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Current surveillance strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3), and their combinations in HCC underlying NAFLD patients.Serologic AFP, AFP-L3, and PIVKA-II levels in NAFLD patients with and without HCC were measured. By receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were obtained to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of each biomarker and their combinations.This study was conducted on 139 patients with NAFLD-HCC and 345 NAFLD controls. The elevation of these three biomarkers was observed in patients with NAFLD-HCC compared to those in NAFLD controls (all P0.001). When they were analyzed individually, PIVKA-II showed the best performance in diagnosing any-stage HCC with an AUC of 0.869, followed by AFP (0.763; vs. PIVKA-II, P0.001) and AFP-L3 (0.689; vs. PIVKA-II, P0.001). When they were analyzed in combination, AFP + PIVKA-II yielded the highest AUC (0.906), followed by AFP + PIVKA-II + AFP-L3 (0.904; vs. AFP + PIVKA-II, P = 0.086), PIVKA-II + AFP-L3 (0.881; vs. AFP + PIVKA-II, P0.001), and AFP + AFP-L3 (0.759; vs. AFP + PIVKA-II, P0.001). Similar findings were obtained in the subgroup with early-stage NAFLD-HCC, as well as the non-cirrhotic subgroup.These data validated the better diagnostic ability of PIVKA-II than AFP or AFP-L3 alone for diagnosing any-stage HCC among patients with NAFLD, and the combination of AFP + PIVKA-II significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of NAFLD-HCC.

To investigate the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) combined with arsenic trioxide (ATO) on the viability and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) FLT3-ITD mutant cell line MOLM13 and its mechanism.MOLM13 cells were treated with DHA or ATO alone or in combination. The viability of MOLM13 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay, cell proliferation was observed by colony formation assay, cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were measured by flow cytometry, and the expression levels of proteins related to apoptosis were detected by Western blot.Compared with the control group, treatment with DHA and ATO alone or in combination could inhibit cell proliferation, activate ROS formation, and finally induce cell apoptosis. DHA in combination with ATO produced a synergistic effect. Western blot analysis showed that DHA combined with ATO could significantly upregulate the level of c-PARP and activate apoptosis via inhibition of Mcl-1 and FLT3-ITD.DHA combined with ATO induces the apoptosis of FLT3-ITD AML cell line MOLM13 by inhibiting Mcl-1 pathway and activating FLT3-ITD protein degradation.双氢青蒿素与三氧化二砷对急性髓系白血病细胞凋亡的影响.观察双氢青蒿素（DHA）联合三氧化二砷（ATO）对急性髓系白血病（AML）FLT3-ITD突变MOLM13细胞活力和凋亡的影响及其机制。.采用DHA和ATO单药或联合作用于MOLM13细胞，CCK-8法检测细胞活力，细胞平板克隆形成实验检测细胞增殖能力，流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡及活性氧（ROS）产生，Western blot检测凋亡相关蛋白的表达水平。.与对照组相比，DHA和ATO单药或联合处理均可抑制细胞生长，激活ROS产生，从而诱导细胞凋亡，而DHA和ATO之间具有协同作用。Western blot结果显示，DHA能促进ATO通过降低Mcl-1、FLT3-ITD表达，显著上调c-PARP表达水平，激活细胞凋亡。.DHA联合ATO通过抑制Mcl-1表达、诱导FLT3-ITD蛋白降解诱导FLT3-ITD AML细胞株MOLM13发生凋亡。.

Duocarmycins are a class of DNA minor-groove-binding alkylating molecules. For the past decade, various duocarmycin analogues have been used as payloads in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Currently, more than 15 duocarmycin-based ADCs have been studied preclinically, and some of them such as SYD985 have been granted Fast-Track Designation status. Nevertheless, progress in duocarmycin-based ADCs also faces challenges, with setbacks including the termination of BMS-936561/MDX-1203. In this review, we discuss issues associated with the efficacy, pharmacokinetic profile, and toxicological activity of these biotherapeutics. Furthermore, we summarize the latest advances in duocarmycin-based ADCs that have different target specificities and linker chemistries. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies has indicated that duocarmycin-based ADCs are promising biotherapeutics for oncological application in the future.

BackgroundThe GALAD and ASAP scores are two well-recognized algorithms to estimate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on gender, age, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), protein induced by vitamin K absence or Antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) and AFP-L3 (included in the GALAD score but not in the ASAP score). The current study sought to compare the diagnostic performance of each score to detect HCC among patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV).MethodsA multicenter case-control study was undertaken in which blood samples were collected from HCVinfected patients with and without HCC. Using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), ASAP and GALAD scores were compared relative to diagnostic performance to detect any stage HCV-HCC and early-stage HCV-HCC.ResultsThe analytic cohort included 168 HCV-HCC patients and a control group of 193 HCV-infected patients. The ASAP score had a higher AUROC to detect any stage HCV-HCC versus the GALAD score, both in the overall group (0.917 vs. 0.894, P=0.057) and in the cirrhosis subgroup (0.909 vs. 0.889, P=0.132). Similar results were noted relative to the detection of early-stage HCV-HCC, whether defined by BCLC staging (stage 0-A: 0.898 vs. 0.860, P=0.026) or 8th TNM staging (stage I: 0.899 vs. 0.870, P=0.070). In subgroup analysis to detect AFP-negative HCV-HCC, the ASAP score also demonstrated a higher AUROC than the GALAD score to detect any stage HCV-HCC in the AFP-negative subgroup (0.815 vs. 0.764, P=0.063).ConclusionsThe ASAP score had better diagnostic performance for early detection of HCV-HCC compared with the GALAD score. The ASAP score may be preferrable to the GALAD score for HCC screening and surveillance among HCV-infected patients.

The GALAD and ASAP scores are two well-recognized algorithms to estimate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on gender, age, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), protein induced by vitamin K absence or Antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) and AFP-L3 (included in the GALAD score but not in the ASAP score). The current study sought to compare the diagnostic performance of each score to detect HCC among patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV).A multicenter case-control study was undertaken in which blood samples were collected from HCVinfected patients with and without HCC. Using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), ASAP and GALAD scores were compared relative to diagnostic performance to detect any stage HCV-HCC and early-stage HCV-HCC.The analytic cohort included 168 HCV-HCC patients and a control group of 193 HCV-infected patients. The ASAP score had a higher AUROC to detect any stage HCV-HCC versus the GALAD score, both in the overall group (0.917 vs. 0.894, P=0.057) and in the cirrhosis subgroup (0.909 vs. 0.889, P=0.132). Similar results were noted relative to the detection of early-stage HCV-HCC, whether defined by BCLC staging (stage 0-A: 0.898 vs. 0.860,The ASAP score had better diagnostic performance for early detection of HCV-HCC compared with the GALAD score. The ASAP score may be preferrable to the GALAD score for HCC screening and surveillance among HCV-infected patients.

Previous studies have shown that PHF21A is associated with the initiation and progression of various tumors. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine the expression and clinical significance of PHF21A in HCC. PHF21A expression in 201 liver cancer samples and 129 adjacent normal tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between PHF21A expression and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of HCC was verified in 70 other liver tissue microarray samples. The relationship between PHF21A expression and HCC immune cell infiltration was explored via the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER). The mechanism underlying the effect of PHF21A on HCC progression was analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that PHF21A expression in HCC tissue was significantly lower than that in adjacent nontumor liver tissue and was associated with patient sex, tumor size, metastasis, and Edmondson grade (p0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that low PHF21A expression was associated with a poor prognosis, and Cox regression analysis showed that PHF21A was an independent predictor of prognosis. TIMER analysis showed that PHF21A is positively correlated with tumor immune cell infiltration levels. Functional annotation indicated that PHF21A is involved in important pathways, including transcriptional deregulation pathways in cancer. Finally, in vitro experiments confirmed the low expression of PHF21A in HCC cells. PHF21A affects the progression and prognosis of HCC, suggesting that PHF21A may play an important role in monitoring and preventing the development of HCC.

Pharmaceutical innovation in the development of novel antibody-based biotherapeutics with increased therapeutic indexes makes MET-targeted cancer therapy a clinical reality.

Advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRAC), featured by distinctive histopathological appearance, distant organ metastasis, acquired chemoresistance, and tumorigenic stemness is a group of heterogeneous cancers with unique genetic signatures and malignant phenotypes. Treatment of CRAC is a daunting task for oncologists. Currently, various strategies including molecular targeting using therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, small molecule kinase inhibitors and immunoregulatory checkpoint therapy have been applied to combat this deadly disease. However, these therapeutic modalities and approaches achieve only limited success. Thus, there is a pharmaceutical need to discover new targets and develop novel therapeutics for CRAC therapy. MET and RON receptor tyrosine kinases have been implicated in CRAC pathogenesis. Clinical studies have revealed that aberrant MET and/or RON expression and signaling are critical in regulating CRAC progression and malignant phenotypes. Increased MET and/or RON expression also has prognostic value for CRAC progression and patient survival. These features provide the rationale to target MET and RON for clinical CRAC intervention. At present, the use of small molecule kinase inhibitors targeting MET for CRAC treatment has achieved significant progress with several approvals for clinical application. Nevertheless, antibody-based biotherapeutics, although under clinical trials for more than 8 years, have made very little progress. In this review, we discuss the importance of MET and/or RON in CRAC tumorigenesis and development of anti-MET, anti-RON, and MET and RON-dual targeting antibody-drug conjugates for clinical application. The findings from both preclinical studies and clinical trials highlight the potential of this novel type of biotherapeutics for CRAC therapy in the future.

Microcarriers are 100- to 300-micron support matrices that permit the growth of adherent cells in bioreactor systems. They have a larger surface area to volume ratio in comparison to single cell monolayers, enabling cost-effective cell production and expansion. Microcarriers are composed of a solid matrix that must be separated from expanded cells during downstream processing stages. The detachment method is chosen on the basis of several factors like cell type, microcarrier surface chemistry, cell confluency and degree of aggregation. The development of microcarriers with a range of physiochemical properties permit controlled cell and protein associations that hold utility for novel therapeutics. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advances in microcarrier cell culture technology. We also discuss its significance as an ex vivo research tool and the therapeutic potential of newly designed microcarrier systems in vivo.

We read with great interests the study by Dr. John et al. In this retrospective study using national data on USA Veterans, multivariate competing risk analysis identified that male gender was independently associated with a higher risk of death/transplantation, and liver-related death/transplantation for patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and cirrhosis.

To investigate the effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) Jurkat cell.The effects of DHA on the proliferation of Jurkat cells and the recovery of DHA-inhibited cell viability by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) were examined by CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell apoptosis and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western-blot was used to detected protein expression of DNA damage-related genes, as well as apoptosis-associated genes, respectively.DHA inhibited the proliferation of Jurkat cells, and shows a concentration-dependent manner(r =0.936), and NAC could partially restore the activity of DHA on cell proliferation inhibition. With the increase of drug concentration, the apoptosis rate (r =0.946) and ROS accumulation was increased (r =0.965). Western blot showed that the protein expressions of DNA damage-related gene γ-H2AX and apoptosis-related genes p53, c-Caspase3, BAX and cPARP were significantly increased, and BCL-2 protein expression was decreased.DHA can induce ROS production in Jurkat cells, which can cause DNA damage, activate the P53 apoptotic pathway, and promote apoptosis of cells.双氢青蒿素通过激活氧化应激诱导人急性T淋巴细胞白血病细胞凋亡.观察双氢青蒿素（DHA）对人急性T淋巴细胞白血病（T-ALL ）Jurkat细胞增殖及凋亡的影响.采用CCK-8法检测DHA对Jurkat细胞的增殖抑制作用及N-乙酰-L-半胱氨酸（NAC）对DHA抑制的细胞活力的的恢复；流式细胞术测定细胞凋亡、活性氧（ROS）产生； Western blot法检测DNA损伤和凋亡相关基因的蛋白表达.DHA 对Jurkat细胞增殖有明显抑制作用，具有剂量依赖性（r =-0.936），NAC能部分恢复DHA对细胞增殖抑制的活力。流式细胞术检测显示，随着药物浓度的增高，细胞凋亡率增高（r =0.946），ROS累积量也增高（r =0.965）；Western blot结果显示，DHA处理Jurkat细胞后，DNA损伤相关基因γ-H2AX和凋亡相关基因p53、c-Caspase3、BAX、cPARP的蛋白表达明显增加，BCL-2蛋白表达降低.DHA诱导Jurkat细胞产生ROS，引起DNA损伤，激活P53凋亡通路，促使细胞凋亡.

The recepteur d’origine nantais (RON) receptor tyrosine kinase, belonging to the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition proto-oncogene family, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancers derived from the colon, lung, breast, and pancreas. These findings lay the foundation for targeting RON for cancer treatment. However, development of RON-targeted therapeutics has not gained sufficient attention for the last decade. Although therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (TMABs) targeting RON have been validated in preclinical studies, results from clinical trials have met with limited success. This outcome diminishes pharmaceutical enthusiasm for further development of RON-targeted therapeutics. Recently, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting RON have drawn special attention owing to their increased therapeutic activity. The rationale for developing anti-RON ADCs is based on the observation that cancer cells are not sufficiently addicted to RON signaling for survival. Thus, TMAB-mediated inhibition of RON signaling is ineffective for clinical application. In contrast, anti-RON ADCs combine a target-specific antibody with potent cytotoxins for cancer cell killing. This approach not only overcomes the shortcomings in TMAB-targeted therapies but also holds the promise for advancing anti-RON ADCs into clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the latest advancements in the development of anti-RON ADCs for targeted cancer therapy including drug conjugation profile, pharmacokinetic properties, cytotoxic effect in vitro, efficacy in tumor models, and toxicological activities in primates.

Four new compounds, including three eudesmane sesquiterpenoids (1–3) and a dimeric sesquiterpenoid lactone (4), were isolated from the aerial part of Salvia plebeia R. Br., together with two known eudesmanolides (5–6). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI–MS spectra. Antiproliferative activities of isolates against six human myeloid leukemia cell lines were evaluated, salplebeone D (1) and G (4) showed moderate inhibitory activity. In addition, compound 4 was a rare eudesmane sesquiterpenoid dimer obtained from this specie for the first time.

To investigate the effect of sorafenib combined with decitabine on the viability and apoptosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell line OCI-LY1 and its mechanism.Sorafenib at 1.5μmol/L or decitabine at 25μmol/L was used to treat the cells alone or in combination. The viability of OCI-LY1 cells was detected by CCK8 assay; the PI positive cells were observed by fluorescence microscopy; the cell proliferation and ROS levels were measured by flow cytometry; The expression levels of proteins related to apoptosis were detected by Western blot.Compared with the control group, treatment with sorafenib and decitabine alone or in combination inhibited the cell proliferation, activated ROS formation and induced apoptosis finally. Sorafenib in combination with decitabine produced a synergistic effect. Western blot analysis showed that sorafenib combined with decitabine significantly up-regulated the levels of Bax/Bcl-2, P53, C-Caspase3 and C-PARP and activated apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K-AKT pathway.Sorafenib combined with decitabine induces the apoptosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell line OCI-LY1 by inhibiting PI3K-AKT pathway and activating P53.索拉非尼联合地西他滨协同作用诱导弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤凋亡的机制研究.探讨索拉非尼联合地西他滨对弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤OCI-LY1细胞活力和凋亡的影响及其机制.采用索拉非尼（1.5 μmol/L）和地西他滨（25 μmol/L）单独或联合作用于OCI-LY1细胞，CCK8法检测细胞存活率，并使用碘化丙啶（Propidium Iodide，PI）染色，通过荧光显微镜观察阳性细胞比例。通过流式细胞术检测细胞增殖能力及细胞内活性氧水平。采用Western blot检测凋亡相关蛋白的表达水平.与对照组相比，索拉非尼和地西他滨单独或联合处理均可抑制细胞增殖，激活氧自由基产生，最终诱导细胞凋亡，并且索拉非尼和地西他滨具有协同作用。通过Western blot检测发现，索拉非尼联合地西他滨通过降低PI3K-AKT信号通路活性，显著上调BAX/BCL-2、P53、C-Caspase3和C-PARP表达水平，激活细胞凋亡.索拉非尼联合地西他滨可通过抑制PI3K-AKT信号通路，激活P53诱导弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤细胞株OCI-LY1发生凋亡.

To study the effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on the proliferation and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells.The effects of DHA on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells and the inhibitory effect of Z-VAD-FMK on the DHA-induced cell apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 assay. The expression level of cleaved-caspased 3 was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to quantify the protein expression of PTEN, p-Akt, AKT, β-actin, and the apoptosis-associated proteins, such as C-PARP, Cleaved-caspase3 and Caspase3 respectively.DHA induced the AML cell apoptosis with concentration-dependent manner (rDihydroartemisinin induces AML cell apoptosis by inhibition of PTEN/AKT pathway. Dihydroartemisinin is expected to be a safe and effective drug for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.双氢青蒿素抑制PTEN/AKT通路诱导急性髓系白血病细胞凋亡.研究双氢青蒿素对人急性髓系白血病细胞增殖抑制及凋亡的诱导作用.采用CCK-8试剂盒检测细胞增殖抑制率及Z-VAD-FMK抑制DHA诱导细胞凋亡的作用；用间接免疫荧光技术检测细胞内Cleaved-caspase3的表达；应用Western blot检测细胞凋亡相关蛋白C-PARP、Cleaved-caspase3、Caspase3及PTEN、p-Akt、AKT、β-Actin蛋白的表达.DHA呈剂量依赖性诱导急性髓系白血病细胞的凋亡（r双氢青蒿素抑制PTEN/AKT通路诱导急性髓系白血病细胞凋亡。双氢青蒿素有望成为安全有效的治疗急性髓系白血病药物.

Background Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting the RON receptor, a tumorigenic factor contributing to cancer malignancy, has been considered as a novel strategy for cancer therapy. Here we describe a humanized antibody recognizing the RON plexin-semaphorin-integrin (PSI) domain with increased drug delivery capability for potential clinical application. Method Monoclonal antibody PCM5B14 specific to the human and monkey RON PSI domain was generated and characterized by various immunological methods. Humanized antibody H5B14 was created by grafting PCM5B14 complementarity-determining regions into human IgG1/κ acceptor frameworks and conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E and duocarmycin to form two H5B14-based ADCs. Stability of H5B14-based ADCs in human plasma was measured using hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Various biochemical and biological assays were used to determine ADC- regulated RON internalization, cell viability, spheroid formation, and death of cancer stem-like cells. Efficacies of H5B14-based ADCs in vivo were validated using tumor xenograft models. Maximal tolerated doses of H5B14-based ADCs were established in mice. Results H5B14 was highly specific to the human RON PSI domain and superior over other anti-RON ADCs in induction of RON internalization in various cancer cell lines tested. H5B14-based ADCS had a drug to antibody ratio of ~ 3.70:1 and were stable in human plasma with a minimal dissociation within a 10-day period. Functionally, H5B14-mediated drug delivery decreased cell viability at early stages with an average IC50 at ~ 20 nM in multiple cancer cell lines examined. H5B14-based ADCs also inhibited spheroid formation and caused death of cancer stem-like cells with RON+/CD44+/ESA+ phenotypes. In vivo, H5B14-based ADCs in a single injection inhibited tumor xenograft growth mediated by multiple cancer cell lines. Tumoristatic concentrations calculated from xenograft tumor models were in the range of 0.63 to 2.0 mg/kg bodyweight. Significantly, H5B14-based ADCs were capable of eradicating tumors at variable levels across multiple xenograft models regardless their malignant statuses. Toxicologically, H5B14-based ADCs were well tolerated in mice up to 60 mg/kg. Conclusion H5B14-based ADCs targeting the RON PSI domain are superior in inducing RON internalization, leading to robust drug delivery and overall inhibition and eradication of tumors in multiple xenograft models. These findings warrant H5B14-based ADCs for clinical trials in the future.

Administration of oncolytic viruses (OVs) is an emerging anticancer strategy that exploits the lytic nature of viral replication to enhance the killing of malignant cells. OVs can be used as tools to directly induce cancer cell death and to trigger local and/or systemic immune responses to metastatic cancer in vivo. The effectiveness of OV therapy was initially highlighted by the clinical use of the genetically modified herpes virus, talimogene laherparepvec, for melanoma therapy. A number of OVs are now being evaluated as potential treatments for cancer in clinical trials. In spite of being engineered to specifically target tumor cells, the safety and off-target effects of OV therapy are a concern. The potential safety concerns of OVs are highlighted by current clinical trial criteria, which exclude individuals harbouring other viral infections and people who are immunocompromised. Despite the potential for adverse effects, clinical trials to date revealed relatively minimal adverse immune-related effects, such as fever. With advances in our understanding of virus replication cycles, several novel OVs have emerged. Reverse genetic systems have facilitated the insertion of anticancer genes into a range of OVs to further enhance their tumor-killing capacity. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in OV therapy for a range of human cancers in in vitro and in in vivo animal studies. We further discuss the future of OVs as a therapeutic strategy for a range of life-threatening cancers.

Aberrant expression of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase is a pathogenic feature and a validated drug target in various types of cancers. Currently, therapeutic antibodies targeting RON for cancer therapy are under intensive evaluation. Here we report the development and validation of a novel humanized anti-RON antibody-drug conjugate for cancer therapy.Antibody humanization was achieved by grafting sequences of complementarity-determining regions from mouse monoclonal antibody Zt/g4 into human IgG1/κ acceptor frameworks. The selected humanized Zt/g4 subclone H1L3 was conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E using a dipeptide linker to form H-Zt/g4-MMAE. Pharmacokinetic analysis of H-Zt/g4-MMAE was determined using hydrophobic interaction chromatography and a MMAE ADC ELISA kit. Biochemical and biological assays were used for measuring RON expression, internalization, cell viability and death. Therapeutic efficacies of H-Zt/g4-MMAE were validated in vivo using three pancreatic cancer xenograft models. Toxicological activities of H-Zt/g4-MMAE were determined in mouse and cynomolgus monkey.H-Zt/g4-MMAE had a drug to antibody ratio of 3.77:1 and was highly stable in human plasma with a dissociation rate less than 5% within a 20 day period. H-Zt/g4-MMAE displayed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in both mouse and cynomolgus monkey. In vitro, H-Zt/g4-MMAE induced RON internalization, which results in killing of pancreatic cancer cells with ICH-Zt/g4-MMAE is superior in eradication of pancreatic cancer xenografts with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and manageable toxicological activities. These findings warrant the transition of H-Zt/g4-MMAE into clinical trials in the future.

// Ying Wang 1, 3, * , Bingyu Chen 3, * , Zhen Wang 3 , Wei Zhang 4 , Ke Hao 3 , Yu Chen 4 , Kaiqiang Li 3 , Tongtong Wang 4 , Yiwei Xie 3 , Zhihui Huang 1, 2 , Xiangmin Tong 1, 4 1 Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China 2 Institute of Neuroscience and Hypoxia Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China 3 Department of Blood Transfusion, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China 4 Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, China * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Xiangmin Tong, email: tongxiangmin11@163.com Zhihui Huang, email: hzhzju021@163.com Keywords: Marsdenia tenacissimae extraction, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, proliferation, apoptosis, PTEN Received: June 29, 2016 Accepted: October 03, 2016 Published: October 14, 2016 ABSTRACT Marsdenia tenacissimae extraction (MTE) as a traditional Chinese herb has long been used to treat some diseases such as tumors in China. However, the potential effectiveness of MTE in leukemia has not yet been fully understood, and the related molecular mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of MTE on the proliferation and apoptosis of Jurkat cells (T-ALL lines) and lymphocytes from T-ALL (T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia) patients. Firstly, CCK8 assays and flow cytometry assays revealed that MTE dose-dependently reduced the proliferation of Jurkat cells by arresting cell cycle at S phase. Secondly, Annexin V-FITC/PI-stained flow cytometry and TUNEL staining assays showed that MTE promoted the apoptosis of Jurkat cells. Mechanistically, MTE enhanced PTEN (phosphatases and tensin homolog) level and inactivated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in Jurkat cells, which mediated the inhibition of cell proliferation by MTE and MTE-induced apoptosis. Finally, MTE significantly inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of lymphocytes from T-ALL patients, compared with lymphocytes from healthy peoples. Taken together, these results reveal an unrecognized function of MTE in inhibiting the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of T-ALL cells, and identify a pathway of PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR for the effects of MTE on leukemia therapy.

Aberrant expression and/or activation of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase is characterized by genomic recombination, gene amplification, activating mutation, alternative exon-splicing, increased transcription, and their different combinations. These dysregulations serve as oncogenic determinants contributing to cancerous initiation, progression, malignancy, and stemness. Moreover, integration of the MET pathway into the cellular signaling network as an addiction mechanism for survival has made this receptor an attractive pharmaceutical target for oncological intervention. For the last 20 years, MET-targeting small-molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs), conventional therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (TMABs), and antibody-based biotherapeutics such as bispecific antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates (ADC), and dual-targeting ADCs have been under intensive investigation. Outcomes from preclinical studies and clinical trials are mixed with certain successes but also various setbacks. Due to the complex nature of MET dysregulation with multiple facets and underlying mechanisms, mechanism-based validation of MET-targeting therapeutics is crucial for the selection and validation of lead candidates for clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the importance of various types of mechanism-based pharmaceutical models in evaluation of different types of MET-targeting therapeutics. The advantages and disadvantages of these mechanism-based strategies for SMKIs, conventional TMABs, and antibody-based biotherapeutics are analyzed. The demand for establishing new strategies suitable for validating novel biotherapeutics is also discussed. The information summarized should provide a pharmaceutical guideline for selection and validation of MET-targeting therapeutics for clinical application in the future.

Corticotropin releasing hormone binding protein (CRHBP) mediates the reaction between corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and corticotropin releasing hormone receptors (CRHRs). It is expressed in a number of organs, and the expression of CRHBP is associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate CRHBP expression levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its association with patient clinicopathological characteristics as well as prognosis. The expression of CRHBP was examined by immunohistochemistry in 169 HCC tissues and 151 adjacent non-tumorous tissues. The results were validated by western blotting using patient tissues and liver cancer cell lines. The association of CRHBP expression with clinicopathological patient characteristics and survival rate was analyzed statistically. Expression of CRHBP was detected in 142/151 (94.0%) non-tumorous liver tissues, and 84/169 (49.7%) HCC tissues (P

To evaluate the mechanism of macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP)-mediated inhibition of inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF).RASF were treated with different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 ng/ml) of MSP with or without 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The protein expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18, MIP-1, MCP-1, RANTES and PGE(2) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The total nitric oxide (NO) concentration was determined using the Griess reaction. The protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB(p-p65), IKB-α, IKB-β, p-P38, p-Erk1/2 (P-P42/44) and p-AKT were detected by Western blotting.MSP markedly inhibited expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-18), chemokines (MIP-1, MCP-1 and RANTES) and iNOS, NO, COX-2 and PGE(2) in RASF stimulated by LPS. MSP treatment decreased expressions of p-IκBα, p-IKBβ and p-P65 in RASF in a concentration-dependent manner. Expressions of p-AKT, p-p38 and p-Erk1/2 were also inhibited markedly in RASF stimulated by LPS after treatment with MSP in a concentration-dependent manner.MSP could inhibit the inflammatory cycle by suppressing inflammatory mediators and activation of NF-κB as well. The inhibitory effect of MSP on LPS-stimulated RASF may act through suppression of multiple signals such as the PI3K/AKT and/or MAPK pathways.

Sinomenine (SN) is an alkaloid that has previously been shown to have a role in such varied processes as inflammation, angiogenesis, arthritis and immunosuppression. Therefore, in this study, possible anti-tumor effects of SN on the human prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3 and DU-145, was investigated. After treatment with varying doses of SN, apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Prostaglandin E2 production was detected by ELISA, and expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B were evaluated by western blot. In both PC-3 and DU-145 cells, SN treatment induced apoptosis, inhibited in vitroproduction of prostaglandin E2, and decreased activation of cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B. Growth inhibition assays were also performed to determine whether cell viability was responsible for the decrease in the activation observed. In combination, these results suggest that SN can induce an anti-tumor response by suppressing the activation of cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways. Key words: Sinomenine, apoptosis, cyclooxygenase 2, nuclear factor-kappa B, prostaglandin E2, prostate cancer.

Summary Successful adoptive immunotherapy for leukemia depends on the generation of T cells that can specifically react with malignant cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important antigen-presenting cells in the development of antileukemia T-cell responses. Mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated from peripheral blood or bone marrow of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). After incubation with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)-4, and tumor necrosis factor-α, MNC developed morphological characteristics of DCs in vitro, which were confirmed by phenotypic assay. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of fusion gene in the nuclei of representative CML or AML–M3 samples, indicating that the cells were leukemic in origin. IL-12 levels were significantly higher in AML–DCs and CML–DCs prestimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate than in the corresponding leukemic cells, but were lower than that of healthy donors. These cells were potent stimulators of lymphocyte proliferation in specific in vitro assays for DC function. However, the stimulatory abilities of allogeneic T cells in a mixed lymphocyte reaction were impaired compared with those of mature DCs derived from healthy donors, although T-cell stimulatory effects were significantly increased in these differentiated leukemia–DCs. These results suggest that functional DCs may be derived from leukemic (AML, CML) blasts in a significant number of patients and may be capable of inducing leukemia-specific immune responses with potentially clinically beneficial effects.

Despite improvements to standard treatments (atropine, oxime) and intensive care management, the mortality associated with organophosphate (OP) poisoning has not substantially decreased. In this study, we evaluated the role of packed red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion in acute OP poisoning. Patients diagnosed with OP poisoning were included in this prospective study, and then were transfused with packed RBCs stored less than 10 days or 10 to 35 days. Cholinesterase (ChE) level in blood, atropine usage and durations were recorded. We found both shorter- and longer-storage RBCs (200~400 ml) significantly increased AChE level in blood, improved ChE recovery, and reduced the usage and shortened the duration of atropine and followed clinical recovery. Shorter-storage RBCs had better effect than longer-storage (longer storage) ones. Due to erythrocyte cholinesterase supplement, packed RBCs might be used as an alternative approach in patients with OP poisoning, especially at the early stages.

The coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is considered a tumor suppressor and critical factor for the efficacy of therapeutic strategies that employ the adenovirus. However, data on CAR expression levels in colorectal cancer are conflicting and its clinical relevance remains to be elucidated. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue microarrays containing 251 pairs of colon cancer and adjacent normal tissue samples from Chinese Han patients to assess the expression levels of CAR. Compared with healthy mucosa, decreased CAR expression (40.6% vs. 95.6%; P

Three new sesquiterpenoids, salplebeones A - C (1 - 3), were isolated from the ethanol-soluble extract of the aerial part of Salvia plebeia R. Br. Their structures were established by detailed analysis of NMR and MS spectra. Salplebeone A was an eudesmane lactone, while salplebeones B and C were rare eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, containing 12,8-lactam groups. Antiproliferative activities of salplebeones A - C to myeloid leukemia cell lines were evaluated.

To study the proto-oncogene RON mediated aggression of Raji cells and the inhibitory effects by monoclonal antibody Zt/f2 (2f2).The effects of RON ligand macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) (2.0 nmol/L) and inhibitory Zt/f2 (2F2) (2.0 nmol/L) antibody on proliferation of RON positive Raji cells after treatment for 24 and72 hours were detected by MTT method, colony formation units (CFU) of Raji cells by methylcellulose semi solid culture, Raji cells apoptosis and cell cycle analysis by AnnexinV/PI double staining, expression of RON, apoptosis-related proteins, and cyclins by Western blot.(1)Compared with the cell viability (1.0) and counts of CFU (103.6±7.0) in control group, Raji cells after MSP treatment had better viability (1.35±0.20) and CFU counts (133.7±10.4) (P0.05), but worse viability (0.68±0.11) and CFU counts (66.3±6.1) after Zt/f2 (2F2) treatment (P0.05). (2)Percentage of Raji cells apoptosis after Zt/f2 (2F2) antibody treatment (12.16±2.33)% was significantly increased than the control (2.89±1.03)% (P0.05). The percentage of Raji cells arrested in G0/G1 phase was increased after Zt/f2 (2F2) antibody treatment as compared to the control [ (54.96 ±3.70)% vs (39.10±2.30)%, (P0.05) ]. (3) High-level of RON phosphorylation and β-catenin expression activated by MSP could be inhibited significantly by Zt/f2 (2F2), which also up-regulated the expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and PARP and down-regulated anti-apoptotic MCL-1 gene and inhibitor of apoptosis protein XIAP expression, accompanied with G1 phase protein changes accordingly.MSP could aggravate Raji cells proliferation. Inversely, Zt/f2 (2F2) could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis by inhibition of RON phosphorylation and up-regulation of apoptosis related proteins.

Background Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis is an experimental murine model mirroring the pathology of human autoimmune hepatitis. Aim To investigate the effects of intrasplenically transplanted fetal hepatocytes (BNL.CL2) transfected with recombinant adenovirus vector expressing the IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) and IL-4 fusion protein on ConA-induced hepatitis in mice. Methods Ad-IL-18BP/IL-4 was used to infect BNL.CL2 cells. IL-4 and IL-18BP fusion protein expression were detected by ELISA and Western blotting. BNL.CL2 cells infected with Ad-IL-18BP/IL-4 were intrasplenically transplanted into mice. After 10 days, mice were injected with ConA (15 mg/kg), and sacrificed 18 hours later. Liver injury was assessed by serum transaminase and liver histology. TNF-α, IL-18, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12p70 and monocyte-chemoattracting protein (MCP)-1 levels in serum and liver homogenates were detected by ELISA. Signaling molecules in liver homogenates were analyzed by Western blotting. Results Ad-IL-18BP/IL-4 effectively expressed the IL-18BP/IL-4 fusion protein for more than 14 days in BNL.CL12 cells. Treatment of mice with Ad-IL-18BP/IL-4-BNL.CL2 before ConA injection significantly reduced the elevated plasma levels of transaminases compared with ConA control groups. TNF-α, IL-18, IL-12p70 and MCP-1 levels in serum and liver homogenates from mice transplanted with Ad-IL-18BP/IL-4-BNL.CL2 were lower and IL-4 and IL-10 levels were higher than control groups. Phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65, AKT, p38 and JNK1/2 in liver homogenates were markedly suppressed by Ad-IL-18BP/IL-4. Conclusions Ad-IL-18BP/IL-4 was effectively transfected into mouse BNL.CL2 cells. Intrasplenic transplantation of Ad-IL-18BP/IL-4-BNL.CL12 cells alleviated the severity of inflammation in ConA-induced experimental hepatitis and provides a useful basis for the targeted gene therapy of liver disease.

To explore the effects of beta-elemene combined with aclarubicin on the induction of HL-60 cell apoptosis and its mechanisms in antileukemia therapy.HL-60 cells were treated for 20 hours with different dose of aclarubicin (0.05, 0.10, 0.25 microg/ml) or with different concentrations of beta-elemene (10, 20, 40 microg/ml) in the presence or absence of aclarubicin (0.10 microg/m). The apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM), the productions of PGE2 in culture supernatants was detected by competitive ELISA and the expressions of COX-2 and NF-kappaB activity in HL-60 cells by Western blot.Lower concentration of aclarubicin (0.05, 0.10 microg/ml) didn't affect apoptotic rate, and COX-2, NF-kappa B and PGE2 expression on HL-60 cells. Combined treatment of beta-elemene and aclarubicin (0.10 microg/ml) enhanced the apoptotic effect and down-regulated COX-2, NF-kappaB and PGE2 expressions. There was a positive correlation between the effects and beta-elemene concentrations.beta-elemene enhances aclarubicin-mediated apoptotic effect, down-regulation of COX-2 and their inducing products PGE2 in HL-60 cells by suppressing activitation of NF-kappaB.

To investigate the effects of polysaccharide fraction of Cordyceps sinensis (PSCS) on triptolide (TPL)-induced apoptosis in the HL-60 cells and the involved molecular mechanism.The cultured leukemia HL-60 cells were divided into three groups: control group, TPL group (cells were treated with 5 ng/ml TPL only), and PSCS+TPL cells group (cells treated with 5 ng/ml TPL and 100 microg/ml or 200 microg/ml PSCS for 18 h). Cell viability was tested by MTT assay and apoptotic cells were quantitatively measured by flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI double stain.The expressions of Caspase-3, 6, 7, 9 and NF-kappa B proteins were tested by Western blot.MTT assay showed that different concentrations of PSCS inhibited the cell viability. Flow cytometry indicated that TPL markedly increased the apoptosis rate of the HL-60 cells, and PSCS enhanced the apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot showed that TPL did not inhibit the expression of the Caspase-3, 6, 7, 9 and NF-kappa B proteins, and when cells were treated with PSCS, the expression of proteins decreased with the PSCS concentration rising.PSCS can enhance TPL-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells and inhibit the expression of NF-kappa B and Caspase 3,6,7,9,which might be the possible signaling pathway of inducing apoptosis.

To investigate the effects of ST1571 on the development of dendritic cells (DC) derived from bone marrow mononuclear cells of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) from CML patients and healthy volunteers were cultured initially using multiple cytokine combinations as follows: recombinant human granulocyte/ macrophage colony-stimulating-factor (rhGM-CSF) plus recombinant human interleukin-4 (rhIL-4) as CML and normal control groups, rhGM-CSF plus rhIL-4 and ST1571 as CML experimental groups, and from day 8 recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( rhTNF-alpha) was added to stimulate DC maturation. The morphologic features of cells were observed by Wright's staining and phenotypes were assessed by flow cytometry. Cytogenetic analysis was performed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), and the antigen-presenting function was assayed by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). The concentration of VEGF was detected by ELISA.CML experimental groups treated with STI571 displayed morphological features similar to those of control groups with delicate membrane projections. However, in comparison with the CML control groups, the CML experimental groups showed an increased expression of CD80, CD86, CD83 and HLA-DR and showed more intense abilities of allogeneic antigen presentation, which were similar to those of normal control groups. FISH confirmed that DCs of both CML, groups were of leukemic origin. The concentration of VEGF was dramatically reduced in CML experimental groups.In vitro, STI571 promotes the activation/maturation of DCs derived from BMMNCs of patients with CMI, and decreases VEGF production by the leukemic cells. The promotion of DC maturation may be partially due to decreased inhibitory effect of VEGF.

To investigate the expressions of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and CX chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR-4) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) and liver cirrhosis.Peripheral blood and/or ascites fluid were collected from 39 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 16 patients with liver cirrhosis, 12 with hepatitis and 12 healthy donors. The SDF-1 expression was assayed by ELISA and CXCR-4 was measured by immunohistochemical methods.The level of SDF-1 expression in the carcinoma patients was higher than that of the liver cirrhosis, hepatitis patients and healthy donors, but there was no significant difference between those of the healthy donors and hepatitis patients or liver cirrhosis patients. The levels of CXCR-4 expression were closely related to the tumor differentiation.The expression of SDF-1 in the peripheral blood and the CXCR4 expression in the HCC tissues of the HC patients may be regarded as markers of HC and they may have a positive relationship with the differentiation and metastasis of HC.

To investigate the effects of Imatinib mesylate (STI571) on the development of dendritic cells (DC) derived from the bone marrow mononuclear cells of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) from CML patients were cultured initially using multiple cytokine combinations as follows: recombined human granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating-factor (rhGM-CSF) plus recombined human interleukin-4 (rhIL-4) as control groups, rhGM-CSF plus rhIL-4 and STI571 as experimental groups, and from day 8 added recombined human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rhTNF-alpha) for stimulating maturation. The morphologic features of cells were observed by Wright's staining, Cytogenetic analysis was performed by Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), phenotypes were assessed by flow cytometry, and the functions of antigen-presenting were assayed by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). The concentration of VEGF was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). NF-kappaB activation was evaluated by TransAM(TM) ELISA kit.CML experimental groups treated with STI571 displayed features in morphology which were similar to those of control groups with delicate membrane projections. FISH confirmed the DC of both CML groups were leukemic origin. In comparison with the CML control groups, the CML experimental groups showed an increased expression of CD80, CD86, CD83 and HLA-DR and showed more intense abilities of allogeneic antigen presentation. The concentration of VEGF was dramatically reduced, and yet NF-kappaB activation was increased in experimental groups.STI571 could promote the activation/maturation of DC derived from BMMNCs of patients with CML in vitro, which might be partially responsible for the fact that the inhibitory effect of VEGF on DC NF-kappaB activation was relieved through STI571 inhibiting the overproduction of VEGF in CML.

To construct expression vector of hTERT-hIL-18 fusion gene in eukaryotic cells and to study its biological function.hIL-18 gene was amplified by RT-PCR, then T-A cloned and inserted into PCDNA3.1(+)/hTERT vector. The sequence of fusion gene was examined by enzyme incision and DNA sequencing. The vector with fusion gene was transformed into 3T3 cells by the method of lipofecting, and proved by Western blot. The secretion gamma-interferon was measured with ELISA and cell apoptosis was detected with flow cytometry.Expression vector PCDNA3.1(+) of hTERT/hIL-18 fusion gene was constructed successfully. The correct sequence was proved by enzyme incision and sequencing and there was a correct open reading frame. Fusion protein of hTERT/hIL-18 was effectively expressed in eukaryotic cells and was proved by Western blot and immunofluorescence stain. The fusion protein stimulated KG-1 cells to secrete gamma-interferon and had anti-apoptosis effect.Fusion protein hTERT-hIL-18 is highly effectively expressed in eukaryotic cells and is biologically active.

To induce primary chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells into dendritic cells (DCs).Bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from 13 CML patients and peripheral blood MNCs from 5 healthy donors. The isolated MNCs were co-cultured with rhGM-CSF 1,000 U/ml, rhIL- 4,500 U/ml and TNF-alpha 50 U/ml for 10 days. The morphological features were observed by Wright's staining,inverted microscope and electron microscope. CD(80), CD(86), CD(83), CD(1a) and HLA-DR expression were assayed by flow cytometry, cytogenetic analysis was performed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization(FISH). The concentration of IL-12 was measured by ELISA and the function of antigen presenting was tested by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR).After being cultured with cytokines, the typical dendritic appearance with delicate membrane projections was observed. The CD(80), CD(86), CD(83), CD(1a) and HLA-DR markers and capacity of stimulating allogeneic T cells were upregulated significantly. FISH confirmed that the DCs were generated from leukemic origin and CML DCs could secrete higher level of IL-12 than CML MNCs. There were no differences in morphology and immunophenotype expression between DCs derived from CML and those from normal individuals. However, DCs from CML patients displayed weaker activity than that of normal individuals when tested in MLR.CML cells could be induced into leukemia-DCs by co-culture with cytokines.

To induce dendritic cells (DCs) from primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with cytokines, so as to provide a new approach for immunotherapy of leukemia.Bone marrow MNCs were isolated from 12 AML patients and 6 healthy donors, and co-cultured with rhGM-CSF 1000 U/ml, rhIL-4500 U/ml and TNF-alpha 50 U/ml for 10 days. The morphologic features were observed by Wright's staining, inverted microscope and electron microscope. CD(80), CD(86), CD(83), CD(1a), HLA-DR expression were assayed by flow cytometry, cytogenetic analysis was performed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), the function of antigen presenting were tested by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR).After cultured with cytokines, typical dendritic appearance with delicate membrane projections could be founded, the CD(80), CD(86), CD(83), CD(1a) markers and capacity of stimulating allogeneic T cells were upregulated significantly. The cultured DCs were confirmed to generate from malignant origin. There have no difference in morphology and immunophenotype expression between the DCs from AML patients and those from normal individuals. However, DCs derived from AML patients displayed decreased activity when tested in MLR.Primary AML cells could be induced into AML-DCs with cytokines. The study suggests that it may be used efficiently in immunotherapy of AML.

Mature dendritc cells(DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells that prime effective T-cell response aginst tumour antigens. However, in the tumour microenviroment the differentiation and maturation of DCs is always suppressed by many factors, such as VEGF, IL-10,TGF-βet al. Though DC derived from CML patients have been shown to process and present endogenous BCR-ABL to CD4+ T cells, the function of DC may be abnormal in CML, which have been shown differences in cytoskeletal organisation and impaired migration, and a reduced capacity to capture and present nonleukaemic antigen, and less effective than normal DC in eliciting an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction. STI571(trade name Glivec or Gleevec) is a specific inhibitor of Abl tyrosine kinase and has been a first- line agent for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Previous studies have found that defective blood dendritic cells in chronic myeloid leukemia correlate with high plasmatic VEGF and can be partially normalized by STI571. We, therefore, explored whether treatment with STI571 may influence the CML -derived DC in vitro. Treatment bone marrow mononuclear cells(BMMNCs) of 11 patients with CML in chronic phase with STI571+rhGM-CSF+IL-4(STI571-DC) generated DCs with more mature phenotype properties expressing higher of CD80,CD86,HLA-DR,CD83 compared to the CML- BMMNCs treated with rhGM-CSF+IL-4(IL-4-DC). And in parallel with phenotypes, STI571-DC also showed more effective than IL-DC in eliciting an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction by MTT assay. FISH confirmed the DCs of both groups were leukemic origin. To explore whether the positive effects of STI571 on CML-DC may attributed to negative factors of DC differentiation/maturation suppressed by STI571, media were tested for VEGF concentrations by using the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As a result, the concentration of VEGF was dramatically reduced in STI571-DC. These findings demonstrate that treatment with STI571 promotes maturation and enhances the antigen-presenting capabilities of CML- BMMNCs derived DCs, these studies also offer a more comprehensive understanding of the role of STI571 in the immunotherapy of CML.