Huyen Dinh

The tremendous diversity of Hymenoptera is commonly attributed to the evolution of parasitoidism in the last common ancestor of parasitoid sawflies (Orussidae) and wasp-waisted Hymenoptera (Apocrita). However, Apocrita and Orussidae differ dramatically in their species richness, indicating that the diversification of Apocrita was promoted by additional traits. These traits have remained elusive due to a paucity of sawfly genome sequences, in particular those of parasitoid sawflies. Here, we present comparative analyses of draft genomes of the primarily phytophagous sawfly Athalia rosae and the parasitoid sawfly Orussus abietinus. Our analyses revealed that the ancestral hymenopteran genome exhibited traits that were previously considered unique to eusocial Apocrita (e.g., low transposable element content and activity) and a wider gene repertoire than previously thought (e.g., genes for CO2 detection). Moreover, we discovered that Apocrita evolved a significantly larger array of odorant receptors than sawflies, which could be relevant to the remarkable diversification of Apocrita by enabling efficient detection and reliable identification of hosts.

This study aims to investigate the impact of the family factors on scholastic achievements of students in high schools and universities in Vietnam. The primary data is collected from the 538 students through an online questionnaire. We apply one empirical model with the support of SPSS and STATA to test the family determinants of academic attainments-GPA. We find that there are three factors which impact on GPA of these: Age gap, Income of the families, Negative reactions of parents to their child’s low-performed results in academic performance. The research results show that all three factors can explain for 8% with the changes in GPA of learners. While the age gap between parents and their children has minor positive effects on academic performances, family income is significantly and positively correlated to GPA. This is the reason why students from opulent families often perform better than those of more meager families.

This presentation discussed how the consortium approach can help advance all early-stage water splitting technologies and enable a new generation of innovation. Presented during the Advanced Pathways Breakout Panel Session at the DOE Hydrogen Shot Summit, September 1, 2021.

<h3>Background</h3> The inhibitory receptor leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 2 (LILRB2, ILT4) is expressed on immunosuppressive myeloid cells and expression correlates with poor survival in multiple cancers and contributes to anti-PD1 resistance. Interaction of LILRB2 with HLA class I ligands (e.g., HLA-G, HLA-A, etc.) mediates immune suppression by myeloid cells and promotes tumor immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Blocking this interaction may enhance efficacy of T cell checkpoint inhibitors. Antibodies targeting LILRB2 are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer. <h3>Methods</h3> Anti-LILRB2 antibodies were cloned from B cells derived from rabbits immunized with human LILRB2 recombinant protein. Clones were humanized after selection based on activity in a panel of functional and phenotypic assays using primary human macrophages and T cells. Humanized variants were screened for their ability to rescue T cell activity (proliferation and IFN-γ) from M2c macrophage-mediated suppression and enhance LPS-induced IFN-γ production by PBMCs. The top variants were also evaluated for cytokine release in whole blood. The pharmacokinetic profiles of lead LILRB2 antibodies were determined in humanized FcRn mice. <h3>Results</h3> We have identified a panel of humanized anti-LILRB2 antibodies that specifically bind to human LILRB2-expressing cell lines and human myeloid cells without detectable binding to other LILRA or LILRB family members. These antibodies block LILRB2 interaction with HLA-G expressed on tumor cells. The lead antibody, OR502, enhanced LPS-induced IFN-γ production by PBMCs, and relieved M2c macrophage-mediated suppression of proliferation and IFN-γ secretion by anti-CD3-activated human CD8⁺ T cells in coculture assays. Furthermore, OR502 restored the ability of exhausted T cells to secrete IFN-γ in the presence of M2c macrophages and significantly enhanced the activity of pembrolizumab in combination studies. OR502-treatment did not trigger inflammatory cytokine release or activation of neutrophils in human whole blood. The pharmacokinetics of OR502 in humanized FcRn mice demonstrated a half-life of 6-10 days. <h3>Conclusions</h3> We have identified a novel humanized anti-LILRB2 antibody, OR502, that restores innate and adaptive immune responses by modulating immunosuppressive myeloid cells. These data provide a strong rationale for further development of OR502 for cancer treatment.

Supplementary Figure 5 from Novel Synthetic Antagonists of Canonical Wnt Signaling Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth