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CAR-NK as a Rapidly Developed and Efficient Immunotherapeutic Strategy against Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010117. [PMID: 36612114 PMCID: PMC9817948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cell therapy has been rapidly developing in recent years, ultimately revolutionizing immunotherapeutic strategies and providing significant anti-tumor potency, mainly in treating hematological neoplasms. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and other adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndromes (CRS) and neurotoxicity associated with CAR-T cell infusion, have raised some concerns about the broad application of this therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells have been identified as promising alternative platforms for CAR-based therapies because of their unique features, such as a lack of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matching restriction, superior safety, and better anti-tumor activity when compared with CAR-T cells. The lack of CRS, neurotoxicity, or GVHD, in the case of CAR-NK therapy, in addition to the possibility of using allogeneic NK cells as a CAR platform for "off-the-shelf" therapy, opens new windows for strategic opportunities. This review underlines recent design achievements in CAR constructs and summarizes preclinical studies' results regarding CAR-NK therapies' safety and anti-tumor potency. Additionally, new approaches in CAR-NK technology are briefly described, and currently registered clinical trials are listed.
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52
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Deng X, Terunuma H. Harnessing NK Cells to Control Metastasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122018. [PMID: 36560427 PMCID: PMC9781233 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, tumor immunotherapy has produced remarkable results in tumor treatment. Nevertheless, its effects are severely limited in patients with low or absent pre-existing T cell immunity. Accordingly, metastasis remains the major cause of tumor-associated death. On the other hand, natural killer (NK) cells have the unique ability to recognize and rapidly act against tumor cells and surveil tumor cell dissemination. The role of NK cells in metastasis prevention is undisputable as an increase in the number of these cells mostly leads to a favorable prognosis. Hence, it is reasonable to consider that successful metastasis involves evasion of NK-cell-mediated immunosurveillance. Therefore, harnessing NK cells to control metastasis is promising. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the seeds for distant metastasis, and the number of CTCs detected in the blood of patients with tumor is associated with a worse prognosis, whereas NK cells can eliminate highly motile CTCs especially in the blood. Here, we review the role of NK cells during metastasis, particularly the specific interactions of NK cells with CTCs, which may provide essential clues on how to harness the power of NK cells against tumor metastasis. As a result, a new way to prevent or treat metastatic tumor may be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Deng
- Biotherapy Institute of Japan Inc., 2-4-8 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0051, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-5632-6080; Fax: +81-3-5632-6083
| | - Hiroshi Terunuma
- Biotherapy Institute of Japan Inc., 2-4-8 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0051, Japan
- N2 Clinic Yotsuya, 5F 2-6 Samon-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0017, Japan
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53
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Cutting-Edge CAR Engineering: Beyond T Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123035. [PMID: 36551788 PMCID: PMC9776293 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123035] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T adoptive cell therapy is one of the most promising advanced therapies for the treatment of cancer, with unprecedented outcomes in haematological malignancies. However, it still lacks efficacy in solid tumours, possibly because engineered T cells become inactive within the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME). In the TME, cells of the myeloid lineage (M) are among the immunosuppressive cell types with the highest tumour infiltration rate. These cells interact with other immune cells, mediating immunosuppression and promoting angiogenesis. Recently, the development of CAR-M cell therapies has been put forward as a new candidate immunotherapy with good efficacy potential. This alternative CAR strategy may increase the efficacy, survival, persistence, and safety of CAR treatments in solid tumours. This remains a critical frontier in cancer research and opens up a new possibility for next-generation personalised medicine to overcome TME resistance. However, the exact mechanisms of action of CAR-M and their effect on the TME remain poorly understood. Here, we summarise the basic, translational, and clinical results of CAR-innate immune cells and CAR-M cell immunotherapies, from their engineering and mechanistic studies to preclinical and clinical development.
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54
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Wang X, Yang X, Yuan X, Wang W, Wang Y. Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK cells: new weapons of cancer immunotherapy with great potential. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:85. [PMID: 36324149 PMCID: PMC9628181 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cells have obtained prominent achievement in the clinical immunotherapy of hematological malignant tumors, leading to a rapid development of cellular immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Scientists are also aware of the prospective advantages of CAR engineering in cellular immunotherapy. Due to various limitations such as the serious side effects of CAR-T therapy, researchers began to investigate other immune cells for CAR modification. Natural killer (NK) cells are critical innate immune cells with the characteristic of non-specifically recognizing target cells and with the potential to become "off-the-shelf" products. In recent years, many preclinical studies on CAR-engineered NK (CAR-NK) cells have shown their remarkable efficacy in cancer therapy and their superiority over autologous CAR-T cells. In this review, we summarize the generation, mechanisms of anti-tumor activity and unique advantages of CAR-NK cells, and then analyze some challenges and recent clinical trials about CAR-NK cells therapy. We believe that CAR-NK therapy is a promising prospect for cancer immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai 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
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai 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
| | - Xiang Yuan
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Yueying Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai 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
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55
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Hosseinalizadeh H, Habibi Roudkenar M, Mohammadi Roushandeh A, Kuwahara Y, Tomita K, Sato T. Natural killer cell immunotherapy in glioblastoma. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:113. [PMID: 36305981 PMCID: PMC9616998 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most difficult cancers to treat because GBM has the high therapeutic resistance. Recently, immunotherapies for GBM have been used instead of conventional treatments. Among them, Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has the potential to treat GBM due to its properties such as the absence of restriction by antigen-antibody reaction and deep penetration into the tumor microenvironment. Especially, genetically engineered NK cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, dual antigen-targeting CAR NK cells, and adapter chimeric antigen receptor NK cells are considered to be an important tool for GBM immunotherapy. Therefore, this review describes the recent efforts of NK cell-based immunotherapy in GBM patients. We also describe key receptors expressing on NK cells such as killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor, CD16, and natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2DL) receptor and discuss the function and importance of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Hosseinalizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mehryar Habibi Roudkenar
- Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, School of Medicine, Velayat Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Amaneh Mohammadi Roushandeh
- Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, School of Medicine, Velayat Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kuwahara
- Division of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tomita
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Tomoaki Sato
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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56
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Li H, Song W, Li Z, Zhang M. Preclinical and clinical studies of CAR-NK-cell therapies for malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992232. [PMID: 36353643 PMCID: PMC9637940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, a specific type of immunotherapy, in recent decades was a fantastic breakthrough for the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, difficulties in collecting normal T cells from patients and the time cost of manufacturing CAR-T cells have limited the application of CAR-T-cell therapy. In addition, the termination of related clinical trials on universal CAR-T cell therapy has made further research more difficult. Natural killer (NK) cells have drawn great attention in recent years. Chimeric antigen receptor-NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy is a promising strategy in the treatment of malignant tumors because of its lack of potential for causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this review, we will address the advances in and achievements of CAR-NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenting Song
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhaoming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Mingzhi Zhang,
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57
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Qu C, Zhang H, Cao H, Tang L, Mo H, Liu F, Zhang L, Yi Z, Long L, Yan L, Wang Z, Zhang N, Luo P, Zhang J, Liu Z, Ye W, Liu Z, Cheng Q. Tumor buster - where will the CAR-T cell therapy 'missile' go? Mol Cancer 2022; 21:201. [PMID: 36261831 PMCID: PMC9580202 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01669-8] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy based on gene editing technology represents a significant breakthrough in personalized immunotherapy for human cancer. This strategy uses genetic modification to enable T cells to target tumor-specific antigens, attack specific cancer cells, and bypass tumor cell apoptosis avoidance mechanisms to some extent. This method has been extensively used to treat hematologic diseases, but the therapeutic effect in solid tumors is not ideal. Tumor antigen escape, treatment-related toxicity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) limit their use of it. Target selection is the most critical aspect in determining the prognosis of patients receiving this treatment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of all therapeutic targets used in the clinic or shown promising potential. We summarize CAR-T cell therapies’ clinical trials, applications, research frontiers, and limitations in treating different cancers. We also explore coping strategies when encountering sub-optimal tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or TAA loss. Moreover, the importance of CAR-T cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunrun Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, The Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lanhua Tang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoyang Mo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fangkun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenjie Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lifu Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luzhe Yan
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,One-third Lab, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weijie Ye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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58
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Bunse L, Bunse T, Krämer C, Chih YC, Platten M. Clinical and Translational Advances in Glioma Immunotherapy. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1799-1817. [PMID: 36303101 PMCID: PMC9723056 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are highly treatment refractory against immune checkpoint blockade, an immunotherapeutic modality that revolutionized therapy for many tumors. At the same time, technological innovation has dramatically accelerated the development of immunotherapeutic approaches such as personalized tumor-specific vaccine production, dendritic cell vaccine manufacture, patient-individual target selection and chimeric antigen receptor, and T cell receptor T cell manufacture. Here we review recent clinical and translational advances in glioma immunotherapy with a focus on targets and their cognate immune receptor derivates as well as concepts to improve intratumoral T cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bunse
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Theresa Bunse
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christopher Krämer
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yu-Chan Chih
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- DKTK Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Immune Monitoring Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Helmholtz Institute of Translational Oncology (HI-TRON), Mainz, Germany.
- DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
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59
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Keshavarz A, Salehi A, Khosravi S, Shariati Y, Nasrabadi N, Kahrizi MS, Maghsoodi S, Mardi A, Azizi R, Jamali S, Fotovat F. Recent findings on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered immune cell therapy in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:482. [PMID: 36153626 PMCID: PMC9509604 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in adoptive cell therapy over the last four decades have revealed various new therapeutic strategies, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which are dedicated immune cells that are engineered and administered to eliminate cancer cells. In this context, CAR T-cells have shown significant promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, many obstacles limit the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Consequently, CAR-NK and CAR-M cell therapies have recently emerged as novel therapeutic options for addressing the challenges associated with CAR T-cell therapies. Currently, many CAR immune cell trials are underway in various human malignancies around the world to improve antitumor activity and reduce the toxicity of CAR immune cell therapy. This review will describe the comprehensive literature of recent findings on CAR immune cell therapy in a wide range of human malignancies, as well as the challenges that have emerged in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Keshavarz
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Salehi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University,, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Setareh Khosravi
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Yasaman Shariati
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Navid Nasrabadi
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Sairan Maghsoodi
- Department of Paramedical, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Mardi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramyar Azizi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samira Jamali
- Department of Endodontics, College of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Farnoush Fotovat
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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60
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Aarsund M, Nyman TA, Stensland ME, Wu Y, Inngjerdingen M. Isolation of a cytolytic subpopulation of extracellular vesicles derived from NK cells containing NKG7 and cytolytic proteins. Front Immunol 2022; 13:977353. [PMID: 36189227 PMCID: PMC9520454 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.977353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells can broadly target and kill malignant cells via release of cytolytic proteins. NK cells also release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contain cytolytic proteins, previously shown to induce apoptosis of a variety of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The EVs released by NK cells are likely very heterogeneous, as vesicles can be released from the plasma membrane or from different intracellular compartments. In this study, we undertook a fractionation scheme to enrich for cytolytic NK-EVs. NK-EVs were harvested from culture medium from the human NK-92 cell line or primary human NK cells grown in serum-free conditions. By combining ultracentrifugation with downstream density-gradient ultracentrifugation or size-exclusion chromatography, distinct EV populations were identified. Density-gradient ultracentrifugation led to separation of three subpopulations of EVs. The different EV isolates were characterized by label-free quantitative mass spectrometry and western blotting, and we found that one subpopulation was primarily enriched for plasma membrane proteins and tetraspanins CD37, CD82, and CD151, and likely represents microvesicles. The other major subpopulation was enriched in intracellularly derived markers with high expression of the endosomal tetraspanin CD63 and markers for intracellular organelles. The intracellularly derived EVs were highly enriched in cytolytic proteins, and possessed high apoptotic activity against HCT-116 colon cancer spheroids. To further enrich for cytolytic EVs, immunoaffinity pulldowns led to the isolation of a subset of EVs containing the cytolytic granule marker NKG7 and the majority of vesicular granzyme B content. We therefore propose that EVs containing cytolytic proteins may primarily be released via cytolytic granules.
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61
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Current Progress of CAR-NK Therapy in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174318. [PMID: 36077853 PMCID: PMC9454439 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T and -natural killer (NK) therapies are promising in cancer treatment. CAR-NK therapy gains great attention due to the lack of adverse effects observed in CAR-T therapies and to the NK cells’ unique mechanisms of recognizing target cells. Off-the-shelf products are in urgent need, not only for good yields, but also for lower cost and shorter preparation time. The current progress of CAR-NK therapy is discussed. Abstract CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells eliminate target cells through the release of lytic granules and Fas ligand (FasL)-induced target cell apoptosis. The introduction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) makes these two types of cells selective and effective in killing cancer cells. The success of CAR-T therapy in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other types of blood cancers proved that the immunotherapy is an effective approach in fighting against cancers, yet adverse effects, such as graft versus host disease (GvHD) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS), cannot be ignored for the CAR-T therapy. CAR-NK therapy, then, has its advantage in lacking these adverse effects and works as effective as CAR-T in terms of killing. Despite these, NK cells are known to be hard to transduce, expand in vitro, and sustain shorter in vivo comparing to infiltrated T cells. Moreover, CAR-NK therapy faces challenges as CAR-T therapy does, e.g., the time, the cost, and the potential biohazard due to the use of animal-derived products. Thus, enormous efforts are needed to develop safe, effective, and large-scalable protocols for obtaining CAR-NK cells. Here, we reviewed current progress of CAR-NK therapy, including its biological properties, CAR compositions, preparation of CAR-NK cells, and clinical progresses. We also discussed safety issues raised from genetic engineering. We hope this review is instructive to the research community and a broad range of readers.
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62
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Helmin-Basa A, Gackowska L, Balcerowska S, Ornawka M, Naruszewicz N, Wiese-Szadkowska M. The application of the natural killer cells, macrophages and dendritic cells in treating various types of cancer. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2019-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Innate immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in the surveillance and clearance of tumor. Intensive research has exposed the mechanisms of recognition and elimination of tumor cells by these immune cells as well as how cancers evade immune response. Hence, harnessing the immune cells has proven to be an effective therapy in treating a variety of cancers. Strategies aimed to harness and augment effector function of these cells for cancer therapy have been the subject of intense researches over the decades. Different immunotherapeutic possibilities are currently being investigated for anti-tumor activity. Pharmacological agents known to influence immune cell migration and function include therapeutic antibodies, modified antibody molecules, toll-like receptor agonists, nucleic acids, chemokine inhibitors, fusion proteins, immunomodulatory drugs, vaccines, adoptive cell transfer and oncolytic virus–based therapy. In this review, we will focus on the preclinical and clinical applications of NK cell, macrophage and DC immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Helmin-Basa
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Lidia Gackowska
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Sara Balcerowska
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Marcelina Ornawka
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Natalia Naruszewicz
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Małgorzata Wiese-Szadkowska
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
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Razeghian E, Kameh MC, Shafiee S, Khalafi F, Jafari F, Asghari M, Kazemi K, Ilkhani S, Shariatzadeh S, Haj-Mirzaian A. The role of the natural killer (NK) cell modulation in breast cancer incidence and progress. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10935-10948. [PMID: 36008609 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07865-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The importance of the immune system on tumor surveillance has been investigated for many years, and its impact on controlling tumor progression has been verified. An important subgroup of the innate immune system is natural killer (NK) cells, whose essential function in modulating tumor behavior and suppressing metastasis and tumor growth has been demonstrated. The first idea of NK cells' crucial biological processes was demonstrated through their potent ability to conduct direct cellular cytotoxicity, even without former sensitization. These properties of NK cells allow them to recognize transformed cells that have attenuated self-ligand and express stress-induced ligands. Furthermore, secretion of various cytokines and chemokines after their activation leads to tumor elimination via either direct cytotoxic effect on malignant cells or activation of the adaptive immune system. In addition, novel immunotherapeutic approaches tend to take advantage of NK cells' ability, leading to antibody-based approaches, the formation of engineered CAR-NK cells, and adoptive cell transfer. However, the restricted functionality of NK cells and the inability to infiltrate tumors are its blind spots in breast cancer patients. In this review, we gathered newly acquired data on the biology and functions of NK cells in breast cancer and proposed ways to employ this knowledge for novel therapeutic approaches in cancers, particularly breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Razeghian
- Human Genetics Division, Medical Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdis Chahar Kameh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepehr Shafiee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farima Khalafi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fehimeh Jafari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Radiation Oncology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiarash Kazemi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siavash Shariatzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Arvin Haj-Mirzaian
- Department of Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhang J, Chen P, Miao L. A bibliometric and scientific knowledge-map study of the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cell-related research from 2010 to 2022. Front Immunol 2022; 13:969196. [PMID: 36032149 PMCID: PMC9413055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.969196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesAs emerging adoptive immunotherapy after CAR-T cell therapy, CAR-NK cell therapy has been developing rapidly in recent years. Presently, the research on CAR-NK cells has become a hotspot in the field of tumor immunotherapy.MethodsIn this descriptive study, CtieSpace and VOSviewer were used to perform the bibliometric and scientific knowledge-map analysis of articles and reviews related to CAR-NK cells.Results5371 authors from 715 institutions in 65 countries published 1028 papers about CAR-NK cells in 346 journals. The number of publications related to CAR-NK cells was increasing overall, especially from 2018 to 2021. The United States was in a leading position. The most active institution was Univ Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA). The journal with the most publications was Frontiers in immunology, and the most co-cited journal was Blood. The researcher with the most published papers was Winfried S. Wels, while the most co-cited researcher was Shannon L Maude. The research of CAR-NK cells in hematological malignancies and solid tumors (especially the selection of targets and the evaluation of efficacy and safety) was a research hotspot in this field. The emerging topics mainly included three aspects. First, further improve the proliferation and persistence of NK cells in vivo. Secondly, optimizing and improving the CAR structure for NK cells to improve the anti-tumor ability of CAR-NK cells. Thirdly, the related research of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology in constructing engineered immune cells.ConclusionIn this study, a bibliometric and scientific knowledge-map study provided a unique and objective perspective for the CAR-NK cell field. This information would provide a helpful reference for researchers interested in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- Senior Department of Hematology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Senior Department of Hematology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese PLA Medical School Beijing, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lele Miao, ; Peng Chen,
| | - Lele Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, the Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lele Miao, ; Peng Chen,
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Nikoo M, Rudiansyah M, Bokov DO, Jainakbaev N, Suksatan W, Ansari MJ, Thangavelu L, Chupradit S, Zamani A, Adili A, Shomali N, Akbari M. Potential of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected immune cells in breast cancer therapies: Recent advances. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:4137-4156. [PMID: 35762299 PMCID: PMC9344815 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial developments in conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and molecular-targeted therapy, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in women. Currently, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected immune cell therapy has emerged as an innovative immunotherapeutic approach to ameliorate survival rates of breast cancer patients by eliciting cytotoxic activity against cognate tumour-associated antigens expressing tumour cells. As a crucial component of adaptive immunity, T cells and NK cells, as the central innate immune cells, are two types of pivotal candidates for CAR engineering in treating solid malignancies. However, the biological distinctions between NK cells- and T cells lead to differences in cancer immunotherapy outcomes. Likewise, optimal breast cancer removal via CAR-redirected immune cells requires detecting safe target antigens, improving CAR structure for ideal immune cell functions, promoting CAR-redirected immune cells filtration to the tumour microenvironment (TME), and increasing the ability of these engineered cells to persist and retain within the immunosuppressive TME. This review provides a concise overview of breast cancer pathogenesis and its hostile TME. We focus on the CAR-T and CAR-NK cells and discuss their significant differences. Finally, we deliver a summary based on recent advancements in the therapeutic capability of CAR-T and CAR-NK cells in treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Nikoo
- Department of Immunology, School of MedicineKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Mohammad Rudiansyah
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas Lambung Mangkurat / Ulin HospitalBanjarmasinIndonesia
| | - Dmitry Olegovich Bokov
- Institute of PharmacySechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
- Laboratory of Food ChemistryFederal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food SafetyMoscowRussian Federation
| | | | - Wanich Suksatan
- Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical ScienceChulabhorn Royal AcademyBangkokThailand
| | - Mohammad Javed Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of PharmacyPrince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz UniversityAl‐kharjSaudi Arabia
| | - Lakshmi Thangavelu
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical ScienceSaveetha UniversityChennaiIndia
| | - Supat Chupradit
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical SciencesChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
| | - Amir Zamani
- Shiraz Transplant Center, Abu Ali Sina HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Ali Adili
- Department of OncologyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Senior Adult Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Navid Shomali
- Department of ImmunologyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Department of ImmunologyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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66
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Galectin-9 and Interferon-Gamma Are Released by Natural Killer Cells upon Activation with Interferon-Alpha and Orchestrate the Suppression of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071538. [PMID: 35891518 PMCID: PMC9317111 DOI: 10.3390/v14071538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells mount an immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and can be activated by several cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-15, and interferon-alpha (IFN-α). By exploiting the Huh7.5 hepatoma cell line infected with the HCV JFH1 genome, we provide novel insights into the antiviral effector functions of human primary NK cells after cytokine stimulation. NK cells activated with IFN-α (IFNα-NKs) had enhanced contact-dependent and -independent responses as compared with NK cells activated with IL-2/IL-15 (IL2/IL15-NKs) and could inhibit HCV replication both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, IFN-α, but not IL-2/IL-15, protected NK cells from the functional inhibition exerted by HCV. By performing flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine profiling, and mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, we discovered that IFNα-NKs secreted high levels of galectin-9 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and by conducting neutralization assays, we confirmed the major role of these molecules in HCV suppression. We speculated that galectin-9 might act extracellularly to inhibit HCV binding to host cells and downstream infection. In silico approaches predicted the binding of HCV envelope protein E2 to galectin-9 carbohydrate-recognition domains, and co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed physical interaction. IFN-γ, on the other hand, triggered the intracellular expressions of two antiviral gate-keepers in target cells, namely, myxovirus-1 (MX1) and interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1). Collectively, our data add more complexity to the antiviral innate response mediated by NK cells and highlight galectin-9 as a key molecule that might be exploited to neutralize productive viral infection.
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67
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Yu T, Yu SK, Xiang Y, Lu KH, Sun M. Revolution of CAR Engineering For Next-Generation Immunotherapy In Solid Tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:936496. [PMID: 35903099 PMCID: PMC9315443 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.936496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have enormous potentials for clinical therapies. The CAR-T therapy has been approved for treating hematological malignancies. However, their application is limited in solid tumors owing to antigen loss and mutation, physical barriers, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To overcome the challenges of CAR-T, increasing efforts are put into developing CAR-T to expand its applied ranges. Varied receptors are utilized for recognizing tumor-associated antigens and relieving immunosuppression. Emerging co-stimulatory signaling is employed for CAR-T activation. Furthermore, other immune cells such as NK cells and macrophages have manifested potential for delivering CAR. Hence, we collected and summarized the last advancements of CAR engineering from three aspects, namely, the ectodomains, endogenous domains, and immune cells, aiming to inspire the design of next-generation adoptive immunotherapy for treating solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shao-kun Yu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Xiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai-Hua Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Kai-Hua Lu, ; Ming Sun,
| | - Ming Sun
- Suzhou Cancer Center Core Laboratory, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kai-Hua Lu, ; Ming Sun,
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68
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Baghery Saghchy Khorasani A, Yousefi AM, Bashash D. CAR NK cell therapy in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors; obstacles and strategies to overcome the challenges. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109041. [PMID: 35839565 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell treatment (ACT) utilizing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) diverts the specificity of safe cells against a target-specific antigen and portrays exceptional potential for cancer treatment. While CAR T cell treatment has risen as a breakthrough with unprecedented results within the therapeutic procedures of human malignancies, different deficiencies including challenging and costly generation processes, strict patient qualification criteria, and undesirable toxicity have ruined its application. Unlike T cells, the application of natural killer (NK) cells has attracted consideration as a reasonable alternative owing to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independency, shorter life expectancy, the potential to create an off-the-shelf immune product, and potent antitumor properties. In this article, we provide an updated review of the differences between CAR T and CAR NK cells, current enhancements in CAR NK design, the available sources for collecting NK cells, and strategies for the transduction step of the CARs to NK cells. Furthermore, we focus on the published and ongoing preclinical and clinical studies of CAR NK treatment strategies both in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. We also discuss limitations and plausible solutions to improve the perseverance, function, safety, and efficacy of CAR NK cells with a special focus on solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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69
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Natural Killer Cell Recognition and Control of Epithelial Cancers. Cancer J 2022; 28:263-269. [PMID: 35880935 PMCID: PMC9336556 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells possess an innate ability to recognize cancer and are key mediators of cytotoxic efficacy for anticancer antibodies. Recent advances in the ability to generate, qualify, and safely infuse NK cells have led to a wide variety of clinical trials in oncology. Although their efficacy is best established for liquid cancers, their potential application in solid cancers has received increased attention. Here, we provide general background across a disparate group of exemplary solid tumors for which there is evidence for an NK cell role, discuss NK cell recognition motifs specific to each and murine and human studies of each that are supportive of NK cell adoptive immunotherapy, and end with special considerations relevant to the solid tumor microenvironment.
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70
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Fu W, Lei C, Wang C, Ma Z, Li T, Lin F, Mao R, Zhao J, Hu S. Synthetic libraries of immune cells displaying a diverse repertoire of chimaeric antigen receptors as a potent cancer immunotherapy. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:842-854. [PMID: 35668107 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00895-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies rely on one or few specific tumour-associated antigens. However, the adaptive immune system relies on a large and diverse repertoire of antibodies for antigen recognition. Here we report the development and applicability of libraries of immune cells displaying diverse repertoires of chimaeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can recognize non-self antigens and display antigen-dependent clonal expansion, with the expanded population of tumour-specific effector cells leading to long-lasting antitumour responses in mouse models of epithelial tumours. The intravenous injection of synthetic libraries of murine CARs on TET2- T cells led to robust immunological memory and the recognition of mutated or evolved tumours, owing to the maintenance of CAR diversity. Off-the-shelf libraries of 106 murine or human CAR clones displayed on genetically modified human NK-92 cancer cells completely eliminated established tumours in mice with murine xenografts and patient-derived xenografts. Synthetically generated CAR libraries may aid the discovery of new CARs and the development of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Fu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhai Lei
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Chuqi Wang
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Zetong Ma
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Fangxing Lin
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ruixue Mao
- Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- KOCHKOR Biotech, Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Shi Hu
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China. .,Team NMU-China of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, Department of Biophysics, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.
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71
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Bai R, Cui J. Development of Immunotherapy Strategies Targeting Tumor Microenvironment Is Fiercely Ongoing. Front Immunol 2022; 13:890166. [PMID: 35833121 PMCID: PMC9271663 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.890166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune microenvironment is a very complex system that is influenced by a wide range of factors; in this microenvironment, various immune cells, stromal cells, and cytokines can interact with tumor cells and jointly regulate this complex ecosystem. During tumor development, the tumor microenvironment (TME) shows the upregulation of inhibitory signals and downregulation of activating signals, which result in an immunosuppressive microenvironment and lead to tumor immune escape. In recent years, a variety of precision immunotherapy strategies have been developed to remodel the TME into a positive immune microenvironment by stimulating or restoring the inherent tumor inhibition ability of the immune system so as to improve anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy. This review focuses on immunotherapy strategies targeting the TME, including those that target the microenvironment to inhibit signaling, activate signaling, and specifically involve many new targets such as physical barriers, immune cells and their surface molecular receptors, cytokines, and metabolic factors. Furthermore, it summarizes the challenges faced while conducting research on the tumor immune microenvironment and the corresponding solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- *Correspondence: Jiuwei Cui, , orcid.org/0000-0001-6496-7550
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72
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Antillon K, Ross PA, Farrell MP. Directing CAR NK Cells via the Metabolic Incorporation of CAR Ligands into Malignant Cell Glycans. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1505-1512. [PMID: 35648806 PMCID: PMC10061155 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The abundance of sialic acid-containing glycans in the glycocalyx of malignant cells enables immune evasion. Here, we leverage the biosynthetic pathways that permit pervasive sialylation to incorporate a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) ligand into malignant cell glycans, and demonstrate that this increases the susceptibility of malignant cells to the cytolytic activity of CAR-expressing natural killer (NK) cells. Specifically, we applied a C-9-functionalized nonnatural sialic acid [i.e., fluorescein sialic acid (FL-SA)] to modify malignant cell glycans. We confirm the metabolic incorporation of FL-SA into plasma membrane-associated glycans. The preparation of anti-fluorescein CAR NK cells permitted studies demonstrating that treating malignant cells with FL-SA increased susceptibility to CAR NK cell-mediated cytolysis. Furthermore, we observed that the specificity of the anti-fluorescein CAR NK cells is enhanced for fluorescein-labeled cells, and an increased release of cytokines from the CAR NK cells upon incubation with FL-SA-treated cells. The results arising from this study demonstrate that CAR ligands can be metabolically incorporated into malignant cells, and we reason that such strategies could be leveraged to tackle the issue of antigen heterogeneity that limits the clinical efficacy of CAR T/NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathia Antillon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Patrick A Ross
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Mark P Farrell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
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Dialogue among Lymphocytes and Microglia in Glioblastoma Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112632. [PMID: 35681612 PMCID: PMC9179556 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this review, we summarize in vitro and in vivo studies related to glioblastoma models and human patients to outline the symbiotic bidirectional interaction between microglia, lymphocytes, and tumor cells that develops during tumor progression. Particularly, we highlight the current experimental therapeutic approaches that aim to shape these interplays, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery and CAR-T and -NK cell infusion, and to modulate the tumor microenvironment in an anti-tumoral way, thus counteracting glioblastoma growth. Abstract Microglia and lymphocytes are fundamental constituents of the glioblastoma microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the current state-of-the-art knowledge of the microglial role played in promoting the development and aggressive hallmarks of this deadly brain tumor. Particularly, we report in vitro and in vivo studies related to glioblastoma models and human patients to outline the symbiotic bidirectional interaction between microglia, lymphocytes, and tumor cells that develops during tumor progression. Furthermore, we highlight the current experimental therapeutic approaches that aim to shape these interplays, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery and CAR-T and -NK cell infusion, and to modulate the tumor microenvironment in an anti-tumoral way, thus counteracting glioblastoma growth.
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74
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Kotzur R, Duev-Cohen A, Kol I, Reches A, Mandelboim O, Stein N. NK-92 cells retain vitality and functionality when grown in standard cell culture conditions. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264897. [PMID: 35294457 PMCID: PMC8926178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NK-92 cells are an off-the-shelf, cell-based immunotherapy currently in clinical trials for a variety of cancer types. As the most 'NK-like' cell line available, it is also an important research tool. To date, NK-92 cells have been cultivated in a costly and time-consumingly prepared specialized medium, complicating research with these cells. Here we show that NK-92 cells grow in the comparatively user-friendly RPMI medium supplemented with IL-2. We demonstrate that their metabolic activity and replication rates are even improved in RPMI. Furthermore, they can be grown in cell culture dishes and do not need to be expanded in ventilated flasks. We show that in RPMI the cells retain functional characteristics relating to receptor expression, IFN-γ secretion, and killing. Our findings will enable more researchers to work with and manipulate this cell line, hopefully leading to further discoveries and improved therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kotzur
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexandra Duev-Cohen
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inbal Kol
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Reches
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail: (OM); (NS)
| | - Natan Stein
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail: (OM); (NS)
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Liu K, Cui JJ, Zhan Y, Ouyang QY, Lu QS, Yang DH, Li XP, Yin JY. Reprogramming the tumor microenvironment by genome editing for precision cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:98. [PMID: 35410257 PMCID: PMC8996591 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential for immune escape by tumor cells. It plays essential roles in tumor development and metastasis. The clinical outcomes of tumors are often closely related to individual differences in the patient TME. Therefore, reprogramming TME cells and their intercellular communication is an attractive and promising strategy for cancer therapy. TME cells consist of immune and nonimmune cells. These cells need to be manipulated precisely and safely to improve cancer therapy. Furthermore, it is encouraging that this field has rapidly developed in recent years with the advent and development of gene editing technologies. In this review, we briefly introduce gene editing technologies and systematically summarize their applications in the TME for precision cancer therapy, including the reprogramming of TME cells and their intercellular communication. TME cell reprogramming can regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, and function. Moreover, reprogramming the intercellular communication of TME cells can optimize immune infiltration and the specific recognition of tumor cells by immune cells. Thus, gene editing will pave the way for further breakthroughs in precision cancer therapy.
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76
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Hossian AKMN, Hackett CS, Brentjens RJ, Rafiq S. Multipurposing CARs: Same engine, different vehicles. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1381-1395. [PMID: 35151842 PMCID: PMC9077369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells genetically engineered to recognize and eliminate tumor cells through synthetic chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy against B cell leukemia over the past decade. This therapy is a form of highly personalized medicine that involves genetically modifying a patient's T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells. With the FDA approval of 5 CAR T cell products, this approach has been validated as a powerful new drug in the therapeutic armamentarium against cancer. Researchers are now studying how to expand this technology beyond its use in conventional polyclonal αβ T cells to address limitations to the current therapy in cancer and applications beyond it. Considering the specific characteristics of immune cell from diverse lineages, several preclinical and clinical studies are under way to assess the advantages of CAR-redirected function in these cells and apply the lessons learned from CAR T cell therapy in cancer to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K M Nawshad Hossian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christopher S Hackett
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Renier J Brentjens
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
| | - Sarwish Rafiq
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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77
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The tricks for fighting against cancer using CAR NK cells: A review. Mol Cell Probes 2022; 63:101817. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2022.101817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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78
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Chan LY, Dass SA, Tye GJ, Imran SAM, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Nordin F. CAR-T Cells/-NK Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy and the Potential of MSC to Enhance Its Efficacy: A Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040804. [PMID: 35453554 PMCID: PMC9024487 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) plays a dynamic role in targeting tumour-associated antigens in cancer cells. This novel therapeutic discovery combines fragments of monoclonal antibodies with the signalling and co-stimulatory domains that have been modified to its current fourth generation. CAR has been widely implemented in T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells immunotherapy. The significant advancement in CAR technology is evident based on numerous ongoing clinical trials on CAR-T/-NK cells and successful CAR-related products such as Kymriah (Novartis) and Yescarta (Kite Pharma, Gilead). Another important cell-based therapy is the engineering of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Researchers have been exploring MSCs and their innate homing abilities to tumour sites and secretion cytokines that bridge both CAR and MSC technologies as a therapeutic agent. This combination allows for both therapies to overcome each one’s flaw as an immunotherapy intervention. Herein, we have provided a concise review on the background of CAR and its applications in different cancers, as well as MSCs’ unique ability as delivery vectors for cancer therapy and the possibility of enhancing the CAR-immune cells’ activity. Hence, we have highlighted throughout this review the synergistic effects of both interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ler Yie Chan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (L.Y.C.); (S.A.M.I.)
- INTEC Education College, Jalan Senangin Satu 17/2A, Seksyen 17, Shah Alam 40200, Malaysia
| | - Sylvia Annabel Dass
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Malaysia; (S.A.D.); (G.J.T.)
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Malaysia; (S.A.D.); (G.J.T.)
| | - Siti A. M. Imran
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (L.Y.C.); (S.A.M.I.)
| | - Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering (CIME), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (L.Y.C.); (S.A.M.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-91457670
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79
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Zhang L, Meng Y, Feng X, Han Z. CAR-NK cells for cancer immunotherapy: from bench to bedside. Biomark Res 2022; 10:12. [PMID: 35303962 PMCID: PMC8932134 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique innate immune cells and manifest rapid and potent cytotoxicity for cancer immunotherapy and pathogen removal without the requirement of prior sensitization or recognition of peptide antigens. Distinguish from the T lymphocyte-based cythotherapy with toxic side effects, chimeric antigen receptor-transduced NK (CAR-NK) cells are adequate to simultaneously improve efficacy and control adverse effects including acute cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Moreover, considering the inherent properties of NK cells, the CAR-NK cells are “off-the-shelf” product satisfying the clinical demand for large-scale manufacture for cancer immunotherapy attribute to the cytotoxic effect via both NK cell receptor-dependent and CAR-dependent signaling cascades. In this review, we mainly focus on the latest updates of CAR-NK cell-based tactics, together with the opportunities and challenges for cancer immunotherapies, which represent the paradigm for boosting the immune system to enhance antitumor responses and ultimately eliminate malignancies. Collectively, we summarize and highlight the auspicious improvement in CAR-NK cells and will benefit the large-scale preclinical and clinical investigations in adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province & NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China. .,Center for Cellular Therapies, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Ji-nan, 250014, China. .,Key Laboratory of Radiation Technology and Biophysics, Hefei Institute of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui Province, China. .,Institute of Stem Cells, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 301700, China. .,Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd., Shangrao, 334000, China. .,Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 204 Donggangxi Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730013, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Yuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Zhongchao Han
- Institute of Stem Cells, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 301700, China. .,Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd., Shangrao, 334000, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China. .,Stem Cell Bank of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Health-Biotech Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guiyang, 550000, China.
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80
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Mylod E, Lysaght J, Conroy MJ. Natural killer cell therapy: A new frontier for obesity-associated cancer. Cancer Lett 2022; 535:215620. [PMID: 35283210 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell infiltration of solid tumours is associated with better outcomes, placing augmentation of NK cell abundance in tumours as an attractive immunotherapeutic approach. The unique ability of NK cells to target cancer cells without antigen specificity increases their versatility and applicability as an immunotherapeutic tool. However, successful utilisation of NK cell-based therapies in solid tumours is still at an early stage. Obesity has become a global health epidemic, and the prevalence of obesity-associated cancers has significantly increased. Obesity-associated malignancies provide a unique challenge for the successful application of cell-based immunotherapies including NK cell-based therapies because significant numbers of NK and T cells are recruited to the visceral adipose tissue at the expense of successful tumour infiltration and eradication. As such, immunotherapy efficacy has been disappointing for obesity-associated malignancies such as oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma. Therefore, immunotherapies for obesity-associated cancers warrant our further attention. Indeed, it is becoming ever more obvious that more innovative approaches are needed to re-invigorate anti-tumour immunity and overcome immune exclusion in such tumours. In this review, we briefly summarise the dysfunctionality of NK cells in obesity-associated cancer. We outline the NK cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches which hold promise as effective treatments in this disease space, including CAR-NK cells. Furthermore, we suggest future avenues which possess the potential to transform immunotherapy and specifically NK cell therapy efficacy for obesity-associated cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland
| | - Melissa J Conroy
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland; Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 2, Ireland.
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81
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Faghfuri E, Shadbad MA, Faghfouri AH, Soozangar N. Cellular immunotherapy in gastric cancer: adoptive cell therapy and dendritic cell-based vaccination. Immunotherapy 2022; 14:475-488. [PMID: 35232264 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies. Recent studies have highlighted cellular immunotherapy (CI) as a promising approach for treating this disease. Among the CI-based approaches, adoptive cell therapy and dendritic cell-based vaccination are commonly studied in preclinical and clinical trials. Here we review the current evidence on the potentiality of CI in treating GC, the targets for adoptive cell therapy, ongoing clinical trials, constraints and the future outlook. The results suggest that there is a need to identify novel biomarkers that predict which GC patients will most likely respond to these approaches. Also, CI plus chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors can improve the survival of patients with late-stage GC. Therefore, this approach can be promising for treating these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Faghfuri
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | | | | | - Narges Soozangar
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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82
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Budi HS, Ahmad FN, Achmad H, Ansari MJ, Mikhailova MV, Suksatan W, Chupradit S, Shomali N, Marofi F. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) for tumor immunotherapy; recent progress. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:40. [PMID: 35093187 PMCID: PMC8800342 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the overexpression or amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) with poor prognosis in a myriad of human tumors, recent studies have focused on HER2-targeted therapies. Deregulation in HER2 signaling pathways is accompanied by sustained tumor cells growth concomitant with their migration and also tumor angiogenesis and metastasis by stimulation of proliferation of a network of blood vessels. A large number of studies have provided clear evidence that the emerging HER2-directed treatments could be the outcome of patients suffering from HER2 positive breast and also gastric/gastroesophageal cancers. Thanks to its great anti-tumor competence, immunotherapy using HER2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing immune cell has recently attracted increasing attention. Human T cells and also natural killer (NK) cells can largely be found in the tumor microenvironment, mainly contributing to the tumor immune surveillance. Such properties make them perfect candidate for genetically modification to express constructed CARs. Herein, we will describe the potential targets of the HER2 signaling in tumor cells to clarify HER2-mediated tumorigenesis and also discuss recent findings respecting the HER2-specific CAR-expressing immune cells (CAR T and CAR NK cell) for the treatment of HER2-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Setia Budi
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 60132 Indonesia
| | | | - Harun Achmad
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Mohammad Javed Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Wanich Suksatan
- Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210 Thailand
| | - Supat Chupradit
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faroogh Marofi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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83
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Liu M, Huang W, Guo Y, Zhou Y, Zhi C, Chen J, Li J, He J, Lian H, Zhou J, Ye X, Hu Y, Hu H, Liu Z, Huang J, Lin L, Cai M, Wang X, Huang J, Zhang Z, Zhu K, Zhao Q, Cao B. CAR NK-92 cells targeting DLL3 kill effectively small cell lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:901-911. [PMID: 35088475 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ma0122-467r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by a high relapse rate, drug tolerance, and limited treatment choices. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified NK cells represent a promising immunotherapeutic modality for cancer treatment. However, their potential applications have not been explored in SCLC. Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) has been reported to be overexpressed in SCLC and may be a rational target for CAR NK immunotherapy. In this study, we developed DLL3-specific NK-92 cells and explored their potential in the treatment of SCLC. A coculture of DLL3+ SCLC cell lines with DLL3-CAR NK-92 cells exhibited significant in vitro cytotoxicity and cytokine production. DLL3-CAR NK-92 cells induced tumor regression in an H446-derived pulmonary metastasis tumor model under a good safety threshold. The potent antitumor activities of DLL3-CAR NK-92 cells were observed in subcutaneous tumor models of SCLC. Moreover, obvious tumor-infiltrated DLL3-CAR NK-92 cells were detected in DLL3+ SCLC xenografts. These findings indicate that DLL3-CAR NK-92 cells might be a potential strategy for the treatment of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manting Liu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wensou Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongjian Guo
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- Department of Library, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Zhi
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwu Chen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junping Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinping He
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Lian
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaodie Ye
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuling Hu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Hu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjun Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liteng Lin
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingyue Cai
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingzhen Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kangshun Zhu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Bihui Cao
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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84
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Correia MP, Stojanovic A, Wels WS, Cerwenka A. Innate-like NKp30 +CD8 + T cells armed with TCR/CAR target tumor heterogeneity. Oncoimmunology 2022; 10:1973783. [PMID: 35036073 PMCID: PMC8758178 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1973783] [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] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Intratumoral heterogeneity is frequently associated with tumor immune escape, with MHC-class I and antigen expression loss rendering tumor cells invisible to T cell killing, representing a major challenge for the design of successful adoptive transfer protocols for cancer immunotherapy. While CD8+ T cell recognition of tumor cells is based on the detection of MHC-peptide complexes via specific T cell receptors (TCRs), Natural Killer (NK) cells detect tumor-associated NK ligands by an array of NK receptors. We have recently identified a population of innate-like CD8+ T cells marked by the expression of NKp30, a potent natural cytotoxicity activating NK receptor, whose tumor ligand, B7H6, is frequently upregulated on several cancer types. Here, we harnessed the dual-recognition potential of NKp30+CD8+ T cells, by arming these cells with TCRs or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (ErbB2, or HER2), a tumor-associated target overexpressed in several malignancies. HER2-specific NKp30+CD8+ T cells killed not only HER2-expressing target cell lines, but also eliminated tumor cells in the absence of MHC-class I or antigen expression, making them especially effective in eliminating heterogeneous tumor cell populations. Our results show that NKp30+CD8+ T cells equipped with a specific TCR or CAR display a dual capacity to recognize and kill target cells, combining the anti-tumor activity of both CD8+ T and NK cells. This dual-recognition capacity allows these effector cells to target tumor heterogeneity, thus improving therapeutic strategies against tumor escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareta P Correia
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Stojanovic
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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85
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Hwang I, Jin HT, Kang MC, Kim TY, Sung YC, Kim SW. Generation and functional characterization of a multigene-modified NK101 cell line exerting diverse mechanisms of antitumor action. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2014655. [PMID: 36524207 PMCID: PMC9746629 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.2014655] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clonal cell line-based, multigene-modified, off-the-shelf NK cell therapeutics are emerging as the new frontier of adoptive cellular immunotherapy. Here, we utilized a newly established NK cell line, NK101, as a backbone to derive multifaceted killer cells armored with various antitumor modalities through repeated cycles of genetic modification and clonal selection. First, NK101 cells were transduced with a tricistronic lentiviral vector expressing CD7, CD28, and cytosine deaminase (CD). The resulting cell line demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity against B7+ tumors and exerted bystander killing effects on neighboring tumor cells upon 5-FC treatment. Second, engineered NK101 cells were again transduced with a bicistronic vector expressing membrane-bound interleukin-15 (mbIL-15) and dominant negative TGFβ type II receptor (DNTβRII). Ectopic expression of mbIL-15 resulted in further augmentation of lytic activities against all tested target cells by inducing upregulation of multiple activating receptors, while that of DNTβRII allowed the cells to maintain heightened cytotoxicity in the presence of TGFβ. Finally, dual-transduced NK101 cells were modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting either a solid tumor antigen (EpCAM) or a hematologic tumor antigen (FLT3). The final engineered products not only demonstrated antigen-specific killing activities in vitro but also exerted strong tumor-inhibitory effects in preclinical models of metastatic solid tumor and hematologic malignancy. Notably, combined treatment with 5-FC further enhanced antitumor efficacy of engineered NK101 in the solid tumor model. Our results demonstrate successful generation of multigene-modified NK101 cell therapeutics exerting diverse mechanisms of antitumor action - activation receptor-mediated innate killing, antigen-specific killing, and bystander effect-mediated killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Injung Hwang
- SL BiGen, Inc., Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Tak Jin
- Progen. Co., Ltd., Research Institute, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Cheol Kang
- SL BiGen, Inc., Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yoon Kim
- SL BiGen, Inc., Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea,Young Chul Sung Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Won Kim
- SL BiGen, Inc., Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea,CONTACT Sae Won Kim Sl BiGen, Inc, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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86
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Khawar MB, Sun H. CAR-NK Cells: From Natural Basis to Design for Kill. Front Immunol 2022; 12:707542. [PMID: 34970253 PMCID: PMC8712563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.707542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are fusion proteins with an extracellular antigen recognition domain and numerous intracellular signaling domains that have been genetically modified. CAR-engineered T lymphocyte-based therapies have shown great success against blood cancers; however, potential fatal toxicity, such as in cytokine release syndrome, and high costs are some shortcomings that limit the clinical application of CAR-engineered T lymphocytes and remain to overcome. Natural killer (NK) cells are the focal point of current immunological research owing to their receptors that prove to be promising immunotherapeutic candidates for treating cancer. However, to date, manipulation of NK cells to treat malignancies has been moderately successful. Recent progress in the biology of NK cell receptors has greatly transformed our understanding of how NK cells recognize and kill tumor and infected cells. CAR-NK cells may serve as an alternative candidate for retargeting cancer because of their unique recognition mechanisms, powerful cytotoxic effects especially on cancer cells in both CAR-dependent and CAR-independent manners and clinical safety. Moreover, NK cells can serve as an ‘off-the-shelf product’ because NK cells from allogeneic sources can also be used in immunotherapies owing to their reduced risk of alloreactivity. Although ongoing fundamental research is in the beginning stages, this review provides an overview of recent developments implemented to design CAR constructs to stimulate NK activation and manipulate NK receptors for improving the efficiency of immunotherapy against cancer, summarizes the preclinical and clinical advances of CAR-NK cells against both hematological malignancies and solid tumors and confronts current challenges and obstacles of their applications. In addition, this review provides insights into prospective novel approaches that further enhance the efficiency of CAR-NK therapies and highlights potential questions that require to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China.,Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology & Genomics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haibo Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
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87
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Engineered cells as glioblastoma therapeutics. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:156-166. [PMID: 33753869 PMCID: PMC8850190 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00320-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In spite of significant recent advances in our understanding of the genetics and cell biology of glioblastoma, to date, this has not led to improved treatments for this cancer. In addition to small molecule, antibody, and engineered virus approaches, engineered cells are also being explored as glioblastoma therapeutics. This includes CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells, as well as engineered neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells. Here we review the state of this field, starting with clinical trial studies. These have established the feasibility and safety of engineered cell therapies for glioblastoma and show some evidence for activity. Next, we review the preclinical literature and compare the strengths and weaknesses of various starting cell types for engineered cell therapies. Finally, we discuss future directions for this nascent but promising modality for glioblastoma therapy.
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88
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Wotschel N, Montero PO, Wels WS, Tonn T, Eitler J. Live-cell imaging for analysis of the NK cell immunological synapse. Methods Cell Biol 2022. [PMID: 37516519 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The immunological synapse (IS) between NK cells and cancer cells is instrumental for the initiation of tumor-specific cytotoxicity. Improper function of processes at the IS can lead to NK cell unresponsiveness, contributing to tumor immune escape. Critical steps at the IS include target cell recognition, conjugation of NK cell and cancer cell, cytotoxic granule convergence to the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC), granule polarization to the IS, and degranulation. Here, we describe confocal live-cell imaging methods for the analysis of these processes at the immunological synapse, with a focus on mechanisms of cancer cell resistance facilitating escape from NK cell cytotoxicity.
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89
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A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advancements in Cancer Immunotherapy and Generation of CAR T Cell by CRISPR-Cas9. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms involved in immune responses to cancer have been extensively studied for several decades, and considerable attention has been paid to harnessing the immune system’s therapeutic potential. Cancer immunotherapy has established itself as a promising new treatment option for a variety of cancer types. Various strategies including cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive T-cell cancer therapy and CAR T-cell therapy have gained prominence through immunotherapy. However, the full potential of cancer immunotherapy remains to be accomplished. In spite of having startling aspects, cancer immunotherapies have some difficulties including the inability to effectively target cancer antigens and the abnormalities in patients’ responses. With the advancement in technology, this system has changed the genome-based immunotherapy process in the human body including the generation of engineered T cells. Due to its high specificity, CRISPR-Cas9 has become a simple and flexible genome editing tool to target nearly any genomic locus. Recently, the CD19-mediated CAR T-cell (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) therapy has opened a new avenue for the treatment of human cancer, though low efficiency is a major drawback of this process. Thus, increasing the efficiency of the CAR T cell (engineered T cells that induce the chimeric antigen receptor) by using CRISPR-Cas9 technology could be a better weapon to fight against cancer. In this review, we have broadly focused on recent immunotherapeutic techniques against cancer and the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology for the modification of the T cell, which can specifically recognize cancer cells and be used as immune-therapeutics against cancer.
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90
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Lian G, Mak TSK, Yu X, Lan HY. Challenges and Recent Advances in NK Cell-Targeted Immunotherapies in Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:164. [PMID: 35008589 PMCID: PMC8745474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell is a powerful malignant cells killer, providing rapid immune responses via direct cytotoxicity without the need of antigen processing and presentation. It plays an essential role in preventing early tumor, metastasis and minimal residual disease. Although adoptive NK therapies achieved great success in clinical trials against hematologic malignancies, their accumulation, activation, cytotoxic and immunoregulatory functions are severely impaired in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of solid tumors. Now with better understandings of the tumor evasive mechanisms from NK-mediated immunosurveillance, immunotherapies targeting the key molecules for NK cell dysfunction and exhaustion have been developed and tested in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we introduce the challenges that NK cells encountered in solid tumor microenvironment (TME) and the therapeutic approaches to overcome these limitations, followed by an outline of the recent preclinical advances and the latest clinical outcomes of NK-based immunotherapies, as well as promising strategies to optimize current NK-targeted immunotherapies for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Lian
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Research Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Thomas Shiu-Kwong Mak
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Xueqing Yu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Research Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
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91
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Fabian KP, Hodge JW. The emerging role of off-the-shelf engineered natural killer cells in targeted cancer immunotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 23:266-276. [PMID: 34761106 PMCID: PMC8560822 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that recognize and clear infected and transformed cells. The importance of NK cells in tumor surveillance underlies the development of NK cell therapy as cancer treatment. The NK-92 cell line has been successfully modified to express high-affinity CD16 receptor for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and/or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can recognize antigens expressed on tumor cells and mediate NK cell activation. Since there is no need for human leukocyte antigen matching or prior exposure to the tumor antigens, NK-92 provides an opportunity for the development of next-generation off-the-shelf cell therapy platforms. CAR-engineered NK-92 cells have demonstrated robust antitumor activity in in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, propelling the clinical development of CAR NK-92 cells. Preliminary phase 1 data indicate that CAR NK-92 can be safely administered in the clinic. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in the research and clinical application of this novel cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellsye P Fabian
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 8B09, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 8B09, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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92
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Cienfuegos-Jimenez O, Vazquez-Garza E, Rojas-Martinez A. CAR-NK Cells for Cancer Therapy: Molecular Redesign of the Innate Antineoplastic Response. Curr Gene Ther 2021; 22:303-318. [PMID: 34923939 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666211217091724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) has arisen as a powerful synthetic biology-based technology with demonstrated versatility for implementation in T and NK cells. Despite CAR T cell successes in clinical trials, several challenges remain to be addressed regarding adverse events and long-term efficacy. NK cells present an attractive alternative with intrinsic advantages over T cells for treating solid and liquid tumors. Early preclinical and clinical trials suggest at least two major advantages: improved safety and an off-the-shelf application in patients due to its HLA independence. Due to the early stages of CAR NK translation to clinical trials, limited data is currently available. By analyzing these results, it seems that CAR NK cells could offer a reduced probability of Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) or Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) in cancer patients, reducing safety concerns. Furthermore, NK cell therapy approaches may be boosted by combining it with immunological checkpoint inhibitors and by implementing genetic circuits to direct CAR-bearing cell behavior. This review provides a description of the CAR technology for modifying NK cells and the translation from preclinical studies to early clinical trials in this new field of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Cienfuegos-Jimenez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud. Monterrey, CP64710, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Vazquez-Garza
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud. Monterrey, CP64710, Mexico
| | - Augusto Rojas-Martinez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud. Monterrey, CP64710, Mexico
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93
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The Immune Landscape of Breast Cancer: Strategies for Overcoming Immunotherapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236012. [PMID: 34885122 PMCID: PMC8657247 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy is a rapidly advancing field in breast cancer treatment, however, it encounters many obstacles that leave open gateways for breast cancer cells to resist novel immunotherapies. It is believed that the tumor microenvironment consisting of cancer, stromal, and immune cells as well as a plethora of tumor-promoting soluble factors, is responsible for the failure of therapeutic strategies in cancer, including breast tumors. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of key barriers to effective immunotherapy, focusing the research efforts on harnessing the power of the immune system, and thus, developing new strategies to overcome the resistance may contribute significantly to increase breast cancer patient survival. In this review, we discuss the latest reports regarding the strategies rendering the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment more sensitive to immunotherapy in breast cancers, HER2-positive and triple-negative types of breast cancer, which are attractive from an immunotherapeutic point of view. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) has traditionally been considered to be not inherently immunogenic and insufficiently represented by immune cell infiltrates. Therefore, for a long time, it was thought that the immunotherapies targeting this type of cancer and its microenvironment were not justified and would not bring benefits for breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, to date, a considerable number of reports have indicated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a prognostic and clinically relevant biomarker in breast cancer. A high TILs expression has been demonstrated in primary tumors, of both, HER2-positive BC and triple-negative (TNBC), of patients before treatment, as well as after treatment with adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Another milestone was reached in advanced TNBC immunotherapy with the help of the immune checkpoint inhibitors directed against the PD-L1 molecule. Although those findings, together with the recent developments in chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, show immense promise for significant advancements in breast cancer treatments, there are still various obstacles to the optimal activity of immunotherapeutics in BC treatment. Of these, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment constitutes a key barrier that greatly hinders the success of immunotherapies in the most aggressive types of breast cancer, HER2-positive and TNBC. Therefore, the improvement of the current and the demand for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies is strongly warranted.
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94
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Pan C, Zhai Y, Li G, Jiang T, Zhang W. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy and Therapeutic Perspective in Gliomas. Front Oncol 2021; 11:751183. [PMID: 34765554 PMCID: PMC8576093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.751183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor diagnosed in adults. Current therapies are unable to improve its clinical prognosis, imposing the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. The main reason for the poor prognosis is the great cell heterogeneity of the tumor and its immunosuppressive microenvironment. Development of new therapies that avoid this immune evasion could improve the response to the current treatments. Natural killer (NK) cells are an intriguing candidate for the next wave of therapies because of several unique features that they possess. For example, NK cell-based immunotherapy causes minimal graft-versus-host disease. Cytokine release syndrome is less likely to occur during chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK therapy, and CAR-NK cells can kill targets in a CAR-independent manner. However, NK cell-based therapy in treating glioma faces several difficulties. For example, CAR molecules are not sufficiently well designed so that they will thoroughly release functioning NK cells. Compared to hematological malignancies, the application of many potential NK cell-based therapies in glioma lags far behind. Here, we review several issues of NK cells and propose several strategies that will improve the efficacy of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - You Zhai
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanzhang Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas (AGGA), Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas (AGGA), Beijing, China
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95
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Horses for Courses in the Era of CARs: Advancing CAR T and CAR NK Cell Therapies. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111182. [PMID: 34834534 PMCID: PMC8621371 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111182] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of allogeneic CAR NK cells holds great promise as an anticancer modality due to the relative ease of manufacturing and genetic modification of NK cells, which translates into affordable pricing. Compared to the pronounced efficacy of CAR T cell therapy in the treatment of B cell malignancies, rigorous clinical and preclinical assessment of the antitumor properties of CAR NK cells has been lagging behind. In this brief review, we summarize the biological features of NK cells that may help define the therapeutic niche of CAR NK cells as well as create more potent NK cell-based anticancer products. In addition, we compare T cells and NK cells as the carriers of CARs using the data of single-cell transcriptomic analysis.
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96
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Cao B, Liu M, Huang J, Zhou J, Li J, Lian H, Huang W, Guo Y, Yang S, Lin L, Cai M, Zhi C, Wu J, Liang L, Hu Y, Hu H, He J, Liang B, Zhao Q, Zhu K. Development of mesothelin-specific CAR NK-92 cells for the treatment of gastric cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3850-3861. [PMID: 34671203 PMCID: PMC8495380 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.64630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells in solid tumors is hindered by lack of tumor-specific targets and inefficient CAR NK cell efficacy. It has been reported that mesothelin (MSLN) may be an ideal immunotherapy target for gastric cancer. However, the feasibility of using anti-MSLN CAR NK cells to treat gastric cancer remains to be studied. Methods: MSLN expression in primary human gastric cancer, normal tissues and cell lines were detected. MSLN and CD19 targeted CAR NK-92 (MSLN- and CD19-CAR NK) cells were constructed, purified and verified. N87, MKN-28, AGS and Huh-7 cells expressing the GFP and luciferase genes were transduced. Cell- and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) were established via NSG mice. The ability of MSLN-CAR NK cells to kill MSLN-positive gastric cancer cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results: MSLN-CAR NK cells can specifically kill MSLN-positive gastric cancer cells (N87, MKN-28 and AGS), rather than MSLN negative cell (Huh-7), in vitro. Moreover, compared with parental NK-92 cells and CD19-CAR NK cells, stronger cytokine secretions were secreted in MSLN-CAR NK cells cocultured with N87, MKN-28 and AGS. Furthermore, MSLN-CAR NK cells can effectively eliminate gastric cancer cells in both subcutaneous and intraperitoneal tumor models. They could also significantly prolong the survival of intraperitoneally tumor-bearing mice. More importantly, the potent antitumor effect and considerable NK cell infiltration were observed in the patient-derived xenograft treated with MSLN-CAR NK cells, which further warranted the therapeutic effects of MSLN-CAR NK cells to treat gastric cancer. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that MSLN-CAR NK cells possess strong antitumor activity and represent a promising therapeutic approach to gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihui Cao
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Manting Liu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Jingjun Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Junping Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Hui Lian
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Wensou Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Yongjian Guo
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Medical University, 511436, China
| | - Liteng Lin
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Mingyue Cai
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Cheng Zhi
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Jingqiang Wu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Licong Liang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Yuling Hu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Hong Hu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Jinping He
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Baoxia Liang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, 999078 China
| | - Kangshun Zhu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, China
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97
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Hosseini M, Habibi Z, Hosseini N, Abdoli S, Rezaei N. Preclinical studies of chimeric antigen receptor-modified natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy: a review. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 22:349-366. [PMID: 34541989 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1983539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As one of the most efficacious methods of cancer immunotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor-modified immune cells have recently drawn enormous attention. After the great success achieved with CAR-T-cells in cancer treatment both in preclinical setting and in the clinic, other types of immune cells, including natural killer (NK)-cells and macrophages, have been evaluated for their anti-cancer effects along with their potential superiority against CAR-T-cells, especially in terms of safety. First introduced by Tran et al. almost 26 years ago, CAR-NK-cells are now being considered as efficient immunotherapeutic modalities in various types of cancers, not only in preclinical setting but also in numerous phase I and II clinical studies. AREAS COVERED In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive survey of the preclinical studies on CAR-NK-cells' development, with an evolutional approach on CAR structures and their associated signaling moieties. Current NK-cell sources and modes of gene transfer are also reviewed. EXPERT OPINION CAR-NK-cells have appeared as safe and effective immunotherapeutic tools in preclinical settings; however, designing CAR structures with an eye on their specific biology, along with choosing the optimal cell source and gene transfer method require further investigation to support clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Hosseini
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Habibi
- School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sina Abdoli
- School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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98
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Velichinskii RA, Streltsova MA, Kust SA, Sapozhnikov AM, Kovalenko EI. The Biological Role and Therapeutic Potential of NK Cells in Hematological and Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111385. [PMID: 34768814 PMCID: PMC8584101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy due to their potent antitumor activity. The main advantage of using NK cells as cytotoxic effectors over T cells is a reduced risk of graft versus host disease. At present, several variants of NK-cell-based therapies are undergoing clinical trials and show considerable effectiveness for hematological tumors. In these types of cancers, the immune cells themselves often undergo malignant transformation, which determines the features of the disease. In contrast, the current use of NK cells as therapeutic agents for the treatment of solid tumors is much less promising. Most studies are at the stage of preclinical investigation, but few progress to clinical trials. Low efficiency of NK cell migration and functional activity in the tumor environment are currently considered the major barriers to NK cell anti-tumor therapies. Various therapeutic combinations, genetic engineering methods, alternative sources for obtaining NK cells, and other techniques are aiming at the development of promising NK cell anticancer therapies, regardless of tumorigenesis. In this review, we compare the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of hematological and solid tumors and discuss current prospects of NK-cell-based therapy for hematological and solid tumors.
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99
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Perera Molligoda Arachchige AS. NK cell-based therapies for HIV infection: Investigating current advances and future possibilities. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:921-931. [PMID: 34668588 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ru0821-412rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are well-known for their antiviral functions. Also, their role in HIV has been well established, with rapid responses elicited during early HIV infection. Most immune cells including CD4+ T cells, monocytes, Mϕs, and dendritic cells are readily infected by HIV. Recent evidence from multiple studies has suggested that similar to these cells, in chronic conditions like HIV, NK cells also undergo functional exhaustion with impaired cytotoxicity, altered cytokine production, and impaired ADCC. NK-based immunotherapy aims to successfully restore, boost, and modify their activity as has been already demonstrated in the field of cancer immunotherapy. The utilization of NK cell-based strategies for the eradication of HIV from the body provides many advantages over classical ART. The literature search consisted of manually selecting the most relevant studies from databases including PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrial.gov. Some of the treatments currently under consideration are CAR-NK cell therapy, facilitating ADCC, TLR agonists, bNAbs, and BiKEs/TriKEs, blocking inhibitory NK receptors during infection, IL-15 and IL-15 superagonists (eg: ALT-803), and so on. This review aims to discuss the NK cell-based therapies currently under experimentation against HIV infection and finally highlight the challenges associated with NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Zhang C, Röder J, Scherer A, Bodden M, Pfeifer Serrahima J, Bhatti A, Waldmann A, Müller N, Oberoi P, Wels WS. Bispecific antibody-mediated redirection of NKG2D-CAR natural killer cells facilitates dual targeting and enhances antitumor activity. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002980. [PMID: 34599028 PMCID: PMC8488744 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) is an activating receptor of natural killer (NK) cells and other lymphocytes that mediates lysis of malignant cells through recognition of stress-induced ligands such as MICA and MICB. Such ligands are broadly expressed by cancer cells of various origins and serve as targets for adoptive immunotherapy with effector cells endogenously expressing NKG2D or carrying an NKG2D-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). However, shedding or downregulation of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) can prevent NKG2D activation, resulting in escape of cancer cells from NKG2D-dependent immune surveillance. METHODS To enable tumor-specific targeting of NKG2D-expressing effector cells independent of membrane-anchored NKG2DLs, we generated a homodimeric recombinant antibody which harbors an N-terminal single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody domain for binding to NKG2D, linked via a human IgG4 Fc region to a second C-terminal scFv antibody domain for recognition of the tumor-associated antigen ErbB2 (HER2). The ability of this molecule, termed NKAB-ErbB2, to redirect NKG2D-expressing effector cells to ErbB2-positive tumor cells of different origins was investigated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells, ex vivo expanded NK cells, and NK and T cells engineered with an NKG2D-based chimeric receptor. RESULTS On its own, bispecific NKAB-ErbB2 increased lysis of ErbB2-positive breast carcinoma cells by peripheral blood-derived NK cells endogenously expressing NKG2D more effectively than an ErbB2-specific IgG1 mini-antibody able to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity via activation of CD16. Furthermore, NKAB-ErbB2 synergized with NK-92 cells or primary T cells engineered to express an NKG2D-CD3ζ chimeric antigen receptor (NKAR), leading to targeted cell killing and greatly enhanced antitumor activity, which remained unaffected by soluble MICA known as an inhibitor of NKG2D-mediated natural cytotoxicity. In an immunocompetent mouse glioblastoma model mimicking low or absent NKG2DL expression, the combination of NKAR-NK-92 cells and NKAB-ErbB2 effectively suppressed outgrowth of ErbB2-positive tumors, resulting in treatment-induced endogenous antitumor immunity and cures in the majority of animals. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that combining an NKAB antibody with effector cells expressing an activating NKAR receptor represents a powerful and versatile approach to simultaneously enhance tumor antigen-specific as well as NKG2D-CAR and natural NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity, which may be particularly useful to target tumors with heterogeneous target antigen expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Zhang
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jasmin Röder
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anne Scherer
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Malena Bodden
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Anita Bhatti
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anja Waldmann
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina Müller
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Pranav Oberoi
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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