Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) induces high overall response rates. However, relapse still occurs and novel strategies for targeting multiple myeloma cells using CAR T-cell therapy are needed. SLAMF7 (also known as CS1) and CD38 on tumor plasma cells represent potential alternative targets for CAR T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma, but their expression on activated T cells and other hematopoietic cells raises concerns about the efficacy and safety of such treatments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) have provided promising results in multiple myeloma (MM). However, many patients still relapse, pointing toward the need of improving this therapy. Here, we analyzed peripheral blood T cells from MM patients at different stages of the disease and investigated their phenotype and capacity to generate functional CAR-T directed against CS1 or B Cell Maturation antigen.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFB cells play a major role in the antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) of solid organ transplants, a major public health concern. The germinal center (GC) is involved in the generation of donor-specific antibody-producing plasma cells and memory B cells, which are often poorly controlled by current treatments. Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), an antiapoptotic member of the B-cell lymphoma-2 family, is essential for maintenance of the GC reaction and B-cell differentiation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLong-term survival of solid allografts depends on both immunosuppressive efficacy and reducing the side effects associated with these therapies. Immunotherapies developed over the past 15 years to prevent organ rejection have greatly improved cardiovascular and renal function compared with classical therapies, such as calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids. Immunotherapies that target T cells through the co-stimulation blockade (CTLA-4-Ig) improve renal function and the survival of grafts and patients, but are associated with higher rates of T-cell-mediated acute rejection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe BH3-only protein PUMA (p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis) is a major regulator of apoptosis. It belongs to the Bcl-2 family of proteins responsible for maintaining mitochondrial outer membrane integrity by controlling the intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathway. We describe here a new pathway regulating PUMA activation through the control of its subcellular distribution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInsect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an IgE-mediated (Type I) hypersensitivity reaction induced by allergens from biting midges of the Culicoides spp. The aim of the present study was to identify, clone and express recombinant allergens from C. obsoletus, the main species found feeding on horses in the Netherlands, by sequence homology searches on the C.
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