Differential impact of TIM-3 ligands on NK cell function.

Background: The transmembrane protein T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing molecule 3 (TIM-3) is an immune checkpoint receptor that is expressed by a variety of leukocyte subsets, particularly in the tumor microenvironment. An effective TIM-3-targeting therapy should account for multiple biological factors, including the disease setting, the specific cell types involved and their varying sensitivities to the four putative TIM-3 ligands (galectin-9, phosphatidylserine, high mobility group protein B1 and carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 1), each of which engages a unique binding site on the receptor's variable immunoglobulin domain. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and function of TIM-3 natural killer (NK) cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), determine whether the four TIM-3 ligands differentially affect TIM-3 NK cell functions, identify the most immunosuppressive ligand, and evaluate whether targeting ligand-mediated TIM-3 signaling enhances NK cell effector functions.

Safety and Tolerability of Home Infusions in Down Syndrome Regression Disorder.

Purpose: Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD) is a rare neuropsychiatric condition affecting otherwise healthy individuals with Down syndrome. Multiple studies on DSRD have revealed that immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is both safe and effective, although site of infusion has never been studied. This study sought to evaluate the safety and tolerability of IVIg in individuals with DSRD receiving home-based infusions.

CD8 Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Head and Neck Cancer: A Review.

CD8 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are increasingly used in oncology as a prognostic and predictive tool to guide patient management. This review summarizes current literature on CD8 TILs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Published meta-analyses and clinical trials evaluating CD8 TILs were analyzed.

Morphine treatment restricts response to immunotherapy in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are becoming the standard of care for recurrent and metastatic cancer. Opioids, the primary treatment for cancer-related pain, are immunosuppressive raising concerns about their potential to interfere with the efficacy of ICIs. We hypothesize that exogenous opioids given for analgesia suppress antitumor immunity via T cell-mediated mu opioid receptor 1 (OPRM1) signaling.