Tag: Vaccines and Immunization

Single-chain variable fragment affinity tuning can optimize anti-AML CAR-NK cell functionality

Background Natural Killer (NK) cells have intrinsic anticancer activity that can be redirected toward acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering. Here, we study the functional consequences of CAR binding affinity and targeted epitope on CAR-NK cell activation, cytolytic synapse formation, and antitumor activity. Methods We characterized NK-92 and primary NK cell… Continue reading Single-chain variable fragment affinity tuning can optimize anti-AML CAR-NK cell functionality

New nasal vaccine for COVID-19 set to begin clinical trial in the U.S.

A nasal vaccine for COVID-19 – based on technology developed at Washington University in St. Louis – is poised to enter a phase 1 clinical trial in the U.S. after an investigational new drug application from Ocugen, Inc. was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ocugen, a U.S.-based biotechnology company, licensed the innovative… Continue reading New nasal vaccine for COVID-19 set to begin clinical trial in the U.S.

International approvals of cilta-cel: a lens on CAR T cell regulation

The BCMA-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) has demonstrated exceptional efficacy in studies conducted worldwide, which has resulted in regulatory approvals in >40 countries. Herein, we examine the regulatory pathways that led to its approval in different regions, focus on challenges in clinical development and regulatory submission, and provide insight… Continue reading International approvals of cilta-cel: a lens on CAR T cell regulation

Histone Methyltransferase G9a in Primary Sensory Neurons Promotes Inflammatory Pain and Transcription of Trpa1 and Trpv1 via Bivalent Histone Modifications

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels are crucial for detecting and transmitting nociceptive stimuli. Inflammatory pain is associated with sustained increases in TRPA1 and TRPV1 expression in primary sensory neurons. However, the epigenetic mechanisms driving this upregulation remain unknown. G9a (encoded by Ehmt2) catalyzes H3K9me2 and generally represses gene transcription.… Continue reading Histone Methyltransferase G9a in Primary Sensory Neurons Promotes Inflammatory Pain and Transcription of Trpa1 and Trpv1 via Bivalent Histone Modifications

Perioperative pembrolizumab in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): safety, efficacy, and exploratory biomarker analysis

Background Our study was designed to determine the safety, efficacy, and immunological effects of perioperative pembrolizumab in early-stage NSCLC. Methods This is a single-arm phase II study of perioperative pembrolizumab in patients with untreated, clinical stage IB to IIIA NSCLC. Patients received two doses of 200 mg pembrolizumab, surgery, standard adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by four… Continue reading Perioperative pembrolizumab in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): safety, efficacy, and exploratory biomarker analysis

Structural basis for complement receptor engagement and virus neutralization through Epstein-Barr virus gp350

Despite its range of disease associations, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) treatments or vaccines are lacking. Joyce et al. determined EBV gp350 structures complexed with either its human receptor, CR2, or virus-neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), thus illustrating structural convergence of viral receptor and nAbs and offering insights for vaccines and therapeutics for EBV.