Citations

ABSTRACT Biofilm‐associated staphylococcal infections remain exceptionally difficult to treat due to the presence of resilient staphylococcal biofilms and the limited effectiveness of currently available antibiotics. To combat persistent infections, providers are often forced to use prolonged courses of combination antimicrobial therapies that have significant toxicities with limited effectiveness, leading to increased hospital stays, substantial health care costs and a rise in patient morbidity and mortality. Staphylococcus aureus is a dominant cause of recalcitrant biofilms, for which novel non‐antibiotic therapeutics are critically needed. Lysins, a class of protein‐based antimicrobials, rapidly kill staphylococci, exhibit potent anti‐biofilm activity, have a low propensity of resistance development and synergy with antibiotics. To address this unmet need, we evaluate an extracellular vesicle (EV)‐based delivery platform for the engineered anti‐staphylococcal lysin LYSG101, designed to improve stability and localization at sites of infection. Initial proof‐of‐concept work is provided here, demonstrating that human serum‐derived EVs can be loaded with LYSG101 to exert a potent in vitro antimicrobial effect against both planktonic and biofilm forms of S. aureus . EV‐mediated delivery achieved activity equivalent to free lysin, with additional translational advantages including stability and the potential for sustained intra‐articular retention. This work supports further development of the EV‐mediated lysin delivery as a broadly applicable antimicrobial platform, with potential future applications in biofilm‐associated infections, including prosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Patients in the liso-cel plus ibrutinib cohort of the phase 1/2, open-label TRANSCEND CLL 004 study had relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and received liso-cel (50×106 [dose level (DL)1] or 100×106 [DL2] chimeric antigen receptor-positive T cells) with concurrent ibrutinib from enrollment through 90 days after liso-cel infusion or longer per investigator discretion. Primary end point was complete response/remission (CR)/CR with incomplete marrow recovery (CRi) by investigator assessment. Among 56 patients who received ibrutinib plus liso-cel (DL1, n=5; DL2, n=51), median (range) age was 64.5 years (44‒77), 98% had high-risk cytogenetics, 55% had progression on Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor and venetoclax failure, and median (range) number of prior therapies was 5 (1‒13). Median (range) follow-up was 24.8 months (3.1‒51.8). At DL2, CR/CRi rate was 45% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31‒60) and overall response rate was 86% (95% CI, 74‒94). Median (95% CI) duration of response was not reached (NR; 28.7‒NR) for patients with CR/CRi and 41.4 months (23.3‒NR) for all responders. Median (95% CI) progression-free survival was 31.4 months (20.1‒NR). In DL1+DL2, most common grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) were neutropenia (52%) and anemia (41%). Cytokine release syndrome was reported in 80% of patients (grade 3, 4%; no grade 4/5), and neurological events in 41% (grade 3/4, 11%; no grade 5). Ibrutinib-related TEAEs were reported in 68% of patients (grade 3/4, 43%; no grade 5). Liso-cel plus ibrutinib demonstrated notable efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL with predictable and manageable safety. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03331198; NCT03435796.

Abstract Improved understanding of how chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and endogenous T‐cell phenotypes associate with progression‐free survival (PFS) is needed to individualize and improve immunotherapy outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM). We characterized and investigated the prognostic value of immune dynamics defined with multidimensional and computational flow cytometry in 258 bone marrow aspirates from 107 MM patients treated with idecabtagene vicleucel in the KarMMa trial. At screening, there was an association between longer PFS and increased percentages of PD1 + cytotoxic T cells and ICOS − TIGIT + Tregs. At Month 1 after infusion, the presence of >1% CAR‐T cells, a CD4/CD8 CAR‐T‐cell ratio >0.09, and greater abundance of non‐activated non‐cytolytic CAR‐T cells identified patients with longer PFS. Notably, 47 of the 115 endogenous T‐cell clusters were prognostic at the latest assessment performed after CAR‐T infusion. Lower percentages of ICOS + TIGIT − Tregs showed the strongest association with longer PFS. Altogether, this large dataset of dynamic immune profiling throughout treatment with anti‐B‐cell maturation antigen (anti‐BCMA) CAR‐T cells uncovered that the T‐cell composition prior to apheresis as well as CAR‐T and endogenous T‐cell phenotypes after infusion associates with PFS. These findings have potential for translation into routine laboratory practice for improved understanding of response and resistance to CAR‐T cells in relapsed/refractory MM.

ABSTRACT Objective To compare antigen removal processing with conventional sodium dodecyl sulfate decellularization for generating laryngotracheoesophageal scaffolds, focusing on preservation of extracellular matrix integrity and removal of immunogenic material. Methods Laryngotracheoesophageal complexes were harvested from C57BL/6 mice and processed using either antigen removal or sodium dodecyl sulfate‐based protocols. Scaffolds were analyzed for residual double‐stranded DNA content, collagen preservation, glycosaminoglycan retention, and ultrastructural integrity via histology, quantitative image analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Results Both antigen removal and sodium dodecyl sulfate protocols achieved effective decellularization, with comparable dsDNA removal relative to native controls ( p = 0.001; p < 0.001). Antigen removal scaffolds demonstrated better collagen preservation compared to sodium dodecyl scaffolds, which exhibited marked collagen depletion (Muscle: Collagen I, p < 0.001; Collagen III, p < 0.01; Cartilage: Collagen I, p < 0.05; Collagen III, p < 0.01). Both antigen removal and sodium dodecyl sulfate groups showed significant glycosaminoglycan depletion compared with controls ( p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed superior ultrastructural preservation in antigen removal‐treated scaffolds, characterized by intact fibrillar architecture and lacunar morphology, while sodium dodecyl sulfate scaffolds demonstrated collapsed lacunae and irregular extracellular matrix organization. Conclusion Antigen removal processing generates laryngotracheoesophageal scaffolds with enhanced extracellular matrix preservation compared with conventional sodium dodecyl sulfate decellularization, while maintaining equivalent levels of antigen elimination. Retention of collagen and ultrastructure suggests antigen removal scaffolds may provide superior biomechanical and biologic performance for laryngeal tissue engineering. Although glycosaminoglycan depletion remains a limitation in both approaches, antigen removal scaffolds represent a promising pathway toward clinically translatable alternatives to immunosuppression‐dependent laryngotracheoesophageal repair. Level of Evidence Preclinical.

Abstract Myocarditis and valvulitis are inflammatory diseases affecting myocardium and heart valves. Myocarditis, a viral‐induced disease of myocardium, may lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and loss of heart function, and valvulitis leads to deformed heart valves and altered blood flow in rheumatic heart disease. Animal models recapitulating these diseases are important for understanding the human conditions. Cardiac myosin is a major autoantigen in heart tissue, and antibodies and T cells to cardiac myosin are evident in inflammatory heart diseases. This article is a practical guide to the induction and evaluation of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in several mouse strains and the Lewis rat. Purification protocols for cardiac myosin and protocols for the induction of EAM by cardiac myosin and its myocarditis‐producing peptides, as well as coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), are defined. Protocols for assessment of myocarditis and valvulitis in humans and animal models provide methods to define functional autoantibodies targeting cardiac myosin, β‐adrenergic, and muscarinic receptors, and their deposition in tissues. © 2026 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1 : Induction of EAM in mice by active immunization with cardiac myosin Alternate Protocol : Induction of EAM in mice by adoptive transfer of cardiac‐myosin‐stimulated T cells Basic Protocol 2 : Induction of EAM in rats by active immunization with cardiac myosin Support Protocol 1 : Purification of cardiac myosin Support Protocol 2 : Preparation of antigen/adjuvant emulsion by agitation for EAM induction in mice and rats Support Protocol 3 : Collection and histopathological assessment of mouse or rat hearts Support Protocol 4 : Immunostaining of rat heart tissue or cells for deposited antibody Basic Protocol 3 : Induction of myocarditis in mice by inoculation with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) from infectious cDNA clones Basic Protocol 4 : Induction of myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy in mice by inoculation with heart‐passaged coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) Basic Protocol 5 : Induction of autoimmune valvular heart disease by inoculation with recombinant streptococcal M protein Basic Protocol 6 : Protein kinase A (PKA) assay of serum antibody signaling of the β‐adrenergic receptor with subsequent activation of PKA Basic Protocol 7 : Measurement of serum antibody titers against human cardiac myosin, human adrenergic β 1 and β 2 receptors, and muscarinic 2 receptor Basic Protocol 8 : Detection of antibodies against human cardiac myosin peptides in human serum

TPS5632 Background: Concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) is the standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC); however, outcomes remain suboptimal in patients with high-risk disease. Recent studies suggest that integration of immunotherapy (IO) with definitive chemoradiation, or induction chemotherapy prior to CCRT improves outcomes. Whether treatment intensification with induction systemic therapy and IO prior to CCRT and IO further improves disease control remains unknown. Induction chemotherapy may reduce tumor burden, eradicate micrometastatic disease, and improve tumor immunogenicity prior to definitive CCRT. Preclinical and clinical data support synergy between systemic therapy or radiotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade, providing the rationale for evaluating an induction strategy incorporating chemotherapy and immunotherapy before standard CCRT with immunotherapy, followed by maintenance immunotherapy. Optional tumor tissue and blood samples will be collected for exploratory correlative analyses, including immune and molecular biomarkers associated with response, resistance, and patterns of failure. Methods: NRG-GY037 is a prospective, multi-institutional phase III randomized trial conducted through NRG Oncology. A total of 336 patients will be enrolled (168 per arm). Patients will be stratified by FIGO stage (III vs. IVA) and presence or absence of para-aortic lymph nodes (N2). The primary endpoint is progression free survival (PFS). The study has 90% power to detect PFS hazard ratio of 0.65 in the experimental arm. Treatment: Patients with previously untreated, high-risk LACC are randomized to receive either induction chemotherapy with pembrolizumab for 6 weeks followed by CCRT with pembrolizumab and pembrolizumab maintenance, or standard CCRT with pembrolizumab followed by pembrolizumab maintenance. Major Eligibility Criteria: Eligible patients have histologically confirmed cervical carcinoma (squamous, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous), TNM T3 and T4 disease, N0-2, ECOG performance status 0–1, and no prior definitive therapy for cervical cancer. Current Enrollment Status: The trial is actively accruing patients. No efficacy or safety data are available at the time of submission. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07061977. Clinical trial information: NCT07061977 .

e19046 Background: While outcomes in pts with R/R FL have improved with current SOC treatments (Tx), there remains a need for safe, efficacious, and convenient Tx options. GOLCA is a potential, first-in-class, oral CELMoD designed for Tx of lymphoma, with preferential distribution to lymphoid organs and enhanced activity in lymphoma cell lines. GOLCA induces rapid and deep degradation of Ikaros and Aiolos, leading to direct cell killing and immunomodulatory activity. GOLCA + R was well tolerated and effective in heavily pretreated pts in the two-part Ph 1/2 study, CC-99282-NHL-001. Here, we provide longer f/u in pts with R/R FL from Part B of the study. Methods: Pts with R/R FL with ≥2 prior lines of Tx (≥1 if prior anti-CD20 Tx) received GOLCA orally, once daily at 0.2 mg (n=22) or 0.4 mg (n=38) ± R for up to 2 y or until progressive disease (PD)/unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoints included safety and RP2D determination; secondary endpoints are preliminary efficacy and PK. Results: As of September 15, 2025, 60 pts were enrolled. In 0.2 and 0.4 mg groups, median prior Tx lines were 3 and 3, 32% and 32% had prior lenalidomide (LEN), 27% and 29% had prior T-cell–redirecting Tx (CAR T and/or bispecific antibody) and 32% and 32% were refractory to last regimen. Tx is ongoing in 6 (27%) and 17 (45%) pts at 0.2 and 0.4 mg, respectively; discontinuations (d/c) were mostly due to PD. Neutropenia, an on-target side effect of GOLCA, was the most common grade 3/4 Tx-emergent adverse event (TEAE) occurring in 59% and 68% of pts at 0.2 and 0.4 mg, followed by anemia (9% and 16%) and febrile neutropenia (9% and 8%). Median time to resolution of neutropenia was 8 days. Dose reductions occurred in 14% and 37% of pts at 0.2 and 0.4 mg, most commonly due to neutropenia (5% and 21%) and febrile neutropenia (5% and 5%). No d/c or deaths were from GOLCA-related TEAEs. Non-hematologic TEAEs were infrequent and mostly low grade. In efficacy-evaluable pts (GOLCA 0.2 and 0.4 mg + R, n=22 and n=36), median f/u was 14.03 months (mo), overall response rate (ORR) was 77% (complete response rate [CRR], 41%) at 0.2 mg, and 97% (CRR, 78%) at 0.4 mg. In the 0.4 mg group, responses were consistent in high-risk subsets including pts with prior LEN (ORR, 100%; CRR, 75%) and/or T-cell–redirecting Tx (ORR, 91%; CRR, 64%). GOLCA 0.4 mg + R demonstrated durable responses (median DOR, 9.17 mo; 91% of pts who achieved a CR remained in CR at cutoff). Conclusions: With longer f/u, GOLCA + R demonstrated promising efficacy with durable responses and no new safety signals. The 0.4 mg group had higher ORR and CRR than 0.2 mg, including in pts with prior LEN-based and/or T-cell–redirecting Tx, with a manageable safety profile at both doses. The results support the development of GOLCA + R as a fixed-duration, chemotherapy-free outpatient Tx in the Ph 3 GOLSEEK-4 study in 2L+ FL (NCT06911502). Clinical trial information: NCT03930953 .