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Biology subjects

Linde, M. H.

Publications and source records attributed to Linde, M. H..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Single cell multi-omics enables high-resolution identification and functionalpurification of human acute myeloid leukemia stem cells

In human acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a sub-population of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) drive disease initiation, therapeutic resistance, and relapse. However, the lack of reliable markers to distinguish LSCs from bulk leukemia cells has impeded progress in studying LSC pathogenesis and developing meaningful LSC-specific diagnostics and therapeutics. Existing LSC gene signatures, derived from bulk populations, cannot definitively identify LSCs at single-cell resolution. To address this, we analyzed large patient cohorts with bulk gene expression data and single-cell multi-omic assays to identify a prognostic gene signature that is specifically enriched in a clinically adverse AML sub-population. Using this signature, we defined and prospectively isolated CD34+CD90-CLL1-CD69+CD53- immunophenotypic LSCs that are significantly enriched for LSC content based on limiting dilution xenotransplantation assays. Our findings demonstrate the power of single-cell multi-omics to precisely identify a clinically relevant LSC population and establish a clear framework for future translational research in AML. Key PointsO_LISingle cell multi-omics identifies human AML LSCs at high resolution. C_LIO_LIHOPX and SOCS2 co-expression (hrLSC2) defines a prognostic gene signature in de novo acute myeloid leukemia. C_LIO_LIhrLSC2 marks an AML subpopulation (iLSCs) with a distinct immunophenotype. C_LIO_LIiLSCs can be purified using flow cytometry and are significantly enriched for LSCs. C_LI

cancer biology↗

A single cell framework identifies functionally and molecularly distinct multipotent progenitors in adult human hematopoiesis

Hematopoietic multipotent progenitors (MPPs) regulate blood cell production to appropriately meet the biological demands of the human body. Human MPPs remain ill-defined whereas mouse MPPs have been well characterized with distinct immunophenotypes and lineage potencies. Using multiomic single cell analyses and complementary functional assays, we identified new human MPPs and oligopotent progenitor populations within Lin-CD34+CD38dim/lo adult bone marrow with distinct biomolecular and functional properties. These populations were prospectively isolated based on expression of CD69, CLL1, and CD2 in addition to classical markers like CD90 and CD45RA. We show that within the canonical Lin-CD34+CD38dim/loCD90CD45RA-MPP population, there is a CD69+ MPP with long-term engraftment and multilineage differentiation potential, a CLL1+ myeloid-biased MPP, and a CLL1-CD69-erythroid-biased MPP. We also show that the canonical Lin-CD34+CD38dim/loCD90-CD45RA+ LMPP population can be separated into a CD2+ LMPP with lymphoid and myeloid potential, a CD2-LMPP with high lymphoid potential, and a CLL1+ GMP with minimal lymphoid potential. We used these new HSPC profiles to study human and mouse bone marrow cells and observe limited cell type specific homology between humans and mice and cell type specific changes associated with aging. By identifying and functionally characterizing new adult MPP sub-populations, we provide an updated reference and framework for future studies in human hematopoiesis.

cancer biology↗

Anti-GD2 antibody disrupts GD2:Siglec-7 interactions and synergizes with CD47 blockade to mediate tumor eradication

The disialoganglioside GD2 is consistently overexpressed in neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma, and is variably expressed in other sarcomas, gliomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and epithelial cancers. Anti-GD2 antibodies have improved the survival rates of patients with neuroblastoma only when administered as part of intense chemotherapy-based cytotoxic regimens, which are associated with debilitating late effects including hearing loss, growth retardation, and secondary leukemias. Despite broad expression of GD2 on osteosarcoma, anti-GD2 antibody has not mediated significant antitumor activity in that disease or any other GD2+ cancers. CD47 is a checkpoint molecule overexpressed on tumor cells that inhibits macrophage activity, and CD47 blockade has demonstrated promising clinical activity in early human trials. We investigated whether anti-CD47 antibody could enhance the efficacy of anti-GD2 antibody in neuroblastoma and other GD2+ malignancies. We demonstrate substantial synergy of these two agents, resulting in the recruitment of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) to mediate robust and durable anti-tumor responses. The responses are driven by GD2-specific factors that reorient the balance of macrophage activity towards phagocytosis of tumor cells, including disruption of a newly described GD2:Siglec-7 axis. These results demonstrate the unique synergy of combining anti-GD2 with anti-CD47, which has the potential to significantly enhance outcomes for children with neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma and will soon be investigated in a first-in-human clinical trial.

immunology↗

Hyaluronan Synthesis Inhibition Impairs Antigen Presentation and Delays Transplantation Rejection

A coat of pericellular hyaluronan surrounds mature dendritic cells (DC) and contributes to cell-cell interactions. We asked whether 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU), an oral inhibitor of HA synthesis, could inhibit antigen presentation. We find that 4MU treatment reduces pericellular hyaluronan, destabilizes interactions between DC and T-cells, and prevents T-cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. These effects were observed only when 4MU was added prior to initial antigen presentation but not later, consistent with 4MU-mediated inhibition of de novo antigenic responses. Building on these findings, we find that 4MU delays rejection of allogeneic pancreatic islet transplant and allogeneic cardiac transplants in mice and suppresses allogeneic T-cell activation in human mixed lymphocyte reactions. We conclude that 4MU, an approved drug, may have benefit as an adjunctive agent to delay transplantation rejection.

immunology↗