFRSF14 and FLIPI showed that TNFRSF14 and FLIPI maintained prognostic value for OS and TNFRSF14 for PFS. In the GSE16131 FL series, high TNFRSF14 gene expression correlated with worse prognosis and GSEA showed that NFkB pathway was associated with the “High-TNFRSF14/dead-phenotype”.

In conclusion, the BTLA-TNFRSF14 immune modulation pathway seems to play a role in the pathobiology and prognosis of FL.

HVEM network signaling in cancer

Somatic mutations in cancer cells may influence tumor growth, survival, or immune interactions in their microenvironment. The tumor necrosis factor receptor family member HVEM (TNFRSF14) is frequently mutated in cancers and has been attributed a tumor suppressive role in some cancer contexts. HVEM functions both as a ligand for the lymphocyte checkpoint proteins BTLA and CD160, and as a receptor that activates NF-κB signaling pathways in response to BTLA and CD160 and the TNF ligands LIGHT and LTα. BTLA functions to inhibit lymphocyte activation, but has also been ascribed a role in stimulating cell survival. CD160 functions to co-stimulate lymphocyte function, but has also been shown to activate inhibitory signaling in CD4⁺ T cells. Thus, the role of HVEM within diverse cancers and in regulating the immune responses to these tumors is likely context specific. Additionally, development of therapeutics that target proteins within this network of interacting proteins will require a deeper understanding of how these proteins function in a cancer-specific manner. However, the prominent role of the HVEM network in anti-cancer immune responses indicates a promising area for drug development.

Characterization of two new high-grade B-cell lymphoma cell lines with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements that are suitable for in vitro drug sensitivity studies

High-grade B-cell lymphomas with MYC and BCL2 or BCL6 rearrangements are highly aggressive B-cell lymphomas called double-hit lymphomas (HGBL-DH). They are particularly refractory to standard treatments and carry a poor prognosis. Fragments of resected tumoral lymph nodes from two HGBL-DH patients were put in culture. Continuously proliferating cells were characterized and compared with the original tumors. In both cases, the proliferating cells and the tumor displayed MYC and BCL2 rearrangements. Both cell lines (called LB5848-LYMP and LB5871-LYMP) presented a high proliferation rate and were maintained in culture for more than one year. Upon injection in immunodeficient mice, LB5848-LYMP gave rise to lymphoid tumors. In vitro treatment of these cell lines with a BCL2-inhibitory drug (ABT-199) selectively stopped their proliferation. These new cell lines represent valuable tools for studying HGBL-DH and for the in vitro testing of candidate therapies targeting HGBL-DH. LB5848-LYMP is also suitable for similar experiments in vivo.

Increased expression of TNFRSF14 indicates good prognosis and inhibits bladder cancer proliferation by promoting apoptosis

Despite advances in management, bladder cancer remains a principal cause of cancer‑associated complications. Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14 (TNFRSF14) is dysregulated in certain types of cancer; however, limited data are available on the expression and function of TNFRSF14 in bladder cancer. In the present study, the aim was to evaluate the expression and biological functions of TNFRSF14 in bladder cancer. Firstly, the expression levels of TNFRSF14 in bladder cancer tissue were examined using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Secondly, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to investigate the expression levels of TNFRSF14 in the T24, SW780 and EJ‑M3 bladder cancer cell lines. Transfection and Cell Counting kit‑8 (CCK‑8) assay was used to evaluate whether TNFRSF14 overexpression or silencing would have an effect on cell proliferation of T24 and EJ‑M3 cells. In addition, TNFRSF14‑induced apoptotic cells were identified using Annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide staining. Western blot analysis was used to detect proteins associated with the phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase pathway. According to the TCGA dataset, the expression levels TNFRSF14 were decreased in bladder cancer tissue compared with in normal control samples. Patients with bladder cancer exhibiting low expression levels of TNFRSF14 had a worse prognosis compared to those with high expression levels of TNFRSF14. Overexpression of TNFRSF14 in T24 cells led to increased apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in vitro. Western blotting demonstrated that TNFRSF14 overexpression increased the expression levels of caspase3‑p17 in T24 cells, but significantly decreased the expression levels of phosphorylated (p)‑protein kinase B (AKT) and P70 S6 kinase (P70). TNFRSF14 silencing in EJ‑M3 cells enhanced cell growth, inhibited cell apoptosis, increased the expression levels of p‑AKT and P70, and decreased the expression levels of caspase3‑p17. In conclusion, TNFRSF14 may serve a tumor suppressive role in bladder cancer by inducing apoptosis and suppressing proliferation, and act as a novel prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer.

Herpesvirus Entry Mediator and Ocular Herpesvirus Infection: More than Meets the Eye

As its name suggests, the host receptor herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) facilitates herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry through interactions with a viral envelope glycoprotein. HVEM also bridges several signaling networks, binding ligands from both tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamilies with diverse, and often opposing, outcomes. While HVEM was first identified as a viral entry receptor for HSV, it is only recently that HVEM has emerged as an important host factor in immunopathogenesis of ocular HSV type 1 (HSV-1) infection. Surprisingly, HVEM exacerbates disease development in the eye independently of entry. HVEM signaling has been shown to play a variety of roles in modulating immune responses to HSV and other pathogens, and there is increasing evidence that these effects are responsible for HVEM-mediated pathogenesis in the eye. Here, we review the dual branches of HVEM function during HSV infection: entry and immunomodulation. HVEM is broadly expressed; intersects two important immunologic signaling networks; and impacts autoimmunity, infection, and inflammation. We hope that by understanding the complex range of effects mediated by this receptor, we can offer insights applicable to a wide variety of disease states.

The Role of Autologous and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Follicular Lymphoma in The New Drugs Era

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common histotype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and it is generally characterized by a heterogeneous clinical course. Despite recent therapeutic and diagnostic improvements, a significant fraction of FL patients still relapsed. In younger and/or fit FL relapsed patients bone marrow transplant (BMT) has represented the main salvage therapy for many years. Thanks to the ability of high-dose chemotherapy to overcome the lymphoma resistance and refractoriness, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can achieve a high complete remission rate (CR) and favorable outcome regarding progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) combines the high dose chemotherapy effect together with the immune reaction of the donor immune system against lymphoma, the so-called ‘graft versus lymphoma’ (GVL) effect. Considering the generally higher transplant-related mortality (TRM), alloSCT is mostly indicated for FL relapsed after ASCT. During the last years, there have been a great spread of novel effective and feasible drugs Although these and future novel drugs will probably change our current approach to FL, the OS post-BMT (ASCT and alloSCT) has never been reproduced by any novel combination. In this scenario, it is important to correctly evaluate the disease status, the relapse risk and the comorbidity profile of the relapsed FL patients in order to provide the best salvage therapy and eventually transplant consolidation.