Machine-learning classification identifies early systemic sclerosis patients that improve with abatacept treatment by modulating CD28-pathways

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Abstract

The efficacy of abatacept in patients with early diffuse systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) was analyzed to test the hypothesis that patients in the inflammatory intrinsic gene expression subset would show the most significant clinical improvement. 84 participants with dcSSc were randomized to receive abatacept or placebo for 12 months. RNA-seq was performed on 233 skin paired biopsies at baseline, 3- and 6-months. Improvement was defined as a 5 point or >20% change in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) between baseline and 12 months. Samples were assigned to intrinsic gene expression subset (inflammatory, fibroproliferative, or normal-like). In the abatacept arm, change in mRSS was most pronounced for the inflammatory (p<0.001) and normal-like (p=0.03) subsets relative to placebo. Participants on placebo remained in their molecular subset while inflammatory participants treated with abatacept moved toward normal-like. The CD28 costimulation pathway decreased in patients that improved on abatacept (FDR=5.88x10-4) and was specific to the inflammatory subset (FDR=0%). Patients in the inflammatory subset had elevation of the CD28 costimulation pathway at baseline relative to fibroproliferative (p = 0.0026) and normal-like (p=0.0001) participants. There was a correlation between improved ΔmRSS and baseline expression of the CD28 costimulation pathway (R=-0.62, p=0.02). This study provides an example of precision medicine in SSc clinical trials.

Authors

Bhaven K. Mehta, Monica E. Espinoza, Jennifer M. Franks, Yiwei Yuan, Yue Wang, Tammara Wood, Johann Gudjonsson, Cathie Spino, David A. Fox, Dinesh Khanna, Michael L. Whitfield

Randomized phase I trial of antigen-specific tolerizing immunotherapy with peptide/calcitriol liposomes in ACPA⁺ rheumatoid arthritis

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Abstract

BACKGROUND Antigen-specific regulation of autoimmune disease is a major goal. In seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), T cell help to autoreactive B cells matures the citrullinated (Cit) antigen-specific immune response, generating RA-specific V domain glycosylated anti-Cit protein antibodies (ACPA VDG) before arthritis onset. Low or escalating antigen administration under “sub-immunogenic” conditions favors tolerance. We explored safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunological and clinical effects of s.c. DEN-181, comprising liposomes encapsulating self-peptide collagen II259-273 (CII) and NF-κB inhibitor 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.METHODS A double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory, single-ascending-dose, phase I trial assessed the impact of low, medium, and high DEN-181 doses on peripheral blood CII-specific and bystander Cit64vimentin59-71–specific (Cit-Vim–specific) autoreactive T cell responses, cytokines, and ACPA in 17 HLA-DRB1*04:01+ or *01:01+ ACPA+ RA patients on methotrexate.RESULTS DEN-181 was well tolerated. Relative to placebo and normalized to baseline values, Cit-Vim–specific T cells decreased in patients administered medium and high doses of DEN-181. Relative to placebo, percentage of CII-specific programmed cell death 1+ T cells increased within 28 days of DEN-181. Exploratory analysis in DEN-181–treated patients suggested improved RA disease activity was associated with expansion of CII-specific and Cit-Vim–specific T cells; reduction in ACPA VDG, memory B cells, and inflammatory myeloid populations; and enrichment in CCR7+ and naive T cells. Single-cell sequencing identified T cell transcripts associated with tolerogenic TCR signaling and exhaustion after low or medium doses of DEN-181.CONCLUSION The safety and immunomodulatory activity of low/medium DEN-181 doses provide rationale to further assess antigen-specific immunomodulatory therapy in ACPA+ RA.TRIAL REGISTRATION Anzctr.org.au identifier ACTRN12617001482358, updated September 8, 2022.FUNDING Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking (grant agreement 777357), supported by European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations; Arthritis Queensland; National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Senior Research Fellowship; and NHMRC grant 2008287.

Authors

Amee Sonigra, Hendrik J. Nel, Pascale Wehr, Nishta Ramnoruth, Swati Patel, Karin A. van Schie, Maxwell W. Bladen, Ahmed M. Mehdi, Joanne Tesiram, Meghna Talekar, Jamie Rossjohn, Hugh H. Reid, Frederik E. Stuurman, Helen Roberts, Phillip Vecchio, Ian Gourley, Mark Rigby, Stephane Becart, Rene E.M. Toes, Hans Ulrich Scherer, Kim-Anh Lê Cao, Kim Campbell, Ranjeny Thomas

Exenatide once weekly for alcohol use disorder investigated in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

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Abstract

BACKGROUND. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that accounts for 5% of deaths annually, and there is an urgent need to develop new targets for therapeutic intervention. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exenatide reduces alcohol consumption in rodents and non-human primates, but its efficacy in patients with AUD is unknown. METHODS. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, treatment-seeking AUD patients were assigned to receive exenatide (2 mg subcutaneously) or placebo once weekly for 26-weeks, in addition to standard cognitive-behavioral therapy. The primary outcome was reduction in number of heavy drinking days. A subgroup also completed fMRI and SPECT brain scans. RESULTS. A total of 127 patients were enrolled. Our data revealed that although exenatide did not significantly reduce the number of heavy drinking days compared to placebo, it significantly attenuated fMRI alcohol cue-reactivity in the ventral striatum and septal area, which are crucial brain areas for drug reward and addiction. In addition, the dopamine transporter availability was lower in the exenatide group compared to the placebo group. Exploratory analyses revealed that exenatide significantly reduced heavy drinking days and total alcohol intake in a subgroup of obese patients (BMI>30 kg/m2). Adverse events were mainly gastrointestinal. CONCLUSIONS. This first RCT on the effects of a GLP-1 receptor agonist in AUD provides new important knowledge on the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a novel treatment target in addiction. TRIAL REGISTRATION. EudraCT: 2016-003343-11 and ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03232112 FUNDING. The Novavi Foundation; The Research Foundation, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark; The Research Foundation, Capital Region of Denmark; The Ivan Nielsen Foundation; The A.P. Moeller and wife Chastine Mc-Kinney Moellers Family Foundation; The Augustinus Foundation; The Woerzner Foundation; Grosserer L.F Foghts Foundation; The Hartmann Foundation; The Aase and Ejnar Danielsen Foundation; The P.A. Messerschmidt and wife foundation and The Lundbeck Foundation. The funding sources and the manufacturer of exenatide once weekly (Bydureon®, AstraZeneca), had no influence on the trial design or data analysis.

Authors

Mette K. Klausen, Mathias E. Jensen, Marco Møller, Nina le Dous, Anne-Marie Ø Jensen, Victoria A. Zeeman, Claas-Frederik Johannsen, Alycia M. Lee, Gerda K. Thomsen, Julian Macoveanu, Patrick M Fisher, Matthew P. Gillum, Niklas R. Jørgensen, Marianne L. Bergmann, Henrik Enghusen Poulsen, Ulrik Becker, Jens Juul Holst, Helene Benveniste, Nora D. Volkow, Sabine Vollstädt-Klein, Kamilla W. Miskowiak, Claus T. Ekstrøm, Gitte M. Knudsen, Tina Visboll, Anders Fink-Jensen

Tofacitinib blocks interferon-regulated biomarker genes in skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes in a systemic sclerosis trial

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BACKGROUND. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune, connective tissue disease characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. METHODS. We randomized 15 participants with early diffuse cutaneous SSc to tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day or matching placebo in a Phase I/II double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The primary outcome measure was safety and tolerability at or before Week 24. In order to understand the changes in gene expression associated with tofacitinib treatment in each skin cell populations, we compared single cell gene expression in punch skin biopsies obtained at baseline and 6 weeks following the initiation of treatment. RESULTS. Tofacitinib was well tolerated; there were no participants, who experienced Grade 3 or higher adverse effects (AEs) before or at Week 24. Trends in efficacy outcome measures favored tofacitnib. Baseline gene expression in fibroblast and keratinocyte subpopulations indicates interferon (IFN) activated gene expression. Tofacitinib inhibited IFN-regulated gene expression in the SFRP2/DPP4 fibroblasts (progenitors of myofibroblasts) and MYOC and CCL19, representing adventitial fibroblasts (p< 0.05), as well as in the basal and keratinized layers of the epidermis. Gene expression in macrophages and dendritic cells indicated inhibition of STAT3 by tofacitinib (p<0.05). No clinically meaningful inhibition of T cells and endothelial cells in the skin tissue was observed. CONCLUSION. These results indicate that mesenchymal and epithelial cells of a target organ in SSc, not the infiltrating lymphocytes, may be the primary focus for therapeutic effects of a janus kinase inhibitor. TRIAL REGISTRATION. clinicaltrials.gov NCT03274076. FUNDING SOURCE. This was an investigator-initiated trial designed by the Sponsor and the steering committee. The industry funder, Pfizer, had no role in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the data. The manuscript was drafted by the authors and was reviewed by Pfizer Inc. before final submission. No medical writer was involved in creating the manuscript. DK was supported by NIH/NIAMS R01 AR070470 and NIH/NIAMS K24 AR063120. JMK, JEG, LCT are supported by the Taubman Medical Research Institute and NIH-P30 AR075043. LCT was also supported by NIH/NIAMS K01AR072129. The corresponding author had full access to all data congregates in the study and made the final decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Authors

Dinesh Khanna, Cristina M. Padilla, Lam C. Tsoi, Vivek Nagaraja, Puja Khanna, Tracy Tabib, J. Michelle Kahlenberg, Amber Young, Suiyuan Huang, Johann e. Gudjonsson, David A. Fox, Robert Lafyatis

Immunogenic epitope panel for accurate detection of non-cross-reactive T cell response to SARS-CoV-2

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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic calls for more effective diagnostic tools. T cell response assessment serves as an independent indicator of prior COVID-19 exposure while also contributing to a more comprehensive characterization of SARS-CoV-2 immunity. In this study, we systematically assessed the immunogenicity of 118 epitopes with immune cells collected from multiple cohorts of vaccinated, convalescent, healthy unexposed, and SARS-CoV-2 exposed donors. We identified 75 immunogenic epitopes, 24 of which were immunodominant. We further confirmed HLA restriction for 49 epitopes, and described association with more than one HLA allele for 14 of these. Exclusion of two cross-reactive epitopes that generated a response in pre-pandemic samples, left us with a 73-epitope set that offered excellent diagnostic specificity without losing sensitivity compared to full-length antigens, which evoked a robust cross-reactive response. We subsequently incorporated this set of epitopes into an in vitro diagnostic ‘Corona-T-test’ which achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 95% in a clinical trial. In a cohort of asymptomatic seronegative individuals with a history of prolonged SARS-CoV-2 exposure, we observed a complete absence of T cell response to our epitope panel. In combination with strong reactivity to full-length antigens, this suggests that a cross-reactive response might protect these individuals.

Authors

Aleksei Titov, Regina Shaykhutdinova, Olga V. Shcherbakova, Yana V. Serdyuk, Savely A. Sheetikov, Ksenia V. Zornikova, Alexandra V. Maleeva, Alexandra Khmelevskaya, Dmitry V. Dianov, Naina T. Shakirova, Dmitry B. Malko, Maxim Shkurnikov, Stepan Nersisyan, Alexander Tonevitsky, Ekaterina Khamaganova, Anton V. Ershov, Elena Y. Osipova, Ruslan V. Nikolaev, Dmitry E. Pershin, Viktoria A. Vedmedskia, Mikhail Maschan, Victoria R. Ginanova, Grigory A. Efimov

Modelling buprenorphine reduction of fentanyl-induced respiratory depression

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Abstract

BACKGROUND. Potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are increasingly abused, resulting in unprecedented numbers of fatalities from respiratory depression. Treatment with the high-affinity mu-opioid receptor partial agonist buprenorphine may prevent fatalities by reducing binding of potent opioids to the opioid receptor, limiting respiratory depression. METHODS. To characterize buprenorphine-fentanyl interaction at the level of the mu-opioid receptor in two populations (opioid-naïve individuals and chronic users of high-dose opioids), the effects of escalating intravenous fentanyl doses with range 0.075-0.35 mg/70kg (opioid-naïve) and 0.25-0.70 mg/70 kg (chronic opioid users) on iso-hypercapnic ventilation at 2-3 background doses of buprenorphine (target plasma concentrations range: 0.2-5 ng/mL) were quantified using receptor association/dissociation models combined with biophase distribution models. RESULTS. Buprenorphine produced mild respiratory depression, while high doses of fentanyl caused pronounced respiratory depression and apnea in both populations. When combined with fentanyl, buprenorphine produced a receptor binding-dependent reduction of fentanyl-induced respiratory depression in both populations. In chronic opioid users, at buprenorphine plasma concentrations ≥2 ng/mL, a protective effect against high-dose fentanyl was observed. CONCLUSION. Overall, the results indicate that when buprenorphine mu-opioid receptor occupancy is sufficiently high, fentanyl is unable to activate the mu-opioid receptor and consequently will not cause further respiratory depression in addition to the mild respiratory effects of buprenorphine. TRIAL REGISTRATION. Trialregister.nl, number NL7028 (https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7028) FUNDING. Indivior Inc., North Chesterfield, VA.

Authors

Erik Olofsen, Marijke Hyke Algera, Laurence Moss, Robert L. Dobbins, Geert J. Groeneveld, Monique van Velzen, Marieke Niesters, Albert Dahan, Celine M. Laffont

A 4-week high-AGE diet does not impair glucose metabolism and vascular function in obese individuals

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BACKGROUND. Accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) may contribute to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and its vascular complications. AGEs are widely present in food, but whether restricting AGE intake improves risk factors for type 2 diabetes and vascular dysfunction is controversial. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS. Abdominally obese but otherwise healthy individuals were randomly assigned to a specifically designed 4-week diet low or high in AGEs in a double blind parallel-design. Insulin sensitivity, secretion, and clearance were assessed by a combined hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamp. Micro- and macrovascular function, inflammation, and lipid profile were assessed by state-of-art in vivo measurements and biomarkers. Specific urinary and plasma AGEs Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), Nε-(1-carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), and Nδ-(5-hydro-5-methyl-4-imidazolon-2-yl)-ornithine (MG-H1) were assessed by mass spectrometry. RESULTS. In 73 individuals (22 males, mean ± SD age and BMI 52 y ± 14, 30.6 kg/m2 ± 4.0), intake of CML, CEL, and MG-H1 differed 2.7, 5.3, and 3.7-fold between the low and high AGE diets, which led to corresponding changes of these AGEs in urine and plasma. Despite this, there was no difference in insulin sensitivity, secretion, or clearance, micro- and macrovascular function, overall inflammation, or lipid profile between the low and high dietary AGE groups (all p for treatment effects > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. This comprehensive RCT demonstrates very limited biological consequences of a 4-week diet low or high in AGEs in abdominally obese individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03866343, trialregister.nl: NTR7594. FUNDING. Diabetesfonds and ZonMw.

Authors

Armand M A Linkens, Alfons J. Houben, Petra M Niessen, Nicole Wijckmans, Erica de Goei, Mathias D.G. Van den Eynde, Jean L. J. M. Scheijen, Marjo Waarenburg, Andrea Mari, Tos T.J.M. Berendschot, Lukas Streese, Henner Hanssen, Martien C.J.M. van Dongen, Christel van Gool, Coen D.A. Stehouwer, Simone JPM Eussen, Casper Schalkwijk.

Clinical trial of ABCB5-positive mesenchymal stem cells for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

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BACKGROUND. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare, devastating, and life-threatening inherited skin fragility disorder due to a lack of functional type VII collagen, for which no effective therapy exists. ABCB5-positive dermal mesenchymal stem cells (ABCB5+ MSCs) possess immunomodulatory capacities, a favorable skin homing potential and the ability to secrete type VII collagen. In a COL7A1–/– mouse model of RDEB, treatment with ABCB5+ MSCs markedly extended the animals’ lifespans. METHODS. In this international, multicentric, single-arm, phase I/IIa clinical trial, 16 patients (aged 4–36 years) enrolled into four age cohorts received three intravenous infusions of 2×106 ABCB5+ MSCs/kg on days 0, 17 and 35. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks regarding efficacy and 12 months regarding safety. RESULTS. At 12 weeks, statistically significant median (IQR) reductions in the Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index activity (EBDASI activity) score of 13.0% (2.9%-30%; P = 0.049) and the Instrument for Scoring Clinical Outcome of Research for Epidermolysis Bullosa clinician (iscorEB c) score of 18.2% (4.1%-41.7%; P = 0.037) were observed. Reductions in itch and pain numerical rating scale scores were greatest on day 35, amounting to 37.5% (0.0%-42.9%; P = 0.033) and 25.0% (-8.4%-46.4%; P = 0.168), respectively. Three adverse events were considered related to the cell product, one mild lymphadenopathy and two hypersensitivity reactions. The latter two were serious but resolved without sequelae shortly after withdrawal of treatment. CONCLUSION. This trial demonstrates good tolerability, manageable safety and potential efficacy of intravenous ABCB5+ MSCs as a readily available disease-modifying therapy for RDEB and provides a rationale for further clinical evaluation. TRIAL REGISTRATION. clinicaltrials.gov NCT03529877; EudraCT 2018-001009-98 FUNDING. The trial was sponsored by RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG, Heidelberg, Germany. Contributions by NY Frank and MH Frank to this work were supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Eye Institute (NEI) grants RO1EY025794 and R24EY028767.

Authors

Dimitra Kiritsi, Kathrin Dieter, Elke Niebergall-Roth, Silvia Fluhr, Cristina Daniele, Jasmina Esterlechner, Samar Sadeghi, Seda Ballikaya, Leoni Erdinger, Franziska Schauer, Stella Gewert, Martin Laimer, Johann W. Bauer, Alain Hovnanian, Giovanna Zambruno, May El Hachem, Emmanuelle Bourrat, Maria Papanikolaou, Gabriela Petrof, Sophie Kitzmüller, Christen L. Ebens, Markus H. Frank, Natasha Y. Frank, Christoph Ganss, Anna E. Martinez, John A. McGrath, Jakub Tolar, Mark A. Kluth

The effects of low-dose IL-2 on Treg adoptive cell therapy in patients with Type 1 diabetes

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BACKGROUND. A previous Phase I study showed that the infusion of autologous Treg cells expanded ex-vivo into recent onset Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) patients had an excellent safety profile, however, the majority of the infused Tregs could no longer be detected in the peripheral blood three months post-infusion (NCT01210664-Treg-T1D Trial). Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been shown to enhance human Treg cell survival and expansion at low doses in vivo. Therefore, we conducted a Phase 1 study (NCT02772679-TILT trial) combining polyclonal Treg and low-dose IL-2 and assessed the impact over time on Tregs populations and other immune cells. METHODS. T1D Patients were treated with a single infusion of autologous polyclonal Tregs, expanded ex vivo, followed by one or two 5-day courses of recombinant human low dose IL-2 (ld-IL-2) at 0.3 x 106 to 1 x 106 units/dose. Fluorescence-based flow cytometry, Cytometry by Time Of Flight (CyTOF) and 10X Genomics single cell RNAseq were used to follow the distinct immune cell populations phenotypes over time following immunotherapy. RESULTS. Multiparametric analysis revealed that the combination therapy led to an increase in the number of infused and endogenous Tregs but also resulted in a significant increase from baseline in a subset of activated NK, Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells and clonal CD8+ T populations. CONCLUSIONS. These data support the hypothesis that Id-IL-2 expands exogenously administered Tregs but also can expand cytotoxic cells. These results have important implications for the use of a combination of ld-IL-2 and Tregs for the treatment of autoimmune diseases with pre-existing active immunity. TRIAL REGISTRATION. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01210664 (Treg-T1D Trial), NCT02772679 (TILTtrial). FUNDING. Sean N. Parker Autoimmunity Research Laboratory Fund, National Center for Research Resources.

Authors

Shen Dong, Kamir J. Hiam-Galvez, Cody T. Mowery, Kevan C. Herold, Stephen E. Gitelman, Jonathan H. Esensten, Weihong Liu, Angela P. Lares, Ashley S. Leinbach, Michael Lee, Vinh Nguyen, Stanley J. Tamaki, Whitney Tamaki, Courtney M. Tamaki, Morvarid Mehdizadeh, Amy L. Putnam, Matthew H. Spitzer, C. Jimmie Ye, Qizhi Tang, Jeffrey A. Bluestone

Safety and PCR monitoring in 161 semi-immune Kenyan adults following controlled human malaria infection

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BACKGROUND. Naturally acquired immunity to malaria is incompletely understood. We used controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) to study the impact of past exposure to malaria in Kenyan adults in relation to infection with a non-Kenyan parasite strain. METHODS. We administered 3.2x103 aseptic, purified, cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoites (SPZ) [Sanaria® PfSPZ Challenge, NF54 West African strain] by direct venous inoculation and undertook clinical monitoring and serial quantitative PCR (qPCR) of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. The study endpoint was met when either: parasitaemia reached ≥500 parasites/μl blood; clinically significant symptoms were seen; or at 21 days after inoculation. All volunteers received antimalarial drug treatment on meeting the endpoint. RESULTS. One hundred and sixty-one (161) volunteers underwent CHMI between Aug 4, 2016, and Feb 14, 2018. CHMI was well tolerated with no severe or serious adverse events. Nineteen volunteers (11.8%) were excluded from the analysis based on detection of antimalarial drugs above the minimal inhibitory concentration or parasites genotyped as non-NF54. Of the 142 volunteers who were eligible for analysis: 26 (18.3%) had febrile symptoms and were treated; 30 (21.1%) reached ≥500 parasites/μl and were treated; 53 (37.3%) had parasitaemia without meeting thresholds for treatment and; 33 (23.2%) remained qPCR negative. CONCLUSION. We find that past exposure to malaria, as evidenced by location of residence, in some Kenyan adults can completely suppress in vivo growth of a parasite strain originating from outside Kenya. TRAIL REGISTRATION. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02739763). FUNDING. Wellcome Trust

Authors

Melissa C. Kapulu, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Domtila Kimani, Joyce M. Ngoi, Janet Musembi, Omar Ngoto, Edward Otieno, Peter F. Billingsley