Citations

AbstractBackgroundBiomarkers of eosinophilic disease activity, especially in the context of novel therapies that reduce blood eosinophil counts, are an unmet need. Absolute eosinophil count (AEC) does not accurately reflect tissue eosinophilia or eosinophil activation. Therefore, the aims of this study were to compare the reliability of plasma and urine eosinophil major basic protein 1, eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN), and eosinophil peroxidase measurement and to evaluate the usefulness of eosinophil granule protein (EGP) measurement for the assessment of disease activity in patients with eosinophil‐associated diseases treated with mepolizumab, benralizumab, or dexpramipexole.MethodsEosinophil granule protein concentrations were measured in serum, plasma, and urine from healthy volunteers and patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and eosinophilic asthma using a multiplex assay.ResultsUrine EGP concentrations remained stable, whereas serum and plasma EGP concentrations increased significantly with delayed processing. Plasma (p) EDN, but not urine (u) EDN, concentration correlated with AEC and negatively correlated with prednisone dose. Both pEDN and uEDN decreased significantly following treatment of HES patients with benralizumab and EGPA patients with mepolizumab. uEDN appeared to increase with clinical relapse in both patient groups.ConclusionsMeasurement of EGP in urine is noninvasive and unaffected by cellular lysis. Although plasma and urine EDN concentrations showed a similar pattern following benralizumab and mepolizumab treatment, the lack of correlation between AEC or prednisone dose and uEDN concentrations suggests that measurement of uEDN may provide a potential biomarker of disease activity in patients with HES and EGPA.

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination induces robust humoral and cellular immunity in the circulation; however, it is currently unknown whether it elicits effective immune responses in the respiratory tract, particularly against variants of concern (VOCs), including Omicron. We compared the SARS-CoV-2 S–specific total and neutralizing antibody responses, and B and T cell immunity, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) and blood of COVID-19–vaccinated individuals and hospitalized patients. Vaccinated individuals had significantly lower levels of neutralizing antibody against D614G, Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron BA.1.1 in the BAL compared with COVID-19 convalescents despite robust S-specific antibody responses in the blood. Furthermore, mRNA vaccination induced circulating S-specific B and T cell immunity, but in contrast to COVID-19 convalescents, these responses were absent in the BAL of vaccinated individuals. Using a mouse immunization model, we demonstrated that systemic mRNA vaccination alone induced weak respiratory mucosal neutralizing antibody responses, especially against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1.1 in mice; however, a combination of systemic mRNA vaccination plus mucosal adenovirus-S immunization induced strong neutralizing antibody responses not only against the ancestral virus but also the Omicron BA.1.1 variant. Together, our study supports the contention that the current COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against severe disease development, likely through recruiting circulating B and T cell responses during reinfection, but offer limited protection against breakthrough infection, especially by the Omicron sublineage. Hence, mucosal booster vaccination is needed to establish robust sterilizing immunity in the respiratory tract against SARS-CoV-2, including infection by the Omicron sublineage and future VOCs.

Abstract Purpose: Androgen receptor (AR) antagonism is exacerbated by HOXB13 in castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC). However, it is unclear when and how HOXB13 primes CRPCs for AR antagonism. By mass-spectrometry analysis of CRPC extract, we uncovered a novel lysine 13 (K13) acetylation in HOXB13 mediated by CBP/p300. To determine whether acetylated K13-HOXB13 is a clinical biomarker of CRPC development, we characterized its role in prostate cancer biology. Experimental Design: We identified tumor-specific acK13-HOXB13 signal enriched super enhancer (SE)-regulated targets. We analyzed the effect of loss of HOXB13K13-acetylation on chromatin binding, SE proximal target gene expression, self-renewal, enzalutamide sensitivity, and CRPC tumor growth by employing isogenic parental and HOXB13K13A mutants. Finally, using primary human prostate organoids, we evaluated whether inhibiting an acK13-HOXB13 target, ACK1, with a selective inhibitor (R)-9b is superior to AR antagonists in inhibiting CRPC growth. Results: acK13-HOXB13 promotes increased expression of lineage (AR, HOXB13), prostate cancer diagnostic (FOLH1), CRPC-promoting (ACK1), and angiogenesis (VEGFA, Angiopoietins) genes early in prostate cancer development by establishing tumor-specific SEs. acK13-HOXB13 recruitment to key SE-regulated targets is insensitive to enzalutamide. ACK1 expression is significantly reduced in the loss of function HOXB13K13A mutant CRPCs. Consequently, HOXB13K13A mutants display reduced self-renewal, increased sensitivity to enzalutamide, and impaired xenograft tumor growth. Primary human prostate tumor organoids expressing HOXB13 are significantly resistant to AR antagonists but sensitive to (R)-9b. Conclusions: In summary, acetylated HOXB13 is a biomarker of clinically significant prostate cancer. Importantly, PSMA-targeting agents and (R)-9b could be new therapeutic modalities to target HOXB13–ACK1 axis regulated prostate cancers.

Abstract Brains of 42 COVID-19 decedents and 107 non-COVID-19 controls were studied. RT-PCR screening of 16 regions from 20 COVID-19 autopsies found SARS-CoV-2 E gene viral sequences in 7 regions (2.5% of 320 samples), concentrated in 4/20 subjects (20%). Additional screening of olfactory bulb (OB), amygdala (AMY) and entorhinal area for E, N1, N2, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and S gene sequences detected one or more of these in OB in 8/21 subjects (38%). It is uncertain whether these RNA sequences represent viable virus. Significant histopathology was limited to 2/42 cases (4.8%), one with a large acute cerebral infarct and one with hemorrhagic encephalitis. Case-control RNAseq in OB and AMY found more than 5000 and 700 differentially expressed genes, respectively, unrelated to RT-PCR results; these involved immune response, neuronal constituents, and olfactory/taste receptor genes. Olfactory marker protein-1 reduction indicated COVID-19-related loss of OB olfactory mucosa afferents. Iba-1-immunoreactive microglia had reduced area fractions in cerebellar cortex and AMY, and cytokine arrays showed generalized downregulation in AMY and upregulation in blood serum in COVID-19 cases. Although OB is a major brain portal for SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 brain changes are more likely due to blood-borne immune mediators and trans-synaptic gene expression changes arising from OB deafferentation.

Background and objectives C3 glomerulopathy and idiopathic Ig-associated membranoproliferative GN are kidney diseases characterized by abnormal glomerular complement C3 deposition. These conditions are heterogeneous in outcome, but approximately 50% of patients develop kidney failure within 10 years. Design, setting, participants, & measurements To improve identification of patients with poor prognosis, we performed a detailed analysis of percutaneous kidney biopsies in a large cohort of patients. Using a validated histologic scoring system, we analyzed 156 native diagnostic kidney biopsies from a retrospective cohort of 123 patients with C3 glomerulopathy and 33 patients with Ig-associated membranoproliferative GN. We used linear regression, survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazards models to assess the relationship between histologic and clinical parameters with outcome. Results Frequent biopsy features were mesangial expansion and hypercellularity, glomerular basement membrane double contours, and endocapillary hypercellularity. Multivariable analysis showed negative associations between eGFR and crescents, interstitial inflammation, and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy. Proteinuria positively associated with endocapillary hypercellularity and glomerular basement membrane double contours. Analysis of second native biopsies did not demonstrate associations between immunosuppression treatment and improvement in histology. Using a composite outcome, risk of progression to kidney failure associated with eGFR and proteinuria at the time of biopsy, cellular/fibrocellular crescents, segmental sclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy scores. Conclusions Our detailed assessment of kidney biopsy data indicated that cellular/fibrocellular crescents and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy scores were significant determinants of deterioration in kidney function.

3084 Background: Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential, high-fidelity mechanism to repair DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in cancer cells. CYT-0851 inhibits HR leading to an accumulation of unrepaired DSBs and tumor cell death. We are reporting the completed Phase 1 dose-escalation results and RP2D selection to support ongoing development of CYT-0851. Methods: Patients (pts) with advanced hematologic and solid tumors were treated with continuous 28-day cycles of increasing doses of CYT-0851 following a 3+3 design. The primary objective was determining the maximum tolerated dose. Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-tumor activity. Results: As of a 15 Nov 2021 data cutoff (DCO), 73 pts with advanced cancers (NHL n = 18; Sarcoma n = 16; Pancreas n = 11; Breast n = 8; HNSCC n = 6; Ovarian n = 4; SCLC n = 4; Other n = 4; Myeloma n = 2) were treated in 12 cohorts (total daily doses: 30 mg to 1200 mg). One pt experienced a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of reversible metabolic acidosis at 1200 mg. Two of 3 pts at 800 mg experienced reversible DLT-like events in Cycle 2 of Gr3 dry skin and Gr3 myalgia and polyarthritis, respectively. Three of 10 pts treated at 600 mg experienced DLT-like events in Cycle 1: 1 pt experienced an SAE of Gr3 anorexia with Gr3 stomatitis, vomiting, and dehydration and 2 pts had Gr3 fatigue. No DLTs occurred at 400 mg daily which was selected as the RP2D. 42 pts (57.5%) experienced a CYT-0851-related adverse event (AE), including 12 (16.4%) with a Gr3/4 AE. There were no treatment-related deaths. AE leading to CYT-0851 withdrawal were reported in 2 pts (2.7%) treated with 600 and 800 mg. The most common CYT-0851-related AEs were primarily Gr1/2 and included fatigue (20.5%), hyperuricemia (11%), nausea (11%), alopecia (9.6%), constipation (8.2%) and headache (8.2%). CYT-0851 exposure was approximately dose-proportional across the evaluated doses with an effective half-life of ̃3 days. Exposure at 400 mg daily was consistent with efficacy in preclinical models. 46 pts were evaluable for response at the DCO. 12 pts with NHL were evaluable by Lugano and included 1 CR in FL and 1 PR in DLBCL treated for 393+ and 244 days respectively. 34 pts with solid tumors were evaluable by RECIST v1.1 with 1 PR in a pt with myxofibrosarcoma treated for 313 days and 16 pts with stable disease. Fifteen pts were treated for 100+ days and 5 for 180+ days. Conclusions: CYT-0851 has demonstrated promising and broad clinical activity in a Ph 1 population of pts with advanced cancers. The safety profile is favorable as characterized by events that were infrequent, primarily Gr1/2, and reversible. Six expansion cohorts (DLBCL, Follicular Lymphoma, Myeloma, Pancreatic, Ovarian and Sarcoma) are enrolling to characterize activity at the RP2D. Ph 1 evaluation of CYT-0851 in combination with 3 chemotherapy backbones is also ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03997968.

2027 Background: Breast cancer related leptomeningeal disease (BC-LMD) is a dire diagnosis for 5-8% of breast cancer patients with overall survival (OS) measured in weeks without treatment. As new treatments prolong survival with breast cancer, the risk of developing BC-LMD may be increasing. We hypothesized that the rate of BC-LMD diagnosis increased significantly with time. We also predicted that OS with BC-LMD had changed with time and in relationship to molecular subtype and treatment following BC-LMD diagnosis. Methods: With approval of the local Scientific Research Committee and IRB, we conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records for patients treated or diagnosed with breast cancer at MCC from 2011-2020. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Kaplan Meier survival curves were used to determine median overall survival (OS), progression of disease, and differences by molecular subtype. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine characteristics of primary tumors and treatments which affected OS. Results: Of the 133 cases identified, significantly more were diagnosed between 2016-2020 than 2011-2015 (p < 0.01). Significant increases were seen in HER2+ and TNBC patients (p < 0.05) but not for ER/PR positive (HR+) disease (p = 0.058). HER2+ LMD associated with longest overall survival (OS; 7mths) followed by HR+ disease (3mths) and TNBC with the shortest OS (2mths). Systemic metastases preceded BC-LMD diagnosis in 72% of cases and CNS metastases in 85% of cases. HER2+ disease also conferred increased survival after CNS metastases were diagnosed until progression to LMD (8mth vs 2mth for HR+ and 1mth for TNBC LMD; p < 0.05). Positive impact on survival by HER2 targeted therapies may account for improved OS in this population. Other factors which increased OS generally were: WBRT, continuation of systemic therapy, delivery of intrathecal chemotherapy, and participation in clinical trials. Having TNBC and decision to defer treatment were associated with reduced OS. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of identifying patients with BC-LMD early and with the intention to treat. Prospective clinical trials and population-based studies are needed to advance treatment of BC-LMD.

Background: The risk for cardiovascular disease is multifold higher in patients with the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis, but underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. We have explored whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) share pro-inflammatory effector cells that sustain tissue inflammation, thus maintaining synovial inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Methods: Tissue cytokines expressed in RA synovial lesions were analyzed by cytokine array technology. Cytokine production in macrophages was verified with RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by Seahorse analyzer. Results: In highly inflamed synovial tissues, 21 of 60 cytokines tested were significantly elevated, with the small cytokine CCL18 being strongly associated with tissue inflammation. Immunohistochemical examination assigned CCL18 to CD68 + tissue macrophages in both the atherosclerotic plaque and in rheumatoid synovitis. In monocyte-derived macrophages (MΦ), CCL18 enhanced production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and stimulated production of the tissue-injurious enzyme cathepsin K. Pro-inflammatory effector functions were linked to CCL18 induced activation of mitochondrial metabolism, quantified by oxygen consumption rates and generation of ATP. Macrophage stimulation with recombinant CCL18 resulted in the inactivating phosphorylation of the metabolic sensor GSK-3β. Immunoprecipitation experiments localized GSK-3β to the mitochondrial surface and imaging studies revealed excessive formation of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum connections in patient-derived CCL18 hi macrophages. Conclusions: Pro-inflammatory MΦ in CAD and RA patients share a metabolic profile of increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production. Mitochondrial activation depends on inactivation of the metabolic sensor GSK-3β and promote pro-inflammatory effector functions, such as production of cytokines and proteases. Inhibiting GSK-3β activation provides a novel therapeutic strategy to suppress pro-inflammatory macrophages in CAD and RA.