Introduction: Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a downstream intermediary of B cell receptor (BCR) signaling. As revealed by ibrutinib, disruption of BCR signaling results in significant anti-tumor activity in various B cell malignancies. BGB-3111 is a potent, specific and irreversible BTK inhibitor. In biochemical and cellular assays, BGB-3111 was more selective than ibrutinib for BTK vs. EGFR, FGR, FRK, HER2, HER4, ITK, JAK3, LCK, BLK and TEC. Activity against these other kinases is implicated in ibrutinib-associated toxicities such as diarrhea, bleeding, and atrial fibrillation. In preclinical animal studies, BGB-3111 demonstrated superior oral bioavailability, achieving higher exposure and more complete target inhibition in the tissues than ibrutinib. We report here the initial results of an ongoing phase 1 trial of BGB-3111 in patients (pts) with advanced B cell malignancies. Patients/Methods: This first-in-human, open label phase 1 study comprised a dose-escalation (DE) component, followed by an ongoing safety, schedule and efficacy expansion component. The results of the planned interim analysis performed at the end of DE are reported here. During DE, pts with relapsed or refractory World Health Organization (WHO) classification defined B-lymphoid malignancies were enrolled to 1 of 5 dose cohorts of BGB-3111 (40, 80, 160, 320mg PO QD; 160mg PO BID) in a modified 3+3 dose escalation design. Adverse events (AEs) were reported per CTCAE v4.03 (patients with baseline cytopenias remained evaluable for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia) and responses per histology-specific standard criteria (NHL IWG criteria 2014; modified CLL IWG criteria 2015; WM IWWM criteria 2013). BGB-3111 pharmacokinetics (PK) was analyzed by dose level, and BTK occupancy determined using an irreversible binding assay in PBMCs. Results: 25 pts were enrolled in DE: 40mg (n=4), 80mg (n=5), 160mg (n=6) and 320mg (n=6) QD, and 160mg BID (n=4). Pts had received a median 2 (range: 1-7) prior therapies, for diagnoses listed in Table 1. As of 30 July 2015, all were evaluable for AE and response. BGB-3111 exposure increased in a dose-proportional manner from 40mg to 320mg daily. The Cmax and AUC0-24h of BGB-3111 at 80mg QD was comparable to that reported for ibrutinib at 560mg QD, and the free drug concentration of BGB-3111 at 40mg QD was comparable for that reported for ibrutinib 560mg QD. Sustained 24 hour BTK occupancy in PBMCs was demonstrated in all pts at 40mg QD (24 hour BTK occupancy 98.6 +/-1.1%), and at all higher dose levels. No dose limiting toxicities (DLT) were encountered, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached. The recommended phase 2 dose (320mg daily) was determined based on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and efficacy of BGB-3111. Three pts discontinued BGB-3111 due to disease progression. There were no drug-related SAEs, AEs leading to drug discontinuation, or AE-related deaths. Of 21 ≥grade 3 AEs, 3 were assessed by investigators as potentially drug-related - all were self-limiting neutropenia in CLL pts, two of whom had neutropenia at baseline. No G3/4 bleeding events were recorded. Four pts had a baseline history of atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF); no exacerbation or new event of AF was reported. 16 responses, including 1 complete remission, have been observed. Response by histology is summarized in Table 1 and Figure 1. 22/25 pts remain on study treatment, free of progression, at a median of 204 days (range 138-321). Table. Response by Histology to BGB-3111 Histology n Objective Response (no. in CR) SD Continuing Treatment (as of 30th July 2015) Days on treatment (median; range) CLL 8 6 (0) 2 8 199 (140-252) MCL 6 4 (1) 1 5 227 (165-315) Waldenström's 6 5 (0) 0 5 232 (152-321) DLBCL 2 0 (0) 1 1 159 FL 1 0 (0) 1 1 194 MZL 1 0 (0) 1 1 138 HCL 1 1 (0) 0 1 285 Conclusions: These preliminary Phase 1 results suggest that the selective BTK inhibitor BGB-3111 is safe and highly clinically active. Complete blockade of BTK in PBMC at low doses and excellent tolerability at higher doses raises the possibility that BTK blockade in deep tissue sites will be complete. This question is currently being explored in the expansion phase. Figure 1. Best response in 22 pts evaluated by CT scan (SPD, CLL and NHL) or IgM levels (WM). Not included here are 1 responder with HCL (PR), and 2 pts who progressed before restaging. Figure 1. Best response in 22 pts evaluated by CT scan (SPD, CLL and NHL) or IgM levels (WM). Not included here are 1 responder with HCL (PR), and 2 pts who progressed before restaging. Disclosures Tam: Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: BGB-3111 is not licensed for treatment of B-cell malignancies. Grigg:BMS: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Merck: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Opat:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Other: Provision of subsidized medications only. Seymour:Phebra: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel support, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel support, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Infinity: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech, Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel support, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Incyte: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hedrick:Beigene: Employment. Yang:Beigene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Wang:Beigene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Luo:Beigene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Xue:Beigene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Roberts:Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research: Employment; AbbVie: Research Funding; Servier: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding.

Kidney transplantation is considered the favored treatment for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease, since successful transplantation is associated with longer survival and improved quality of life compared to dialysis. Alloreactive immune responses against the donor kidney may lead to acute rejection of the transplant. The current diagnosis of renal allograft rejection mainly relies on clinical monitoring, including serum creatinine, proteinuria, and confirmation by histopathologic assessment in the kidney transplant biopsy. These parameters have their limitations. Identification and validation of biomarkers, which correlate with or predict the presence of acute rejection, and which could improve therapeutic decision making, are priorities for the transplantation community. There is a need for alternative, less invasive but sensitive markers to diagnose acute graft rejection. Here, we provide an overview of the current status on research of biomarkers of acute kidney transplant rejection in blood and urine. We specifically discuss relatively novel research strategies in biomarker research, including transcriptomics and proteomics, and elaborate on donor-derived cell-free DNA as a potential biomarker.

High expression levels of the calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9 in myeloid cells in kidney transplant rejections are associated with a favorable outcome. Here we investigated the myeloid cell subset expressing these molecules, and their function in inflammatory reactions. Different monocyte subsets were sorted from buffy coats of healthy donors and investigated for S100A8 and S100A9 expression. To characterize S100A9high and S100A9low subsets within the CD14+ classical monocyte subset, intracellular S100A9 staining was combined with flow cytometry (FACS) and qPCR profiling. Furthermore, S100A8 and S100A9 were overexpressed by transfection in primary monocyte-derived macrophages and the THP-1 macrophage cell line to investigate the functional relevance. Expression of S100A8 and S100A9 was primarily found in classical monocytes and to a much lower extent in intermediate and non-classical monocytes. All S100A9+ cells expressed human leukocyte antigen—antigen D related (HLA-DR) on their surface. A small population (<3%) of CD14+ CD11b+ CD33+ HLA-DR− cells, characterized as myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), also expressed S100A9 to high extent. Overexpression of S100A8 and S00A9 in macrophages led to enhanced extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as elevated mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10. The results suggest that the calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9 in myeloid cells have an immune regulatory effect.

Introduction : BGB-3111 is a potent, highly specific and irreversible Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, with greater selectivity than ibrutinib (IB) for BTK vs. other TEC- and HER-family kinases. We previously reported that BGB-3111 320mg daily (the RP2D, given as a single or split dose) achieved plasma concentrations 6- to10-fold higher than that of IB 560mg QD. Complete BTK occupancy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was observed in all pts treated in the dose-escalation (DEsc) component of the Phase 1 trial, and preliminary data suggested that >90% blockade was achievable in lymph nodes (LN). We now report the results of BTK occupancy analyses in LN specimens from a dedicated pharmacodynamics (PD) cohort and update safety and efficacy in patients with CLL/SLL. Aims: (1)To determine BTK occupancy in LN samples from pts receiving either a daily or twice-daily regimen; and (2) to define the safety profile and activity of BGB-3111 in pts with relapsed/refractory (R/R) or previously untreated CLL/SLL. Methods: This Phase 1 trial included a DEsc component in pts with R/R B-cell malignancies, and disease-specific expansion cohorts (ECs), including CLL/SLL, at the RP2D (320mg daily, given either QD or as a split BID dose). Additionally, in a PD cohort, pts with R/R B-cell malignancies were assigned to BGB-3111 160mg BID vs 320mg QD, with paired LN biopsies at baseline and at day 3 (pre-dose), in order to determine BTK occupancy in LN at the time of trough drug exposure. Adverse events (AEs) are reported per CTCAE v4.03, and response according to the 2012 clarification of the International Workshop on CLL criteria (for CLL pts) or the 2014 Lugano Classification (for SLL pts). BTK occupancy was determined by competitive fluorescent probe assay. The data cut-off for this report was 10 June 2016. Results: BTK Occupancy: 30 pts were evaluated for LN BTK occupancy (CLL, n=9; DLBCL, n=3; FL, n=5; MCL, n=6; MZL, n=3; WM, n=4), 23 pts were enrolled in the PD cohort; 7 patients in other ECs (160mg BID) consented to optional paired LN biopsies. BTK occupancy in LN by dose/schedule is shown in Figure 1. Median occupancy was 99.5% (160mg BID, n=18) vs 94.4% (320mg QD, n=12) (p=0.002, Wilcoxon). The proportion of pts with >90% occupancy was 94% (160mg BID) vs 58% (320mg QD) (p=0.027, Fisher exact). Occupancy did not appear to differ amongst histologic subtypes. CLL/SLL Safety and Activity: As of 10 Jun 2016, 45 pts with CLL (n=42) or SLL (n=3) have been enrolled: 8 pts in DEsc (80mg QD [n=1], 160mg QD [n=2], 160mg BID [n=2], and 320mg QD [n=3]), and 37 in either the PD cohort or CLL/SLL EC (160mg BID, n=19; 320mg QD, n=18). 29 CLL/SLL pts are included in this analysis; 11 pts were excluded because of short (<12 weeks) follow-up, and 5 pts accrued at a single study site were excluded because of insufficient study documentation at baseline. Demographic and disease characteristics are shown in Table 1. BGB-3111 was well tolerated with 69% subjects reporting no drug related AE >Gr 1 severity within the first 12 weeks of therapy. The most frequent AEs of any attribution were petechiae/ bruising (38%), upper respiratory tract infection (31%, all Gr 1/2), diarrhea (28%, all Gr 1/2), fatigue (24%, all Gr 1/2), and cough (21%, all Gr 1/2). Three SAEs were assessed as possibly related to BGB-3111 (Gr 2 cardiac failure, Gr 2 pleural effusion and Gr 3 purpura, all n=1). The case of Gr 3 purpura was the only major bleeding event reported. Atrial fibrillation (Gr 2) occurred in one pt. Three pts had temporary dose interruption for AE, and one pt discontinued BGB-3111 for AE. After a median follow-up of 7.5 months (2.9-17.3 months), the response rate is 90% (26/29), with PR in 79% (23/29) and, PR-L in 10% (3/29), SD in 7% (2/29), and non-evaluable response in one pt who discontinued treatment prior to week 12. No instances of disease progression or Richter transformation have occurred. Conclusions: BGB-3111 is well-tolerated and highly active in R/R CLL/SLL. While trough BTK occupancy in lymph nodes was robust with either 320mg QD or 160mg BID dosing, complete and continuous occupancy (median 99.5%) was more frequently achieved with the 160mg PO BID regimen. Late stage clinical trials will determine if the optimized BTK occupancy with this regimen translates into improvements in disease control and reduced drug resistance. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Tam: janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Opat:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Provision of subsidised drugs, Research Funding. Gottlieb:Indee: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Simpson:Celgene, Roche, Janssen: Honoraria; Amgen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Anderson:Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research: Other: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research receives milestone payments for the development of venetoclax. Kirschbaum:Beigene: Employment. Wang:Beigene: Employment. Xue:Beigene: Employment. Yang:BeiGene: Employment. Hedrick:Beigene: Employment. Seymour:Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Roberts:Genentech: Patents & Royalties: Employee of Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research which receives milestone payments related to venetoclax; Janssen: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Servier: Research Funding.

BackgroundQuantitative (q) PCR by amplification of nucleic acid with a fluorescent dye is widely used. Selection of adequate PCR reagents and devices is relevant to achieve reliable and consistent data. Our main objective was to test the robustness of different commercial SYBR green PCR mixes with respect to specificity and sensitivity of the PCR assay, across various PCR machines (Light Cycler 96, ViiA7) and amplification protocols. Herein, we applied PCR protocols for determining mRNA transcript levels, DNA copy numbers, and DNA genotype.ResultsFirst, we set up 70 primer-based assays that targeted immune-related mRNA transcripts. Of the 70 assays 66 (94.3 %) resulted in a single melting curve peak, indicating specificity of the amplification, with PCR mixes from large vendors (Roche, ABI, Bio-Rad). But this was only seen when the PCR protocol that was indicated in the vendor’s guidelines for each particular mix was applied. When deviating from the prescribed protocol, suboptimal melting curves were most often seen when using Roche SYBR green. With respect to PCR yields, the use of ABI mix more often led to lower Cq values. Second, we set up 20 primer-selective PCR assays to target different insertion-deletion and single nucleotide polymorphism regions throughout the genome. The variation in delta Cq between positive and negative DNA samples among the PCR assays was the lowest when using ABI master mix. Finally, the quality of high resolution melting (HRM) assays for DNA genotyping was compared between four commercial HRM PCR mixes (Roche, Bioline, PCR Biosystems, ABI). Only Roche and ABI mixes produced optimal clusters of melting profiles that clearly distinguished genotype variants.ConclusionsThe current results show a preference for the use of ABI mix when it comes to obtaining higher sensitivity in cDNA analysis and a higher consistency among assays in distinguishing DNA genotypes among different individuals. For HRM assays, it is advisable to use master mix from a relatively large vendor.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-016-2093-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.