LIMR HAIM NEWS IMPACT

Congratulations to Graham Cook, Fiona Errington-Mais and Tyler Barr. 

They have been awarded a grant jointly funded by the Bone Cancer Research Trust and Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony to investigate 'Personalised immunotherapy to overcome immunosuppression in osteosarcoma'. 

This 30 month award will utilise immunologically relevant preclinical models of osteosarcoma to test rationally designed oncolytic virus combination strategies to overcome the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment . Graham, Fiona and Tyler are working collaboratively on this project with researchers and clinicians at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham and University College London.

Congratulations to Gina Doody and Darren Newton on the publication of their research.

The article discusses the BAFF-R expression as a potential biomarker associated with COVID-19 vaccine non-responsiveness. It highlights that patients with primary and secondary antibody deficiencies exhibit variable responses to vaccination, and that diminished BAFF-R expression is associated with vaccine failure. The study suggests that BAFF-R may serve as a candidate biomarker for stratifying patients at risk of vaccine failure, warranting further validation in larger cohorts.

Congratulations to Karen Scott, Emma West, Rebecca Brownlie, Fay Ismail, Alison Taylor, Salvatore Papa and Adel Samson on the publication of their research.

Their study aimed to determine whether single or repeated intravenous doses of oncolytic reovirus optimally stimulate anti‑tumour immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma while limiting liver toxicity. The authors found that a single dose induced immune activation equal or superior to repeated dosing. Multiple infusions did not enhance efficacy, increased off‑target liver inflammation, and worsened liver injury, even when combined with PD‑L1 blockade.

Congratulations to Abigail Connor, Leon Chang, Fay Ismail, Karen Scott, Emma West, Darren Newton and Adel Samson on the publication of their research.

This study investigated genetic and immune heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on multifocal disease. Using whole‑exome sequencing and immune profiling of 56 tumours from 28 patients, the authors found marked variation between patients and between tumours within the same liver. Multifocal tumours showed substantial genetic and immune discordance, highlighting mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and emphasising the need for personalised treatment strategies in HCC.

Congratulations to Darren Newton on his recent publication.

This study aimed to identify disease‑relevant T‑cell receptor (TCR) signatures in giant cell arteritis (GCA). By sequencing TCRβ repertoires from blood and temporal artery biopsies, the authors found reduced TCR diversity and significant clonal T‑cell expansions in GCA patients. Over 1,500 GCA‑associated TCRs were identified, many shared between blood and tissue, suggesting antigen‑driven T‑cell responses in GCA pathogenesis.

Congratulations to Steve Griffin on his recent publication.

This paper examines Independent SAGE as a case study of effective public engagement with science during COVID‑19. It describes how an independent, interdisciplinary group provided transparent, accessible scientific advice through regular public briefings. The authors conclude that openness, interdisciplinarity, addressing inequality, and two‑way dialogue with the public strengthened trust, countered misinformation, and complemented official advisory structures, offering transferable lessons for future public‑health emergencies.

Congratulations to Sophie Stephenson, Gina Doody and Reuben Tooze on the publication of their research.

This study examined how enforced MYC expression affects human B‑cell differentiation into plasma cells. The authors show that sustained MYC does not block core differentiation regulators but redirects cells into an aberrant transcriptional state. Differentiating cells retain antibody secretion yet show reduced expression of plasma‑cell secretory programs and altered metabolic and translational genes. These effects critically depend on MYC homology box II, particularly residue W135.

Congratulations to Reuben Tooze on his recent publication.

This study assessed COVID‑19 mortality in 18,883 UK patients with premalignant and malignant haematological conditions. Mortality was significantly higher than in the general population, particularly among patients with indolent disorders. Excess early deaths were most pronounced in monoclonal B‑cell lymphocytosis when shielding advice was absent. Shielding and vaccination reduced risk overall, though benefits were limited in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and mantle cell lymphoma.

Congratulations to Tyler Barr, Graham Cook and Fiona Errington-Mais on the publication of their recent research.

This study aimed to enhance ovarian cancer immunotherapy by reprogramming tumour‑associated macrophages using microRNAs delivered via oncolytic rhabdoviruses. The authors show that virus‑infected tumour cells release extracellular vesicles carrying therapeutic miRNAs that are preferentially taken up by macrophages, reversing their immunosuppressive function. Notably, delivering miR‑19a significantly improved anti‑tumour immunity and survival in mouse models.

Congratulations to Ulf Klein on the publication of his recent research.

This study investigated whether the NF-κB transcription factor RelA is intrinsically required for CD8⁺ T‑cell function. Using CD8⁺ T‑cell–specific RelA deletion in mice and gene-edited human cells, the authors found that RelA strongly regulated transcription and cytokine production in vitro but was dispensable in vivo. RelA deficiency did not impair CD8⁺ T‑cell responses to acute viral infection, tumor control, or checkpoint immunotherapy.

Congratulations to Rebecca Brownlie, Robert Salmond and Fiona Errington-Mais on the publication of their research.

This study investigated why immune checkpoint blockade is often ineffective in melanoma brain metastases. Using mouse models and human samples, it found that natural killer (NK) cells are essential for therapeutic success. Rather than directly killing tumour cells, NK cells promote expression of chemokines and vascular receptors that recruit CD8⁺ T cells into brain tumours, enabling effective anti-tumour immune responses.