The B7H4-PDL1 classifier stratifies immuno-phenotype in cervical cancer

Background It has been revealed that B7H4 is negatively correlated with PDL1 and identifies immuno-cold tumors in glioma. However, the application of the B7H4-PDL1 classifier in cancers has not been well testified. Methods A pan-cancer analysis was conducted to evaluate the immunological role of B7H4 using the RNA-sequencing data downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) were performed to validate the primary results revealed by bioinformatics analysis. Results The pan-cancer analysis revealed that B7H4 was negatively correlated with PDL1 expression and immune cell infiltration in CeCa. In addition, patients with high B7H4 exhibited the shortest overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) while those with high PDL1 exhibited a better prognosis. Multiplexed QIF showed that B7H4 was mutually exclusive with PDL1 expression and the B7H4-high group exhibited the lowest CD8 + T cell infiltration. Besides, B7H4-high predicted highly proliferative subtypes, which expressed the highest Ki67 antigen. Moreover, B7H4-high also indicated a lower response to multiple therapies. Conclusions Totally, the B7H4-PDL1 classifier identifies the immunogenicity and predicts proliferative subtypes and limited therapeutic options in CeCa, which may be a convenient and feasible biomarker in clinical practice.

insideOutside: an accessible algorithm for classifying interior and exterior points, with applications in embryology

A crucial aspect of embryology is relating the position of individual cells to the broader geometry of the embryo. A classic example can be seen in the first cell-fate decision of the mouse embryo, where interior cells become inner cell mass and exterior cells become trophectoderm. Advances in image acquisition and processing technology used by quantitative immunofluorescence have resulted in the production of embryo images with increasingly rich spatial information that demand accessible analytical methods. Here, we describe a simple mathematical framework and an unsupervised machine learning approach for classifying interior and exterior points of a three-dimensional point-cloud. We benchmark our method to demonstrate that it yields higher classification rates for pre-implantation mouse embryos and greater accuracy when challenged with local surface concavities. This method should prove useful to experimentalists within and beyond embryology, with broader applications in the biological and life sciences.

High Counts of CD68+ and CD163+ Macrophages in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Are Associated With Inferior Prognosis

BackgroundLymphoma-associated macrophages (LAMs) are key components in the lymphoma microenvironment, which may impact disease progression and response to therapy. There are two major subtypes of LAMs, CD68+ M1 and CD163+ M2. M2 LAMs can be transformed from M1 LAMs, particularly in certain diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). While mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is well-known to contain frequent epithelioid macrophages, LAM characterization within MCL has not been fully described. Herein we evaluate the immunophenotypic subclassification, the expression of immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1, and the prognostic impact of LAMs in MCL.Materials and MethodsA total of 82 MCL cases were collected and a tissue microarray block was constructed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using CD68 and CD163, and the positive cells were recorded manually in four representative 400× fields for each case. Multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence assays were carried out to determine PD-L1 expression on CD68+ M1 LAMs and CD163+ M2 LAMs. In addition, we assessed Ki67 proliferation rate of MCL by an automated method using the QuPath digital imaging analysis. The cut-off points of optimal separation of overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the X-Tile software, the SPSS version 26 was used to construct survival curves, and the log-rank test was performed to calculate the p-values.ResultsMCL had a much higher count of M1 LAMs than M2 LAMs with a CD68:CD163 ratio of 3:1. Both M1 and M2 LAMs were increased in MCL cases with high Ki67 proliferation rates (>30%), in contrast to those with low Ki67 (<30%). Increased number of M1 or M2 LAMs in MCL was associated with an inferior OS. Moreover, high expression of PD-L1 on M1 LAMs had a slightly better OS than the cases with low PD-L1 expression, whereas low expression of PD-L1 on M2 LAMs had a slightly improved OS, although both were not statistically significant.ConclusionsIn contrast to DLBCL, MCL had a significantly lower rate of M1 to M2 polarization, and the high levels of M1 and M2 LAMs were associated with poor OS. Furthermore, differential PD-L1 expressions on LAMs may partially explain the different functions of tumor-suppressing or tumor-promoting of M1 and M2 LAMs, respectively.

Minimally Invasive Embedding of Saturated MSU Induces Persistent Gouty Arthritis in Modified Rat Model

Introduction. Animal models are valid for in vivo research on the pathophysiological process and drug screening of gout arthritis. Intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) is the most common method, while stable MSU deposition enveloped by inflammatory cells was rarely reported. Objective. To develop a modified gouty arthritis rat model characterized by intra-articular MSU deposition and continuous joint pain with a minimally invasive method. Method. A total of twenty-four rats were randomly allocated into six groups. Three intervention groups of rats received intra-articular MSU embedment. Sham groups received pseudosurgeries with equal normal saline (NS). Gross parameters and pathological features of synovium harvested from anterior capsule were estimated. Mechanical pain threshold tests were conducted over a 96-hour period postoperatively. Moreover, quantitative immunofluorescence was conducted to assess tissue inflammation. Result. After MSU embedding, rats got more persistent arthritic symptoms as well as tissue MSU deposition. More significant synovial swelling was detected in the MSU group compared to sham groups ( P < 0.025 ). Behavioral tests showed that the embedding of MSU resulted in prolonged mechanical hyperalgesia during 2 hours to 96 hours postoperatively ( P < 0.05 ). MSU depositions enveloped by inflammatory cells that express IL-1β and TNF-α were detected in embedding groups. Quantitative immunofluorescence suggested that the frequencies of MSU interventions upregulated expression of proinflammatory factors including IL-1β and TNF-α ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. A minimally invasive method was developed to establish modified rat model of intra-articular MSU deposition. This model was proved to be a simple reproducible method to mimic the pathological characteristics of persistent gouty arthritis.

Quantitative immunofluorescence and mRNA analysis of immune-related biomarker groups in matched paired tumor samples from OPHELIA window study in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

6064 Background: Preclinical models suggest that PARP inhibitor-induced DNA damage can promote immune priming through a range of mechanisms including STING pathway activation. PARP inhibition also leads to adaptive upregulation of PD-L1 expression in preclinical models. To understand the distinct effects that different forms of DDR defects may have on tumor immunogenicity we decided to integrate genomic profiling with gene expression profiling and immunohistochemistry (IHC)/fluorescent assessments of PD-L1 expression, CD8 T-cell infiltration, and broad immune infiltrate, in order to define the overlap between DDR and immune-related biomarker groups and to build a deeper understanding of how DNA damage interfaces with antitumor immunity. Methods: 39 patients were enrolled in OPHELIA phase II trial in which pts were randomized 3:3:3:1 to Cisplatin (C) 60 mg/m2 on d1 followed by Olaparib (O) 75mg d 1-5 (Arm A), O 300 mg bid for 21-28 days (Arm B), no treatment (ARM C) or D 1500 mg on d1 followed by O 600 mg daily for 21-28 days (Arm D). PD-L1, STING, Ki67 and γ-H2AX were assessed using quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF). The GeneXpert (GX) closed system real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used for quantitative assessment of CD274 (PD-L1), PDCD1LG2 (PD-L2), CD8A, and IRF1 multiplex mRNA panel in pre- and post-treatment samples. Results: Ki67 was decreased in 23 out of 29 (79.3%) available samples when assessed by QIF; 13 / 23 had a decrease of at least 25%. Δγ-H2AX did not differ among treatment groups. A significant increase was observed in PD-L1 and PD-L2 mRNA levels after treatment with D-O (p = 0.023 and p = 0.016, respectively). An increase trend in posttreatment CD8A mRNA was observed in 23 out of 29 cases in the three treatment arms (p = 0.21, ARM A; p = 0.082, ARM B; p = 0.16, ARM D). IRF1 mRNA and STING protein levels were not upregulated after olaparib- based treatment in the available paired treatment samples. Conclusions: This window study demonstrated a significant upregulation of PD-L1 mRNA, corresponding to our previous data of increased Combined Positive Score (CPS) in the D-O arm post-treatment. Our findings suggest that addition of D to O leads to PD-L1 upregulation. Dual blockade of PARP and PD-1 can boost immune response and antitumor activity in HNSCC. Clinical trial information: NCT02882308.

Evaluation of the Effects of Solvents Used in the Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices on Cell Cultures

Microfluidic microphysiological systems (MPSs) or “organs-on-a-chip” are a promising alternative to animal models for drug screening and toxicology tests. However, most microfluidic devices employ polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the structural material; and this has several drawbacks. Cyclo-olefin polymers (COPs) are more advantageous than PDMS and other thermoplastic materials because of their low drug absorption and autofluorescence. However, most COP-based microfluidic devices are fabricated by solvent bonding of the constituent parts. Notably, the remnant solvent can affect the cultured cells. This study employed a photobonding process with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light to fabricate microfluidic devices without using any solvent and compared their performance with that of solvent-bonded systems (using cyclohexane, dichloromethane, or toluene as the solvent) to investigate the effects of residual solvent on cell cultures. Quantitative immunofluorescence assays indicated that the coating efficiencies of extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., Matrigel and collagen I) were lower in solvent-bonded COP devices than those in VUV-bonded devices. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the systems was evaluated using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and increased apoptosis was observed in the solvent-processed devices. These results provide insights into the effects of solvents used during the fabrication of microfluidic devices and can help prevent undesirable reactions and establish good manufacturing practices.

Evidence that polyploidy in esophageal adenocarcinoma originates from mitotic slippage caused by defective chromosome attachments

Polyploidy is present in many cancer types and is increasingly recognized as an important factor in promoting chromosomal instability, genome evolution, and heterogeneity in cancer cells. However, the mechanisms that trigger polyploidy in cancer cells are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the origin of polyploidy in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), a highly heterogenous cancer, using a combination of genomics and cell biology approaches in EAC cell lines, organoids, and tumors. We found the EAC cells and organoids present specific mitotic defects consistent with problems in the attachment of chromosomes to the microtubules of the mitotic spindle. Time-lapse analyses confirmed that EAC cells have problems in congressing and aligning their chromosomes, which can ultimately culminate in mitotic slippage and polyploidy. Furthermore, whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, and quantitative immunofluorescence analyses revealed alterations in the copy number, expression, and cellular distribution of several proteins known to be involved in the mechanics and regulation of chromosome dynamics during mitosis. Together, these results provide evidence that an imbalance in the amount of proteins implicated in the attachment of chromosomes to spindle microtubules is the molecular mechanism underlying mitotic slippage in EAC. Our findings that the likely origin of polyploidy in EAC is mitotic failure caused by problems in chromosomal attachments not only improves our understanding of cancer evolution and diversification, but may also aid in the classification and treatment of EAC and possibly other highly heterogeneous cancers.

OCT4 induces embryonic pluripotency via STAT3 signaling and metabolic mechanisms

OCT4 is a fundamental component of the molecular circuitry governing pluripotency in vivo and in vitro. To determine how OCT4 establishes and protects the pluripotent lineage in the embryo, we used comparative single-cell transcriptomics and quantitative immunofluorescence on control and OCT4 null blastocyst inner cell masses at two developmental stages. Surprisingly, activation of most pluripotency-associated transcription factors in the early mouse embryo occurs independently of OCT4, with the exception of the JAK/STAT signaling machinery. Concurrently, OCT4 null inner cell masses ectopically activate a subset of trophectoderm-associated genes. Inspection of metabolic pathways implicates the regulation of rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes by OCT4, consistent with a role in sustaining glycolysis. Furthermore, up-regulation of the lysosomal pathway was specifically detected in OCT4 null embryos. This finding implicates a requirement for OCT4 in the production of normal trophectoderm. Collectively, our findings uncover regulation of cellular metabolism and biophysical properties as mechanisms by which OCT4 instructs pluripotency.

High expression of PD-L1 Predicts Worse Overall Survival in the Cavitary Lung Adenocarcinoma

Objective Solitary cavitary lung cancer is one of the rare types of lung cancer. Generally, the relationship between cavitary lung adenocarcinoma and immunotherapy remains unknown. We aimed to assess programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1) expression and CD8-positive (CD8+) tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) density, and evaluate their prognostic significance of patients with cavitary lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods 65 patients diagnosed as solitary cavitary LUAD were included in this study, 30 cases of noncavitary LUAD patients were collected as controls, and their specimens from surgery or biopsy were obtained. Expression of PD-L1 protein and CD8+ TILs were detected by traditional immunohistochemistry and multiplex quantitative immunofluorescence technology. The correlations of PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological features, including overall survival in cavitary LUAD patients was evaluated based on the follow-up data. Results Overexpression of PD-L1 protein was detected in the tumor tissues of cavitary LUAD patients compared to the noncavitary LUAD controls. PD-L1 expression level was significantly related to the lymph node (P = 0.001), TNM stage (P = 0.024), and CD8+ TIL status (rs= -0.272, P = 0.025). High PD-L1 expression predicted high mortality rate (P < 0.001), but CD8+ TIL group showed better survival in cavitary LUAD patients (P = 0.011). This phenotype with high PD-L1 expression and low CD8 + TIL predicted poorer overall survival of the patients with cavitary LUAD, compared to the other phenotypes. Moreover, CD8+ TIL was an independent good prognosis factor. Conclusion We firstly demonstrated that PD-L1 is upregulated in the cavitary LUAD patients, and high expression of PD-L1 negatively correlated with CD8 T cell infiltrating status. High PD-L1 expression and low CD8 + TIL can predict poorer overall survival of the patients with cavitary LUAD.