Blood Podcast: Season 1, Episode 9
This week’s episode will review efforts to improve the activity of CAR T cells, explore the impact of Protein C activator AB002 on thrombus development, and look at results from a UK study on minimal residual disease status and outcome after transplantation in NPM1-mutated AML.
Review Series: Understanding and Treating Primary Immunodeficiency
In this commissioned Review Series edited and introduced by Associate Editors Bollard and Stevenson, several experts contribute 6 seminal reviews, highlighting cutting-edge developments in the biology and management of primary immune deficiencies.
Integrated drug profiling and CRISPR screening identify essential pathways for CAR T-cell cytotoxicity
In a study reported in this Plenary Paper, Dufva and colleagues used functional drug and CRISPR screens to uncover new biology about modulation of responses to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Their findings suggest that anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy can be enhanced through use of small molecules that target death receptor signaling.
Specific stimulation of T lymphocytes with erythropoietin for adoptive immunotherapy
Using a novel approach, Vinanica and colleagues revealed that the persistence and efficacy of CAR T-cells in preclinical studies can be enhanced by ectopic expression of a highly active mutant form of the erythropoietin receptor.
Molecular MRD status and outcome after transplantation in NPM1-mutated AML
Detection of mutant NPM1 measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after standard therapy portends relapse and is an indication for allografting. Dillon and colleagues now report that the levels of pretransplant NPM1 MRD are highly predictive of posttransplant outcomes, and they propose that high- and low-risk groups can be identified.
The protein C activator AB002 rapidly interrupts thrombus development in baboons
Tucker and colleagues report that the recombinant thrombin mutant AB002 (E-WE thrombin) in baboons can rapidly interrupt acute vascular graft thrombus propagation and prevent arterial thrombo-occlusion. Intravenous administration to normal volunteers appears to be safe, leading the authors to recommend its clinical evaluation as a novel antithrombotic.
