In Vivo Imaging of Immune Rejection of MIN6 Cells Transplanted in C3H Mice.

Recently, we successfully utilized noninvasive magnetic resonance and bioluminescence imaging to track MIN6 cells subcutaneously transplanted in immunocompromised nude mice for up to 64 days. In this study, we further used bioluminescence imaging to investigate the immune rejection of MIN6 cells in immunocompetent C3H mice. A total of 5 × 10 luciferase-transfected MIN6 cells were implanted into the subcutaneous space of each nude or C3H mouse.

The implication of serum HLA-G in angiogenesis of multiple myeloma.

Background: Despite the advances of therapies, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable hematological cancer that most patients experience relapse. Tumor angiogenesis is strongly correlated with cancer relapse. Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) has been known as a molecule to suppress angiogenesis.

PD-L1-positive circulating endothelial progenitor cells associated with immune response to PD-1 blockade in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

A number of the inhibitors against programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) have been approved to treat recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC). The interaction between PD-1 and its ligand (PD-L1) serves as an immune checkpoint that governs cytotoxic immune effectors against tumors. Numerous clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have so far been discordant about having sufficient PD-L1 expression in the tumor as a prerequisite for a successful anti-PD-1 treatment.

The Image-Histology Correlation of Subcutaneous mPEG-poly(Ala) Hydrogel-Embedded MIN6 Cell Grafts in Nude Mice.

Previously, we have successfully used noninvasive magnetic resonance (MR) and bioluminescence imaging to detect and monitor mPEG-poly(Ala) hydrogel-embedded MIN6 cells at the subcutaneous space for up to 64 days. In this study, we further explored the histological evolution of MIN6 cell grafts and correlated it with image findings. MIN6 cells were incubated overnight with chitosan-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (CSPIO) and then 5 × 10 cells in the 100 μL hydrogel solution were injected subcutaneously into each nude mouse.

Artifact-Free Microstructures in the Interfacial Reaction between Eutectic In-48Sn and Cu Using Ion Milling.

Eutectic In-48Sn was considered a promising candidate for low-temperature solder due to its low melting point and excellent mechanical properties. Both Cu(In,Sn) and Cu(In,Sn) formation were observed at the In-48Sn/Cu interface after 160 °C soldering. However, traditional mechanical polishing produces many defects at the In-48Sn/Cu interface, which may affect the accuracy of interfacial reaction investigations.

Highly Robust Ti Adhesion Layer during Terminal Reaction in Micro-Bumps.

The use of scaled-down micro-bumps in miniaturized consumer electronic products has led to the easy realization of full intermetallic solder bumps owing to the completion of the wetting layer. However, the direct contact of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) with the adhesion layer may pose serious reliability concerns. In this study, the terminal reaction of the Ti adhesion layer with Cu-Sn IMCs was investigated by aging the micro-bumps at 200 °C.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Transplanted Porcine Neonatal Pancreatic Cell Clusters Labeled with Exendin-4-Conjugated Manganese Magnetism-Engineered Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

Recently, we have shown that manganese magnetism-engineered iron oxide nanoparticles (MnMEIO NPs) conjugated with exendin-4 (Ex4) act as a contrast agent that directly trace implanted mouse islet β-cells by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here we further advanced this technology to track implanted porcine neonatal pancreatic cell clusters (NPCCs) containing ducts, endocrine, and exocrine cells. NPCCs from one-day-old neonatal pigs were isolated, cultured for three days, and then incubated overnight with MnMEIO-Ex4 NPs.

Exendin-4-Conjugated Manganese Magnetism-Engineered Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Potential Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent for Tracking Transplanted β-Cells.

To specifically detect and trace transplanted islet β-cells by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we conjugated manganese magnetism-engineered iron oxide nanoparticles (MnMEIO NPs) with exendin-4 (Ex4) which specifically binds glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors on the surface of β-cells. The size distribution of MnMEIO and MnMEIO-Ex4 NPs were 67.8 ± 1.

Activated naïve γδ T cells accelerate deep molecular response to BCR-ABL inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that target BCR-ABL are the frontline treatments in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Growing evidence has shown that TKIs also enhance immunity. Since gamma-delta T (γδT) cells possess the potent anticancer capability, here we investigated the potential involvement of γδT cells in TKI treatments for CML.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Transplanted Porcine Neonatal Pancreatic Cell Clusters Labeled with Chitosan-Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Mice.

Neonatal pancreatic cell clusters (NPCCs) are potential tissues for the treatment of diabetes. Different from adult cells, they continuously proliferate and differentiate after transplantation. In this study, we utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect and monitor implanted NPCCs.

Noninvasive Tracking of mPEG-poly(Ala) Hydrogel-Embedded MIN6 Cells after Subcutaneous Transplantation in Mice.

Recently, we demonstrated the feasibility of subcutaneous transplantation of MIN6 cells embedded in a scaffold with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (mPEG)-poly(Ala) hydrogels. In this study, we further tracked these grafts using magnetic resonance (MR) and bioluminescence imaging. After being incubated overnight with chitosan-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (CSPIO) nanoparticles and then mixed with mPEG-poly(Ala) hydrogels, MIN6 cells appeared as dark spots on MR scans.

Implanted islet mass influences the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor LAF237 on transplantation outcomes in diabetic mice.

Background: Previous studies showed inconsistent Results of the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV inhibitors on syngeneic mouse islet transplantation. We hypothesized that the implanted islet numbers are critical for the effects of DPP-IV inhibitors on the outcomes of transplantation.

Methods: One hundred and fifty or three hundred islets were syngeneically transplanted under the renal capsule of each streptozocin-diabetic C57BL/6 mouse and recipients were then treated without or with LAF237 (10 mg/kg/day, po) for 6 weeks.

BAFF-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activation in B cells.

BAFF supports B-cell survival and homeostasis by activating the NF-κB pathway. While NF-κB is also involved in the priming signal of NLRP3 inflammasome, the role of BAFF in NLRP3 inflammasome regulation is unknown. Here we report BAFF engagement to BAFF receptor elicited both priming and activating signals for NLRP3 inflammasomes in primary B cells and B lymphoma cell lines.

NKG2A Down-Regulation by Dasatinib Enhances Natural Killer Cytotoxicity and Accelerates Effective Treatment Responses in Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the presence of (9;22) chromosomal translocation that results in fusion gene. ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib, are currently the front-line treatment options for CML. Recently, natural killer (NK) cell activation and expansion have been shown to be associated with optimal treatment responses for CML.

Porcine Neonatal Pancreatic Cell Clusters Maintain Their Multipotency in Culture and After Transplantation.

Ductal epithelium is primarily detected in porcine neonatal pancreatic cell clusters (NPCCs) bearing grafts, suggesting that transplants might exhibit progenitor-like phenotypes. Here we found that soon after NPCC isolation, PDX1/insulin and SOX9 pancreatic progenitor-like cells dramatically increased while dual-hormonal progenitor-like cells were routinely observed in NPCC culture. After transplantation (Tx), insulin cells increased and PDX1 and SOX9 cells gradually decreased in both non-diabetic (NDM) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DM) grafts over 2 months.

Increased B cell activation is present in JAK2V617F-mutated, CALR-mutated and triple-negative essential thrombocythemia.

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a BCL-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm. We have reported that increased activated B cells can facilitate platelet production mediated by cytokines regardless JAK2 mutational status in ET. Recently, calreticulin (CALR) mutations were discovered in ~30% JAK2/MPL-unmutated ET and primary myelofibrosis.

Eltrombopag enhances platelet adhesion by upregulating the expression of glycoprotein VI in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Eltrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, has been approved for the treatment of patients with immune thrombocytopenia because of its abilities to enhance platelet production and reduce hemorrhage. Both platelet count and platelet adhesion are crucial to stop bleeding. Although eltrombopag is known to improve platelet counts, its effects on platelet adhesion are not yet known.