Martín, M. (Margarita)

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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Immunotherapy moves to the early-stage setting in non-small cell lung cancer: emerging evidence and the role of biomarkers
    (MDPI AG, 2018) Berraondo, P. (Pedro); Couñago, F. (Felipe); Hernando-Trancho, F. (Florentino); Calvo, V. (Virginia); Mielgo-Rubio, X. (Xabier); Conde, E. (Esther); Martín, M. (Margarita); De-Castro, J. (Javier); López-Ríos, F. (Fernando); Provencio, M. (Mariano); Luna, J. (Javier); Remon, J. (Jordi); Higuera, O. (Oliver); Jarabo, J.R. (José Ramón)
    Despite numerous advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy in the last decade, lung cancer continues to present the highest mortality rate of all cancers. Targeted therapy based on specific genomic alterations, together with PD-1 and CTLA-4 axis blocking-based immunotherapy, have significantly improved survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and both therapies are now well-established in this clinical setting. However, it is time for immunotherapy to be applied in patients with early-stage disease, which would be an important qualitative leap in the treatment of lung cancer patients with curative intent. Preliminary data from a multitude of studies are highly promising, but therapeutic decision-making should be guided by an understanding of the molecular features of the tumour and host. In the present review, we discuss the most recently published studies and ongoing clinical trials, controversies, future challenges and the role of biomarkers in the selection of best therapeutic options.
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    The multifaceted Mas-related G Protein-coupled receptor member X2 in allergic diseases and beyond
    (MDPI, 2021) Sabaté-Brescó, M. (Marina); Gastaminza, G. (Gabriel); Quan, P.L. (Paola Leonor); Guo, Y. (Yanro); Martín, M. (Margarita)
    Recent research on mast cell biology has turned its focus on MRGPRX2, a new member of the Mas-related G protein-coupled subfamily of receptors (Mrgprs), originally described in nociceptive neurons of the dorsal root ganglia. MRGPRX2, a member of this group, is present not only in neurons but also in mast cells (MCs), specifically, and potentially in other cells of the immune system, such as basophils and eosinophils. As emerging new functions for this receptor are studied, a variety of both natural and pharmacologic ligands are being uncovered, linked to the ability to induce receptor-mediated MC activation and degranulation. The diversity of these ligands, characterized in their human, mice, or rat homologues, seems to match that of the receptor’s interactions. Natural ligands include host defense peptides, basic molecules, and key neuropeptides such as substance P and vasointestinal peptide (known for their role in the transmission of pain and itch) as well as eosinophil granule-derived proteins. Exogenous ligands include MC secretagogues such as compound 48/80 and mastoparan, a component of bee wasp venom, and several peptidergic drugs, among which are members of the quinolone family, neuromuscular blocking agents, morphine, and vancomycin. These discoveries shed light on its capacity as a multifaceted participant in naturally occurring responses within immunity and neural stimulus perception, as in responses at the center of immune pathology. In host defense, the mice Mrgprb2 has been proven to aid mast cells in the detection of peptidic molecules from bacteria and in the release of peptides with antimicrobial activities and other immune mediators. There are several potential actions described for it in tissue homeostasis and repair. In the realm of pathologic response, there is evidence to suggest that this receptor is also involved in chronic inflammation. Furthermore, MRGPRX2 has been linked to the pathophysiology of non-IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity drug reactions. Different studies have shown its possible role in other allergic diseases as well, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and chronic spontaneous urticaria. In this review, we sought to cover its function in physiologic processes and responses, as well as in allergic and nonallergic immune disease.
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    MRGPRX2-mediated mast cell response to drugs used in perioperative procedures and anaesthesia
    (Nature Research, 2018) Navinés-Ferrer, A. (Arnau); Serrano-Candelas, E. (Eva); Gastaminza, G. (Gabriel); Martín, M. (Margarita); Lafuente, A. (A.); Muñoz-Cano, R. (Rosa)
    The study of anaphylactoid reactions during perioperative procedures and anaesthesia represents a diagnostic challenge for allergists, as many drugs are administered simultaneously, and approximately half of them trigger allergic reactions without a verifiable IgE-mediated mechanism. Recently, mast cell receptor MRGPRX2 has been identified as a cause of pseudo-allergic drug reactions. In this study, we analyse the ability of certain drugs used during perioperative procedures and anaesthesia to induce MRGPRX2-dependent degranulation in human mast cells and sera from patients who experienced an anaphylactoid reaction during the perioperative procedure. Using a β-hexosaminidase release assay, several drugs were seen to cause mast cell degranulation in vitro in comparison with unstimulated cells, but only morphine, vancomycin and cisatracurium specifically triggered this receptor, as assessed by the release of β-hexosaminidase in the control versus the MRGPRX2-silenced cells. The same outcome was seen when measuring degranulation based on the percentage of CD63 expression at identical doses. Unlike that of the healthy controls, the sera of patients who had experienced an anaphylactoid reaction induced mast-cell degranulation. The degranulation ability of these sera decreased when MRGPRX2 was silenced. In conclusion, MRGPRX2 is a candidate for consideration in non-IgE-mediated allergic reactions to some perioperative drugs, reinforcing its role in mast cell responses and their pathophysiology.
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    Omalizumab efficacy in cases of chronic spontaneous urticaria is not explained by the inhibition of sera activity in effector cells
    (Nature Publishing Group, 2017) Serrano-Candelas, E. (Eva); Gastaminza, G. (Gabriel); Audicana, M.T. (María T.); Martínez-Aranguren, R. (Rubén); Bartra, J. (Joan); Martín, M. (Margarita); Algorta, J. (Jaime); Vega, O. (Olga); Ferrer-Cardona, M. (Marta); Nuñez-Cordoba, J.M. (Jorge M.); Valero-Santiago, A. (Antonio)
    Omalizumab (OmAb) is a humanized anti-IgE antibody approved for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). OmAb's mechanism of action is known to include actions on free IgE and on pre-bound IgE. However, OmAb is equally and rapidly effective against autoimmune and non-autoimmune urticaria where IgE involvement is not clear, suggesting the involvement of additional mechanisms of action. In this study, we sought to investigate the ability of OmAb to inhibit mast cell and basophil degranulation induced by sera from CSU patients. For this purpose, we performed a comparison between the in vitro incubation of sera from CSU patients treated with OmAb and the in vivo administration of OmAb in a clinical trial. We found that OmAb added in vitro to sera from CSU patients did not modify the ability of the sera to induce cell degranulation. Similarly, the sera from patients treated with OmAb in the context of the clinical trial who had a good clinical outcome maintained the capacity to activate mast cells and basophils. Thus, we conclude that the beneficial activity of OmAb does not correlate with the ability of patient sera to induce cell degranulation.