Reprogramming of TAMs via the STAT3/CD47-SIRPα axis promotes acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in lung cancer.

Cross-talk between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cells plays an important role in acquired drug resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). The role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the major component of the TME, in acquired resistance remains unclear. In this study, M2-like reprogramming of TAMs and reduced phagocytosis by macrophages were observed in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer cells and tumor xenografts.

Targeting STAT3-VISTA axis to suppress tumor aggression and burden in acute myeloid leukemia.

The acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients obtain limited benefits from current immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs), although immunotherapy have achieved encouraging success in numerous cancers. Here, we found that V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), a novel immune checkpoint, is highly expressed in primary AML cells and associated with poor prognosis of AML patients. Targeting VISTA by anti-VISTA mAb boosts T cell-mediated cytotoxicity to AML cells.

Synthesis and characterization of multi-active site grafting starch copolymer initiated by KMnO4 and HIO4/H2SO4 systems.

A novel initiator system containing KMO4, HIO4, and H2SO4 for synthesizing grafting starch copolymers is reported. In this system, KMnO4 was used to oxidize the primary hydroxyl group to aldehyde group of glucose in the starch, and the formed aldehyde group reacted with Mn(4+), Mn(3+) to afford starch free radical. At the same time HIO4 perform as the oxidant to open the C2C3 bond of glucose ring in starch to form two more aldehyde groups, and then two more free radicals are generated.