ALBERT

Description: Key Points Increased immune suppressors and PD-1 abrogates effector responses in CML patients at diagnosis. Enhanced net effector immune responses and decreased PD-1 and immune suppressors may promote sustained deep molecular response in CML.

Description: We hypothesized that immune responses contribute to deep BCR-ABL molecular responses in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). We studied 32 CML patients; 16 at diagnosis, patients treated with imatinib (n=20), nilotinib (n=9) or dasatinib (n=3). Methodology: The effector immune responses of Natural Killer (NK) cells were characterized by flowcytometry and functional analysis by CD107a degranulation assay. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses to leukaemia-associated antigens (LAAs) WT1, BMI-1, PR3 and PRAME were quantified by interferon-gamma ELISPOT using peptide libraries of 15-mer peptides overlapping by 11 amino acids spanning the entire protein, or HLA-A0201 specific peptides in HLA-A0201+ patients. Immune suppressor regulatory T cells (Treg), Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC), Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) expression on T cells, NK cells, B cells and monocytes, and major B cell subsets were extensively characterized by flowcytometry. Results: Patients in deep molecular response (MR4.5; BCR-ABL

Description: Introduction:An attempt at tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) withdrawal in deep molecular remission leads either to treatment free remission (TFR) or early molecular relapse (MolR) in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients. We hypothesise that immune responses promote sustained TFR and immunological markers may predict response following TFR attempt. Methodology: We studied 54 CML patients (from ALLG trials CML 8, median follow-up 66 mo, and CML 10, median follow-up 24 mo) at baseline on TKI (minimum 24 mo MR4.5) and 3 mo and 6 mo following TKI discontinuation. MolR was defined as any single sample on follow-up with BCR-ABL1 〉0.1% or two consecutive BCR-ABL1 positive samples at any value. Effector immune responses of CD56dim natural killer (NK) cells and NK cell receptor repertoire were characterised by flow cytometry and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses to leukaemia-associated-antigens (LAAs) WT1, BMI-1, PR3 and PRAME by interferon-gamma ELISPOT. Immune suppressor regulatory T cells (Treg; CD4+CD25brightCD127-FoxP3+), Granulocytic and Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs; HLA-DR-Lin-CD11b+CD33+CD66b+CD15+ and HLA-DR-Lin-CD11b+CD33+CD66b-CD14+, respectively), Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) expression on T cells, NK cells, B cells and Monocytes, and major B cell subsets were characterized by flow cytometry. Results: TFR patients displayed increased CD3-CD56dimCD16bright cytolytic NK cells as a proportion of total lymphocytes at baseline (n=23, 27.1% ± 2.9) vs MolR (n=23, 19.1% ± 2.0, p=0.02). TFR patients displayed a more mature CD56dim CD57+ NK cell phenotype at baseline (74.5% ± 2.2 of total NK cells) vs MolR (66.3% ± 2.7, p=0.04). Extensive characterisation of NK cell receptor repertoire revealed NKG2D activating receptor expression was increased in TFR patients (baseline= 56.8% ± 3.8, 3 mo= 61.4% ± 5.0, 6 mo= 49.9% ± 5.8) vs MolR (baseline= 44.2% ± 3.7, 3 mo= 42.2% ± 5.5, 6 mo= 22.0% ± 8.3, all p=0.02). KIR2DL2/DL3/DS2-positive NK cells were increased in MolR patients at 3 and 6 mo vs TFR. (MolR; 3 mo= 44.8% ± 4.6, 6 mo= 48.8% ± 4.9. TFR; 3 mo= 31.5% ± 4.0 p=0.05, 6 mo= 31.1% ± 2.1, p=0.001). No significant differences were observed in CD56brightCD16-/dim immunoregulatory NK cells, C-type lectin receptor expression (CD94/NKG2A/NKG2C, CD161, CD69), Natural cytotoxicity receptors (NKp30, NKp44, NKp46), CD62L (on T cells and NK cells) and KIR2DL5 expression. No difference in NK Cell-mediated K562 degranulation as a surrogate marker of NK cell function was observed between TFR and MolR patients. Functional CTL immune responses were observed in TFR and MolR patients. BMI-1 CTL responses were increased at baseline in TFR (23%) vs MolR (9%). PR3 CTL responses were not detected in TFR at baseline, 3 mo or 6 mo (0%) vs MolR (baseline= 18%, 3 mo= 50%, 6 mo= 50%). No difference was observed in WT1 or PRAME CTLs. Quantification of immune suppressor cell types revealed decreased Monocytic MDSCs in TFR patients at baseline (10.0% ± 2.3) vs MolR (17.7% ± 3.1, p=0.02). There was no difference in granulocytic MDSCs or Treg between TFR and MolR. No difference in PD-1 expression was observed on NK cells, T cells, B cells and Monocytes. Extensive characterisation of B cell subsets revealed no difference in TFR vs MolR (Table 1). Conclusion: In keeping with STIM and EURO-SKI trials, a threshold level of particular NK cell subsets may be important in maintaining TFR. We found additionally that enhanced NK and CTL effector responses and decreased inhibitory NK KIR2DL2/DL3/DS2 expression, in combination with reduced monocytic MDSC may promote sustained TFR. Methods to enhance nett immune effector responses, such as mature CD56dimCD57+ NK cells and BMI-1 CTL responses or targeting inhibitory KIR may increase TFR success rates. Disclosures White: Ariad: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Ross:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria. Hughes:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria. Yong:Celgene: Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Description: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR Tc) have yielded impressive remission rates in treatment-refractory B-cell malignancies (B-ALL and B-lymphomas) by targeting CD19, resulting in the first FDA approved CAR Tc therapies, Kymriah and Yescarta. However, the translation of these results for other cancer entities remains a challenge. Pre-clinical studies using second-generation CAR Tc against the interleukin-3 receptor alpha chain (CD123) engendered strong anti-leukemic activity. CD123 CAR Tc clinical studies resulted in transient responses, or complete remission but at the expense of on-target off-tumor toxicities. Our studies employing third-generation anti-CD123 CAR Tc demonstrate strong anti-leukemic activity with no adverse effects in vivo. However, the leukemia was not completely eradicated. Combining anti-CD123 CAR Tc with DNA hypomethylating (HMA) agents may enhance the anti-leukemic effect and survival. HMAs such as azacytidine (Aza) activate key epigenetically silenced pathways in AML cells, inhibiting cell proliferation while enhancing cell immunogenicity. We hypothesized that Aza will increase the expression of CD123 on AML cells resulting in long-term disease eradication by anti-CD123 CAR Tc. The anti-leukemic efficacy, survival advantage, safety and feasibility of the combination treatment with Aza and anti-CD123 CAR Tc were evaluated in vivo. HL-60 (CD123med), MLL-2 (CD123lo), MOLM-13 (CD123hi), primary de novo and relapsed/refractory (r/r) AML cells were cultured for 0-8 days in the presence of Aza (0µM-5µM) and analysed for their CD123 expression by flow cytometry, quantitative western blot and RNAseq. The anti-CD123 CAR was constructed with the humanized CSL362-based ScFv and the CD28-OX40-CD3ζ signaling domain, encoded in a third-generation lentiviral vector and expressed in CD3+ Tc from healthy donors. Rag2γc-/- mice (n=12-16/ group) were engrafted with 1x105 MOLM13/ffLuc AML cells and treated with PBS, 5x106 Non-transduced (NTD) Tc orCAR Tc, 4x 2.5mg/kg Aza, or 5x106 CAR Tc following 4x Aza (2.5mg/kg). Leukemic burden was assessed weekly by bioluminescence imaging. Tc activity and immunophenotyping was performed using flow cytometry at day 35 post engraftment, and survival was monitored. HL-60, MLL-2 and MOLM-13 cells showed significant increases in HLA-DR, PD-L1, STAT1 and IRF7 expression, as well as CD123 when exposed to Aza (Fig 1A,B). Interestingly, the increased effect was seen from day one regardless of concentration. This was similarly reflected in AML patient cells. Aza treatment also arrested cell proliferation and decreased viability in both cell lines and patient cells suggesting Aza can aid in the anti-leukemic effect. Rag2γc-/- mice engrafted with MOLM-13 and treated with Aza and CD123 CAR Tc demonstrated suppressed growth, and eradication of MOLM-13 cells compared to mice treated with CD123 CAR Tc or Aza alone. Additionally, a significant decrease in residual CD123+ cells in the bone marrow (BM) of dual treated mice was seen (Fig 1C). A higher frequency of residual CD8+ T-cells in the BM, and CD4+ Tc in the peripheral blood (PB) and BM of dual treated mice was observed compared to CAR Tc only treated mice. Most prominently, we found a significantly higher mean number of stem cell-like and central memory CD8+ Tc in the BM of dual treated mice (232 cells/µl and 208cells/µl, respectively) compared to the CAR Tc only group (55 cells/µl and 23 cells/µl, respectively). Assessment of immune checkpoint markers on residual CAR Tc of dual treated mice revealed significantly decreased levels of CTLA-4, PD-1 and TIM-3 in the BM, and CTLA-4 in the PB compared to the CAR Tc only group. While CAR Tc treatment alone demonstrated a survival advantage compared to PBS, NTD or Aza treated mice, Aza and CAR Tc treatment had a significantly higher survival rate compared to the CAR Tc only group (92% vs. 46% at day 50, p

Description: Introduction Pegaspargase (PEG) is a critical component of therapy for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, complete asparaginase treatment may be hampered by the development of hypersensitivity reactions. Inadequate exposure to asparaginase has been shown to result in inferior outcomes (Gupta 2020). Although Erwinia asparaginase can be utilized as a replacement in patients with PEG allergy, recent shortages of Erwinia leave some patients who develop allergy to PEG without an alternative. Premedication with antihistamines and corticosteroids, as well as decreasing the pegaspargase infusion rate have been proposed as approaches to reduce hypersensitivity reactions (Cooper 2019, Bade 2019, Stock 2019). We evaluated the episodes of hypersensitivity reactions to PEG during three time periods with differing premedication and infusion practices at a single institution. Methods We utilized pharmacy records to conduct a retrospective chart review on PEG administration at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta from June 2017 to May 2020. Abstraction captured data on clinical hypersensitivity reactions to PEG over 3 time periods. PEG 2500 units/m2 was delivered as an intravenous infusion according to the schedules used in Children's Oncology Group ALL protocols. In the first time period (P1, June 22, 2017 to June 21, 2018) PEG was infused over 1 hour without premedication. In the second period (P2, June 22, 2018 to May 19, 2019) PEG was infused over 1 hour following premedication with ranitidine and diphenhydramine. In the final period (P3, May 20, 2019 to May 19, 2020) PEG was infused over 2 hours with normal saline piggyback intravenous fluids following premedication with ranitidine (or famotidine), diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. Asparaginase activity was measured 7-10 days after PEG doses in consolidation and subsequent phases in P1 and P2, and also after induction in P3. Silent inactivation was defined as asparaginase activity

Description: Mixed-method bicultural research in Aotearoa New Zealand, including the weaving of Indigenous and other knowledge, is emerging within many academic disciplines. However, mātauranga Māori (the knowledge, culture, values, and world view of the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand) and Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) is poorly represented within geomorphological investigations. Here, we review international efforts to include Indigenous knowledge in geologic and geomorphic studies and provide an overview of the current state of mātauranga Māori within research endeavours in Aotearoa New Zealand. We review three theoretical frameworks (i.e. methodologies) for including mātauranga Māori in research projects and three models (i.e. methods) for including Māori values within research. We identify direct benefits to geomorphology and discuss how these frameworks and models can be adapted for use with Indigenous knowledge systems outside of Aotearoa New Zealand. The aim of this review is to encourage geomorphologists around the world to engage with local Indigenous peoples to develop new approaches to geomorphic research. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we hope to inspire geomorphologists to embark on research journeys in genuine partnership with Māori that promote toitū te mātauranga – the enduring protection, promotion and respect of mātauranga Māori.

Description: An exceptionally well-preserved specimen of the articulated rhodophyte Permocalculus, compared with P. tenellus sensu Elliott, 1955, is described from fine-grained Upper Permian limestones of the Khuff Formation of Saudi Arabia. Longitudinal medullary and sheaf-like cortical filaments extend through the uniserial series of elongate-globular, concave- and convex-terminating, interlocking segments for which they are interpreted to have functioned in articulation. The filaments tend to splay and branch laterally into the cortex where they terminate at the pores. At the terminal aperture, the filaments extend as bifurcating and possibly trifurcating branches and may serve as the origin of a new segment. Numerous elongate-globular chambers, up to five in each row and intimately involved with the filaments, are developed in the outer medulla and are considered to represent reproductive sporangia. The specimen is considered to have occupied predominantly low-energy, normal to slightly elevated salinity, shallow conditions within the subtidal regime of a lagoon.

Description: The reaction between ozone and iodide at the sea surface is now known to be an important part of atmospheric ozone cycling, causing ozone deposition and the release of ozone-depleting reactive iodine to the atmosphere. The importance of this reaction is reflected by its inclusion in chemical transport models (CTMs). Such models depend on accurate sea surface iodide fields, but measurements are spatially and temporally limited. Hence, the ability to predict current and future sea surface iodide fields, i.e. sea surface iodide concentration on a narrow global grid, requires the development of process-based models. These models require a thorough understanding of the key processes that control sea surface iodide. The aim of this study was to explore if there are common features of iodate-to-iodide reduction amongst diverse marine phytoplankton in order to develop models that focus on sea surface iodine and iodine release to the troposphere. In order to achieve this, rates and patterns of changes in inorganic iodine speciation were determined in 10 phytoplankton cultures grown at ambient iodate concentrations. Where possible these data were analysed alongside results from previous studies. Iodate loss and some iodide production were observed in all cultures studied, confirming that this is a widespread feature amongst marine phytoplankton. We found no significant difference in log-phase, cell-normalised iodide production rates between key phytoplankton groups (diatoms, prymnesiophytes including coccolithophores and phaeocystales), suggesting that a phytoplankton functional type (PFT) approach would not be appropriate for building an ocean iodine cycling model. Iodate loss was greater than iodide formation in the majority of the cultures studied, indicating the presence of an as-yet-unidentified “missing iodine” fraction. Iodide yield at the end of the experiment was significantly greater in cultures that had reached a later senescence stage. This suggests that models should incorporate a lag between peak phytoplankton biomass and maximum iodide production and that cell mortality terms in biogeochemical models could be used to parameterise iodide production.

Description: Extreme fires have substantial adverse effects on society and natural ecosystems. Such events can be associated with the intense coupling of fire behaviour with the atmosphere, resulting in extreme fire characteristics such as pyrocumulonimbus cloud (pyroCb) development. Concern that anthropogenic climate change is increasing the occurrence of pyroCbs globally is driving more focused research into these meteorological phenomena. Using 6 min scans from a nearby weather radar, we describe the development of a pyroCb during the afternoon of 4 January 2013 above the Forcett–Dunalley fire in south-eastern Tasmania. We relate storm development to (1) near-surface weather using the McArthur forest fire danger index (FFDI) and the C-Haines index, the latter of which is a measure of the vertical atmospheric stability and dryness, both derived from gridded weather reanalysis for Tasmania (BARRA-TA); and (2) a chronosequence of fire severity derived from remote sensing. We show that the pyroCb rapidly developed over a 24 min period on the afternoon of 4 January, with the cloud top reaching a height of 15 km. The pyroCb was associated with a highly unstable lower atmosphere (C-Haines value of 10–11) and severe–marginally extreme (FFDI 60–75) near-surface fire weather, and it formed over an area of forest that was severely burned (total crown defoliation). We use spatial patterns of elevated fire weather in Tasmania and fire weather during major runs of large wildfires in Tasmania for the period from 2007 to 2016 to geographically and historically contextualise this pyroCb event. Although the Forcett–Dunalley fire is the only known record of a pyroCb in Tasmania, our results show that eastern and south-eastern Tasmania are prone to the conjunction of high FFDI and C-Haines values that have been associated with pyroCb development. Our findings have implications for fire weather forecasting and wildfire management, and they highlight the vulnerability of south-east Tasmania to extreme fire events.

Description: An ice core drilled on the Renland ice cap in east-central Greenland contains a continuous climate record dating through the last glacial period. The Renland record is valuable because the coastal environment is more likely to reflect regional sea surface conditions compared to inland Greenland ice cores that capture synoptic variability. Here we present the δ18O water isotope record for the Holocene, in which decadal-scale climate information is retained for the last 8 kyr, while the annual water isotope signal is preserved throughout the last 2.6 kyr. To investigate regional climate information preserved in the water isotope record, we apply spectral analysis techniques to a 300-year moving window to determine the mean strength of varying frequency bands through time. We find that the strength of 15–20-year δ18O variability exhibits a millennial-scale signal in line with the well-known Bond events. Comparison to other North Atlantic proxy records suggests that the 15–20-year variability may reflect fluctuating sea surface conditions throughout the Holocene, driven by changes in the strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Additional analysis of the seasonal signal over the last 2.6 kyr reveals that the winter δ18O signal has experienced a decreasing trend, while the summer signal has predominantly remained stable. The winter trend may correspond to an increase in Arctic sea ice cover, which is driven by a decrease in total annual insolation, and is also likely influenced by regional climate variables such as atmospheric and oceanic circulation. In the context of anthropogenic climate change, the winter trend may have important implications for feedback processes as sea ice retreats in the Arctic.