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Topic Review
Biography
Topic Review
STxB in Mucosal Vaccination
One mucosal vaccine candidate is the B-subunit of Shiga toxin, STxB. STxB is a non-toxic protein that binds to a glycosylated lipid, termed globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), which is preferentially expressed by dendritic cells.
522
25 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Antibodies and Pentraxins
Macrophages play a key role in induction of inflammatory responses. These inflammatory responses are mostly considered to be instigated by activation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) or cytokine receptors. However, recently it has become clear that also antibodies and pentraxins, which can both activate Fc receptors (FcRs), induce very powerful inflammatory responses by macrophages that can even be an order of magnitude greater than PRRs. While the physiological function of this antibody-dependent inflammation (ADI) is to counteract infections, undesired activation or over-activation of this mechanism will lead to pathology, as observed in a variety of disorders, including viral infections such as COVID-19, chronic inflammatory disorders such as Crohn’s disease, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
522
04 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Dendritic Cell Tumor Vaccination
Despite significant recent improvements in the field of immunotherapy, cancer remains a heavy burden on patients and healthcare systems. In recent years, immunotherapies have led to remarkable strides in treating certain cancers. However, despite the success of checkpoint inhibitors and the advent of cellular therapies, novel strategies need to be explored to (1) improve treatment in patients where these approaches fail and (2) make such treatments widely and financially accessible. Vaccines based on tumor antigens (Ag) have emerged as an innovative strategy with the potential to address these areas. Here, we review the fundamental aspects relevant for the development of cancer vaccines and the critical role of dendritic cells (DCs) in this process. We first offer a general overview of DC biology and routes of Ag presentation eliciting effective T cell-mediated immune responses. We then present new therapeutic avenues specifically targeting Fc gamma receptors (FcγR) as a means to deliver antigen selectively to DCs and its effects on T-cell activation. We present an overview of the mechanistic aspects of FcγR-mediated DC targeting, as well as potential tumor vaccination strategies based on preclinical and translational studies. In particular, we highlight recent developments in the field of recombinant immune complex-like large molecules and their potential for DC-mediated tumor vaccination in the clinic. These findings go beyond cancer research and may be of relevance for other disease areas that could benefit from FcγR-targeted antigen delivery, such as autoimmunity and infectious diseases.
522
29 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Anti-Cancer Role and Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles
Cell–cell communication is an important mechanism in biological processes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), also referred to as exosomes, microvesicles, and prostasomes, are microvesicles secreted from a variety of cells. Importantly, EVs contribute to cancer malignancy mechanisms such as carcinogenesis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and escape from the immune system. As EVs are thought to be secreted into body fluids, they have the potential to serve as diagnostic markers for liquid biopsy. In addition, the characteristics of EVs make them suitable for use in drug delivery systems and novel cancer treatments.
521
22 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Cell Senescence
The ageing of an organism is based on the mechanisms that mediate the ageing of its cells, that is, cell senescence. Senescence is a programmed mechanism that protects cells, predominantly against DNA damage.
521
14 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Exosomes in Alpha-Synucleinopathies
The pathological accumulation of alpha-synuclein governs the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy, collectively termed alpha-synucleinopathies. Alpha-synuclein can be released in the extracellular space, partly via exosomes, and this extracellular protein pool may contribute to disease progression by facilitating the spread of pathological alpha-synuclein or activating immune cells. The content of exosomes depends on their origin and includes specific proteins, lipids, functional mRNAs and various non-coding RNAs. Given their ability to mediate intercellular communication via the transport of multilevel information, exosomes are considered to be transporters of toxic agents. Beyond neurons, glial cells also release exosomes, which may contain inflammatory molecules and this glia-to-neuron or neuron-to-glia transmission of exosomal alpha-synuclein may contribute to the propagation of pathology and neuroinflammation throughout the brain. In addition, as their content varies as per their originating and recipient cells, these vesicles can be utilized as a diagnostic biomarker for early disease detection, whereas targeted exosomes may be used as scaffolds to deliver therapeutic agents into the brain.
521
21 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Techniques to Preserve Endothelial Cells in Vein Grafts
Endothelial cells comprise the intimal layer of the vasculature, playing a crucial role in facilitating and regulating aspects such nutrient transport, vascular homeostasis, and inflammatory response. Endothelial dysfunction is believed to be a key driver for vein graft disease—a pathology in which vein grafts utilised in coronary artery bypass graft surgery develop intimal hyperplasia and accelerated atherosclerosis, resulting in poor long-term patency rates. Activation and denudation of the endothelium following surgical trauma and implantation of the graft encourage a host of immune, inflammatory, and cellular differentiation responses that risk driving the graft to failure. Several approaches have been developed to mitigate the onset and progression of this pathology both clincally and surgically, including optimisation of surgical technique, vein preservation conditions and pharma-modulation. Novel approaches are also under investigation in recent years, including the use of topical gene therapy and the utilisation of endothelial progenitor/colony-forming cells to regenerate vein grafts with the view to improving patient outcomes.
520
10 Oct 2022
Topic Review
The Molecular Mechanisms of 4-N-[2-(4-Phenoxyphenyl)Ethyl]Quinazoline-4,6-Diamine Activity
Quinazoline derivatives are a large pool of natural and synthetic compounds. The first derivatives of quinazoline were synthesized at the end of the 19th century. one quinazoline derivative (4-N-[2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)ethyl]quinazoline-4,6-diamine)—EVP4593 (also marked as QNZ) was originally synthesized in 2003 as a modulator of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal transduction pathway. Since that time, EVP4593 has been widely used as a blocker of NF-κB signaling (Sigma-Aldrich, cat #481417). Further it has been reported the ability of EVP4593 to affect store-operated calcium channels.
520
21 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Fibroblast Memory in Development, Homeostasis and Disease
Fibroblasts are the major cell population in the connective tissue of most organs, where they are essential for their structural integrity. They are best known for their role in remodelling the extracellular matrix, however more recently they have been recognised as a functionally highly diverse cell population that constantly responds and adapts to their environment. Biological memory is the process of a sustained altered cellular state and functions in response to a transient or persistent environmental stimulus. While it is well established that fibroblasts retain a memory of their anatomical location, how other environmental stimuli influence fibroblast behaviour and function is less clear. The ability of fibroblasts to respond and memorise different environmental stimuli is essential for tissue development and homeostasis and may become dysregulated in chronic disease conditions such as fibrosis and cancer.
520
04 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Extracellular Matrix Environment of ccRCC
The extracellular matrix (ECM) controls fundamental properties of tumors, including growth, blood vessel investment, and invasion. The ECM defines rigidity of tumor tissue and individual ECM proteins have distinct biological effects on tumor cells. The most frequent initiating genetic mutation in ccRCC (clear cell renal cell carcinoma) inactivates the VHL gene, which plays a direct role in organizing the ECM.
520
15 Sep 2022
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