To enhance the therapeutic index of T-cell engagers (TCEs), we engineered masked, precision-activated TCEs (XPAT proteins), targeting a tumor antigen (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)) and CD3. Unstructured XTEN polypeptide masks flank the N and C termini of the TCE and are designed to be released by proteases in the tumor microenvironment. In vitro, unmasked HER2-XPAT (uTCE) demonstrates potent cytotoxicity, with XTEN polypeptide masking providing up to 4-log-fold protection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe possibilities of utilizing nacre as a reinforcing material to manufacture 3D printed bone grafts are yet to be explored. This work reports the feasibility of fabricating 3D printed nacre-hydroxyapatitestarch composite bone graft substitutes, emphasizing the effects of nacre addition on biological and mechanical properties. Pressure-less extrusion-based 3D printing of ceramic-polymer viscous slurry is challenging due to the composition and process-parameter variations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl
October 2020
Osteosarcoma remains one of the most common malignant primary bone tumors. Post-surgical defect repair combined with tumor suppression remains a major clinical challenge. Investigations of alternative treatments for osteosarcoma, while promising, have led to multi-drug resistance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDelayed healing and nonhealing of bone defects or resected bone sites remains an important clinical concern in the biomedical field. Osteosarcoma is one of the most common types of primary bone cancers. Among calcium phosphates, hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) are the most widely used in various biomedical applications for bone reconstruction and replacement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSignificant efforts have been made to treat bone disorders through the development of composite scaffolds utilizing calcium phosphate (CaP) through additive manufacturing techniques. However, the incorporation of natural polymers with CaP during 3D printing is difficult and remains a formidable challenge in bone and tissue engineering applications. The objective of this study is to understand the use of a natural polymer binder system in ceramic composite scaffolds using a ceramic slurry-based solid freeform fabricator (SFF).
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