Precise reconstruction of the TME using bulk RNA-seq and a machine learning algorithm trained on artificial transcriptomes.

Publication in Cancer Cell: Precise reconstruction of the TME using bulk RNA-seq and a machine learning algorithm trained on artificial transcriptomes.

This manuscript was written with colleagues from across countries and institutions with major contributions from Vic’s scientists, Susan Raju Paul and Patrick Reeves.

The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, MGH (Charlestown, MA) and the Division of Thoracic Surgery, MGH (Boston, MA) collaborated with an external industry partner, BostonGene Corporation (Waltham, MA) to assist in validating a new proprietary RNA-Seq deconvolution algorithm, Kassandra, which has a potential for future clinical application. The manuscript detailing the work was published in Cancer Cell in August 2022. This project was led by Dr Mark Poznansky, along with VIC Scientists Dr Susan Raju Paul and Dr Patrick Reeves, in collaboration with Dr Michael Lanuti and the team at MGH Thoracic Surgery.

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Evaluation of a Human T Cell-Targeted Multi-Epitope Vaccine for Q Fever in Animal Models of Coxiella burnetti Immunity.

Publication in Frontiers in Immunology: Evaluation of a Human T Cell-Targeted Multi-Epitope Vaccine for Q Fever in Animal Models of Coxiella burnetti Immunity.

Ann Sluder and Mark Poznansky are first and last authors with major contributions from Christine Rollier and the team at Epivax as well as contributions from the Oxford Vaccine Group and colleagues at Colorado State University.

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David Verrill Goodbye Event

VIC lab members enjoying a goodbye event for David Verrill, VIC lab manager, as he heads off to begin a PhD program at Northeastern University.

COVID Vaccines, Therapeutics, Variants, Long COVID, Ability To Tackle the Next Pandemic

Director of the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center (VIC) at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Mark Poznansky, joins Dr. Marc Siegel on Sirius XM Doctor Radio and discusses the latest information on vaccine development, current therapeutics, Long COVID, individual responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID, and the United States’ ability to tackle the next pandemic.
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A new platform for immunotherapeutic RNA delivery to cancer cells

A study led by Dr. Minh Le investigates the potential in red blood cell extracellular vesicles (RBCEVs) to suppress cancer progression. The study recently demonstrated the capabilities of these nano-sized vesicles with successful delivery of immunotherapeutic RNA molecules to suppress cancer growth and metastasis in laboratory models. In addition, the study highlighted the advantages of the RBCEV platform, efficient delivery of therapeutics and potential for engineering specificity to target a variety of cancer types. The team continues its research in hopes to broaden the platform to more cancer types and benefit cancer patients.
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Immune cell ‘Soldier’ identified as potential target for immunotherapy

A newly discovered immune cell “soldier” may be the next target for immunotherapy. Termed killer innate-like T cells, these cells are unlike the traditional targets of immunotherapies, that is they exhaust at a slower rate and penetrate more deeply into the tissue. Killer innate-like T cells can recognize unmutated antigens and are not dependent on antigen-presenting cells. Instead the cells are constantly primed, ready to attack cancerous cells. Researchers hope these T cells, as compared to conventional T cells, may help in eliciting immune response in patients unresponsive to immunotherapy treatment.
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Dual-drug treatment offers promise for advanced melanoma patients

An immunotherapy study suggests hopeful results for advanced melanoma patients. The study indicated that relatlimab and nivolumab elicited beneficial responses in patients with late-stage melanoma. Specifically, the phase 2-3 trial indicated that combination therapy extended progression free-survival despite an individual’s prognostic indicators. Through using both antibodies to inhibit two immune checkpoint pathways, greater immune response was stimulated against cancer cells. Continued research is centered on the effects of combination therapy for patients in different stages of melanoma progression.
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Novel drug combination may boost chemoimmunotherapy response in bladder cancer patients

A proof-of-concept study suggests that the combination of anti-inflammatory medication and chemotherapy drugs can boost immune response to suppress bladder tumor growth. Led by Cedars-Sinai Cancer investigators, the study focused on tackling the immune-dampening effect of chemotherapy drugs. Research uncovered the underlying mechanism that results in chemotherapy treatment failure, the release of prostaglandin E2. This bioactive lipid is associated with inflammation and inhibits dendritic maturation. A preceding factor for cells to fight cancer. In addition, early investigation revealed potential in combining celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory medication, and chemotherapy drugs as improved immune response was observed in treated mice models. Researchers look to test the efficacy of the potential treatment in human trials for bladder cancer patients.

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