Cancer immunotherapy aims to use and manipulate the host’s immune system to fight against cancer. The objective of this strategy is to induce specific and persistent immune responses leading to tumor eradication. Heat shock proteins (HSP) purified from cancer tissues have been identified as unique mediators of specific anti-tumor immunity. In our laboratory, we have developed an original vaccine, termed CRCL (Chaperone-Rich Cell Lysate) that consists of multiple HSP complexes enriched from tumor lysates. CRCL immunization leads to an efficient protection against a wide variety of murine cancers by inducing a strong, long-lasting, and specific T and NK-cell dependent immune responses against the tumor from which it has been generated. Tumor-derived CRCL has been shown to be more efficient in triggering DC activation than individual purified HSP or tumor lysates. The immunostimulatory effects of CRCL arise from its superior ability to provide a wide variety of tumor antigens to the immune system and by providing potent adjuvant effects. However, CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) critically contribute to the mechanisms of cancer-induced suppression. Data from independent groups including ours suggests they may also restrain the function of antigen presenting cells. The current study was designed to elucidate the molecular signaling events triggered by the tumor-derived CRCL vaccine in antigen presenting cells and evaluate whether CRCL may overcome the inhibitory effects of Treg modulation of DC and macrophage activation. Our results indicate CRCL activates DC and macrophages by inducing proinflammatory cytokine chemokine secretion. CRCL induces iNOS expression and NO production in macrophages. CRCL activation of DC and macrophages results in transcription factor NF-κB activation in vitro and in vivo, and this includes the activation of additional signaling molecules upstream of NF-κB. Following CRCL treatment the phenotypic maturation of DC, the production of DC and macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB are not affected by Treg. Additionally, CRCL induced activation of DC is not diminished by the immunosuppressive cytokine TGF-β 1. Our results indicate tumor-derived CRCL-treated DC and macrophages are refractory to Treg inhibition. These results are important for advancing CRCL-based vaccines in Phase I clinical trials.

No description available.

Metastatic breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. While existing interventions are effective at treating localized tumors, disseminated malignancies remain incurable. Vaccine-induced anti-tumor immunity is a promising approach for treating disseminated tumors, as immune responses are systemic, have antigen-restricted cytotoxicity, and generate protective immune “memory” populations. Our group has developed a novel heterologous prime/boost vaccine protocol that treats established 4T1 murine mammary tumors. Briefly, this approach entails a vaccine prime consisting of tumor lysate antigens encapsulated within poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microparticles (MPs). The vaccine prime was followed by a vaccine boost consisting of tumor lysates plus adjuvants. Spontaneous 4T1 lung metastasis was evaluated at a pre-determined endpoint in vaccinated versus untreated mice. Vaccinated mice demonstrated significant, but incomplete, reductions in metastatic tumor burdens relative to untreated control mice. Encouraged by these results, we evaluated additional vaccine variations with the goal of improving therapeutic responses. The addition of immunomodulatory chemotherapy or checkpoint blockade immunotherapy failed to significantly improve the initial vaccine’s efficacy. Conjugation of streptavidin/biotin complexes to the PLGA MP significantly improved vaccine efficacy, with vaccinated mice demonstrating 88% less metastatic tumor burdens than their untreated counterparts. These findings illustrate that vaccines based upon PLGA MP-mediated delivery of tumor lysates can form the basis of an effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer and suggest that similar approaches may be both efficacious and well-tolerated in the clinic.

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences / Department of Anatomy and Physiology / Mark L. Weiss / The traditional cell culture method after isolation from the body involves growing cells in 2 dimensions on plastic culture plate. However, the natural structure and physiology is 3 dimensions. To mimic in vivo environment, there has an increasing interest to find the way to maintain physiological properties. Here, we describe culturing human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HUC-MSCs_in 3D setting using human platelet lysate gel. This gel is a fibrin-based structure like a blood clot. The preparation step of human platelet lysate (HPL) is by freeze- thaw cycles in order to release factors important for cells to grow and expand. Using of HPL to substitute for fetal bovine serum reduces potential cross contamination between species and xenogenicity. To maintain HPL media as a liquid, we add the anticoagulant heparin. Without adding anticoagulant, the gel will form. The aim of this study is to retrieve HUC-MSCs from HPL gel using Nattokinase, to characterize HUC-MSCs following the International Society for Cell Therapy’s MSC criteria, and to test a 3D invasion model with HPL-gel based structure. The result shows that using 1.75% Nattokinase at 60 minutes can recover the cells without reducing cell number and viability. After Nattokinase treatment, cells are able to attach to plastic and to increase in number. Moreover, they are able to differentiate into fat, bone, and cartilage no different from cells grown in 2D culture. However, to test surface markers by flow cytometry, all MSC markers are positive except CD 105. They are also positive of cell surface markers that should be negative. When seeded back to 2D culture for an additional passage, the MSCs meet ISCT criteria the same as control.

Orientador: Brenda Paula Figueiredo de Almeida Gomes / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-08T05:23:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Jacinto_RogeriodeCastilho_D.pdf: 1193443 bytes, checksum: cc178c0781498658e7784945f13b0757 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a microbiota de canais radiculares com necrose e com lesão periapical de dentes sintomáticos e assintomáticos; quantificar a presença de endotoxinas; correlacionar a presença de bactérias específicas e a quantidade de endotoxinas com os sinais e sintomas de origem endodôntica; e investigar a suscetibilidade antimicrobiana de bactérias anaeróbias estritas isoladas dos canais radiculares contra 8 antibióticos, usando o E-test. Amostras microbiológicas foram coletadas de 90 canais radiculares com polpa necrosada e processadas por meio de técnicas microbiológicas. Outras 50 amostras foram obtidas de canais radiculares necrosados, sintomáticos e assintomáticos para realização do teste cromogênico para quantificação das endotoxinas. Análise estatística foi feita pelos testes x2 de Person ou de Fisher. Um total de 400 isolados clínicos foi encontrado, os quais pertenciam a 69 diferentes espécies e 22 diferentes gêneros. Oitenta por cento das bactérias eram anaeróbias estritas e F. nucleatum foi a espécie predominante. Canais radiculares de dentes sintomáticos apresentaram uma predominância de anaeróbios estritos e um número maior de espécies por canal radicular em relação aos dentes assintomáticos. Foi observada uma relação entre grupos microbianos específicos, principalmente anaeróbios Gram-negativos e a presença de dor espontânea ou dor prévia, dor à percussão, dor à palpação e edema. Endotoxinas foram encontradas em altas concentrações em canais radiculares de dentes sintomáticos e houve uma correlação positiva entre os sinais e sintomas e a concentração de endotoxinas. Amoxicilina, amoxicilina associada ao ácido clavulânico e cefaclor foram efetivos contra todas as cepas testadas. Os resultados sugerem que bactérias específicas e endotoxinas estão associadas aos sinais e sintomas de dentes com canais infectados e lesão periapical e que, a maioria das espécies anaeróbias testadas foi suscetível aos antibióticos estudados / Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyse the microflora isolated from infected root canals of symptomatic or asymptomatic teeth, to quantify the presence of endotoxins; to correlate the presence of specific bacteria and the amount of endotoxins with endodontic symptomatology; and to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria isolated from infected teeth with periapical lesions against 8 antibiotics through the E-test. Microbial samples were taken from 90 root canals of teeth with necrotic dental pulp, and analysed using rigorous culture procedures. Other 50 samples were collected from infected symptomatic or asymptomatic root canals in order to be analysed by a chromogenic test for the endotoxin quantification. Statistical analysis used a Pearson x2 test or a one-sided Fisher's Exact test, as appropriate. A total of 400 cultivable isolates were recovered from 69 different microbial species and 22 different genera. Eight per cent of the bacteria were were strict anaerobes and F. nucleatum was the most frequently isolated species. Root canals from symptomatic teeth harboured more obligate anaerobes and a larger number of bacterial species than the asymptomatic teeth. Relationships were found between specific microorganisms, especially Gram-negative anaerobes and the presence of pain or history of pain, tenderness to percussion, pain to palpation and swelling. High concentrations of endotoxins were found in root canals of symptomatic teeth and there was a positive correlation between endodontic signs and symptoms and the concentration of endotoxins in infected root canals. Amoxicillin, amoxicillin + clavulanate and cephaclor were effective against all the strains tested. Our results suggested that specific bacteria and endotoxins are associated with endodontic symptoms of infected teeth and that the majority of the anaerobic species tested was susceptible to all antibiotics studied. / Doutorado / Endodontia / Doutor em Clínica Odontológica

Submitted by Priscila Nascimento (pnascimento@icict.fiocruz.br) on 2012-11-28T12:10:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ricardo-cristiano-de-souza-brum.pdf: 1743762 bytes, checksum: 0d2663a8b1457e7b609cb7288212d4da (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2012-11-28T12:10:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ricardo-cristiano-de-souza-brum.pdf: 1743762 bytes, checksum: 0d2663a8b1457e7b609cb7288212d4da (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. / Nos últimos anos, as farmacopéias e principais agências regulatórias para produtos farmacêuticos e biofarmacêuticos exigem cada vez mais em suas monografias a aplicação do método para detecção de endotoxinas bacterianas pelo lisado de amebócitos de Limulus(LAL) no controle de pirogênio de produtos terminados parenterais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi padronizar e validar o ensaio de LAL para o biofármaco alfainterferona 2b humana recombinante, produzido em E. coli. Foram empregados os métodos Gel-Clot e Cinético-Cromogênico (semiquantitativo e quantitativo, respectivamente). Para o método Cinético-Cromogênico, a máxima diluição válida (MDV) foi calculada para cada apresentação com base na concentração do produto e a sensibilidade do teste (3 MUI, MDV: 1:3.888 e 10 MUI, MVD: 1:12.962). Diluições seriadas abaixo da MDV foram avaliadas emtriplicata para a verificação dos interferentes, sendo eleitas as diluições de 1:80 e1:100 que exibiram a melhor recuperação no controle positivo do produto. Para oensaio Gel-Clot na apresentação de 3 MUI (MDV: 1:17) foi estipulada a diluição de 1:8para a validação dos testes de rotina. Durante a validação dos ensaios, foi utilizada uma curva-padrão de endotoxina nas concentrações de 0,005 – 50 EU/ml e avaliados o seucoeficiente de correlação (R) e o desvio-padrão relativo. Os critérios de desempenho do método cinético (linearidade, especificidade, exatidão, repetibilidade, reprodutibilidade) foram atendidos de acordo com os parâmetros farmacopéicos e regulatórios (ANVISA e FDA), garantindo desta forma a robustez necessária para que o método de LAL possa ser incluído nos ensaios de rotina do Laboratório de Controle de Qualidade. / In recent years, the Pharmacopean, technical reports and international guides for pharmaceuticals products requires each time more intheir monographies the application of Limulus Ambocytes Lysateendotoxins assay (LAL) for release and pyrogen control in parenteral finished products. The objective of thisstudy was the standardization and validation of the LAL test for the human recombinant biopharmaceutical interferon alpha 2b, produced in E. coli, were used Gel-Clot and Chromogenics Kinetic methods (semi-quantitative and quantitative). In the case of Chromogenics method test, the maximum valid dilution (MDV) was calculated for each presentation based on the concentration of product (3 MUI, MDV: 1:3,888 and 10 MUI, MVD: 1:12,962), serial dilutions under the MDV (1:80) were evaluated in triplicate to detect interferences. For the gel-clot test for the 3 MUI presentation (MDV: 1:17) 1:8 dilution was setfor interferences detection test. For tests’ validation, several dilutions were performedusing standard endotoxin concentrations in 0,005 to 50 EU / ml to confirm the criteria for the methods performance (linearity, specificity, accuracy, reply, reproducibility). The results of validation showed that all pharmacopeia and regulatory parameters (ANVISA) studied, are compatible with the MDV used for each studied presentation of the human recombinant biopharmaceuticals interferon alpha 2b and may be used in quality control.

Regenerative medicine is an emerging technology and with hundreds of cell therapies currently in clinical trials there is a need to expand the limited knowledge related to their storage, shipment and preservation. The most widely used medium for human cell cryopreservation is 10%wt dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in serum. However given its potential toxicity, DMSO usage is a key issue in cryopreservation. Methods specify the need to reduce cell exposure time to DMSO above 0°C as much as possible but the maximum amount of time cells can be exposed to DMSO to prevent a detrimental effect needs to be clarified. There are also regulatory issues and concerns with the xenotoxicity, ethics and supply of the other core component in the standard cryomedia formulation: Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS). Developing a viable alternative to FBS is crucial. In cryobiology literature thawing appears poorly understood. A stable process is as vital as freezing to prevent injury to cells. Protocols are currently too vague for cell therapy regulation and need improvement. The time dependent DMSO cytotoxicity was evaluated by overexposing cells to DMSO during and/or after cryopreservation. A broad investigation found that after 1 hour overexposure post thaw viability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was reduced from 96.3±0.6% to 74.1±4.0% and the co-expression of five key hMSC markers was changed from 97.9±1.3% to 68.3±2.6%. This significant change could cause indicate a change in product efficacy and affect patient health, to prevent this, DMSO exposure must be kept to below 1 hour. A range of alternative vehicle solutions were screened and human platelet lysate (hPL) investigated as an alternative. In depth experimentation with hPL as a cryopreservation vehicle solution and culture supplement (in place of FBS) found it to be a worthy, statistically similar alternative. With no xenological or ethical concerns, lower costs than other serum-free alternatives hPL could allow for a move away from xenological components. A heat transfer model was developed and determined that 720J is required to thaw a vial. Using the heat transfer model and additional factors such as pre-thaw stabilisation and on thaw dilution, a two-stage experiment found that the current standard process (warming in a 37°C waterbath) within the current paradigm of a 1.8mL cryovial is optimal but further work is required to define the process for scaled-up product.

Epitélios confluentes de queratinócitos autólogos, cultivados segundo metodologia padronizada por Rheinwald e Green em 1975, têm sido usados como enxertos em diferentes situações clínicas. Contudo, a presença de componentes xenobióticos empregados nesta metodologia implica na possibilidade de transmissão de zoonoses, príons e viroses aos pacientes, além de envolver questões éticas relacionadas à utilização de animais. Tais preocupações têm direcionado pesquisadores a buscar alternativas que superem este impasse; no entanto, as formulações obtidas até o momento não são completamente satisfatórias. Assim, nossa proposta neste estudo, foi omitir ou substituir os componentes xenobióticos tradicionalmente utilizados no meio para queratinócitos, por similares humanos. Como resultado, padronizamos um meio de cultura onde omitimos o emprego de toxina colérica, substituímos o soro fetal bovino por lisado de plaquetas humanas na concentração de 2,5% e a insulina de origem bovina foi substituída por insulina recombinante humana na mesma concentração do método original (5 μg/mL). Com os resultados obtidos foi possível concluir ser viável o cultivo de queratinócitos humanos, mantidos em meio de cultura livre de componentes xenobióticos. / Confluent epithelia of autologous keratinocytes, cultivated according to standardized methodology by Rheinwald and Green in 1975, have been used as grafts in different clinical situations. However, the presence of xenobiotics components applied in this method implies the possibility of transmission of zoonoses, príons, and viruses to patients, besides involving ethical issues related to the use of animals for components obtainment. Such concerns have driven researchers to seek alternatives that overcome this deadlock, as the formulations obtained so far are not completely satisfactory. Thus, our proposal in this study was to omit or replace the xenobiotics components traditionally used in the medium to keratinocytes culture, by human similar. As a result, we have standardized a culture medium whereby we omitted the use of cholera toxin, replaced fetal bovine serum by human platelet lysate at a 2.5% concentration and bovine insulin was replaced by recombinant human insulin at the same concentration as the original method (5 μg/mL). With the results obtained we could conclude that the method to be viable to cultivate human keratinocytes, kept in culture medium free of xenobiotics components.

Epitélios confluentes de queratinócitos autólogos, cultivados segundo metodologia padronizada por Rheinwald e Green em 1975, têm sido usados como enxertos em diferentes situações clínicas. Contudo, a presença de componentes xenobióticos empregados nesta metodologia implica na possibilidade de transmissão de zoonoses, príons e viroses aos pacientes, além de envolver questões éticas relacionadas à utilização de animais. Tais preocupações têm direcionado pesquisadores a buscar alternativas que superem este impasse; no entanto, as formulações obtidas até o momento não são completamente satisfatórias. Assim, nossa proposta neste estudo, foi omitir ou substituir os componentes xenobióticos tradicionalmente utilizados no meio para queratinócitos, por similares humanos. Como resultado, padronizamos um meio de cultura onde omitimos o emprego de toxina colérica, substituímos o soro fetal bovino por lisado de plaquetas humanas na concentração de 2,5% e a insulina de origem bovina foi substituída por insulina recombinante humana na mesma concentração do método original (5 μg/mL). Com os resultados obtidos foi possível concluir ser viável o cultivo de queratinócitos humanos, mantidos em meio de cultura livre de componentes xenobióticos. / Confluent epithelia of autologous keratinocytes, cultivated according to standardized methodology by Rheinwald and Green in 1975, have been used as grafts in different clinical situations. However, the presence of xenobiotics components applied in this method implies the possibility of transmission of zoonoses, príons, and viruses to patients, besides involving ethical issues related to the use of animals for components obtainment. Such concerns have driven researchers to seek alternatives that overcome this deadlock, as the formulations obtained so far are not completely satisfactory. Thus, our proposal in this study was to omit or replace the xenobiotics components traditionally used in the medium to keratinocytes culture, by human similar. As a result, we have standardized a culture medium whereby we omitted the use of cholera toxin, replaced fetal bovine serum by human platelet lysate at a 2.5% concentration and bovine insulin was replaced by recombinant human insulin at the same concentration as the original method (5 μg/mL). With the results obtained we could conclude that the method to be viable to cultivate human keratinocytes, kept in culture medium free of xenobiotics components.

Pferde als Pflanzenfresser benötigen für die Verdauungsvorgänge im Magen-Darm-Kanal eine Vielzahl von Mikroorganismen. In der Pathogenese der equinen Kolikerkrankungen spielen die aus einem Teil dieser Bakterien stammenden Endotoxine (Lipopolysaccharide, LPS) eine wichtige Rolle. Das Caecum und das Colon ascendens scheinen der Ort einer pathologischen Endotoxinabsorption beim Pferd zu sein. Mit Hilfe von Limulus-Amoebozyten-Lysat-Tests (chromogenes Substrat, Endpunkt Methode) wurden die Endotoxinkonzentrationen bei 52 gesunden Pferden und 105 an Magen-Darm-Kolik erkrankten Pferde bestimmt. Durch wiederholte Messungen wurde die Entwicklung der Endotoxinkonzentration bei Kolikpferden im Krankheitsverlauf untersucht. Im Plasma aller gesunden Pferde wurden Endotoxine nachgewiesen, mit einem Mittelwert von = 5,90 pg/ml ± 2,78 pg/ml. Bei 90,5% der Pferden mit Kolik lag die Endotoxinkonzentration in der ersten Probe nach Einlieferung in die Klinik über 10 pg/ml. Kolikformen mit grundsätzlich hohen Endotoxinkonzentrationen konnten herausgefunden werden. In dieser Untersuchung waren das die Hernia foraminis omentalis mit einem LPS-Mittelwert von 91,57 pg/ml, die Dünndarmstrangulation durch Lipoma pendulans mit einem LPS-Mittelwert von 89,32 pg/ml und die Torsio coli totalis 360° mit einem LPS-Mittelwert von 88,21 pg/ml. / Endotoxaemia in colic illnesses in horses; Quantitative analysis and clinical relevance Horses as herbivores require a multitude of micro-organisms for the digestive processes in the gastrointestinal tract. The endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) originating from a part of the bacteria play an important role in the pathogenesis of equine colic illnesses. The caecum and the colon ascendens appear to be the site of a pathological absorption of endotoxins in horses. With the aid of limulus-amoebocyte-lysate tests (chromogeneous substrate, end-point method) the endotoxin concentrations were analysed in 52 healthy horses and 105 horses suffering from gastrointestinal colic. The development of the endotoxin concentration in the case of horses suffering from colic was investigated through repeated measurements throughout the course of the illness. Endotoxins were identified in the plasma of all healthy horses at a mean value of = 5.90 pg/ml ± 2.78 pg/ml. In 90.5% of the horses with colic, the concentration of endotoxins in the first sample subsequent to admission to the clinic was over 10 pg/ml. It was possible to determine specific forms of colic accompanied by fundamentally high concentrations of endotoxins. In this investigation these were omental foramen hernia with a mean LPS value of 91.57 pg/ml, small intestinal strangulation by lipoma pendulans with a mean LPS value of 89.32 pg/ml and colon torsion 360° with a mean LPS value of 88.21 pg/ml.