Noninvasive Methods Unveil the Trophic Transmission of the Tapeworm in Gull-Billed Terns.

Recent developments in microscopic and molecular tools have allowed the implementation of new approaches for assessing parasitic infections in wildlife populations. This is particularly important for the noninvasive detection and quantification of endoparasites in live animals. Here, we combined copromicroscopic (Mini-FLOTAC) and molecular (qPCR) techniques to detect the infection of the macroparasite (Cestoda, Pseudophyllidea) in fresh droppings of Gull-billed Terns (Charadriiformes, Laridae) breeding in southwestern Spain.

Cooperative Armoring of CAR and TCR T Cells by T Cell-Restricted IL15 and IL21 Universally Enhances Solid Tumor Efficacy.

Purpose: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapies are effective in a subset of patients with solid tumors, but new approaches are needed to universally improve patient outcomes. Here, we developed a technology to leverage the cooperative effects of IL15 and IL21, two common cytokine-receptor gamma chain family members with distinct, pleiotropic effects on T cells and other lymphocytes, to enhance the efficacy of adoptive T cells.

Experimental Design: We designed vectors that induce the constitutive expression of either membrane-tethered IL15, IL21, or IL15/IL21.

Preclinical optimization of a GPC2-targeting CAR T-cell therapy for neuroblastoma.

Background: Although most patients with newly diagnosed high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) achieve remission after initial therapy, more than 50% experience late relapses caused by minimal residual disease (MRD) and succumb to their cancer. Therapeutic strategies to target MRD may benefit these children. We developed a new chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting glypican-2 (GPC2) and conducted iterative preclinical engineering of the CAR structure to maximize its anti-tumor efficacy before clinical translation.