Zachary D. Wallen

Abstract Background Syngeneic mouse models serve as invaluable tools in preclinical immunotherapy research. By implanting cancer cells into immunocompetent mice, tumor-immune interactions and therapeutic responses can be assessed in a physiologically relevant setting. Here, we investigated the feasibility and utility of using immune gene expression (iGEX)-based biomarkers to differentiate variable responses to immunotherapy in different syngeneic mouse models.

Abstract Growing evidence indicates that persons living with Parkinson disease (PD), have a unique composition of indigenous gut microbes. Given the long prodromal or pre-diagnosed period, longitudinal studies of the human and rodent gut microbiome prior to symptomatic onset and for the duration of the disease period are currently lacking. PD is characterized in part by accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein (a-syn) into insoluble aggregates, in both the central and enteric nervous systems.

We have complied with all relevant ethical regulations. Study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for Protection of Human subjects at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and by the Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) of United States Department of Defense (funding agency). All subjects gave signed informed consent, approved by UAB IRB and DoD HRPO. No compensation was provided for participating in the study.