Identification of novel cluster groups in pediatric high-risk B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with gene expression profiling: correlation with genome-wide DNA copy number alterations, clinical characteristics, and outcome
BLOOD
Authors: Harvey, Richard C.; Mullighan, Charles G.; Wang, Xuefei; Dobbin, Kevin K.; Davidson, George S.; Bedrick, Edward J.; Chen, I-Ming; Atlas, Susan R.; Kang, Huining; Ar, Kerem; Wilson, Carla S.; Wharton, Walker; Murphy, Maurice; Devidas, Meenakshi; Carroll, Andrew J.; Borowitz, Michael J.; Bowman, W. Paul; Downing, James R.; Relling, Mary; Yang, Jun; Bhojwani, Deepa; Carroll, William L.; Camitta, Bruce; Reaman, Gregory H.; Smith, Malcolm; Hunger, Stephen P.; Willman, Cheryl L.
Abstract
To resolve the genetic heterogeneity within pediatric high-risk B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a clinically defined poor-risk group with few known recurring cytogenetic abnormalities, we performed gene expression profiling in a cohort of 207 uniformly treated children with high-risk ALL. Expression profiles were correlated with genome-wide DNA copy number abnormalities and clinical and outcome features. Unsupervised clustering of gene expression profiling data revealed 8 unique cluster groups within these high-risk ALL patients, 2 of which were associated with known chromosomal translocations (t(1;19)(TCF3-PBX1) or MLL), and 6 of which lacked any previously known cytogenetic lesion. One unique cluster was characterized by high expression of distinct outlier genes AGAP1, CCNJ, CHST2/7, CLEC12A/B, and PTPRM; ERG DNA deletions; and 4-year relapse-free survival of 94.7% +/- 5.1%, compared with 63.5% +/- 3.7% for the cohort (P = .01). A second cluster, characterized by high expression of BMPR1B, CRLF2, GPR110, and MUC4; frequent deletion of EBF1, IKZF1, RAG1-2, and IL3RA-CSF2RA; JAK mutations and CRLF2 rearrangements (P < .0001); and Hispanic ethnicity (P < .001) had a very poor 4-year relapse-free survival (21.0% +/- 9.5%; P < .001). These studies reveal striking clinical and genetic heterogeneity in high-risk ALL and point to novel genes that may serve as new targets for diagnosis, risk classification, and therapy. (Blood. 2010;116(23):4874-4884)
Antibody-mediated targeting of antigen to C-type lectin-like receptors Clec9A and Clec12A elicits different vaccination outcomes
MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
Authors: Macri, Christophe; Dumont, Claire; Panozza, Scott; Lahoud, Mireille H.; Caminschi, Irina; Villadangos, Jose A.; Johnston, Angus P. R.; Mintern, Justine D.
Abstract
Targeting antigen (Ag) to dendritic cell (DC) surface receptors is a potential new mode of vaccination. C-type lectin-like receptors Clec9A and Clec12A are attractive receptor targets however their targeting in vivo elicits significantly different outcomes for unknown reasons. To gain insight into the mechanisms responsible, we have examined the intrinsic capacity of Clec9A and Clecl 2A to elicit MHC I and MHC II Ag presentation following ex vivo targeting with primary murine DC. Both receptors exhibited high rates of internalization by CD8(+) DCs, while Clec12A delivered a significantly higher Ag owing to its higher expression level. Targeting Ag to immature CD8(+) DCs via both Clec9A and Clec12A failed to elicit MHC I cross-presentation above that of controls, while Clecl 2A was the superior receptor to target following CD8(+) DC maturation. CD8-DCs were unable to elicit MHC I cross-presentation regardless of the receptor targeted. For MHC II presentation, targeting Ag to Clec12A enabled significant responses by both immature CD8(+) and CD8-DCs, whereas Clec9A did not elicit significant MHC II Ag presentation by either DC subset, resting or mature. Therefore, Clec9A and Clec12A exhibit different intrinsic capacities to elicit MHC I and MHC II presentation following direct Ag targeting, though they can only elicit MHC I responses if the DC expressing the receptor is equipped with the capacity to cross-present. Our conclusions have consequences for the exploitation of these receptors for vaccination purposes, in addition to providing insight into their roles as Ag targets in vivo. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.