Browsing by Author "Kwon, Jae H."

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    CCL21 Induces Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Migration and Activation in a Mouse Model of Glioblastoma
    (MDPI, 2024-10-12) Zhao, Lei; Shireman, Jack; Probelsky, Samantha; Rigg, Bailey; Wang, Xiaohu; Huff, Wei X.; Kwon, Jae H.; Dey, Mahua; Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine
    Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that are traditionally divided into two distinct subsets: myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). pDCs are known for their ability to secrete large amounts of cytokine type I interferons (IFN- α). In our previous work, we have demonstrated that pDC infiltration promotes glioblastoma (GBM) tumor immunosuppression through decreased IFN-α secretion via TLR-9 signaling and increased suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) via increased IL-10 secretion, resulting in poor overall outcomes in mouse models of GBM. Further dissecting the overall mechanism of pDC-mediated GBM immunosuppression, in this study, we identified CCL21 as highly upregulated by multiple GBM cell lines, which recruit pDCs to tumor sites via CCL21-CCR7 signaling. Furthermore, pDCs are activated by CCL21 in the GBM microenvironment through intracellular signaling of β-arrestin and CIITA. Finally, we found that CCL21-treated pDCs directly suppress CD8+ T cell proliferation without affecting regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiation, which is considered the canonical pathway of immunotolerant regulation. Taken together, our results show that pDCs play a multifaced role in GBM immunosuppression, and CCL21 could be a novel therapeutic target in GBM to overcome pDC-mediated immunosuppression.
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    Minimally invasive exoscope-assisted coccygectomy: A novel approach for chronic refractory coccydynia
    (Elsevier, 2024-09-25) Obeng-Gyasi, Barnabas; Wilmes, Danielle; Blackwell, Matthew P.; Kwon, Jae H.; Mao, Gordon; Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine
    Background: This technical note presents a novel minimally invasive exoscope assisted coccygectomy to treat chronic refractory coccydynia. Traditional treatments often fail to provide adequate relief for this debilitating condition, prompting the need to explore surgical approaches. Case description: A 40-year-old female patient with persistent pain unresponsive to conservative treatments underwent this advanced procedure. Utilizing the Synaptive exoscope-microscope system, the surgery allowed for precise dissection and removal of affected coccygeal segments, with a focus on minimizing skin and soft tissue disruption to optimize wound healing and surgical site pain. Conclusion: Postoperative recovery showcased significant pain reduction and improved quality of life, emphasizing the method's potential for better outcomes and fewer complications. Despite the promising results, the limitations of a single-case study necessitate further research to establish long-term effectiveness across a broader patient population.