Identification of α‐fetoprotein‐specific T‐cell receptors for hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy

Wei Zhu, Yibing Peng, Lan Wang, Yuan Hong, Xiaotao Jiang, Qi Li, Heping Liu, Lei Huang, Juan Wu, Esteban Celis, Todd Merchen, Edward Kruse, Yukai He – 14 February 2018 – Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major form of liver cancer for which there is no effective therapy. Genetic modification with T‐cell receptors (TCRs) specific for HCC‐associated antigens, such as α‐fetoprotein (AFP), can potentially redirect human T cells to specifically recognize and kill HCC tumor cells to achieve antitumor effects.

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Naga Chalasani, on behalf of the Writing Group for the AASLD NAFLD Practice Gudiance – 14 February 2018

Insulin signaling as a potential natural killer cell checkpoint in fatty liver disease

Johnny Amer, Ahmad Salhab, Mazen Noureddin, Sarit Doron, Lina Abu‐Tair, Rami Ghantous, Mahmud Mahamid, Rifaat Safadi – 14 February 2018 – Insulin resistance is a key risk factor in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and may lead to liver fibrosis. Natural killer (NK) cells are thought to exert an antifibrotic effect through their killing of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Here, we investigated how the interplay between NK cells and HSCs are modified by insulin resistance in NAFLD.

Hepatitis C Virus E2 Envelope Glycoprotein Induces an Immunoregulatory Phenotype in Macrophages

Young‐Chan Kwon, Keith Meyer, Guangyong Peng, Soumya Chatterjee, Daniel F. Hoft, Ranjit Ray – 14 February 2018 – A comprehensive strategy to control hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection needs a vaccine. Our phase I study with recombinant HCV E1/E2 envelope glycoprotein (EnvGPs) as a candidate vaccine did not induce a strong immune response in volunteers. We analyzed the interactions of HCV EnvGPs with human monocyte‐derived macrophages as antigen‐presenting cells.

Tumor necrosis factor‐α‐mediated hepatocyte apoptosis stimulates fibrosis in the steatotic liver in mice

Yosuke Osawa, Ekumi Kojika, Yukiko Hayashi, Masamichi Kimura, Koji Nishikawa, Sachiyo Yoshio, Hiroyoshi Doi, Tatsuya Kanto, Kiminori Kimura – 13 February 2018 – Hepatocyte apoptosis has been implicated in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. However, it is unclear whether the induction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐mediated hepatocyte apoptosis in the simple fatty liver triggers liver fibrosis. To address this question, high‐fat diet‐fed mice were repeatedly administered D‐galactosamine, which increases the sensitivity of hepatocytes to TNF‐α‐mediated apoptosis.

Liver stiffness measurement predicted liver‐related events and all‐cause mortality: A systematic review and nonlinear dose–response meta‐analysis

Junna Wang, Jiajun Li, Quan Zhou, Dandan Zhang, Qiu Bi, Yulin Wu, Wenxiang Huang – 13 February 2018 – Numerous studies have investigated the prognosis value of the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography in assessing the risk of liver‐related events (LREs) and all‐cause mortality in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). However, the shape of the dose–response relationship between them remains unclear.

Liver paired exchange: Can the liver emulate the kidney?

Ashish Mishra, Alexis Lo, Grace S. Lee, Benjamin Samstein, Peter S. Yoo, Matthew H. Levine, David S. Goldberg, Abraham Shaked, Kim M. Olthoff, Peter L. Abt – 10 February 2018 – Kidney paired exchange (KPE) constitutes 12% of all living donor kidney transplantations (LDKTs) in the United States. The success of KPE programs has prompted many in the liver transplant community to consider the possibility of liver paired exchange (LPE). Though the idea seems promising, the application has been limited to a handful of centers in Asia.

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