Pretreatment with IL-15 and IL-18 rescues natural killer cells from granzyme B-mediated apoptosis after cryopreservation.

Human natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies are under assessment for treating various cancers, but cryopreservation reduces both the recovery and function of NK cells, thereby limiting their therapeutic feasibility. Using cryopreservation protocols optimized for T cells, here we find that ~75% of NK cells die within 24 h post-thaw, with the remaining cells displaying reduced cytotoxicity. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and confocal microscopy, we find that cryopreserved NK cells largely die via apoptosis initiated by leakage of granzyme B from cytotoxic vesicles. Pretreatment of NK cells with a combination of Interleukins-15 (IL-15) and IL-18 prior to cryopreservation improves NK cell recovery to ~90-100% and enables equal tumour control in a xenograft model of disseminated Raji cell lymphoma compared to non-cryopreserved NK cells. The mechanism of IL-15 and IL-18-induced protection incorporates two mechanisms: a transient reduction in intracellular granzyme B levels via degranulation, and the induction of antiapoptotic genes.

PVRL2 Suppresses Antitumor Immunity through PVRIG- and TIGIT-independent Pathways.

Poliovirus receptor-related 2 (PVRL2, also known as nectin-2 or CD112) is believed to act as an immune checkpoint protein in cancer; however, most insight into its role is inferred from studies on its known receptor, poliovirus receptor (PVR)-related immunoglobulin domain protein (PVRIG, also known as CD112R). Here, we study PVRL2 itself. PVRL2 levels were found to be high in tumor cells and tumor-derived exosomes. Deletion of PVRL2 in multiple syngeneic mouse models of cancer showed a dramatic reduction in tumor growth that was immune dependent. This effect was even greater than that seen with deletion of PD-L1. PVRL2 was shown to function by suppressing CD8+ T and natural killer cells in the tumor microenvironment. The loss of PVRL2 suppressed tumor growth even in the absence of PVRIG. In contrast, PVRIG loss showed no additive effect in the absence of PVRL2. T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) blockade combined with PVRL2 deletion resulted in a near complete block in tumor growth. This effect was not recapitulated by the combined deletion of PVRL2 with its paralog, PVR, which is the ligand for TIGIT. These data uncover PVRL2 as a distinct inhibitor of the antitumor immune response with functions beyond that of its known receptor PVRIG. Moreover, the data provide a strong rationale for combinatorial targeting of PVRL2 and TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy.

Integrative machine learning approaches for predicting disease risk using multi-omics data from the UK Biobank.

We train prediction and survival models using multi-omics data for disease risk identification and stratification. Existing work on disease prediction focuses on risk analysis using datasets of individual data types (metabolomic, genomics, demographic), while our study creates an integrated model for disease risk assessment. We compare machine learning models such as Lasso Regression, Multi-Layer Perceptron, XG Boost, and ADA Boost to analyze multi-omics data, incorporating ROC-AUC score comparisons for various diseases and feature combinations. Additionally, we train Cox proportional hazard models for each disease to perform survival analysis. Although the integration of multi-omics data significantly improves risk prediction for 8 diseases, we find that the contribution of metabolomic data is marginal when compared to standard demographic, genetic, and biomarker features. Nonetheless, we see that metabolomics is a useful replacement for the standard biomarker panel when it is not readily available.

Enhancing Ocular Surface in Dry Eye Disease Patients: A Clinical Evaluation of a Topical Formulation Containing Sesquiterpene Lactone Helenalin.

The aim of this work was to assess the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of an ophthalmic topical formulation containing helenalin from Arnica montana and hyaluronic acid 0.4% (HA) in patients with mild-to-moderate Dry Eye Disease (DED) exhibiting positive Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) test results. Tolerability and safety were evaluated in 24 healthy subjects. Participants were instructed to apply one drop of the formulation three times a day in the study eye, for 2 weeks, followed by a clinical follow-up of 21 days. Efficacy was studied in 48 DED patients randomized into Study (Group 1/receiving the studied formulation) or Control (Group 2/Receiving HA 0.4% eye lubricant) groups for 1 month. Assessments included an MMP-9 positivity test, conjunctival impression cytology (CIC), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), non-invasive film tear breakup time (NIBUT), non-invasive average breakup time (NIAvg-BUT), ocular surface staining, Schirmer's test, and meibomiography. A crossover design with an additional 1-month follow-up was applied to both groups. Healthy subjects receiving the studied formulation exhibited good tolerability and no adverse events. Regarding the efficacy study, Group 1 exhibited a statistically significant reduction in the MMP-9 positivity rate compared to Group 2 (p < 0.001). Both Group 1 and Group 2 exhibited substantial improvements in OSDI and NIBUT scores (p < 0.001). However, Group 1 demonstrated a significant improvement in NI-Avg-BUT and Schirmer's test scores (p < 0.001), whereas Group 2 did not (p > 0.05). Finally, after the crossover, the proportion of MMP-9-positive subjects in Group 1 increased from 25% to 91.6%, while Group 2 showed a significant decrease from 87.5% to 20.8%. Overall, the topical formulation containing sesquiterpene helenalin from Arnica montana and hyaluronic acid was well tolerated and exhibited a favorable safety profile. Our formulation reduces DED symptomatology and modulates the ocular surface inflammatory process; this is evidenced by the enhancement of CIC, the improvement of DED-related tear film status, and the reduction of the MMP-9 positivity rate.

ITAM-based receptors in natural killer cells.

The ability of cells of the immune system to acquire features such as increased longevity and enhanced secondary responses was long thought to be restricted to cells of the adaptive immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells have challenged this notion by demonstrating that they can also gain adaptive features. This has been observed in both humans and mice during infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV). The generation of adaptive NK cells requires antigen-specific recognition of virally infected cells through stimulatory NK receptors. These receptors lack the ability to signal on their own and rather rely on adaptor molecules that contain ITAMs for driving signals. Here, we highlight our understanding of how these receptors influence the production of adaptive NK cells and propose areas in the field that merit further investigation.

MICB Genomic Variant Is Associated with NKG2D-mediated Acute Lung Injury and Death.

Rationale: Acute lung injury (ALI) carries a high risk of mortality but has no established pharmacologic therapy. We previously found that experimental ALI occurs through natural killer (NK) cell NKG2D receptor activation and that the cognate human ligand, MICB, was associated with ALI after transplantation. Objectives: To investigate the association of a common missense variant, MICBG406A, with ALI. Methods: We assessed MICBG406A genotypes within two multicenter observational study cohorts at risk for ALI: primary graft dysfunction (N = 619) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (N = 1,376). Variant protein functional effects were determined in cultured and ex vivo human samples. Measurements and Main Results: Recipients of MICBG406A-homozygous allografts had an 11.1% absolute risk reduction (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2-19.4%) for severe primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation and reduced risk for allograft failure (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.13-0.98). In participants with sepsis, we observed 39% reduced odds of moderately or severely impaired oxygenation among MICBG406A-homozygous individuals (95% CI, 0.43-0.86). BAL NK cells were less frequent and less mature in participants with MICBG406A. Expression of missense variant protein MICBD136N in cultured cells resulted in reduced surface MICB and reduced NKG2D ligation relative to wild-type MICB. Coculture of variant MICBD136N cells with NK cells resulted in less NKG2D activation and less susceptibility to NK cell killing relative to the wild-type cells. Conclusions: These data support a role for MICB signaling through the NKG2D receptor in mediating ALI, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach.

Closed reduction of fracture-dislocation of the sub-axial cervical spine with Gardner-Wells tongs. Technical note.

Study design: Technical note. Purpose: To provide a technical description of the placement of Gardner-Wells tongs and the performance of awake cranio-cervical traction to reduce AO type C injuries of the sub-axial cervical spine with Gardner-Wells tongs. Methods: In this technical note, the authors present the indications, the contraindications, the pull-out of the pins, a detailed description of the technique for its proper placement, traction reduction technique, reduction maneuvers, complications and post-reduction care. Results: Awake reduction of AO type C injuries of the sub-axial cervical spine can be successfully performed using Gardner-Wells tongs. Conclusions: There is sufficient evidence to recommend the use of cranio-cervical traction in these vertebral injuries; however, we lack a detailed technical note to guide its proper placement.

CCR5 drives NK cell-associated airway damage in pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) limits clinical benefit after lung transplantation, a life-prolonging therapy for patients with end-stage disease. PGD is the clinical syndrome resulting from pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), driven by innate immune inflammation. We recently demonstrated a key role for NK cells in the airways of mouse models and human tissue samples of IRI. Here, we used 2 mouse models paired with human lung transplant samples to investigate the mechanisms whereby NK cells migrate to the airways to mediate lung injury. We demonstrate that chemokine receptor ligand transcripts and proteins are increased in mouse and human disease. CCR5 ligand transcripts were correlated with NK cell gene signatures independently of NK cell CCR5 ligand secretion. NK cells expressing CCR5 were increased in the lung and airways during IRI and had increased markers of tissue residency and maturation. Allosteric CCR5 drug blockade reduced the migration of NK cells to the site of injury. CCR5 blockade also blunted quantitative measures of experimental IRI. Additionally, in human lung transplant bronchoalveolar lavage samples, we found that CCR5 ligand was associated with increased patient morbidity and that the CCR5 receptor was increased in expression on human NK cells following PGD. These data support a potential mechanism for NK cell migration during lung injury and identify a plausible preventative treatment for PGD.

The Evolution of Triamcinolone Acetonide Therapeutic Use in Retinal Diseases: From Off-Label Intravitreal Injection to Advanced Nano-Drug Delivery Systems.

Ophthalmic drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye has been challenging due to the complex ocular anatomy. Intravitreal injection of drugs was introduced to deliver therapeutic doses in the posterior segment. Different posterior segment diseases including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusions, uveitis, and cystoid macular edema, among others, have been historically treated with intravitreal corticosteroids injections, and more recently with intravitreal corticosteroids drug implants. Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is the most frequently used intraocular synthetic corticosteroid. Using nanoparticle-based TA delivery systems has been proposed as an alternative to intravitreal injections in the treatment of posterior segment diseases. From these novel delivery systems, topical liposomes have been the most promising strategy. This review is oriented to exhibit triamcinolone acetonide drug evolution and its results in treating posterior segment diseases using diverse delivery platforms.

X chromosome enhances NK cell responses.

Incomplete X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) can cause differences between sexes. Cheng et al. identified that the histone demethylase UTX, encoded by an X chromosome gene that escapes XCI, contributes to sex differences in natural killer (NK) cells, whereby males have increased NK cell numbers while female NK cells have enhanced responsiveness.

Citrobacter koseri: A rare cause of an epidural spinal abscess.

Background: Citrobacter koseri, a Gram-negative organism, rarely causes an epidural spinal abscess. Case Description: A 50-year-old male presented with mild paraparesis attributed to an magnetic resonance (MR)-documented spinal epidural abscess (SEA) at the T10-level. Following surgical debridement, cultures grew C. koseri, a rare Gram-negative organism. The abscess was subsequently managed with a prolonged course of antibiotics resulting in complete symptom and MR-documented radiological resolution. Conclusion: A 50-year-old male presented with a T10 SEA attributed to a rare Gram-negative organism, C. koseri. The abscess was appropriately managed with surgical decompression/debridement, followed by prolonged antibiotic therapy.

The CD16 and CD32b Fc-gamma receptors regulate antibody-mediated responses in mouse natural killer cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes capable of mediating immune responses without prior sensitization. NK cells express Fc-gamma receptors (FcγRs) that engage the Fc region of IgG. Studies investigating the role of FcγRs on mouse NK cells have been limited due to lack specific reagents. In this study, we characterize the expression and biological consequences of activating mouse NK cells through their FcγRs. We demonstrate that most NK cells express the activating CD16 receptor, and a subset of NK cells also expresses the inhibitory CD32b receptor. Critically, these FcγRs are functional on mouse NK cells and can modulate antibody-mediated responses. We also characterized mice with conditional knockout alleles of Fcgr3 (CD16) or Fcgr2b (CD32b) in the NK and innate lymphoid cell (ILC) lineage. NK cells in these mice did not reveal any developmental defects and were responsive to cross-linking activating NK receptors, cytokine stimulation, and killing of YAC-1 targets. Importantly, CD16-deficient NK cells failed to induce antibody-directed cellular cytotoxicity of antibody-coated B-cell lymphomas in in vitro assays. In addition, we demonstrate the important role of CD16 on NK cells using an in vivo model of cancer immunotherapy using anti-CD20 antibody treatment of B-cell lymphomas.

An insight on the eye bacterial microbiota and its role on dry eye disease.

The human ocular surface hosts a bacterial assemblage that integrates a diverse and complex microbiome. This bacterial microbiota is part of a healthy eye and plays a protective role in it. However, this ocular bacterial assemblage may alter the ocular surface inflammation response and can influence the development and progression of dry eye disease. For this reason, the present review describes the changes generated on the ocular surface by bacterial assemblages during the development of dry eye disease. Likewise, the interaction of this microbiota with the other inflammatory factors that influence the development of this disease is analyzed, as well as the use of treatments focused on modifying the bacteria on the ocular surface.

Tratamiento a largo plazo del dolor pélvico con levonorgestrel en mujeres con endometriosis que desean posponer el embarazo y preservar su fertilidad. Serie de casos / Long-term management of pelvic pain with levonorgestrel in women with endometriosis who desire to postpone a future pregnancy and preserve their fertility. Case Series

Resumen OBJETIVO: Valorar el tratamiento a largo plazo del dolor pélvico con levonorgestrel en mujeres con endometriosis que desean posponer el embarazo y preservar su fertilidad. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio ambispectivo, con intervención medicamentosa, longitudinal y descriptivo de serie de casos. Parámetros de estudio: medición de la intensidad del dolor a los 12, 24 y 36 meses posteriores a la colocación de un implante único de goserelina (Zoladex de 10,6 mg, AstraZeneca AB, Gärtunavägen). Al retorno de la menstruación se colocó un dispositivo intrauterino con levonorgestrel (Mirena Bayer AG, Leverkusen). La intensidad del dolor pélvico se midió con la Escala Numérica del Dolor (Escala ENA). RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 14 pacientes de las que 5 refirieron dolor: 4 con intensidad 1 y una con intensidad 3. El resto de las pacientes no refirió dolor. Todas las pacientes refirieron alivio general subjetivo a los 12 meses de seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: El levonorgestrel administrado por vía intrauterina puede ser una alternativa para mantener, a largo plazo, sin dolor a pacientes con endometriosis que desean posponer el embarazo. Para confirmar lo aquí encontrado hacen falta estudios controlados, con asignación al azar y con un tamaño de muestra realmente representativo.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term treatment of pelvic pain with levonorgestrel in women with endometriosis who wish to postpone pregnancy and preserve their fertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ambispective study, with drug intervention, longitudinal and descriptive case series. Study parameters: measurement of pain intensity at 12, 24 and 36 months after placement of a single goserelin implant (Zoladex 10.6 mg, AstraZeneca AB, Gärtunavägen). At the return of menstruation, an intrauterine device containing levonorgestrel (Mirena Bayer AG, Leverkusen) was inserted. The intensity of pelvic pain was measured with the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS). RESULTS: Fourteen patients were studied of whom five reported pain: four with intensity 1 and one with intensity 3. The rest of the patients reported no pain. All patients reported subjective general relief at 12 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Levonorgestrel administered intrauterine may be an alternative for the long-term pain-free treatment of patients with endometriosis who wish to postpone pregnancy. Controlled, randomized studies with a truly representative sample size are needed to confirm the findings.

Spinal canal invasion as a predictor of neurological deficit in traumatic vertebral burst fractures.

Background: This study correlated the extent of spinal canal compression from retropulsed traumatic burst cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine fractures with the severity of neurological dysfunction. Methods: One hundred and sixty-nine patients with cervical, thoracic, or lumbar sub-axial traumatic burst fractures were seen in an emergency department from 2019 to 2021; 79.3% were men, averaging 37 years of age. The lumbar spine was most frequently involved (42%), followed by the thoracic (36.1%) and cervical (21.9%) levels. The extent of spinal canal compression was quantitated utilizing Hashimoto's method, and correlated with patients' extent of neurological injury based on their American Spinal Injury Association scores. Results: There was a positive correlation between the extent of cervical and thoracic spinal cord compression due to retro pulsed burst fragments and the severity of the patients' neurological deficits, but this was not true for the lumbar spine. Conclusion: The extent of spinal cord compression from retropulsed cervical and thoracic traumatic burst fractures was readily correlated with the severity of patients' neurological dysfunction. However, there was no such correlation between the extent of cauda equina compression from retropulsed lumbar burst fractures and the severity of their cauda equina syndromes.

Alveolar macrophage metabolic programming via a C-type lectin receptor protects against lipo-toxicity and cell death.

Alveolar macrophages (AM) hold lung homeostasis intact. In addition to the defense against inhaled pathogens and deleterious inflammation, AM also maintain pulmonary surfactant homeostasis, a vital lung function that prevents pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Signals transmitted between AM and pneumocytes of the pulmonary niche coordinate these specialized functions. However, the mechanisms that guide the metabolic homeostasis of AM remain largely elusive. We show that the NK cell-associated receptor, NKR-P1B, is expressed by AM and is essential for metabolic programming. Nkrp1b-/- mice are vulnerable to pneumococcal infection due to an age-dependent collapse in the number of AM and the formation of lipid-laden AM. The AM of Nkrp1b-/- mice show increased uptake but defective metabolism of surfactant lipids. We identify a physical relay between AM and alveolar type-II pneumocytes that is dependent on pneumocyte Clr-g expression. These findings implicate the NKR-P1B:Clr-g signaling axis in AM-pneumocyte communication as being important for maintaining metabolism in AM.

Variability in wound closure technique in midline posterior lumbar fusion surgery. International survey and standardized closure technique proposal.

Background: Surgical wound complications represent an important risk factor, particularly in multilevel lumbar fusions. However, the literature regarding optimal wound closure techniques for these procedures is limited. Methods: We performed an online survey of 61 spinal surgeons from 11 countries, involving 25 different hospitals. The study included 26 neurosurgeons, 21 orthopedists, and 14 residents (Neurosurgery - 6 and orthopedics 8). The survey contained 17 questions on demographic information, closure techniques, and the use of drainage in posterior lumbar fusion surgery. We then developed a "consensus technique." Results: The proposed standardized closure techniques included: (1) using subfascial gravity drainage (i.e., without suction) with drain removal for <50 ml/day or a maximum duration of 48 h, (2) paraspinal muscle, fascia, and supraspinous ligament closure using interrupted-X stitches 0 or 1 Vicryl or other longer-lasting resorbable suture (i.e., polydioxanone suture), (3) closure of subcutaneous tissue with interrupted inverted Vicryl 2-0 sutures in two planes for subcutaneous tissue greater >25 mm in depth, and (4) skin closure with simple interrupted nylon 3-0 sutures. Conclusion: There is great variability between closure techniques utilized for multilevel posterior lumbar fusion surgery. Here, we have described various standardized/evidence-based proven techniques for the closure of these wounds.

The CD3ζ adaptor structure determines functional differences between human and mouse CD16 Fc receptor signaling.

Natural killer (NK) cells can detect antibody-coated cells through recognition by the CD16 Fc receptor. The importance of CD16 in human NK cell biology has long been appreciated, but how CD16 functions in mouse NK cells remains poorly understood. Here, we report drastic differences between human and mouse CD16 functions in NK cells. We demonstrate that one of the adaptor molecules that CD16 associates with and signals through, CD3ζ, plays a critical role in these functional differences. Using a systematic approach, we demonstrate that residues in the transmembrane domain of the mouse CD3ζ molecule prevent efficient complex formation with mouse CD16, thereby dampening receptor function. Mutating these residues in mouse CD3ζ to those encoded by human CD3ζ resulted in rescue of CD16 receptor function. We reveal that the mouse CD3ζ transmembrane domain adopts a tightly packed confirmation, preventing association with CD16, whereas human CD3ζ adopts a versatile configuration that accommodates receptor assembly.

Influence of Self-MHC Class I Recognition on the Dynamics of NK Cell Responses to Cytomegalovirus Infection.

Although interactions between inhibitory Ly49 receptors and their self-MHC class I ligands in C57BL/6 mice are known to limit NK cell proliferation during mouse CMV (MCMV) infection, we created a 36-marker mass cytometry (CyTOF) panel to investigate how these inhibitory receptors impact the NK cell response to MCMV in other phenotypically measurable ways. More than two thirds of licensed NK cells (i.e., those expressing Ly49C, Ly49I, or both) in uninfected mice had already differentiated into NK cells with phenotypes indicative of Ag encounter (KLRG1+Ly6C-) or memory-like status (KLRG1+Ly6C+). These pre-existing KLRG1+Ly6C+ NK cells resembled known Ag-specific memory NK cell populations in being less responsive to IL-18 and IFN-α stimulation in vitro and by selecting for NK cell clones with elevated expression of a Ly49 receptor. During MCMV infection, the significant differences between licensed and unlicensed (Ly49C-Ly49I-) NK cells disappeared within both CMV-specific (Ly49H+) and nonspecific (Ly49H-) responses. This lack of heterogeneity carried into the memory phase, with only a difference in CD16 expression manifesting between licensed and unlicensed MCMV-specific memory NK cell populations. Our results suggest that restricting proliferation is the predominant effect licensing has on the NK cell population during MCMV infection, but the inhibitory Ly49-MHC interactions that take place ahead of infection contribute to their limited expansion by shrinking the pool of licensed NK cells capable of robustly responding to new challenges.

Mass cytometry reveals single-cell kinetics of cytotoxic lymphocyte evolution in CMV-infected renal transplant patients.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with graft rejection in renal transplantation. Memory-like natural killer (NK) cells expressing NKG2C and lacking FcεRIγ are established during CMV infection. Additionally, CD8+ T cells expressing NKG2C have been observed in some CMV-seropositive patients. However, in vivo kinetics detailing the development and differentiation of these lymphocyte subsets during CMV infection remain limited. Here, we interrogated the in vivo kinetics of lymphocytes in CMV-infected renal transplant patients using longitudinal samples compared with those of nonviremic (NV) patients. Recipient CMV-seropositive (R+) patients had preexisting memory-like NK cells (NKG2C+CD57+FcεRIγ-) at baseline, which decreased in the periphery immediately after transplantation in both viremic and NV patients. We identified a subset of prememory-like NK cells (NKG2C+CD57+FcεRIγlow-dim) that increased during viremia in R+ viremic patients. These cells showed a higher cytotoxic profile than preexisting memory-like NK cells with transient up-regulation of FcεRIγ and Ki67 expression at the acute phase, with the subsequent accumulation of new memory-like NK cells at later phases of viremia. Furthermore, cytotoxic NKG2C+CD8+ T cells and γδ T cells significantly increased in viremic patients but not in NV patients. These three different cytotoxic cells combinatorially responded to viremia, showing a relatively early response in R+ viremic patients compared with recipient CMV-seronegative viremic patients. All viremic patients, except one, overcame viremia and did not experience graft rejection. These data provide insights into the in vivo dynamics and interplay of cytotoxic lymphocytes responding to CMV viremia, which are potentially linked with control of CMV viremia to prevent graft rejection.