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Kubo T, Asano S, Sasaki K, Murata K, Kanaseki T, Tsukahara T, Hirohashi Y, Torigoe T. Assessment of cancer cell-expressed HLA class I molecules and their immunopathological implications. HLA 2024; 103:e15472. [PMID: 38699870 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown superior efficacy compared with conventional chemotherapy in certain cancer types, establishing immunotherapy as the fourth standard treatment alongside surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In cancer immunotherapy employing ICIs, CD8-positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes are recognized as the primary effector cells. For effective clinical outcomes, it is essential that the targeted cancer cells express HLA class I molecules to present antigenic peptides derived from the tumor. However, cancer cells utilize various mechanisms to downregulate or lose HLA class I molecules from their surface, resulting in evasion from immune surveillance. Correlations between prognosis and the integrity of HLA class I molecules expressed by cancer cells have been consistently found across different types of cancer. This paper provides an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of HLA class I molecules and their role in cancer immunotherapy, with a particular emphasis on the significance of utilizing pathological tissues to evaluate HLA class I molecules expressed in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terufumi Kubo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shiori Asano
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kenta Sasaki
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kenji Murata
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kanaseki
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomohide Tsukahara
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Hirohashi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Torigoe
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
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2
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Ahmad A, Mahmood N, Raza MA, Mushtaq Z, Saeed F, Afzaal M, Hussain M, Amjad HW, Al-Awadi HM. Gut microbiota and their derivatives in the progression of colorectal cancer: Mechanisms of action, genome and epigenome contributions. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29495. [PMID: 38655310 PMCID: PMC11035079 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota interacts with host epithelial cells and regulates many physiological functions such as genetics, epigenetics, metabolism of nutrients, and immune functions. Dietary factors may also be involved in the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC), especially when an unhealthy diet is consumed with excess calorie intake and bad practices like smoking or consuming a great deal of alcohol. Bacteria including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) actively participate in the carcinogenesis of CRC. Gastrointestinal tract with chronic inflammation and immunocompromised patients are at high risk for CRC progression. Further, the gut microbiota is also involved in Geno-toxicity by producing toxins like colibactin and cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) which cause damage to double-stranded DNA. Specific microRNAs can act as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes depending on the cellular environment in which they are expressed. The current review mainly highlights the role of gut microbiota in CRC, the mechanisms of several factors in carcinogenesis, and the role of particular microbes in colorectal neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awais Ahmad
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Nasir Mahmood
- Department of Zoology, University of Central Punjab Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ahtisham Raza
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Zarina Mushtaq
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Farhan Saeed
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Afzaal
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muzzamal Hussain
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Wasiqe Amjad
- International Medical School, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, Jiangxi, China
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3
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Yu Y. The Function of NK Cells in Tumor Metastasis and NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082323. [PMID: 37190251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumors cause the most deaths in cancer patients. Treating metastasis remains the primary goal of current cancer research. Although the immune system prevents and kills the tumor cells, the function of the immune system in metastatic cancer has been unappreciated for decades because tumors are able to develop complex signaling pathways to suppress immune responses, leading them to escape detection and elimination. Studies showed NK cell-based therapies have many advantages and promise for fighting metastatic cancers. We here review the function of the immune system in tumor progression, specifically focusing on the ability of NK cells in antimetastasis, how metastatic tumors escape the NK cell attack, as well as the recent development of effective antimetastatic immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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4
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Wang X, Yang X, Wang Y, Chen Y, Yang Y, Shang S, Wang W, Wang Y. Combination of Expanded Allogeneic NK Cells and T Cell-Based Immunotherapy Exert Enhanced Antitumor Effects. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010251. [PMID: 36612246 PMCID: PMC9818244 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies based on immune checkpoint blockade, neoantigen-reactive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and T cell receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T) have achieved favorable clinical outcomes in tumor treatment. However, sustained immune response and tumor regression have been observed only in a few patients due to immune escape. Natural killer (NK) cells can mediate direct tumor lysis and target cancer cells with low or no expression of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) that are no longer recognized by T cells during immune escape. Therefore, the combination of T cell-based immunotherapy and NK cell therapy is a promising strategy for improving antitumor response and response rate. However, allogeneic NK cells for adoptive cell therapy have been limited by both the required cell number and quality. Here, we developed an efficient manufacturing system that relies on genetically modified K562 cells for the expansion of high-quality NK cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. NK cells with the optimal expansion and activity were identified by comparing the different culture systems. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the cooperation of NK cells with tumor-reactive T cells or with NY-ESO-1-specific TCR-T cells further enhanced tumors lysis, especially against tumors with downregulated HLA-I expression. The advantages of HLA-mismatch and non-rejection by other allogeneic immune cells demonstrated the potential of "off-the-shelf" NK cells with the capacity to target tumors for immunotherapy. Our results indicate that the combination strategy based on T cell and allogeneic NK cell immunotherapy might have potential for overcoming the barrier of immune incompetence caused by HLA-I downregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yueping Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yunshuo Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Siqi Shang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
- LeaLing Biopharma Company, Ltd., Suzhou 215000, China
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yueying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (Y.W.)
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5
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Griffith BD, Turcotte S, Lazarus J, Lima F, Bell S, Delrosario L, McGue J, Krishnan S, Oneka MD, Nathan H, Smith JJ, D’Angelica MI, Shia J, Di Magliano MP, Rao A, Frankel TL. MHC Class II Expression Influences the Composition and Distribution of Immune Cells in the Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4092. [PMID: 36077630 PMCID: PMC9454847 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in therapy over the past decades, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a highly morbid disease. While the impact of MHC-I on immune infiltration in mCRC has been well studied, data on the consequences of MHC-II loss are lacking. Multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry (mfIHC) was performed on 149 patients undergoing curative intent resection for mCRC and stratified into high and low human leukocyte antigen isotype DR (HLA-DR) expressing tumors. Intratumoral HLA-DR expression was found in stromal bands, and its expression level was associated with different infiltrating immune cell makeup and distribution. Low HLA-DR expression was associated with increased intercellular distances and decreased population mixing of T helper cells and antigen-presenting cells (APC), suggestive of decreased interactions. This was associated with less co-localization of tumor cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which tended to be in a less activated state as determined by Ki67 and granzyme B expression. These findings suggest that low HLA-DR in the tumor microenvironment of mCRC may reflect a state of poor helper T-cell interactions with APCs and CTL-mediated anti-tumor activity. Efforts to restore/enhance MHC-II presentation may be a useful strategy to enhance checkpoint inhibition therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Simon Turcotte
- Department of Surgery, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3E4, Canada
| | - Jenny Lazarus
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Fatima Lima
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samantha Bell
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Jake McGue
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Santhoshi Krishnan
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Morgan D. Oneka
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hari Nathan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - J. Joshua Smith
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael I. D’Angelica
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jinru Shia
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Arvind Rao
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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6
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Talaat IM, Elemam NM, Zaher S, Saber-Ayad M. Checkpoint molecules on infiltrating immune cells in colorectal tumor microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:955599. [PMID: 36072957 PMCID: PMC9441912 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.955599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with a high mortality rate due to metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains multiple interactions between the tumor and the host, thus determining CRC initiation and progression. Various immune cells exist within the TME, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). The immunotherapy approach provides novel opportunities to treat solid tumors, especially toward immune checkpoints. Despite the advances in the immunotherapy of CRC, there are still obstacles to successful treatment. In this review, we highlighted the role of these immune cells in CRC, with a particular emphasis on immune checkpoint molecules involved in CRC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman M. Talaat
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Elemam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Noha M. Elemam,
| | - Shroque Zaher
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Maha Saber-Ayad,
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7
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Meng W, Li Z, Zhang Y, Yang A, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Wu W, Qiu Y, Li L. ZhenQi FuZheng formula inhibits the growth of colorectal tumors by modulating intestinal microflora-mediated immune function. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:4769-4785. [PMID: 35680568 PMCID: PMC9217701 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Zhenqi Fuzheng formula (ZQFZ), of which the main ingredients are Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum, has immune system regulatory functions and potential anti-tumor bioactivity. The inhibition of colorectal tumor growth by ZQFZ was analyzed in inflammatory cells and B6/JGpt-Apcem1Cin(MinC)/Gpt (ApcMin/+) mice. ZQFZ exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway-related proteins in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. After 56 days of treatment, ZQFZ alleviated the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and increased the body weight and thymic index values of the ApcMin/+ mice. An analysis of the intestinal microflora showed that ZQFZ affected the abundance of certain immune-related bacteria, which may explain its immunomodulatory effects. Moreover, the percentages of T cells and NK cells in peripheral blood were significantly increased and 15 immune-related cytokines were regulated in serum or the colon or both. ZQFZ upregulated the levels of CD4 and CD8 in the spleen and colorectal tumors and decreased the expression levels of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and programmed death-ligand 1 in colorectal tumors. ZQFZ promoted an anti-tumor immune response and inhibited the occurrence and development of CRC by regulating the immune system. This study provides the experimental basis for the application of ZQFZ as a therapeutic agent for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Zhiping Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Yiting Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Anhui Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Yanzhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Food Science, Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, Zhuhai, P.R. China
| | - Yulin Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Wanyue Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Ye Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Lanzhou Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
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8
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Bunting MD, Vyas M, Requesens M, Langenbucher A, Schiferle EB, Manguso RT, Lawrence MS, Demehri S. Extracellular matrix proteins regulate NK cell function in peripheral tissues. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk3327. [PMID: 35294229 PMCID: PMC8926340 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk3327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells reject major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-deficient bone marrow through direct cytotoxicity but not solid organ transplants devoid of MHC-I. Here, we demonstrate an immediate switch in NK cell function upon exit from the circulation, characterized by a shift from direct cytotoxicity to chemokine/cytokine production. In the skin transplant paradigm, combining an NK cell-specific activating ligand, m157, with missing self MHC-I resulted in complete graft rejection, which was dependent on NK cells as potential helpers and T cells as effectors. Extracellular matrix proteins, collagen I, collagen III, and elastin, blocked NK cell cytotoxicity and promoted their chemokine/cytokine production. NK cell cytotoxicity against MHC-I-deficient melanoma in the skin was markedly increased by blocking tumor collagen deposition. MHC-I down-regulation occurred in solid human cancers but not leukemias, which could be directly targeted by circulating cytotoxic NK cells. Our findings uncover a fundamental mechanism that restricts direct NK cell cytotoxicity in peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Bunting
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Maulik Vyas
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Marta Requesens
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Adam Langenbucher
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Erik B. Schiferle
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Robert T. Manguso
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michael S. Lawrence
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shadmehr Demehri
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Corresponding author.
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9
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Sadagopan A, Michelakos T, Boyiadzis G, Ferrone C, Ferrone S. Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Antigen-Processing Machinery Upregulation by Anticancer Therapies in the Era of Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review. JAMA Oncol 2022; 8:462-473. [PMID: 34940799 PMCID: PMC8930447 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.5970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although typically impressive, objective responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) occur in only 12.5% of patients with advanced cancer. The majority of patients do not respond due to cell-intrinsic resistance mechanisms, including human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen-processing machinery (APM) defects. The APM defects, which have a negative effect on neoantigen presentation to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), are present in the majority of malignant tumors. These defects are caused by gene variations in less than 25% of cases and by dysregulated signaling and/or epigenetic changes in most of the remaining cases, making them frequently correctable. This narrative review summarizes the growing clinical evidence that chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and, to a lesser extent, radiotherapy can correct HLA class I APM defects in cancer cells and improve responses to ICIs. OBSERVATIONS Most chemotherapeutics enhance HLA class I APM component expression and function in cancer cells, tumor CTL infiltration, and responses to ICIs in preclinical and clinical models. Despite preclinical evidence, radiotherapy does not appear to upregulate HLA class I expression in patients and does not enhance the efficacy of ICIs in clinical settings. The latter findings underscore the need to optimize the dose and schedule of radiation and timing of ICI administration to maximize their immunogenic synergy. By increasing DNA and chromatin accessibility, epigenetic agents (histone deacetylase inhibitors, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, and EZH2 inhibitors) enhance HLA class I APM component expression and function in many cancer types, a crucial contributor to their synergy with ICIs in patients. Furthermore, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and BRAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors are effective at upregulating HLA class I expression in EGFR- and BRAF-variant tumors, respectively; these changes may contribute to the clinical responses induced by these inhibitors in combination with ICIs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This narrative review summarizes evidence indicating that chemotherapy and targeted therapies are effective at enhancing HLA class I APM component expression and function in cancer cells. The resulting increased immunogenicity and recognition and elimination of cancer cells by cognate CTLs contributes to the antitumor activity of these therapies as well as to their synergy with ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananthan Sadagopan
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theodoros Michelakos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabriella Boyiadzis
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Neutrophil and Natural Killer Cell Interactions in Cancers: Dangerous Liaisons Instructing Immunosuppression and Angiogenesis. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9121488. [PMID: 34960234 PMCID: PMC8709224 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has largely been reported to cooperate on tumor onset and progression, as a consequence of the phenotype/functional plasticity and adaptation capabilities of tumor-infiltrating and tumor-associated immune cells. Immune cells within the tumor micro (tissue-local) and macro (peripheral blood) environment closely interact by cell-to-cell contact and/or via soluble factors, also generating a tumor-permissive soil. These dangerous liaisons have been investigated for pillars of tumor immunology, such as tumor associated macrophages and T cell subsets. Here, we reviewed and discussed the contribution of selected innate immunity effector cells, namely neutrophils and natural killer cells, as "soloists" or by their "dangerous liaisons", in favoring tumor progression by dissecting the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved.
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11
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Vuletić A, Mirjačić Martinović K, Tišma Miletić N, Zoidakis J, Castellvi-Bel S, Čavić M. Cross-Talk Between Tumor Cells Undergoing Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Natural Killer Cells in Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:750022. [PMID: 34858978 PMCID: PMC8631470 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.750022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) reciprocally influence each other. Immune cells, by supplying TME with bioactive molecules including cytokines, chemokines, enzymes, metabolites, and by physical interactions with tumor cells via their receptors, represent an important factor that affects EMT. Chronical inflammation in TME favorizes tumor growth and invasiveness and stimulates synthesis of EMT promoting transcription factors. Natural killer (NK) cells, owing to their unique ability to exert cytotoxic function independent of major histocompatibility (MHC)-mediated antigen presentation, play a significant role in the control of metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Although, the cross-talk between immune cells and tumor cells in general favors the induction of EMT and inhibition of antitumor immune responses, there are some changes in the immunogenicity of tumor cells during EMT of CRC cells that increase their susceptibility to NK cell cytotoxic lysis. However, suppressive TME downmodulates the expression of activating NK cell receptors, decreases the expression of activating and increases the expression of inhibitory NK cell ligands on tumor cells, and impairs NK cell metabolism that altogether negatively affects the overall NK cell function. Furthermore, process of EMT is often associated with increased expression of programmed cell death ligand (PD-L) and expression of immune checkpoint molecules PD-1, TIGIT, and TIM3 on functionally exhausted NK cells in TME in CRC. In this review we discuss modalities of cross-talk between tumor cells and NK cells, with regard of EMT-driven changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vuletić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nevena Tišma Miletić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jerome Zoidakis
- Department of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sergi Castellvi-Bel
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Institut d'Investigacions Biomčdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Milena Čavić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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12
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Directly reprogrammed natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Biomed Eng 2021; 5:1360-1376. [PMID: 34341536 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00768-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Efficacious and accessible sources of natural killer (NK) cells would widen their use as immunotherapeutics, particularly for solid cancers. Here, we show that human somatic cells can be directly reprogrammed into NK cells with a CD56brightCD16bright phenotype using pluripotency transcription factors and an optimized reprogramming medium. The directly reprogrammed NK cells have strong innate-adaptive immunomodulatory activity and are highly potent against a wide range of cancer cells, including difficult-to-treat solid cancers and cancer stem cells. Both directly reprogrammed NK cells bearing a cancer-specific chimeric antigen receptor and reprogrammed NK cells in combination with antibodies competent for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity led to selective anticancer effects with augmented potency. The direct reprogramming of human somatic cells into NK cells is amenable to the production of autologous and allogeneic NK cells, and will facilitate the design and testing of cancer immunotherapies and combination therapies.
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13
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Dhatchinamoorthy K, Colbert JD, Rock KL. Cancer Immune Evasion Through Loss of MHC Class I Antigen Presentation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:636568. [PMID: 33767702 PMCID: PMC7986854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.636568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 396] [Impact Index Per Article: 132.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility class I (MHC I) molecules bind peptides derived from a cell's expressed genes and then transport and display this antigenic information on the cell surface. This allows CD8 T cells to identify pathological cells that are synthesizing abnormal proteins, such as cancers that are expressing mutated proteins. In order for many cancers to arise and progress, they need to evolve mechanisms to avoid elimination by CD8 T cells. MHC I molecules are not essential for cell survival and therefore one mechanism by which cancers can evade immune control is by losing MHC I antigen presentation machinery (APM). Not only will this impair the ability of natural immune responses to control cancers, but also frustrate immunotherapies that work by re-invigorating anti-tumor CD8 T cells, such as checkpoint blockade. Here we review the evidence that loss of MHC I antigen presentation is a frequent occurrence in many cancers. We discuss new insights into some common underlying mechanisms through which some cancers inactivate the MHC I pathway and consider some possible strategies to overcome this limitation in ways that could restore immune control of tumors and improve immunotherapy.
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14
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AlMusawi S, Ahmed M, Nateri AS. Understanding cell-cell communication and signaling in the colorectal cancer microenvironment. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e308. [PMID: 33635003 PMCID: PMC7868082 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Carcinomas are complex heterocellular systems containing epithelial cancer cells, stromal fibroblasts, and multiple immune cell-types. Cell-cell communication between these tumor microenvironments (TME) and cells drives cancer progression and influences response to existing therapies. In order to provide better treatments for patients, we must understand how various cell-types collaborate within the TME to drive cancer and consider the multiple signals present between and within different cancer types. To investigate how tissues function, we need a model to measure both how signals are transferred between cells and how that information is processed within cells. The interplay of collaboration between different cell-types requires cell-cell communication. This article aims to review the current in vitro and in vivo mono-cellular and multi-cellular cultures models of colorectal cancer (CRC), and to explore how they can be used for single-cell multi-omics approaches for isolating multiple types of molecules from a single-cell required for cell-cell communication to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells. Integrating the existing single-cell signaling measurements and models, and through understanding the cell identity and how different cell types communicate, will help predict drug sensitivities in tumor cells and between- and within-patients responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikha AlMusawi
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of MedicineUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Mehreen Ahmed
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of MedicineUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer ResearchLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Abdolrahman S. Nateri
- Cancer Genetics & Stem Cell Group, BioDiscovery Institute, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of MedicineUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
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15
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Haldar R, Ricon-Becker I, Radin A, Gutman M, Cole SW, Zmora O, Ben-Eliyahu S. Perioperative COX2 and β-adrenergic blockade improves biomarkers of tumor metastasis, immunity, and inflammation in colorectal cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Cancer 2020; 126:3991-4001. [PMID: 32533792 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies have implicated excess release of catecholamines and prostaglandins in the mediation of prometastatic processes during surgical treatment of cancer. In this study, we tested the combined perioperative blockade of these pathways in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled biomarker trial involving 34 patients, the β-blocker propranolol and the COX2-inhibitor etodolac were administered for 20 perioperative days, starting 5 days before surgery. Excised tumors were subjected to whole genome messenger RNA profiling and transcriptional control pathway analyses. RESULTS Drugs were well-tolerated, with minor complications in both the treatment group and the placebo group. Treatment resulted in a significant improvement (P < .05) of tumor molecular markers of malignant and metastatic potential, including 1) reduced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, 2) reduced tumor infiltrating CD14+ monocytes and CD19+ B cells, and 3) increased tumor infiltrating CD56+ natural killer cells. Transcriptional activity analyses indicated a favorable drug impact on 12 of 19 a priori hypothesized CRC-related transcription factors, including the GATA, STAT, and EGR families as well as the CREB family that mediates the gene regulatory impact of β-adrenergic- and prostaglandin-signaling. Alterations observed in these transcriptional activities were previously associated with improved long-term clinical outcomes. Three-year recurrence rates were assessed for long-term safety analyses. An intent-to-treat analysis revealed that recurrence rates were 12.5% (2/16) in the treatment group and 33.3% (6/18) in the placebo group (P = .239), and in protocol-compliant patients, recurrence rates were 0% (0/11) in the treatment group and 29.4% (5/17) in the placebo group (P = .054). CONCLUSIONS The favorable biomarker impacts and clinical outcomes provide a rationale for future randomized placebo-controlled trials in larger samples to assess the effects of perioperative propranolol/etodolac treatment on oncological clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Haldar
- Sagol School of Neuroscience and School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Itay Ricon-Becker
- Sagol School of Neuroscience and School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Arielle Radin
- Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mordechai Gutman
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Steve W Cole
- Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Oded Zmora
- Department of Surgery, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er-Ya'akov, Israel
| | - Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu
- Sagol School of Neuroscience and School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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16
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Cristiani CM, Garofalo C, Passacatini LC, Carbone E. New avenues for melanoma immunotherapy: Natural Killer cells? Scand J Immunol 2020; 91:e12861. [PMID: 31879979 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Human solid malignant tumours may be particularly resistant to conventional therapies. Among solid tumours, immunological features of cutaneous melanoma have been well characterized in the past and today melanoma patients are routinely treated with the anti-immune checkpoints immunotherapy that has completely changed metastatic melanoma treatment and prognosis. Two cytotoxic cell populations may lead to the physical elimination of tumour cell targets: cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Tumour recognition by CTLs depends on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, while NK cells recognize tumours expressing low or null levels of MHC class I molecules. Despite this well-established complementarity, NK cells are still left behind in the optimization of innovative immunotherapy approaches. NK cells are members of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that play a critical role in early host defence against invading pathogens and transformed cells. Recent findings suggest that NK cell frequencies directly correlate with the overall survival of ipilimumab-treated melanoma patients. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo evidences indicate that NK cells can selectively kill cancer stem cells, reducing tumour size and delaying metastatic progression. The aim of this review is to provide a survey of the evidences indicating NK cells as an excellent candidate to complement the newest solid tumour immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Maria Cristiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Garofalo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Passacatini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Tang YP, Xie MZ, Li KZ, Li JL, Cai ZM, Hu BL. Prognostic value of peripheral blood natural killer cells in colorectal cancer. BMC Gastroenterol 2020; 20:31. [PMID: 32028908 PMCID: PMC7006176 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-1177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The association between natural killer (NK) cells and survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic value of peripheral blood NK cells in CRC patients. Methods A total of 447 CRC patients who underwent radical surgery and chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent prognostic indicators. Correlation between NK cell percentage and other clinicopathological features (gender, age, histological grade, tumor stage, immune cells, and inflammatory indicators) was analyzed. The prognostic values of the combinations of NK cell percentage and other clinicopathological features were also determined. Results Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that NK cell percentage in the peripheral blood was an independent prognostic indicator in CRC patients. A higher percentage of NK cells indicated a longer survival time than a lower percentage. NK cell percentage was positively correlated to the T and B lymphocyte counts and negatively correlated to the patients’ age and albumin levels. With an area of 0.741 under a receiver operating characteristic curve, NK cells have a moderate predictive value for 3rd-year survival in CRC. This area increased to 0.851 by combining NK cell percentage with the B lymphocyte count. Elderly patients and those at an advanced clinical stage presented a lower percentage of NK cells than younger patients and those at an early clinical stage. Conclusions This study demonstrated that NK cells in the blood were an independent predictor of survival in CRC patients, and the combined count of NK cells and B lymphocytes could increase the prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ping Tang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Zhi Xie
- Department of Chemotherapy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Zhi Li
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Lin Li
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng-Min Cai
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bang-Li Hu
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Agbaria AH, Rosen GB, Lapidot I, Rich DH, Mordechai S, Kapelushnik J, Huleihel M, Salman A. Rapid diagnosis of infection etiology in febrile pediatric oncology patients using infrared spectroscopy of leukocytes. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2020; 13:e201900215. [PMID: 31566906 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201900215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rapid diagnosis of the etiology of infection is highly important for an effective treatment of the infected patients. Bacterial and viral infections are serious diseases that can cause death in many cases. The human immune system deals with many viral and bacterial infections that cause no symptoms and pass quietly without treatment. However, oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy have a very weak immune system caused by leukopenia, and even minor pathogen infection threatens their lives. For this reason, physicians tend to prescribe immediately several types of antibiotics for febrile pediatric oncology patients (FPOPs). Uncontrolled use of antibiotics is one of the major contributors to the development of resistant bacteria. Therefore, for oncology patients, a rapid and objective diagnosis of the etiology of the infection is extremely critical. Current identification methods are time-consuming (>24 h). In this study, the potential of midinfrared spectroscopy in tandem with machine learning algorithms is evaluated for rapid and objective diagnosis of the etiology of infections in FPOPs using simple peripheral blood samples. Our results show that infrared spectroscopy enables the diagnosis of the etiology of infection as bacterial or viral within 70 minutes after the collection of the blood sample with 93% sensitivity and 88% specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Agbaria
- Department of Physics, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Guy Beck Rosen
- Department of Hematology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Itshak Lapidot
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, ACLP-Afeka Center for Language Processing, Afeka Tel-Aviv Academic College of Engineering, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel H Rich
- Department of Physics, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shaul Mordechai
- Department of Physics, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Joseph Kapelushnik
- Department of Hematology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ahmad Salman
- Department of Physics, SCE-Sami Shamoon College of Engineering, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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19
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Choucair K, Duff JR, Cassidy CS, Albrethsen MT, Kelso JD, Lenhard A, Staats H, Patel R, Brunicardi FC, Dworkin L, Nemunaitis J. Natural killer cells: a review of biology, therapeutic potential and challenges in treatment of solid tumors. Future Oncol 2019; 15:3053-3069. [DOI: 10.2217/fon-2019-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells lead immune surveillance against cancer and early elimination of small tumors. Owing to their ability to engage tumor targets without the need of specific antigen, the therapeutic potential of NK cells has been extensively explored in hematological malignancies. In solid tumors, however, their role in the clinical arena remains poorly exploited despite a broad accumulation of preclinical data. In this article, we review our current knowledge of NK cells’ biology, and highlight the challenges facing NK cell antitumor strategies in solid tumors. We further summarize the abundant preclinical attempts at overcoming these challenges, present past and ongoing clinical trial data and finally discuss the potential impact of novel insights on the development of NK cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Choucair
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Joseph R Duff
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Christine S Cassidy
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Mary T Albrethsen
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Jesse D Kelso
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Amanda Lenhard
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Hannah Staats
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Rayna Patel
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - F Charles Brunicardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Lance Dworkin
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - John Nemunaitis
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- ProMedica Health System, Toledo, OH 43604, USA
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20
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Xie X, Ma L, Zhou Y, Shen W, Xu D, Dou J, Shen B, Zhou C. Polysaccharide enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer via TLR4/MAPKs/NF-κB pathway in vitro/vivo. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 225:115223. [PMID: 31521276 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A polysaccharide isolated from Strongylocentrotus nudus eggs (SEP) reportedly displays immune activity in vivo. Here, its effect and underlying mechanism in the treatment of pancreatic cancer were investigated. SEP obviously inhibited pancreatic cancer growth by activating NK cells in vitro/vivo via TLR4/MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathway, The tumor inhibitory rate achieved to 44.5% and 50.8% at a dose of 40 mg/kg in Bxpc-3 and SW1990 nude mice, respectively. Moreover, SEP obviously augmented the Gemcitabine (GEM) antitumor effect by upregulating NKG2D, which improved the sensitivity of NK cells targeting to its ligand MICA; meanwhile, the antitumor inhibitory rate was 68.6% in BxPC-3 tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, SEP reversed GEM-induced apoptosis and atrophy in both spleen and bone marrow via suppressing ROS secretion in vivo. These results suggested that pancreatic cancer was effectively inhibited by SEP-enhanced NK cytotoxicity mediated primarily through TLR4/MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathway, representing a potential immunotherapy candidate for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Lingman Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Yiran Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Wen Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Duiyue Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Jie Dou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
| | - Changlin Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
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21
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Siveen KS, Raza A, Ahmed EI, Khan AQ, Prabhu KS, Kuttikrishnan S, Mateo JM, Zayed H, Rasul K, Azizi F, Dermime S, Steinhoff M, Uddin S. The Role of Extracellular Vesicles as Modulators of the Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis and Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060746. [PMID: 31146452 PMCID: PMC6628238 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. A number of factors including modulation of the tumor microenvironment, high metastatic capability, and resistance to treatment have been associated with CRC disease progression. Recent studies have documented that tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a significant role in intercellular communication in CRC via transfer of cargo lipids, proteins, DNA and RNAs to the recipient tumor cells. This transfer influences a number of immune-related pathways leading to activation/differentiation/expression of immune cells and modulation of the tumor microenvironment that plays a significant role in CRC progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, tumor-derived EVs are secreted in large amounts in biological fluids of CRC patients and as such the expression analysis of EV cargoes have been associated with prognosis or response to therapy and may be a source of therapeutic targets. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the role of EVs in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and its effects on CRC progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. On the other hand, the potential role of CRC derived EVs as a source of biomarkers of response and therapeutic targets will be discussed in detail to understand the dynamic role of EVs in CRC diagnosis, treatment, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodappully S Siveen
- Academic Health System, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Afsheen Raza
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Eiman I Ahmed
- Academic Health System, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Abdul Q Khan
- Academic Health System, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Academic Health System, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Academic Health System, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Jericha M Mateo
- Academic Health System, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Hatem Zayed
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar.
| | - Kakil Rasul
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Fouad Azizi
- Academic Health System, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Said Dermime
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Academic Health System, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
- Department of Dermatology Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
- Weill Cornell-Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 24811, Qatar.
- Weill Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Academic Health System, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha P.O. Box 3050, Qatar.
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22
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Krijgsman D, Van Vlierberghe RLP, Evangelou V, Vahrmeijer AL, Van de Velde CJH, Sier CFM, Kuppen PJK. A method for semi-automated image analysis of HLA class I tumour epithelium expression in rectal cancer. Eur J Histochem 2019; 63. [PMID: 31113192 PMCID: PMC6536912 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2019.3028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers may hold the key towards development and improvement of personalized cancer treatment. For instance, tumour expression of immune system-related proteins may reveal the tumour immune status and, accordingly, determine choice for type of immunotherapy. Therefore, objective evaluation of tumour biomarker expression is needed but often challenging. For instance, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I tumour epithelium expression is cumbersome to quantify by eye due to its presence on both tumour epithelial cells and tumour stromal cells, as well as tumourinfiltrating immune cells. In this study, we solved this problem by setting up an immunohistochemical (IHC) double staining using a tissue microarray (TMA) of rectal tumours wherein HLA class I expression was coloured with a blue chromogen, whereas non-epithelial tissue was visualized with a brown chromogen. We subsequently developed a semi-automated image analysis method that identified tumour epithelium as well as the percentage of HLA class I-positive tumour epithelium. Using this technique, we compared HCA2/HC10 and EMR8-5 antibodies for the assessment of HLA class I tumour expression and concluded that EMR8-5 is the superior antibody for this purpose. This IHC double staining can in principle be used for scoring of any biomarker expressed by tumour epithelium.
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23
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Characterization of circulating T-, NK-, and NKT cell subsets in patients with colorectal cancer: the peripheral blood immune cell profile. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1011-1024. [PMID: 31053876 PMCID: PMC6529387 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02343-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective As the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) are known to be affected by the immune system, cell subsets such as T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cells are considered interesting targets for immunotherapy and clinical biomarker research. Until now, the role of systemic immune profiles in tumor progression remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to characterize the immunophenotype of circulating T cells, NK cells, and NKT-like cells in patients with CRC, and to subsequently correlate these immunophenotypes to clinical follow-up data. Methods Using multiparameter flow cytometry, the subset distribution and immunophenotype of T cells (CD3+CD56−), CD56dim NK cells (CD3−CD56dim), CD56bright NK cells (CD3−CD56bright), and NKT-like (CD3+CD56+) cells were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from 71 CRC patients and 19 healthy donors. Results CRC patients showed profound differences in immune cell subset distribution and their immunophenotype compared to healthy donors, as characterized by increased percentage of regulatory T cells, and reduced expression level of the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp44 and NKp46 on both CD56dim NK cells and NKT-like cells. Finally, we showed in a multivariate analysis that above-median percentage of CD16+ NKT-like cells was independently associated with shorter disease-free survival in CRC patients. Conclusion The altered phenotype of circulating immune cell subsets in CRC and its association with clinical outcome highlight the potential use of PBMC subsets as prognostic biomarkers in CRC, thereby contributing to better insight into the role of systemic immune profiles in tumor progression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00262-019-02343-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Poggi A, Benelli R, Venè R, Costa D, Ferrari N, Tosetti F, Zocchi MR. Human Gut-Associated Natural Killer Cells in Health and Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:961. [PMID: 31130953 PMCID: PMC6509241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that natural killer (NK) cells are involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. Indeed, they can recognize molecules induced at the cell surface by stress signals and virus infections. The functions of NK cells in the gut are much more complex. Gut NK cells are not precisely organized in lymphoid aggregates but rather scattered in the epithelium or in the stroma, where they come in contact with a multitude of antigens derived from commensal or pathogenic microorganisms in addition to components of microbiota. Furthermore, NK cells in the bowel interact with several cell types, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T lymphocytes, and contribute to the maintenance of immune homeostasis and development of efficient immune responses. NK cells have a key role in the response to intestinal bacterial infections, primarily through production of IFNγ, which can stimulate recruitment of additional NK cells from peripheral blood leading to amplification of the anti-bacterial immune response. Additionally, NK cells can have a role in the pathogenesis of gut autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. These diseases are considered relevant to the generation of gastrointestinal malignancies. Indeed, the role of gut-associated NK cells in the immune response to bowel cancers is known. Thus, in the gut immune system, NK cells play a dual role, participating in both physiological and pathogenic processes. In this review, we will analyze the known functions of NK cells in the gut mucosa both in health and disease, focusing on the cross-talk among bowel microenvironment, epithelial barrier integrity, microbiota, and NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Benelli
- Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Venè
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Delfina Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Ferrari
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Tosetti
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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25
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Degos C, Heinemann M, Barrou J, Boucherit N, Lambaudie E, Savina A, Gorvel L, Olive D. Endometrial Tumor Microenvironment Alters Human NK Cell Recruitment, and Resident NK Cell Phenotype and Function. Front Immunol 2019; 10:877. [PMID: 31105699 PMCID: PMC6498896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial Cancer is the most common cancer in the female genital tract in developed countries, and with its increasing incidence due to risk factors such as aging and obesity tends to become a public health issue. However, its immune environment has been less characterized than in other tumors such as breast cancers. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that are considered as a major anti-tumoral effector cell type which function is drastically altered in tumors which participates to tumor progression. Here we characterize tumor NK cells both phenotypically and functionally in the tumor microenvironment of endometrial cancer. For that, we gathered endometrial tumors, tumor adjacent healthy tissue, blood from matching patients and healthy donor blood to perform comparative analysis of NK cells. First we found that NK cells were impoverished in the tumor infiltrate. We then compared the phenotype of NK cells in the tumor and found that tumor resident CD103+ NK cells exhibited more co-inhibitory molecules such as Tigit, and TIM-3 compared to recruited CD103− NK cells and that the expression of these molecules increased with the severity of the disease. We showed that both chemokines (CXCL12, IP-10, and CCL27) and cytokines profiles (IL-1β and IL-6) were altered in the tumor microenvironment and might reduce NK cell function and recruitment to the tumor site. This led to hypothesize that the tumor microenvironment reduces resident NK cells cytotoxicity which we confirmed by measuring cytotoxic effector production and degranulation. Taken together, our results show that the tumor microenvironment reshapes NK cell phenotype and function to promote tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Degos
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring Platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseillle, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Mellie Heinemann
- Department of Surgical Oncology 2, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Barrou
- Department of Surgical Oncology 2, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Boucherit
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring Platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseillle, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Lambaudie
- Department of Surgical Oncology 2, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Laurent Gorvel
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring Platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseillle, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring Platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseillle, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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26
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Cristiani CM, Turdo A, Ventura V, Apuzzo T, Capone M, Madonna G, Mallardo D, Garofalo C, Giovannone ED, Grimaldi AM, Tallerico R, Marcenaro E, Pesce S, Del Zotto G, Agosti V, Costanzo FS, Gulletta E, Rizzo A, Moretta A, Karre K, Ascierto PA, Todaro M, Carbone E. Accumulation of Circulating CCR7 + Natural Killer Cells Marks Melanoma Evolution and Reveals a CCL19-Dependent Metastatic Pathway. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:841-852. [PMID: 30940644 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has changed prognoses for many melanoma patients. However, immune responses that correlate with clinical progression of the disease are still poorly understood. To identify immune responses correlating with melanoma clinical evolution, we analyzed serum cytokines as well as circulating NK and T-cell subpopulations from melanoma patients. The patients' immune profiles suggested that melanoma progression leads to changes in peripheral blood NK and T-cell subsets. Stage IV melanoma was characterized by an increased frequency of CCR7+CD56bright NK cells as well as high serum concentrations of the CCR7 ligand CCL19. CCR7 expression and CCL19 secretion were also observed in melanoma cell lines. The CCR7+ melanoma cell subpopulation coexpressed PD-L1 and Galectin-9 and had stemness properties. Analysis of melanoma-derived cancer stem cells (CSC) showed high CCR7 expression; these CSCs were efficiently recognized and killed by NK cells. An accumulation of CCR7+, PD-L1+, and Galectin-9+ melanoma cells in melanoma metastases was demonstrated ex vivo Altogether, our data identify biomarkers that may mark a CCR7-driven metastatic melanoma pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Maria Cristiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Ventura
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Tiziana Apuzzo
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariaelena Capone
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale," Dipartimento di Melanoma, Immunoterapia Oncologica e Terapie Innovative, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Madonna
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale," Dipartimento di Melanoma, Immunoterapia Oncologica e Terapie Innovative, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Mallardo
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale," Dipartimento di Melanoma, Immunoterapia Oncologica e Terapie Innovative, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Garofalo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilia Dora Giovannone
- Services and Research Interdepartmental Center, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio M Grimaldi
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale," Dipartimento di Melanoma, Immunoterapia Oncologica e Terapie Innovative, Naples, Italy
| | - Rossana Tallerico
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Genny Del Zotto
- Core Facilities Laboratory, Department of Translational Research, Laboratory Medicine, Diagnosis and Services, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valter Agosti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Services and Research Interdepartmental Center, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Costanzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Services and Research Interdepartmental Center, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elio Gulletta
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Aroldo Rizzo
- Unit of Pathology, Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Klas Karre
- Department of Microbiology, Cell and Tumor biology, Karolinska Intitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paolo A Ascierto
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale," Dipartimento di Melanoma, Immunoterapia Oncologica e Terapie Innovative, Naples, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
- Department of Microbiology, Cell and Tumor biology, Karolinska Intitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Ayuso JM, Truttschel R, Gong MM, Humayun M, Virumbrales-Munoz M, Vitek R, Felder M, Gillies SD, Sondel P, Wisinski KB, Patankar M, Beebe DJ, Skala MC. Evaluating natural killer cell cytotoxicity against solid tumors using a microfluidic model. Oncoimmunology 2018; 8:1553477. [PMID: 30723584 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1553477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies against solid tumors face additional challenges compared with hematological cancers. In solid tumors, immune cells and antibodies need to extravasate from vasculature, find the tumor, and migrate through a dense mass of cells. These multiple steps pose significant obstacles for solid tumor immunotherapy and their study has remained difficult using classic in vitro models based on Petri dishes. In this work, a microfluidic model has been developed to study natural killer cell response. The model includes a 3D breast cancer spheroid in a 3D extracellular matrix, and two flanking lumens lined with endothelial cells, replicating key structures and components during the immune response. Natural Killer cells and antibodies targeting the tumor cells were either embedded in the matrix or perfused through the lateral blood vessels. Antibodies that were perfused through the lateral lumens extravasated out of the blood vessels and rapidly diffused through the matrix. However, tumor cell-cell junctions hindered antibody penetration within the spheroid. On the other hand, natural killer cells were able to detect the presence of the tumor spheroid several hundreds of microns away and penetrate the spheroid faster than the antibodies. Once inside the spheroid, natural killer cells were able to destroy tumor cells at the spheroid periphery and, importantly, also at the innermost layers. Finally, the combination of antibody-cytokine conjugates and natural killer cells led to an enhanced cytotoxicity located mostly at the spheroid periphery. Overall, these results demonstrate the utility of the model for informing immunotherapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Ayuso
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Regan Truttschel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Max M Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Maria Virumbrales-Munoz
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Provenance Biopharmaceuticals Corp., Carlisle, MA USA.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ross Vitek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mildred Felder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Paul Sondel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kari B Wisinski
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Manish Patankar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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28
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Fan J, Shang D, Han B, Song J, Chen H, Yang JM. Adoptive Cell Transfer: Is it a Promising Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer? Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:5784-5800. [PMID: 30555581 PMCID: PMC6276301 DOI: 10.7150/thno.29035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed significant advances in the adoptive cell transfer (ACT) technique, which has been appreciated as one of the most promising treatments for patients with cancer. Utilization of ACT can enhance the function of the immune system or improve the specificity and persistence of transferred cells. Various immune cells including T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and even stem cells can be used in the ACT despite their different functional mechanisms. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignancies and causes millions of deaths worldwide every year. In this review, we discuss the status and perspective of the ACT in the treatment of CRC.
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29
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Cheng L, Geng L, Dai B, Zheng T, Fu J, Qiao L, Cai W, Wang Y, Yang J. Repression of let-7a cluster prevents adhesion of colorectal cancer cells by enforcing a mesenchymal phenotype in presence of liver inflammation. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:489. [PMID: 29695839 PMCID: PMC5916926 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the most common site of metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer, and colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) is associated with poor rates of survival. However, CRLM occurs infrequently in livers exhibiting signs of hepatitis or cirrhosis, suggesting a role for inflammation in attenuating CRLM. The molecular mechanisms driving this phenomenon remain unclear. The aim of this study was to confirm the mechanism by which liver inflammation inhibits CRLM. We used BALB/c animal models of inflammatory liver diseases to confirm that liver inflammation inhibits CRLM, and then elucidated the molecular mechanisms governing that process. Out data showed that liver inflammation induces IFN-γ expression, which then downregulates expression of the let-7a cluster through IRF-1 in colorectal cancer cells. Finally, we showed that modulation of let-7a expression regulated the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer cell lines, and inhibited their capacity to metastasize in vivo. Cumulatively, we clarified the critical role played by the IFN-γ/IRF-1/let-7a cluster/EMT pathway in regulating the spread of circulating colorectal cancer cells to the liver, and highlighted the critical role that the hepatitis microenvironment plays in modulating that process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipeng Cheng
- Department of Special Treatment and Liver Transplantation, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Li Geng
- Department of Special Treatment and Liver Transplantation, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Binghua Dai
- Department of Special Treatment and Liver Transplantation, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Tao Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, People's Liberation Army Nanjing General Hospital, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Jun Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Spleen Surgery, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Department of Special Treatment and Liver Transplantation, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wenchang Cai
- Department of Special Treatment and Liver Transplantation, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Research Center of Developmental Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jiamei Yang
- Department of Special Treatment and Liver Transplantation, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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30
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The Effect of Anesthesia on the Immune System in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:7940603. [PMID: 29805965 PMCID: PMC5899868 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7940603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the key leading cause of high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Surgical excision is the most effective treatment for CRC. However, stress caused by surgery response can destroy the body's immunity and increase the likelihood of cancer dissemination and metastasis. Anesthesia is an effective way to control the stress response, and recent basic and clinical research has shown that anesthesia and related drugs can directly or indirectly affect the immune system of colorectal cancer patients during the perioperative period. Thus, these drugs may affect the prognosis of CRC surgery patients. This review is intended to summarize currently available data regarding the effects of anesthetics and related drugs on perioperative immune function and postoperative recurrence and metastasis in CRC patients. Determining the most suitable anesthesia for patients with CRC is of utmost importance.
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31
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Grizzi F, Basso G, Borroni EM, Cavalleri T, Bianchi P, Stifter S, Chiriva-Internati M, Malesci A, Laghi L. Evolving notions on immune response in colorectal cancer and their implications for biomarker development. Inflamm Res 2018; 67:375-389. [PMID: 29322204 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-017-1128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) still represents the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in men and women worldwide. CRC is acknowledged as a heterogeneous disease that develops through a multi-step sequence of events driven by clonal selections; this observation is sustained by the fact that histologically similar tumors may have completely different outcomes, including a varied response to therapy. METHODS In "early" and "intermediate" stage of CRC (stages II and III, respectively) there is a compelling need for new biomarkers fit to assess the metastatic potential of their disease, selecting patients with aggressive disease that might benefit from adjuvant and targeted therapies. Therefore, we review the actual notions on immune response in colorectal cancer and their implications for biomarker development. RESULTS The recognition of the key role of immune cells in human cancer progression has recently drawn attention on the tumor immune microenvironment, as a source of new indicators of tumor outcome and response to therapy. Thus, beside consolidated histopathological biomarkers, immune endpoints are now emerging as potential biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of immune signatures and cellular and molecular components of the immune system as biomarkers is particularly important considering the increasing use of immune-based cancer therapies as therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Basso
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Monica Borroni
- Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Cavalleri
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Bianchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sanja Stifter
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Alberto Malesci
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Laghi
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Hereditary Cancer Genetics Clinic, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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32
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Shaler CR, Tun-Abraham ME, Skaro AI, Khazaie K, Corbett AJ, Mele T, Hernandez-Alejandro R, Haeryfar SMM. Mucosa-associated invariant T cells infiltrate hepatic metastases in patients with colorectal carcinoma but are rendered dysfunctional within and adjacent to tumor microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:1563-1575. [PMID: 28798979 PMCID: PMC11029177 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T lymphocytes that are unusually abundant in the human liver, a common site of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) metastasis. However, whether they contribute to immune surveillance against colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is essentially unexplored. In addition, whether MAIT cell functions can be impacted by chemotherapy is unclear. These are important questions given MAIT cells' potent immunomodulatory and inflammatory properties. Herein, we examined the frequencies and functions of peripheral blood, healthy liver tissue, tumor-margin and tumor-infiltrating MAIT cells in 21 CRLM patients who received no chemotherapy, FOLFOX, or a combination of FOLFOX and Avastin before they underwent liver resection. We found that MAIT cells, defined as CD3ε+Vα7.2+CD161++ or CD3ε+MR1 tetramer+ cells, were present within both healthy and tumor-afflicted hepatic tissues. Paired and grouped analyses of samples revealed the physical proximity of MAIT cells to metastatic lesions to drastically influence their functional competence. Accordingly, unlike those residing in the healthy liver compartment, tumor-infiltrating MAIT cells failed to produce IFN-γ in response to a panel of TCR and cytokine receptor ligands, and tumor-margin MAIT cells were only partially active. Furthermore, chemotherapy did not account for intratumoral MAIT cell insufficiencies. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that CRLM-penetrating MAIT cells exhibit wide-ranging functional impairments, which are dictated by their physical location but not by preoperative chemotherapy. Therefore, we propose that MAIT cells may provide an attractive therapeutic target in CRC and that their ligands may be combined with chemotherapeutic agents to treat CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Shaler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | | | - Anton I Skaro
- Department of Surgery, Western University, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Khashayarsha Khazaie
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Alexandra J Corbett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Tina Mele
- Department of Surgery, Western University, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Roberto Hernandez-Alejandro
- Department of Surgery, Western University, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - S M Mansour Haeryfar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5A5, Canada.
- Centre for Human Immunology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada.
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Abstract
The encouraging results in immunotherapy for melanoma also led the way for translational and clinical research about immune-related mechanisms possibly relevant for gastrointestinal tumours. It is in fact now evident that the immune checkpoint modulation and in particular cell-mediated immune-response through programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) receptors along with the regulatory T cells activity all have a relevant role in gastrointestinal cancers as well. This review aims to explore the state of the art of immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tumours, deepening recent scientific evidence regarding anti PD-1/PDL-1 and anti CTLA4 monoclonal antibodies, peptide based vaccine, DNA based vaccine, and pulsed dendritic cells, either alone or in combination with other antineoplastic medical therapy and locoregional treatments. Considering the non-negligible toxicity profile deriving from such a treatment approach, predictive biomarkers of response to immunotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer are also urgently needed in order to better select the patients' group with the highest likelihood of benefit.
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34
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Alderdice M, Dunne PD, Cole AJ, O'Reilly PG, McArt DG, Bingham V, Fuchs MA, McQuaid S, Loughrey MB, Murray GI, Samuel LM, Lawler M, Wilson RH, Salto-Tellez M, Coyle VM. Natural killer-like signature observed post therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer is a determinant of pathological response and improved survival. Mod Pathol 2017; 30:1287-1298. [PMID: 28621318 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2017.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Around 12-15% of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer undergo a pathologically complete response (tumor regression grade 4) to long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy; the remainder exhibit a spectrum of tumor regression (tumor regression grade 1-3). Understanding therapy-related transcriptional alterations may enable better prediction of response as measured by progression-free and overall survival, in addition to aiding the development of improved strategies based on the underlying biology of the disease. To this end, we performed high-throughput gene expression profiling in 40 pairs of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded rectal cancer biopsies and matched resections following long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy (discovery cohort). Differential gene expression analysis was performed contrasting tumor regression grades in resections. Enumeration of the tumor microenvironment cell population was undertaken using in silico analysis of the transcriptional data, and real-time PCR validation of NCR1 undertaken. Immunohistochemistry and survival analysis was used to measure CD56+ cell populations in an independent cohort (n=150). Gene expression traits observed following long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy in the discovery cohort suggested an increased abundance of natural killer cells in tumors that displayed a clinical response to CRT in a tumor regression grade-dependent manner. CD56+ natural killer-cell populations were measured by immunohistochemistry and found to be significantly higher in tumor regression grade 3 patients compared with tumor regression grade 1-2 in the validation cohort. Furthermore, it was observed that patients positive for CD56 cells after therapy had a better overall survival (HR=0.282, 95% CI=0.109-0.729, χ2=7.854, P=0.005). In conclusion, we have identified a novel post-therapeutic natural killer-like transcription signature in patients responding to long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, patients with a higher abundance of CD56-positive natural killer cells post long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy had better overall survival. Therefore, harnessing a natural killer-like response after therapy may improve outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer patients. Finally, we hypothesize that future assessment of this natural killer-like response in on-treatment biopsy material may inform clinical decision-making for treatment duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Alderdice
- Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Philip D Dunne
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Aidan J Cole
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Paul G O'Reilly
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Darragh G McArt
- Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Vicky Bingham
- Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Marc-Aurel Fuchs
- Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Stephen McQuaid
- Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Maurice B Loughrey
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Department of Tissue Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Graeme I Murray
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Leslie M Samuel
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Mark Lawler
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Richard H Wilson
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Manuel Salto-Tellez
- Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Department of Tissue Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Vicky M Coyle
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Pan P, Kang S, Wang Y, Liu K, Oshima K, Huang YW, Zhang J, Yearsley M, Yu J, Wang LS. Black Raspberries Enhance Natural Killer Cell Infiltration into the Colon and Suppress the Progression of Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2017; 8:997. [PMID: 28861089 PMCID: PMC5561013 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of innate immunity against cancer development. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate immune-modulating effects using dietary compounds. Our laboratory has been investigating the chemopreventive potential of black raspberries (BRBs) and previously demonstrated their beneficial modulation of genetic and epigenetic biomarkers in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The current study investigated their potential on modulating NK cells. To avoid the excessive inflammation caused by the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment that leads to colitis, we treated the mice with overnight DSS so that it would slightly irritate the colon but still promote colon carcinogenesis with 100% incidence in both the ApcMin/+ mice and azoxymethane (AOM)-treated mice. A significant decrease of tissue-infiltrating NK cells along the progression of microadenoma-to-adenoma and adenoma-to-adenocarcinoma was observed in the ApcMin/+ /DSS and AOM/DSS mice, respectively. Depletion of NK cells significantly promoted the development of CRC, suggesting a critical role of NK cells in combating CRC progression. BRBs significantly suppressed the CRC progression and increased the number of tissue-infiltrating NK cells in both mouse models. Moreover, we further determined BRBs' effects on NK cells in the human biopsy specimens collected from our previously completed clinical trial, in which CRC patients consumed BRBs for an average of 4 weeks during a presurgical window. We observed an increased number and an enhanced cytotoxicity of NK cells by BRB intervention. The current study provides evidence that BRBs have the potential to enhance the tumor immunesurveillance of NK cells that can be beneficial in the setting of CRC prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Pan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Siwen Kang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Youwei Wang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ka Liu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kiyoko Oshima
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Yi-Wen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Martha Yearsley
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Li-Shu Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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36
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Zhang M, Liu Y, Li J, Ke M, Yu J, Dou J, Wang H, Zhou C. A polysaccharide component from Strongylocentrotus nudus eggs inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma in mice by activating T lymphocytes. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:1847-1855. [PMID: 28454333 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A component purified from Strongylocentrotus nudus eggs on a diethylaminoethyl cellulose-52 chromatography column and eluted using a NaCl solution gradient (SEP-S), is a homogeneous polysaccharide of α-D-glucan with a reduced molecular weight of 9.33×105 Da, compared with that of S. nudus egg polysaccharide (SEP). In an in vivo antitumor assay of histocompatibility-22 hepatocellular carcinoma in tumor-bearing mice, the inhibitory rates at SEP-S doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg/day were 38.8, 50.7 and 70.3%, respectively. In addition, the spleen and thymus indices and the percentages of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly increased, and the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes was notably enhanced, suggesting that the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity is mediated by boosting the immune system. In vitro experiments also demonstrated that splenocyte proliferation induced by SEP-S was inhibited by the toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 monoclonal antibodies. These data indicate that SEP-S is a polysaccharide component possessing high anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity and may be a potential immunotherapy candidate for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Jingwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Mengyun Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Jie Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
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Huang R, Zhang D, Li F, Xiao Z, Wu M, Shi D, Xiang P, Bao Z. Loss of Fas expression and high expression of HLA-E promoting the immune escape of early colorectal cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:3379-3386. [PMID: 28521443 PMCID: PMC5431327 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have investigated the mechanisms of immune evasion of tumor cells in numerous types of advanced solid malignant tumor, and several types of immune preparations have been administered as antitumor adjuvant therapies. However, in the majority of studies, the efficacy of therapies has been revealed to be limited. The present study aimed to investigate the immune evasion mechanisms employed by early colorectal cancer cells and the expression of the molecules associated with immune evasion during the malignant transformation process of normal colorectal epithelial cells to measure the effects of immune intervention for early colorectal cancer, and to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. A total of 60 colorectal tissues, including 15 normal mucosa, 15 adenoma, 15 early cancer and 15 advanced cancer tissues, from patients undergoing endoscopic procedures in Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai, China) were collected. A comparison of baseline characteristics among these four groups was performed. The expression levels of human leukocyte antigen-A (HLA-A), apoptosis antigen 1 (Fas), c-c chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), Fas ligand (FasL) and HLA-E in each group were detected by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, 15 patients with advanced colorectal cancer were enrolled into the present study. Advanced cancer and paracancer tissues (normal mucosal tissues 3 cm away from the margin of cancer tissues) were collected from each patient by colonoscopic biopsy. The expression levels of HLA-A, Fas, CCR5, FasL and HLA-E in each group were detected by western blot analysis. During the malignant transformation process of normal colorectal epithelial cells, the expression levels of CCR5, FasL and HLA-E increased significantly (P<0.001), whilst the expression levels of Fas reduced significantly (P=0.0271). In the early cancer group, the expression levels of Fas reduced significantly (P=0.0239), whilst the expression levels of HLA-E increased significantly (P<0.001) compared with adenoma group. In conclusion, a loss of Fas expression and high expression levels of HLA-E may promote the immune evasion of early colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renxiang Huang
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Dongyang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Feng Li
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Zili Xiao
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Meiling Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Dongyun Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Zhijun Bao
- Digestive Endoscopy Center, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
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38
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Veluchamy JP, Lopez-Lastra S, Spanholtz J, Bohme F, Kok N, Heideman DAM, Verheul HMW, Di Santo JP, de Gruijl TD, van der Vliet HJ. In Vivo Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell-Derived NK Cells in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2017; 8:87. [PMID: 28220124 PMCID: PMC5292674 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) act by inhibiting EGFR downstream signaling and by eliciting a natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antitumor response. The IgG1 mAb cetuximab has been used for treatment of RASwt metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients, showing limited efficacy. In the present study, we address the potential of adoptive NK cell therapy to overcome these limitations investigating two allogeneic NK cell products, i.e., allogeneic activated peripheral blood NK cells (A-PBNK) and umbilical cord blood stem cell-derived NK cells (UCB-NK). While cetuximab monotherapy was not effective against EGFR− RASwt, EGFR+ RASmut, and EGFR+ BRAFmut cells, A-PBNK were able to initiate lysis of EGFR+ colon cancer cells irrespective of RAS or BRAF status. Cytotoxic effects of A-PBNK (but not UCB-NK) were further potentiated significantly by coating EGFR+ colon cancer cells with cetuximab. Of note, a significantly higher cytotoxicity was induced by UCB-NK in EGFR−RASwt (42 ± 8 versus 67 ± 7%), EGFR+ RASmut (20 ± 2 versus 37 ± 6%), and EGFR+ BRAFmut (23 ± 3 versus 43 ± 7%) colon cancer cells compared to A-PBNK and equaled the cytotoxic efficacy of the combination of A-PBNK and cetuximab. The antitumor efficacy of UCB-NK cells against cetuximab-resistant human EGFR+ RASmut colon cancer cells was further confirmed in an in vivo preclinical mouse model where UCB-NK showed enhanced antitumor cytotoxicity against colon cancer independent of EGFR and RAS status. As UCB-NK have been proven safe in a recently conducted phase I clinical trial in acute myeloid leukemia, a fast translation into clinical proof of concept for mCRC could be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Veluchamy
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Silvia Lopez-Lastra
- Innate Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1223, Paris, France; Université Paris-Sud (Paris-Saclay), Paris, France
| | | | | | - Nina Kok
- Glycostem Therapeutics , Oss , Netherlands
| | | | - Henk M W Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - James P Di Santo
- Innate Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1223, Paris, France
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
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Portela P, Merzoni J, Lindenau JD, Damin DC, Wilson TJ, Roesler R, Schwartsmann G, Jobim LF, Jobim M. KIR genes and HLA class I ligands in a Caucasian Brazilian population with colorectal cancer. Hum Immunol 2017; 78:263-268. [PMID: 28088355 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) can occur anywhere in the colon or rectum and represents the third most common cancer in the world in both sexes. Natural killer cells (NK) are part of the innate immune system recognizing class I HLA molecules on target cells through their membrane receptors, called killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between the KIR genes and HLA ligands in patients with colorectal cancer and healthy controls. We examined the polymorphism of 16 KIR genes and their HLA ligands in 154 caucasoid CRC patients and 216 controls. When both groups were compared, no significant differences were found for HLA ligands and KIR genes after Bonferroni correction. However, the Bx haplotypes (heterozygous and homozygous for the haplotype B) were more frequent in controls, when compared with patients. These findings suggest that individuals with Bx haplotypes could have some protection to colorectal cancer. The hypothesis is not related with the presence of a special KIR gene and HLA ligand related to the disease, but to the presence of several activating genes in the individuals with no better action of one in relation to other. Further studies to confirm this observation are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmela Portela
- Department of Immunology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Joice Merzoni
- Department of Immunology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana D Lindenau
- Department of Genetic, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Damin
- Division of Coloproctology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Timothy John Wilson
- Department of Immunology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Schwartsmann
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Jobim
- Department of Immunology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Jobim
- Department of Immunology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Colangelo T, Polcaro G, Muccillo L, D'Agostino G, Rosato V, Ziccardi P, Lupo A, Mazzoccoli G, Sabatino L, Colantuoni V. Friend or foe? The tumour microenvironment dilemma in colorectal cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2016; 1867:1-18. [PMID: 27864070 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The network of bidirectional homotypic and heterotypic interactions established among parenchymal tumour cells and surrounding mesenchymal stromal cells generates the tumour microenvironment (TME). These intricate crosstalks elicit both beneficial and adverse effects on tumour initiation and progression unbalancing the signals and responses from the neighbouring cells. Here, we highlight the structure, activities and evolution of TME cells considering a novel colorectal cancer (CRC) classification based on differential stromal composition and gene expression profiles. In this scenario, we scrutinise the molecular pathways that either change or become corrupted during CRC development and their relative prognostic value. Finally, we survey the therapeutic molecules directed against TME components currently available in clinical trials as well as those with stronger potential in preclinical studies. Elucidation of dynamic variations in the CRC TME cell composition and their relative contribution could provide novel diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and allow more personalised therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Colangelo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy; present address: Institute for Stem-cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies (ISBReMIT), Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza-IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Giovanna Polcaro
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Livio Muccillo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Giovanna D'Agostino
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Valeria Rosato
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Pamela Ziccardi
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Angelo Lupo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Mazzoccoli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Unit, IRCCS Scientific Institute and Regional General Hospital "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Lina Sabatino
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Colantuoni
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy.
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de Vries NL, Swets M, Vahrmeijer AL, Hokland M, Kuppen PJK. The Immunogenicity of Colorectal Cancer in Relation to Tumor Development and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17071030. [PMID: 27367680 PMCID: PMC4964406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17071030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although most cancer types have been viewed as immunologically silent until recently, it has become increasingly clear that the immune system plays key roles in the course of tumor development. Remarkable progress towards understanding cancer immunogenicity and tumor-immune system interactions has revealed important implications for the design of novel immune-based therapies. Natural immune responses, but also therapeutic interventions, can modulate the tumor phenotype due to selective outgrowth of resistant subtypes. This is the result of heterogeneity of tumors, with genetic instability as a driving force, and obviously changes the immunogenicity of tumors. In this review, we discuss the immunogenicity of colorectal cancer (CRC) in relation to tumor development and treatment. As most tumors, CRC activates the immune system in various ways, and is also capable of escaping recognition and elimination by the immune system. Tumor-immune system interactions underlie the balance between immune control and immune escape, and may differ in primary tumors, in the circulation, and in liver metastases of CRC. Since CRC immunogenicity varies between tumors and individuals, novel immune-based therapeutic strategies should not only anticipate the molecular profile, but also the immunological profile of a specific tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasja L de Vries
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 6, Build. 1242, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Marloes Swets
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexander L Vahrmeijer
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Marianne Hokland
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 6, Build. 1242, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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42
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Immunotherapy in colorectal cancer: What have we learned so far? Clin Chim Acta 2016; 460:78-87. [PMID: 27350293 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
After decades of progress based on chemotherapy and targeted agents, patients with metastatic colorectal cancer still have low long-term survival, with more than 500,000 deaths occurring worldwide every year. Recent results showing clinical evidence of efficacy using immunotherapy in other types of tumors, such as melanoma and lung cancer, have also made this a viable therapy for evaluation in colorectal cancer in clinical trials. The development of cancer immunotherapies is progressing quickly, with a variety of technological approaches. This review summarizes the current status of clinical trials testing immunotherapy in colorectal cancer and discusses what has been learned based on previous results. Immunotherapy strategies, such as various models of vaccines, effector-cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitor antibodies, provide protection against progression for a limited subset of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. A better understanding of particular immune cell types and pathways in each patient is still needed. These findings will enable the development of novel biomarkers to select the appropriate subset of patients to be treated with a particular immunotherapy, and the tendencies determined from recent results can guide clinical practice for oncologists in this new therapeutic area and in the design of the next round of clinical trials.
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43
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NK Cells, Tumor Cell Transition, and Tumor Progression in Solid Malignancies: New Hints for NK-Based Immunotherapy? J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:4684268. [PMID: 27294158 PMCID: PMC4880686 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4684268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Several evidences suggest that NK cells can patrol the body and eliminate tumors in their initial phases but may hardly control established solid tumors. Multiple factors, including the transition of tumor cells towards a proinvasive/prometastatic phenotype, the immunosuppressive effect of the tumor microenvironment, and the tumor structure complexity, may account for limited NK cell efficacy. Several putative mechanisms of NK cell suppression have been defined in these last years; conversely, the cross talk between NK cells and tumor cells undergoing different transitional phases remains poorly explored. Nevertheless, recent in vitro studies and immunohistochemical analyses on tumor biopsies suggest that NK cells could not only kill tumor cells but also influence their evolution. Indeed, NK cells may induce tumor cells to change the expression of HLA-I, PD-L1, or NKG2D-L and modulate their susceptibility to the immune response. Moreover, NK cells may be preferentially located in the borders of tumor masses, where, indeed, tumor cells can undergo Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) acquiring prometastatic phenotype. Finally, the recently highlighted role of HMGB1 both in EMT and in amplifying the recruitment of NK cells provides further hints on a possible effect of NK cells on tumor progression and fosters new studies on this issue.
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Zhao L, Wang WJ, Zhang JN, Zhang XY. 5-Fluorouracil and interleukin-2 immunochemotherapy enhances immunogenicity of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells through upregulation of NKG2D ligands. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2016; 15:4039-44. [PMID: 24935593 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.9.4039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of immunochemotherapy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS In order to detect whether 5-FU+IL-2 could effectively inhibit tumor growth in vivo, we established an A549-bearing nude mouse model. The cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells was evaluated using a standard chromium release assay. To evaluate the relevance of NK cells in 5-FU+IL-2- mediated tumor inhibitory effects, we depleted NK cells in A549-bearing mice by injecting anti-asialo-GM-1 antibodies. Effects of 5-FU+IL-2 on the expression and promoter activity of NKG2D ligands (MICA/MICB) in A549 cells in vitro were also assessed. RESULTS In A549-bearing nude mice, combination therapy significantly inhibited tumor growth in comparison with monotherapy with 5-FU or IL-2 and enhanced the recognition and lysis of tumor cells by NK cells. Further study of mechanisms showed that NK cells played a vital role in the anticancer immune response of 5-FU+IL-2 immunochemotherapy. In addition, the combination therapy synergistically stimulated the expression and promoter activity of MICA/MICB. CONCLUSIONS 5-FU and IL-2 immunochemotherapy significantly inhibited tumor growth and activated NK cytotoxicity in vivo, and these effects were partly impaired after depleting NK cells in tumor-bearing mice. Combination treatment of 5-FU and IL-2 upregulated the expression and the promoter activity of MICA/MICB in A549 cells, which enhanced the recognition of A549 cells by NK cells. All of the data indicated that immunochemotherapy of 5-FU and IL-2 may provide a new treatment option for patients with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Institute of Frontier Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China E-mail :
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Taking up Cancer Immunotherapy Challenges: Bispecific Antibodies, the Path Forward? Antibodies (Basel) 2015; 5:antib5010001. [PMID: 31557983 PMCID: PMC6698871 DOI: 10.3390/antib5010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As evidenced by the recent approvals of Removab (EU, Trion Pharma) in 2009 and of Blincyto (US, Amgen) in 2014, the high potential of bispecific antibodies in the field of immuno-oncology is eliciting a renewed interest from pharmaceutical companies. Supported by rapid advances in antibody engineering and the development of several technological platforms such as Triomab or bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs), the “bispecifics” market has increased significantly over the past decade and may occupy a pivotal space in the future. Over 30 bispecific molecules are currently in different stages of clinical trials and more than 70 in preclinical phase. This review focuses on the clinical potential of bispecific antibodies as immune effector cell engagers in the onco-immunotherapy field. We summarize current strategies targeting various immune cells and their clinical interests. Furthermore, perspectives of bispecific antibodies in future clinical developments are addressed.
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Chen X, Lu P, Chen L, Yang SJ, Shen HY, Yu DD, Zhang XH, Zhong SL, Zhao JH, Tang JH. Perioperative propofol-paravertebral anesthesia decreases the metastasis and progression of breast cancer. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:8259-66. [PMID: 26383520 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Propofol-paravertebral anesthesia (PPA) is a unique combination of paravertebral nerve blocks (PVBs) and propofol that regulates the cellular microenvironment during surgical period. Growing evidence points to its ability to attenuate perioperative immunosuppression of cancers. Abundant studies show that cancer patients who undergo perioperative PPA exhibit less recurrence as well as metastasis. Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-induced death in women. Over the last decades, increasing concerns have been put on the promotional role of PPA in the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Among them, PPA participates in several bioprocesses in the development of breast cancer, including inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activity, elevating serum concentration of nitric oxide index (NOx), depression of the neuroepithelial cell transforming gene 1 (NET1) signal pathway, blocking the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway following an decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), increasing NK cytotoxicity, and affecting transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-targeted ras and HER2/neu gene pathways. In this review, we discuss the effect of PPA on breast cancer metastasis and progression. This will provide an alteration pattern of surgical anesthesia technique in breast cancer patients with poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Chen
- The Fourth Clinical School of Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China.,Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Peng Lu
- School of Public Healthy Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsulu 172, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Su-jin Yang
- The Fourth Clinical School of Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China.,Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hong-Yu Shen
- The Fourth Clinical School of Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China.,Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dan-dan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiao-hui Zhang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shan-liang Zhong
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jian-hua Zhao
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Jin-hai Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Impact of "Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor /Ligand" Genotypes on Outcome following Surgery among Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Activating KIRs Are Associated with Long-Term Disease Free Survival. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132526. [PMID: 26181663 PMCID: PMC4504472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30 % of patients with stage II/III colorectal cancer develop recurrence following surgery. How individual regulation of host mediated anti-tumor cytotoxicity is modified by the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIRs) genotype is essential for prediction of outcome. We analyzed the frequency of KIR and KIR ligand Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I genotypes, and their effects on recurrence and disease-free survival (DFS). Out of randomly selected 87 colorectal cancer patients who underwent R0 resection operations between 2005 and 2008, 29 patients whose cancers progressed within a median five-year follow-up period were compared with 58 patients with no recurrence within the same time period. Recurrent cases shared similar tumor stages with non-recurrent cases, but had different localizations. We used DNA isolated from pathological archival lymphoid and tumor tissues for KIR and KIR ligand (HLA-C, group C1, group C2, and HLA-A-Bw4) genotyping. Among cases with recurrence, KIR2DL1 (inhibitory KIR) and A-Bw4 (ligand for inhibitory KIR3DL1) were observed more frequently (p=0.017 and p=0.024); and KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS3 (both activating KIRs) were observed less frequently (p=0.005 and p=0.043). Similarly, in the non-recurrent group, inhibitory KIR-ligand combinations 2DL1-C2 and 2DL3-C1 were less frequent, while the activating combination 2DS2-C1 was more frequent. The lack of KIR2DL1, 2DL1-C2, and 2DL3-C1 improved disease-free survival (DFS) (100% vs. 62.3%, p=0.05; 93.8% vs. 60.0%, p=0.035; 73.6% vs. 55.9%, p=0.07). The presence of KIR2DS2, 2DS3, and 2DS2-C1 improved DFS (77.8% vs. 48.5%, p=0.01; 79.4% vs. 58.5%, p=0.003; 76.9% vs. 51.4%, p=0.023). KIR2DS3 reduced the risk of recurrence (HR=0.263, 95% CI = 0.080-0.863, p=0.028). The number of activating KIRs are correlated strongly with DFS, none/ one/ two KIR : 54/77/98 months (p=0.004). In conclusion the inheritance of increasing numbers of activating KIRs and lack of inhibitory KIRs, independent of tumor localization or stage, is associated with long-term DFS.
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Wang WJ, Qin SH, Zhang JW, Jiang YY, Zhang JN, Zhao L. Combination Doxorubicin and Interferon-α Therapy Stimulates Immunogenicity of Murine Pancreatic Cancer Panc02 Cells via Up-regulation of NKG2D ligands and MHC Class I. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:9667-72. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.22.9667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Sconocchia G, Eppenberger S, Spagnoli GC, Tornillo L, Droeser R, Caratelli S, Ferrelli F, Coppola A, Arriga R, Lauro D, Iezzi G, Terracciano L, Ferrone S. NK cells and T cells cooperate during the clinical course of colorectal cancer. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e952197. [PMID: 25610741 DOI: 10.4161/21624011.2014.952197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that natural killer (NK) cells are typically defective in infiltrating solid tumors, with the exception of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Interestingly, however, infrequently infiltrating NK cells do not appear to have a direct effect on tumor progression. Here, prompted by the recent evidence that NK cell and T cell crosstalk may trigger, or enhance, tumor antigen-specific immune responses, we have tested the clinical significance of this reciprocal signaling. To this end, a tissue microarray constructed with 1410 colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patient specimens was stained with NK and T cell antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies, utilizing the immunoperoxidase staining technique. Cut-off scores for positive (>4 NK cells) and negative (≤4 NK cells) NK cell CRC patient samples were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Using this approach, NK cells were detected in 423 (30%) of the 1410 CRC specimens evaluated. The number of NK cells was >4 in only 132 (9%) of CRC samples. Correlation of the immunohistochemical staining results together with analysis of the clinical course of the disease revealed that the infiltration of colorectal tumors with both NK cells and CD8+ T cells is associated with prolonged patient survival. In contrast, infiltration of tumors with NK cells in combination with CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes had no detectable effect on the clinical course of the disease. These results suggest that NK cell and CD8+ T cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment may benefit patient outcome and further, that the enumeration of infiltrating NK and CD8+ T cells in CRC tumors may provide useful prognostic information.
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Key Words
- ADCC, antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity
- BC, breast cancer
- CD8 T cell
- CRC, colorectal carcinoma
- CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocytes
- DC, dendritic cells
- FGFR, fibroblast growth factor receptor
- GIST, gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- IDO, indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase
- IFNγ, interferon γ
- IRB, Institutional Review Board
- LFA-1, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1
- MHC, the major histocompatibility complex
- MICA/B, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I polypeptide-related sequence A/B
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases
- NK cell
- NK, natural killer
- PGE2, prostaglandin E2
- RCC, renal cell carcinoma
- ROC, receiver operating characteristics
- TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages
- TGF-β1, transforming growth factor β1
- TILs, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
- colorectal carcinoma
- cooperation
- lymphocyte
- survival
- tumor
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Sconocchia
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology; CNR , Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giulio C Spagnoli
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management; University of Basel ; Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Tornillo
- Institute of Pathology; University of Basel ; Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raoul Droeser
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management; University of Basel ; Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sara Caratelli
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology; CNR , Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrelli
- Institute of Systems Medicine; University of Rome "Tor Vergata" ; Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Coppola
- Institute of Systems Medicine; University of Rome "Tor Vergata" ; Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Arriga
- Institute of Systems Medicine; University of Rome "Tor Vergata" ; Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Lauro
- Institute of Systems Medicine; University of Rome "Tor Vergata" ; Rome, Italy
| | - Giandomenica Iezzi
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management; University of Basel ; Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston, MA USA
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Reimers MS, Engels CC, Putter H, Morreau H, Liefers GJ, van de Velde CJH, Kuppen PJK. Prognostic value of HLA class I, HLA-E, HLA-G and Tregs in rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:486. [PMID: 24997850 PMCID: PMC4094545 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evasion of immune surveillance and suppression of the immune system are important hallmarks of tumorigenesis. The goal of this study was to establish distinct patterns that reflect a rectal tumors' immune-phenotype and to determine their relation to patient outcome. METHODS The study population consisted of 495 Stage I-IV non-preoperatively treated rectal cancer patients of which a tissue micro array (TMA) was available. Sections of this TMA were immunohistochemically stained and quantified for presence of Foxp3+ cells (Tregs) and tumor expression of HLA Class I and non-classical HLA-E and HLA-G. All markers were, separate and combined, analyzed for clinical prognostic value. RESULTS Expression of HLA class I (DFS HR 0.637 (0.458-0.886), p = 0.013), Foxp3+ infiltration above median (OS HR 0.637 (0.500-0.813), p < 0.001 and DFS HR 0.624 (0.491-0.793), p < 0.001) and expression of HLA-G (DFS HR 0.753 (0.574-0.989), p = 0.042) were related to a better clinical prognosis. When these markers were combined, patients with 2 or 3 markers associated with poor prognosis (loss of HLA Class I, Foxp3+ below median, and weak HLA-G expression), showed a significantly worse survival (OS and DFS p < 0.001). This immune-phenotype was an independent predictor for DFS (HR 1.56 (1.14-2.14), p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, rectal tumors showing loss of HLA class I expression, Foxp3+ infiltration below median and weak HLA-G expression were related to a worse OS and DFS. Combining these immune markers lead to the creation of tumor immune-phenotypes , which related to patient outcome and were significant independent clinical prognostic markers in rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies S Reimers
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Charla C Engels
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hein Putter
- Department of Medical Statistics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Morreau
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jan Liefers
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Peter JK Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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