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Rokade S, Damani AM, Oft M, Emmerich J. IL-2 based cancer immunotherapies: an evolving paradigm. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1433989. [PMID: 39114660 PMCID: PMC11303236 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1433989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Discovered over 4 decades ago in the supernatants of activated T cells, interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a potent pleiotropic cytokine involved in the regulation of immune responses. It is required for effector T cell expansion and differentiation as well as for peripheral tolerance induced by regulatory T cells. High-dose IL-2 treatment was the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for renal cell carcinoma and melanoma, achieving single agent complete and durable responses, albeit only in a small proportion of patients. The therapeutic potential of wild type IL-2 is clinically limited by its short half-life and severe vascular toxicity. Moreover, the activation of regulatory T cells and the terminal differentiation of effector T cells on IL-2 pose additional restrictions. To overcome the toxicity of IL-2 in order to realize its full potential for patients, several novel engineering strategies are being developed and IL-2 based immunotherapy for cancer has emerged as a burgeoning field of clinical and experimental research. In addition, combination of IL-2 with PD-1/L1 pathway blockade shows vastly improved anti-tumor efficacy over either monotherapy in preclinical tumor models. In this review we discuss the biological characteristics of IL-2 and its receptors, as well as its efficacy and treatment limiting toxicities in cancer patients. We also explore the efforts aimed at developing novel and safer IL-2 therapies to harness the full therapeutic potential of this cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushama Rokade
- Development Department, Synthekine, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Jan Emmerich
- Development Department, Synthekine, Menlo Park, CA, United States
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2
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Kaptein P, Slingerland N, Metoikidou C, Prinz F, Brokamp S, Machuca-Ostos M, de Roo G, Schumacher TN, Yeung YA, Moynihan KD, Djuretic IM, Thommen DS. CD8-Targeted IL2 Unleashes Tumor-Specific Immunity in Human Cancer Tissue by Reviving the Dysfunctional T-cell Pool. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1226-1251. [PMID: 38563969 PMCID: PMC11215409 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-specific CD8+ T cells are key effectors of antitumor immunity but are often rendered dysfunctional in the tumor microenvironment. Immune-checkpoint blockade can restore antitumor T-cell function in some patients; however, most do not respond to this therapy, often despite T-cell infiltration in their tumors. We here explored a CD8-targeted IL2 fusion molecule (CD8-IL2) to selectively reactivate intratumoral CD8+ T cells in patient-derived tumor fragments. Treatment with CD8-IL2 broadly armed intratumoral CD8+ T cells with enhanced effector capacity, thereby specifically enabling reinvigoration of the dysfunctional T-cell pool to elicit potent immune activity. Notably, the revival of dysfunctional T cells to mediate effector activity by CD8-IL2 depended on simultaneous antigen recognition and was quantitatively and qualitatively superior to that achieved by PD-1 blockade. Finally, CD8-IL2 was able to functionally reinvigorate T cells in tumors resistant to anti-PD-1, underscoring its potential as a novel treatment strategy for patients with cancer. Significance: Reinvigorating T cells is crucial for response to checkpoint blockade therapy. However, emerging evidence suggests that the PD-1/PD-L1 axis is not the sole impediment for activating T cells within tumors. Selectively targeting cytokines toward specific T-cell subsets might overcome these barriers and stimulate T cells within resistant tumors. See related article by Moynihan et al., p. 1206 (32).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien Kaptein
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Nadine Slingerland
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Christina Metoikidou
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Felix Prinz
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Simone Brokamp
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Mercedes Machuca-Ostos
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Guido de Roo
- Flow Cytometry Facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ton N.M. Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Yik A. Yeung
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | | | | | - Daniela S. Thommen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Sommer C, Jacob S, Bargmann T, Shoaib M, Alshaikhdeeb B, Satagopam VP, Dehmel S, Neuhaus V, Braun A, Sewald K. Bridging therapy-induced phenotypes and genetic immune dysregulation to study interleukin-2-induced immunotoxicology. Clin Immunol 2024; 266:110288. [PMID: 38950723 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) holds promise for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, but its high-dose usage is associated with systemic immunotoxicity. Differential IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) regulation might impact function of cells upon IL-2 stimulation, possibly inducing cellular changes similar to patients with hypomorphic IL2RB mutations, presenting with multiorgan autoimmunity. Here, we show that sustained high-dose IL-2 stimulation of human lymphocytes drastically reduces IL-2Rβ surface expression especially on T cells, resulting in impaired IL-2R signaling which correlates with high IL-2Rα baseline expression. IL-2R signaling in NK cells is maintained. CD4+ T cells, especially regulatory T cells are more broadly affected than CD8+ T cells, consistent with lineage-specific differences in IL-2 responsiveness. Given the resemblance of cellular characteristics of high-dose IL-2-stimulated cells and cells from patients with IL-2Rβ defects, impact of continuous IL-2 stimulation on IL-2R signaling should be considered in the onset of clinical adverse events during IL-2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline Sommer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophie Jacob
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tonia Bargmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany
| | - Muhammad Shoaib
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Basel Alshaikhdeeb
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Venkata P Satagopam
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Susann Dehmel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vanessa Neuhaus
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany
| | - Armin Braun
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany; Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katherina Sewald
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hannover, Germany.
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4
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Ferreira LB, Williams KA, Best G, Haydinger CD, Smith JR. Inflammatory cytokines as mediators of retinal endothelial barrier dysfunction in non-infectious uveitis. Clin Transl Immunology 2023; 12:e1479. [PMID: 38090668 PMCID: PMC10714664 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Characterised by intraocular inflammation, non-infectious uveitis includes a large group of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases that either involve the eye alone or have both ocular and systemic manifestations. When non-infectious uveitis involves the posterior segment of the eye, specifically the retina, there is substantial risk of vision loss, often linked to breakdown of the inner blood-retinal barrier. This barrier is formed by non-fenestrated retinal vascular endothelial cells, reinforced by supporting cells that include pericytes, Müller cells and astrocytes. Across the published literature, a group of inflammatory cytokines stand out as prominent mediators of intraocular inflammation, with effects on the retinal endothelium that may contribute to breakdown of the inner blood-retinal barrier, namely tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 and chemokine C-C motif ligand (CCL)2. This article reviews the function of each cytokine and discusses the evidence for their involvement in retinal endothelial barrier dysfunction in non-infectious uveitis, including basic laboratory investigations, studies of ocular fluids collected from patients with non-infectious uveitis, and results of clinical treatment trials. The review also outlines gaps in knowledge in this area. Understanding the disease processes at a molecular level can suggest treatment alternatives that are directed against appropriate biological targets to protect the posterior segment of eye and preserve vision in non-infectious uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keryn A Williams
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public HealthAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Giles Best
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public HealthAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Cameron D Haydinger
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public HealthAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Justine R Smith
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public HealthAdelaideSAAustralia
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Roser LA, Luckhardt S, Ziegler N, Thomas D, Wagner PV, Damm G, Scheffschick A, Hewitt P, Parnham MJ, Schiffmann S. Immuno-inflammatory in vitro hepatotoxicity models to assess side effects of biologicals exemplified by aldesleukin. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275368. [PMID: 38045689 PMCID: PMC10693457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatotoxicity induced by immunotherapeutics is an appearing cause for immune-mediated drug-induced liver injury. Such immuno-toxic mechanisms are difficult to assess using current preclinical models and the incidence is too low to detect in clinical trials. As hepatotoxicity is a frequent reason for post-authorisation drug withdrawal, there is an urgent need for immuno-inflammatory in vitro models to assess the hepatotoxic potential of immuno-modulatory drug candidates. We developed several immuno-inflammatory hepatotoxicity test systems based on recombinant human interleukin-2 (aldesleukin). Methods Co-culture models of primary human CD8+ T cells or NK cells with the hepatocyte cell line HepaRG were established and validated with primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Subsequently, the HepaRG model was refined by increasing complexity by inclusion of monocyte-derived macrophages (MdMs). The main readouts were cytotoxicity, inflammatory mediator release, surface marker expression and specific hepatocyte functions. Results We identified CD8+ T cells as possible mediators of aldesleukin-mediated hepatotoxicity, with MdMs being implicated in increased aldesleukin-induced inflammatory effects. In co-cultures of CD8+ T cells with MdMs and HepaRG cells, cytotoxicity was induced at intermediate/high aldesleukin concentrations and perforin was upregulated. A pro-inflammatory milieu was created measured by interleukin-6 (IL-6), c-reactive protein (CRP), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) increase. NK cells responded to aldesleukin, however, only minor aldesleukin-induced cytotoxic effects were measured in co-cultures. Results obtained with HepaRG cells and with PHHs were comparable, especially regarding cytotoxicity, but high inter-donor variations limited meaningfulness of the PHH model. Discussion The in vitro test systems developed contribute to the understanding of potential key mechanisms in aldesleukin-mediated hepatotoxicity. In addition, they may aid assessment of immune-mediated hepatotoxicity during the development of novel immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise A. Roser
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sonja Luckhardt
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nicole Ziegler
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominique Thomas
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pia Viktoria Wagner
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Damm
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral Transplantation, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrea Scheffschick
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral Transplantation, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Philip Hewitt
- Chemical and Preclinical Safety, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Michael J. Parnham
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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6
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Lykhopiy V, Malviya V, Humblet-Baron S, Schlenner SM. "IL-2 immunotherapy for targeting regulatory T cells in autoimmunity". Genes Immun 2023; 24:248-262. [PMID: 37741949 PMCID: PMC10575774 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-023-00221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) are indispensable for immune homoeostasis and for the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) signalling is critical in all aspects of Treg biology. Consequences of defective IL-2 signalling are insufficient numbers or dysfunction of Treg and hence autoimmune disorders in human and mouse. The restoration and maintenance of immune homoeostasis remain central therapeutic aims in the field of autoimmunity. Historically, broadly immunosuppressive drugs with serious side-effects have been used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or prevention of organ-transplant rejection. More recently, ex vivo expanded or in vivo stimulated Treg have been shown to induce effective tolerance in clinical trials supporting the clinical benefit of targeting natural immunosuppressive mechanisms. Given the central role of exogenous IL-2 in Treg homoeostasis, a new and promising focus in drug development are IL-2-based approaches for in vivo targeted expansion of Treg or for enhancement of their suppressive activity. In this review, we summarise the role of IL-2 in Treg biology and consequences of dysfunctional IL-2 signalling pathways. We then examine evidence of efficacy of IL-2-based biological drugs targeting Treg with specific focus on therapeutic candidates in clinical trials and discuss their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lykhopiy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- argenx BV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanshika Malviya
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Humblet-Baron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan M Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Park S, Lee S, Kim D, Kim H, Kwon YG. CU06-1004 as a promising strategy to improve anti-cancer drug efficacy by preventing vascular leaky syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1242970. [PMID: 37711172 PMCID: PMC10499177 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1242970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is the first cancer therapeutic agent with an immunomodulatory function. Although it has been experimentally proven to be effective against metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma, the clinical application of high-dose IL-2 (HDIL-2) has been limited because of its short half-life and severe side effects, such as vascular leakage syndrome (VLS) or capillary leaky syndrome (CLS). However, methods for overcoming this issue have not yet been identified. Methods: We discovered CU06-1004, an endothelial dysfunction blocker, through a previous study, and co-treated with IL-2 immunotherapy to confirm its inhibitory effect on HDIL-2-induced endothelial permeability. CU06-1004 was co-administered with HDIL-2 for 4 days in an in vivo mouse model. After drug injection, the mice were sacrificed, and Evans blue staining was performed. Results: In vitro, HDIL-2 treatment decreased HUVEC stability, which was rescued by co-treatment with CU06-1004. In our mouse model, co-administration of CU06-1004 and HDIL-2 prevented HDIL-2-induced vascular leakage by normalizing endothelial cells. Notably, the HDIL-2 and CU06-1004 combination therapy considerably reduced tumor growth in the B16F10 melanoma mouse model. Conclusion: Our data suggest that CU06-1004 acts as a potential anticancer drug candidate, not only by preventing HDIL-2-induced VLS but also by enhancing the anticancer effects of HDIL-2 immunotherapy.
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Alvizi L, Nani D, Brito LA, Kobayashi GS, Passos-Bueno MR, Mayor R. Neural crest E-cadherin loss drives cleft lip/palate by epigenetic modulation via pro-inflammatory gene-environment interaction. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2868. [PMID: 37225711 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-environment interactions are believed to play a role in multifactorial phenotypes, although poorly described mechanistically. Cleft lip/palate (CLP), the most common craniofacial malformation, has been associated with both genetic and environmental factors, with little gene-environment interaction experimentally demonstrated. Here, we study CLP families harbouring CDH1/E-Cadherin variants with incomplete penetrance and we explore the association of pro-inflammatory conditions to CLP. By studying neural crest (NC) from mouse, Xenopus and humans, we show that CLP can be explained by a 2-hit model, where NC migration is impaired by a combination of genetic (CDH1 loss-of-function) and environmental (pro-inflammatory activation) factors, leading to CLP. Finally, using in vivo targeted methylation assays, we demonstrate that CDH1 hypermethylation is the major target of the pro-inflammatory response, and a direct regulator of E-cadherin levels and NC migration. These results unveil a gene-environment interaction during craniofacial development and provide a 2-hit mechanism to explain cleft lip/palate aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Alvizi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Diogo Nani
- Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano e Celulas-Tronco, Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Abreu Brito
- Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano e Celulas-Tronco, Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerson Shigeru Kobayashi
- Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano e Celulas-Tronco, Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano e Celulas-Tronco, Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
- Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.
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Sulzmaier FJ, Kern N, Ahn SJ, Polovina A, Ho J, Hussain A, Cyprus G, Macedo C, Pandit R, Crago W, Rowell E, Timmer JC, Eckelman BP. INBRX-120, a CD8α-targeted detuned IL-2 that selectively expands and activates tumoricidal effector cells for safe and durable in vivo responses. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006116. [PMID: 36653071 PMCID: PMC9853254 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a major driver of lymphocyte proliferation and activation interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a crucial mediator for antitumor responses. Despite promising activity in a subset of patients, wider therapeutic utility of IL-2 (aldesleukin) has been hampered by severe dose-limiting toxicities, the expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and a poor pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Recent engineering efforts, including non-α IL-2 variants, have lowered the toxicity profile, but have yet to induce meaningful antitumor activity in a wider patient population. METHODS We engineered INBRX-120, a CD8α-targeted Cisleukin™ molecule consisting of an affinity tuned IL-2 (IL2-x) connected to two high affinity CD8α-specific single domain antibodies via an effector-silenced Fc domain. To show that this large affinity differential enables directed IL-2 cis-signaling exclusively on CD8α-expressing tumoricidal effector cell populations, INBRX-120 effects on target cell expansion, activation and antitumor activity were tested in vitro. In vivo antitumor efficacy was evaluated in syngeneic mouse models alone or in combination with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade. Preclinical safety, as well as pharmacodynamic (PD) and PK profiling was carried out in non-human primates. RESULTS INBRX-120 effectively expanded and enhanced the cytotoxic capacity of CD8 T cells and natural killer cells towards tumor cells without affecting regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo. In syngeneic mouse models, INBRX-120 surrogate showed safe, potent, and durable antitumor efficacy alone and in combination with PD-1 blockade. In non-human primates, INBRX-120 expanded and activated CD8α-expressing effector cells, showed a favorable PK profile, and was well tolerated up to a dose of 1 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS Through its unique cis-signaling activity on CD8α-expressing effector cells, INBRX-120 overcomes the major limitations of IL-2-based therapy and effectively harnesses IL-2's potent intrinsic antitumor activity. This novel therapeutic strategy promises safer clinical activity that could induce meaningful antitumor efficacy in a wider set of patients with various cancer indications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jason Ho
- Inhibrx Inc, La Jolla, California, USA
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Yin X, Fang T, Zhang L, Lin X, Yang Y, Lou S, Li C, Yu X, Xue Y. Impact of CD144 gene expression on outcomes in stage III gastric cancer patients. Pathology 2020; 52:657-669. [PMID: 32859388 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
CD144 has been shown to promote tumour angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis in malignant tumours. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical prognostic significance of CD144 in advanced gastric cancer (GC) to complement the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th Edition convention. We established that CD144 was highly related to angiogenesis using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public databases. We randomly selected 173 stage III GC patients who received curative gastrectomy. The expression level of CD144 was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Image-Pro Plus software. After survival analysis, nomograms were created to predict the risk of stage III gastric cancer patients' 5-years survival. In this study, the median value of the CD144 positive area/total area under the microscope was 5.6%, and this was defined as the cut-off value. The expression of CD144 assisted further subgrouping of stage Ⅲa, Ⅲb, and Ⅲc GC patients. To evaluate the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients, univariate and multivariate analysis was performed, which showed that the expression of CD144 was an independent predictor for DFS, and Borrmann type and expression of CD144 were independent predictors for OS (p<0.05). Nomograms were used to evaluate the risk of stage III GC by combining Borrmann type and the expression level of CD144. In advanced GC patients, the expression level of CD144 is a useful prognostic indicator in evaluating the risk of disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yin
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Tianyi Fang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Lin
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Yongheng Yang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Shenghan Lou
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Chunfeng Li
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Xuefeng Yu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Yingwei Xue
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, P.R. China.
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Guenat OT, Geiser T, Berthiaume F. Clinically Relevant Tissue Scale Responses as New Readouts from Organs-on-a-Chip for Precision Medicine. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2020; 13:111-133. [PMID: 31961712 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061318-114919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Organs-on-chips (OOC) are widely seen as being the next generation in vitro models able to accurately recreate the biochemical-physical cues of the cellular microenvironment found in vivo. In addition, they make it possible to examine tissue-scale functional properties of multicellular systems dynamically and in a highly controlled manner. Here we summarize some of the most remarkable examples of OOC technology's ability to extract clinically relevant tissue-level information. The review is organized around the types of OOC outputs that can be measured from the cultured tissues and transferred to clinically meaningful information. First, the creation of functional tissues-on-chip is discussed, followed by the presentation of tissue-level readouts specific to OOC, such as morphological changes, vessel formation and function, tissue properties, and metabolic functions. In each case, the clinical relevance of the extracted information is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier T Guenat
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland;
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital and University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Thoracic Surgery Department, University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Geiser
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital and University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - François Berthiaume
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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L19-IL2 Immunocytokine in Combination with the Anti-Syndecan-1 46F2SIP Antibody Format: A New Targeted Treatment Approach in an Ovarian Carcinoma Model. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091232. [PMID: 31443604 PMCID: PMC6769537 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the fifth most common cancer affecting the female population. At present, different targeted treatment approaches may improve currently employed therapies leading either to the delay of tumor recurrence or to disease stabilization. In this study we show that syndecan-1 (SDC1) and tumor angiogenic-associated B-fibronectin isoform (B-FN) are involved in EOC progression and we describe the prominent role of SDC1 in the vasculogenic mimicry (VM) process. We also investigate a possible employment of L19-IL2, an immunocytokine specific for B-FN, and anti-SDC1 46F2SIP (small immuno protein) antibody in combination therapy in a human ovarian carcinoma model. A tumor growth reduction of 78% was obtained in the 46F2SIP/L19-IL2-treated group compared to the control group. We observed that combined treatment was effective in modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, loss of stemness properties of tumor cells, and in alleviating hypoxia. These effects correlated with reduction of VM structures in tumors from treated mice. Interestingly, the improved pericyte coverage in vascular structures suggested that combined therapy could be efficacious in induction of vessel normalization. These data could pave the way for a possible use of L19-IL2 combined with 46F2SIP antibody as a novel therapeutic strategy in EOC.
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Mortara L, Balza E, Bruno A, Poggi A, Orecchia P, Carnemolla B. Anti-cancer Therapies Employing IL-2 Cytokine Tumor Targeting: Contribution of Innate, Adaptive and Immunosuppressive Cells in the Anti-tumor Efficacy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2905. [PMID: 30619269 PMCID: PMC6305397 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokine) exert a potent anti-cancer effect; indeed, they target the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) due to a specific anti-tumor antibody linked to immune activating cytokines. Once bound to the target tumor, the interleukin-2 (IL-2) immunocytokines composed of either full antibody or single chain Fv conjugated to IL-2 can promote the in situ recruitment and activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTL). This recruitment induces a TME switch toward a classical T helper 1 (Th1) anti-tumor immune response, supported by the cross-talk between NK and dendritic cells (DC). Furthermore, some IL-2 immunocytokines have been largely shown to trigger tumor cell killing by antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), through Fcγ receptors engagement. The modulation of the TME can be also achieved with immunocytokines conjugated with a mutated form of IL-2 that impairs regulatory T (Treg) cell proliferation and activity. Preclinical animal models and more recently phase I/II clinical trials have shown that IL-2 immunocytokines can avoid the severe toxicities of the systemic administration of high doses of soluble IL-2 maintaining the potent anti-tumor effect of this cytokine. Also, very promising results have been reported using IL-2 immunocytokines delivered in combination with other immunocytokines, chemo-, radio-, anti-angiogenic therapies, and blockade of immune checkpoints. Here, we summarize and discuss the most relevant reported studies with a focus on: (a) the effects of IL-2 immunocytokines on innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune cell responses as well as immunosuppressive Treg cells and (b) the approaches to circumvent IL-2-mediated severe toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Enrica Balza
- UOC Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Vascular Biology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Scientific and Technologic Park, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- UOSD Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Orecchia
- UOC Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carnemolla
- UOC Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Wylezinski LS, Hawiger J. Interleukin 2 Activates Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells Resulting in Destabilization of Adherens Junctions. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:22913-22923. [PMID: 27601468 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.729038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The pleiotropic cytokine interleukin 2 (IL2) disrupts the blood-brain barrier and alters brain microcirculation, underlying vascular leak syndrome that complicates cancer immunotherapy with IL2. The microvascular effects of IL2 also play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis and other chronic neurological disorders. The mechanism of IL2-induced disruption of brain microcirculation has not been determined previously. We found that both human and murine brain microvascular endothelial cells express constituents of the IL2 receptor complex. Then we established that signaling through this receptor complex leads to activation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor κB, resulting in expression of proinflammatory interleukin 6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. We also discovered that IL2 induces disruption of adherens junctions, concomitant with cytoskeletal reorganization, ultimately leading to increased endothelial cell permeability. IL2-induced phosphorylation of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), a constituent of adherens junctions, leads to dissociation of its stabilizing adaptor partners, p120-catenin and β-catenin. Increased phosphorylation of VE-cadherin was also accompanied by a reduction of Src homology 2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase 2, known to maintain vascular barrier function. These results unravel the mechanism of deleterious effects induced by IL2 on brain microvascular endothelial cells and may inform the development of new measures to improve IL2 cancer immunotherapy, as well as treatments for autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacek Hawiger
- From the Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and .,Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and.,Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2363
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Hérodin F, Voir D, Vilgrain I, Courçon M, Drouet M, Boittin FX. Soluble Vascular Endothelial Cadherin as a New Biomarker of Irradiation in Highly Irradiated Baboons with Bone Marrow Protection. HEALTH PHYSICS 2016; 110:598-605. [PMID: 27115227 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000000481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cadherin is the main component of adherens junctions enabling cohesion of the endothelial monolayer in vessels. The extracellular part of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) can be cleaved, releasing soluble fragments in blood (sVE-cadherin). In some diseases with endothelial dysfunction, a correlation between increased blood sVE-cadherin levels and disease state has been proposed. Irradiation is known to induce endothelial damage, but new serum biomarkers are needed to evaluate endothelial damage after irradiation. Here, the authors investigated whether sVE-cadherin may be an interesting biomarker of irradiation in highly irradiated baboons with bone marrow protection. sVE-cadherin was detected in the plasma of young as well as old baboons. Plasma sVE-cadherin levels significantly decrease a few days after irradiation but recover in the late time after irradiation. Kinetic analysis of plasma sVE-cadherin levels suggests a correlation with white blood cell counts in both the acute phase of irradiation and during hematopoietic recovery, suggesting that plasma sVE-cadherin levels may be partly linked to the disappearance and recovery of white blood cells. Interestingly, after hematopoietic recovery was completed, sVE-cadherin levels were found to exceed control values, suggesting that plasma sVE-cadherin may represent a new biomarker of endothelial damage or neovascularization in the late time after irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Hérodin
- *Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Brétigny-sur-Orge, France; †Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1036, Grenoble, France; Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Institute of Life Science Research and Technologies, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, France; University of Grenoble Alpes, Unité mixte de recherche-S1036, 17, rue des Martyrs, Grenoble, France
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Holland NA, Becak DP, Shannahan JH, Brown JM, Carratt SA, Winkle L, Pinkerton KE, Wang CM, Munusamy P, Baer DR, Sumner SJ, Fennell TR, Lust RM, Wingard CJ. Cardiac Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Following Instillation of 20 nm Citrate-capped Nanosilver. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 6. [PMID: 26966636 DOI: 10.4172/2157-7439.s6-006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have garnered much interest due to their antimicrobial properties, becoming one of the most utilized nano-scale materials. However, any potential evocable cardiovascular injury associated with exposure has not been reported to date. We have previously demonstrated expansion of myocardial infarction after intratracheal (IT) instillation of carbon-based nanomaterials. We hypothesized pulmonary exposure to Ag core AgNP induces a measureable increase in circulating cytokines, expansion of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and is associated with depressed coronary constrictor and relaxation responses. Secondarily, we addressed the potential contribution of silver ion release on AgNP toxicity. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 200 μl of 1 mg/ml of 20 nm citrate-capped Ag core AgNP, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/ml Silver Acetate (AgAc), or a citrate vehicle by intratracheal (IT) instillation. One and 7 days following IT instillation the lungs were evaluated for inflammation and the presence of silver; serum was analyzed for concentrations of selected cytokines; cardiac I/R injury and coronary artery reactivity were assessed. RESULTS AgNP instillation resulted in modest pulmonary inflammation with detection of silver in lung tissue and alveolar macrophages, elevation of serum cytokines: G-CSF, MIP-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-13, IL-10, IL-18, IL-17α, TNFα, and RANTES, expansion of I/R injury and depression of the coronary vessel reactivity at 1 day post IT compared to vehicle treated rats. Silver within lung tissue was persistent at 7 days post IT instillation and was associated with an elevation in cytokines: IL-2, IL-13, and TNFα and expansion of I/R injury. AgAc resulted in a concentration dependent infarct expansion and depressed vascular reactivity without marked pulmonary inflammation or serum cytokine response. CONCLUSIONS Based on these data, IT instillation of AgNP increases circulating levels of several key cytokines, which may contribute to persistent expansion of I/R injury possibly through an impaired vascular responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Holland
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - D P Becak
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jonathan H Shannahan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - J M Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - S A Carratt
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Lsv Winkle
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - K E Pinkerton
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - C M Wang
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, EMSL, Richland, USA
| | - P Munusamy
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, EMSL, Richland, USA
| | - Don R Baer
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, EMSL, Richland, USA
| | - S J Sumner
- RTI International, Discovery Sciences, Research Triangle Park, USA
| | - T R Fennell
- RTI International, Discovery Sciences, Research Triangle Park, USA
| | - R M Lust
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - C J Wingard
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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