Immunocompromised cancer patients who are infected by SARS-CoV-2 are at risk of developing severe COVID-19 with potentially fatal complications. Biomarkers capable of predicting those most at risk could help physicians better treat these patients. Researchers led by Simone Anfossi, Ph.D., and George Calin, M.D., Ph.D., identified several microRNAs – small non-coding RNA molecules – located close to genomic regions associated with the severity and susceptibility of COVID-19. The researchers analyzed plasma samples from 128 cancer patients infected...

Many chronic lung diseases lead to fibrosis, a condition in which lung tissue becomes irreversibly scarred and stiff, partly due to a failure in activating cell regeneration. Researchers led by Bongjun Kim, Ph.D., and Jae-Il Park, Ph.D., used a comprehensive approach to examine the mechanisms involved in lung cell repair. They identified a protein complex, PCLAF-DREAM, that plays a crucial role in helping lung cells regenerate after injury. The complex transforms specific precursor cells in lung...

Tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) are unique to cancer cells, making them viable targets for therapeutic cancer vaccines. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying these neoAg vaccines and how they compare to immune checkpoint therapy (ICT). Researchers led by Sunita Keshari, Ph.D., and Matthew Gubin, Ph.D., characterized changes within immune populations following treatment with neoAg vaccines and ICT in models of melanoma, leading them to identify cell subsets and potential biomarkers that provide insights for improving treatment strategies....