Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) promotes anti-tumor immunity through its actions on immune cells. We hypothesized that elevated percentages of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood would be associated with impaired response to IFN-α in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. This study evaluated relationships between plasma IL-6, IL-10, circulating MDSC subsets, and IFN-α-induced signal transduction in 40 patients with GI malignancies. Plasma IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients versus normal donors. CD33+HLADR−CD11b+CD15+ and CD33+HLADR−/low CD14+ MDSC subsets were also elevated in patients versus normal donors (P < 0.0001). Plasma IL-6 was correlated with CD33+HLADR−CD15+ MDSC (P = 0.008) and IL-10 with CD33+HLADR−CD15− MDSC (P = 0.002). The percentage of CD15+ and CD15− but not CD14+ MDSC subsets were inversely correlated with IFN-α-induced STAT1 phosphorylation in CD4+ T cells, while co-culture with in vitro generated MDSC led to reduced IFN-α responsiveness in both PBMC and the CD4+ subset of T cells from normal donors. Exploratory multivariable Cox proportional hazards models revealed that an increased percentage of the CD33+HLADR−CD15− MDSC subset was associated with reduced overall survival (P = 0.049), while an increased percentage of the CD33+HLADR−/lowCD14+ subset was associated with greater overall survival (P = 0.033). These data provide evidence for a unique relationship between specific cytokines, MDSC subsets, and IFN-α responsiveness in patients with GI malignancies.
ObjectiveTo identify the genetic cause of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa in a large extended pedigree.MethodsClinical studies were done at 4 referral centers. Ten individuals in the same extended family participated in at least a portion of the study. Records were obtained from an 11th, deceased, individual. Neurologic and dermatological examinations were performed. Ophthalmologic evaluation including funduscopic examination and in some cases ocular coherence tomography were used to identify the presence of retinal disease. Whole exome sequencing (WES), in conjunction with Sanger sequencing and segregation analysis, was used to identify potential genetic mutation.ResultsAffected individuals reported slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia with age at onset between 38 and 57. Imaging demonstrated cerebellar atrophy (3/3). WES identified a novel heterozygous mutation in the elongation of very long chain fatty acids 4 (ELOVL4) gene (c.512T>C, p.Ile171Thr) that segregated with ataxia in 7 members tested. Four of 8 members who underwent ophthalmologic evaluation were found to have retinitis pigmentosa. No skin findings were identified or reported. Ocular movement abnormalities and pyramidal tract signs were also present with incomplete penetrance.ConclusionsWe report a family with both spinocerebellar ataxia and retinal dystrophy associated with an ELOVL4 mutation. In addition, to supporting prior reports that ELOVL4 mutations can cause spinocerebellar ataxia, our findings further broaden the spectrum of clinical presentations associated with spinocerebellar ataxia 34.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.