Engineering biomimetic bone marrow niche with gene modified mesenchymal stromal cells for ex vivo culture of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

Background: Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs) gene therapy has shown significant progress, with commercial approval for at least four distinct haematological disorders, and poised for a rapid expansion in the upcoming years. Despite these advancements, the ex vivo culture of HSPCs continues to present significant challenges. The stress induced by ex vivo culture can negatively impact transplantation outcomes, while the need for exogenous cytokine supplementation contributes to the high costs associated with gene therapy products.

Enhanced fetal hemoglobin production via dual-beneficial mutation editing of the HBG promoter in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for β-hemoglobinopathies.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia patients with elevated gamma globin (HBG1/G2) levels exhibit mild or no symptoms. To recapitulate this natural phenomenon, the most coveted gene therapy approach is to edit the regulatory sequences of HBG1/G2 to reactivate them. By editing more than one regulatory sequence in the HBG promoter, the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can be significantly increased.

Role of prior immunity in binding to spike of "future" Omicron subvariants.

Background: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, virus evolution and large-scale vaccination programs have caused multiple exposures to SARS CoV-2 spike protein, resulting in complex antibody profiles. The binding of these to spike protein of "future" variants in the context of such heterogeneous exposure has not been studied.

Methods: We tested archival sera (Delta and Omicron period) stratified by anti-spike antibody (including IgG) levels for reactivity to Omicron-subvariants(BA.

Regenerative Potential of Stem Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).

Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition that is critically challenging and progressive, needing immediate medical attention due to its complex pathophysiology and affecting the social status and economic burden. Stem cell therapy has been the emerging therapeutic trend to treat various diseases for decades. Mesenchymal stem cells pose more advantages over other stem cells in immune-modulation, immune evasiveness, self-renewal, multipotency, etc.

Dynamic modulation of DC-SIGN and FcΥR2A receptors expression on platelets in dengue.

Platelet activation has been reported to play a major role in inflammatory response and thrombocytopenia during dengue viral infection. Cells expressing FcϒR2Aand DC-SIGN receptors are reported to be involved in dengue virulence. The present study is designed to assess the expression level of these two receptors on platelet surface collected from dengue patients and to study its association in patients with platelet RNA positive for dengue virus.