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Du Y, Xu J. Engineered Bifunctional Proteins for Targeted Cancer Therapy: Prospects and Challenges. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2103114. [PMID: 34585802 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202103114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bifunctional proteins (BFPs) are a class of therapeutic agents produced through genetic engineering and protein engineering, and are increasingly used to treat various human diseases, including cancer. These proteins usually have two or more biological functions-specifically recognizing different molecular targets to regulate the related signaling pathways, or mediating effector molecules/cells to kill tumor cells. Unlike conventional small-molecule or single-target drugs, BFPs possess stronger biological activity but lower systemic toxicity. Hence, BFPs are considered to offer many benefits for the treatment of heterogeneous tumors. In this review, the authors briefly describe the unique structural feature of BFP molecules and innovatively divide them into bispecific antibodies, cytokine-based BFPs (immunocytokines), and protein toxin-based BFPs (immunotoxins) according to their mode of action. In addition, the latest advances in the development of BFPs are discussed and the potential limitations or problems in clinical applications are outlined. Taken together, future studies need to be centered on understanding the characteristics of BFPs for optimizing and designing more effective such drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Du
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Karmakar S, Pal P, Lal G. Key Activating and Inhibitory Ligands Involved in the Mobilization of Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapies. Immunotargets Ther 2021; 10:387-407. [PMID: 34754837 PMCID: PMC8570289 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s306109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the most potent arm of the innate immune system and play an important role in immunity, alloimmunity, autoimmunity, and cancer. NK cells recognize “altered-self” cells due to oncogenic transformation or stress due to viral infection and target to kill them. The effector functions of NK cells depend on the interaction of the activating and inhibitory receptors on their surface with their cognate ligand expressed on the target cells. These activating and inhibitory receptors interact with major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) expressed on the target cells and make decisions to mount an immune response. NK cell immune response includes cytolytic activity and secretion of cytokines to help with the ongoing immune response. The advancement of our knowledge on the expression of inhibitory and activating molecules led us to exploit these molecules in the treatment of cancer. This review discusses the importance of activating and inhibitory receptors on NK cells and their clinical importance in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surojit Karmakar
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, MH, 411007, India
| | - Pradipta Pal
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, MH, 411007, India
| | - Girdhari Lal
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, MH, 411007, India
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Lee EHC, Wong DCP, Ding JL. NK Cells in a Tug-of-War With Cancer: The Roles of Transcription Factors and Cytoskeleton. Front Immunol 2021; 12:734551. [PMID: 34594338 PMCID: PMC8476995 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.734551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells which play a key role in shaping the immune response against cancer. Initially hailed for their potential to recognise and eliminate tumour cells, their application has been greatly hindered by the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) which suppresses NK functions (e.g., cytotoxicity). This dysfunctional state that is accompanied by phenotypic changes such as upregulation of inhibitory receptors and downregulation of activating receptors, forms the basis of what many researchers have referred to as ‘exhausted’ NK cells. However, there is no consensus on whether these phenotypes are sufficient to define an exhausted state of the NK cell. While recent advances in checkpoint inhibition appear to show promise in early-stage pre-clinical studies, much remains to be fully explored and understood in the context of the TME. The TME is where the NK cells are subjected to interaction with various cell types and soluble factors, which could exert an inhibitory effect on NK cytotoxicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the general markers of NK cell exhaustion viz, the surface activating and inhibitory receptors. We also highlight the potential role of T-box transcription factors in characterising such a dysfunctional state and discuss the often-overlooked mechanism of cell cytoskeletal dynamics in regulating NK cell function. These aspects may further contribute to NK exhaustion or NK revival in cancer and may open new avenues to explore cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeak Ling Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Bamodu OA, Wang YH, Yeh CT, Ho CH, Chiang YT, Kao WT, Liu CH, Wu CC. Concomitant High Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage (AIM) and Low Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Indicates Activated T Cell-Mediated Anticancer Immunity, Enhance Sensitivity to Pembrolizumab, and Elicit Good Prognosis in Prostate Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091225. [PMID: 34572412 PMCID: PMC8469063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its widespread use, the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) alone as a screening biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) leads often to unwarranted prostate biopsy, over-diagnosis, and consequently, over-treatment, because of its limited specificity. There are reports that the apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM), secreted mainly by macrophages and epithelial cells, is upregulated during inflammation and facilitates immune recognition of cancerous cells by blocking human regulator of complement activation. OBJECTIVE These controversies around the PSA utility necessitate a reexamination of its use as a screening tool. More so, despite the suggested implication of AIM in anticancer immunosurveillance, there is a dearth of information on its role in therapy response, disease progression, and clinical outcomes of patients with PCa. These inform the present study to probe the nature and role of AIM/PSA signaling in anticancer immunity and prognosis in PCa. METHODS A combination of bioinformatics-aided statistical analyses, gene function annotation, and immune infiltrate analyses, coupled with tissue staining, and function assays, namely migration, invasion, and clonogenicity assays, we employed. RESULTS We demonstrated that AIM and PSA expression levels are inversely correlated in PCa clinical samples and cell lines, with AIMlowPSAhigh defining PCa, compared to AIMhighPSAlow in normal samples. Concomitant aberrant PSA and significantly suppressed AIM expression levels positively correlated with high-grade disease and characterized by advanced stage prostate cancer, regardless of mutation status. We found that a high PSA/AIM ratio is associated with disease recurrence in patients with prostate cancer but is equivocal for overall survival. In addition, PSA-associated AIM suppression is implicated in the enhanced 'metastability' of PCa and a high AIM/PSA ratio is associated with strong castration-induced regression. CRISPR-mediated AIM knockout was associated with higher PSA expression while ectopic expression of AIM significantly attenuated the migration and invasive capability of PC3 and DU145 cells. Interestingly, compared to normal samples, we observed that AIM, biomarkers of T-cell activation and M1 phenotype markers are co-suppressed in PCa samples. CONCLUSION Herein, we demonstrate that AIM/CD5L binds to PSA and that a high PSA/AIM ratio defines advanced stage PCa (regardless of mutation status), is implicated in enhanced metastability, and associated with disease recurrence, while a high AIM/PSA ratio is associated with strong castration-induced regression. More so, the ectopic expression of AIM significantly enhances the anticancer effect of Pembrolizumab and elicits an increased CD8+ T-cell count in AIMhiPSAloPDL1+ PCa cases that are respondent to Pembrolizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Adebayo Bamodu
- Department of Urology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan; (O.A.B.); (Y.-T.C.); (W.-T.K.); (C.-H.L.)
- Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan; (Y.-H.W.); (C.-T.Y.)
- Cancer Center, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan; (Y.-H.W.); (C.-T.Y.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney (TMU-RCUK), Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tai Yeh
- Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan; (Y.-H.W.); (C.-T.Y.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsun Ho
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Te Chiang
- Department of Urology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan; (O.A.B.); (Y.-T.C.); (W.-T.K.); (C.-H.L.)
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney (TMU-RCUK), Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Tang Kao
- Department of Urology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan; (O.A.B.); (Y.-T.C.); (W.-T.K.); (C.-H.L.)
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney (TMU-RCUK), Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hung Liu
- Department of Urology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan; (O.A.B.); (Y.-T.C.); (W.-T.K.); (C.-H.L.)
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney (TMU-RCUK), Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chang Wu
- Department of Urology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan; (O.A.B.); (Y.-T.C.); (W.-T.K.); (C.-H.L.)
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney (TMU-RCUK), Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-02-224-900-88 (ext. 8111); Fax: +886-02-22490088
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Becker-Hapak MK, Shrestha N, McClain E, Dee MJ, Chaturvedi P, Leclerc GM, Marsala LI, Foster M, Schappe T, Tran J, Desai S, Neal CC, Pence P, Wong P, Wagner JA, Russler-Germain DA, Zhu X, Spanoudis CM, Gallo VL, Echeverri CA, Ramirez LL, You L, Egan JO, Rhode PR, Jiao JA, Muniz GJ, Jeng EK, Prendes CA, Sullivan RP, Berrien-Elliott MM, Wong HC, Fehniger TA. A Fusion Protein Complex that Combines IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 Signaling to Induce Memory-Like NK Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:1071-1087. [PMID: 34244297 PMCID: PMC8416787 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-1002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a promising cellular therapy for cancer, with challenges in the field including persistence, functional activity, and tumor recognition. Briefly, priming blood NK cells with recombinant human (rh)IL-12, rhIL-15, and rhIL-18 (12/15/18) results in memory-like NK cell differentiation and enhanced responses against cancer. However, the lack of available, scalable Good Manufacturing Process (GMP)-grade reagents required to advance this approach beyond early-phase clinical trials is limiting. To address this challenge, we developed a novel platform centered upon an inert tissue factor scaffold for production of heteromeric fusion protein complexes (HFPC). The first use of this platform combined IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 receptor engagement (HCW9201), and the second adds CD16 engagement (HCW9207). This unique HFPC expression platform was scalable with equivalent protein quality characteristics in small- and GMP-scale production. HCW9201 and HCW9207 stimulated activation and proliferation signals in NK cells, but HCW9207 had decreased IL-18 receptor signaling. RNA sequencing and multidimensional mass cytometry revealed parallels between HCW9201 and 12/15/18. HCW9201 stimulation improved NK cell metabolic fitness and resulted in the DNA methylation remodeling characteristic of memory-like differentiation. HCW9201 and 12/15/18 primed similar increases in short-term and memory-like NK cell cytotoxicity and IFNγ production against leukemia targets, as well as equivalent control of leukemia in NSG mice. Thus, HFPCs represent a protein engineering approach that solves many problems associated with multisignal receptor engagement on immune cells, and HCW9201-primed NK cells can be advanced as an ideal approach for clinical GMP-grade memory-like NK cell production for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ethan McClain
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | | | - Lynne I Marsala
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Mark Foster
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Timothy Schappe
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer Tran
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Sweta Desai
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Carly C Neal
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Patrick Pence
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Pamela Wong
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Julia A Wagner
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Todd A Fehniger
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Saint Louis, Missouri.
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Patel KR, Roberts JT, Barb AW. Allotype-specific processing of the CD16a N45-glycan from primary human natural killer cells and monocytes. Glycobiology 2021; 30:427-432. [PMID: 31967297 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fc γ receptor IIIa/CD16a is an activating cell surface receptor with a well-defined role in natural killer (NK) cell and monocyte effector function. The extracellular domain is decorated with five asparagine (N)-linked glycans; N-glycans at N162 and N45 directly contribute to high-affinity antibody binding and protein stability. N-glycan structures at N162 showed significant donor-dependent variation in a recent study of CD16a isolated from primary human NK cells, but structures at N45 were relatively homogeneous. In this study, we identified variations in N45 glycan structures associated with a polymorphism coding for histidine instead of leucine at position 48 of CD16a from two heterozygous donors. It is known that H48 homozygous individuals suffer from immunodeficiency and recurrent viral infections. A mass spectrometry analysis of protein isolated from the primary natural killer cells of individuals expressing both CD16a L48 and H48 variants demonstrated clear processing differences at N45. CD16a H48 displayed a greater proportion of complex-type N45 glycans compared to the more common L48 allotype with predominantly hybrid N45-glycoforms. Structures at the four other N-glycosylation sites showed minimal differences from data collected on donors expressing only the predominant L48 variant. CD16a H48 purified from a pool of monocytes similarly displayed increased processing at N45. Here, we provide evidence that CD16a processing is affected by the H48 residue in primary NK cells and monocytes from healthy human donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashyap R Patel
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, 2437 Pammel Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jacob T Roberts
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, 2437 Pammel Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Adam W Barb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, 122 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Hamilton G, Plangger A. The Impact of NK Cell-Based Therapeutics for the Treatment of Lung Cancer for Biologics: Targets and Therapy. Biologics 2021; 15:265-277. [PMID: 34262255 PMCID: PMC8273903 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s290305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer has a dismal prognosis and novel targeted therapies leave still room for major improvements and better outcomes. Immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoint (IC) proteins, either as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy, is active but responders constitute only approximately 10-15% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Other effector immune cells such as CAR-T cells or NK cells may help to overcome the limitations of the IC inhibitor therapies for lung cancer. NK cells can kill tumor cells without previous priming and are present in the circulatory system and lymphoid organs. Tissue-residing NK cells differ from peripheral effector cells and, in case of the lung, comprise CD56bright CD16-negative populations showing high cytokine release but low cytotoxicity in contrast to the circulating CD56dim CD16-positive NK cells exhibiting high cytotoxic efficacy. This local attenuation of NK cell killing potency seems due to a specific stage of NK differentiation, immunosuppressive factors as well as presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (TREGs). Improved NK cell-based immunotherapies involve IL-2-stimulated effector cells, NK cells expanded with the help of cytokines, permanent NK cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells and NK cells armed with chimeric antigen receptors. Compared to CAR T cell therapy, NK cells administration is devoid of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and cytokine-release syndrome. Although NK cells are clearly active against lung cancer cells, the low-cytotoxicity differentiation state in lung tumors, the presence of immunosuppressive leucocyte populations, limited infiltration and adverse conditions of the microenvironment need to be overcome. This goal may be achieved in the future using large numbers of activated and armed NK cells as provided by novel methods in NK cell isolation, expansion and stimulation of cytotoxic activity, including combinations with monoclonal antibodies in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC). This review discusses the basic characteristics of NK cells and the potential of NK cell preparations in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Hamilton
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelina Plangger
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Kerbauy LN, Marin ND, Kaplan M, Banerjee PP, Berrien-Elliott MM, Becker-Hapak M, Basar R, Foster M, Garcia Melo L, Neal CC, McClain E, Daher M, Nunez Cortes AK, Desai S, Inng Lim FW, Mendt MC, Schappe T, Li L, Shaim H, Shanley M, Ensley EL, Uprety N, Wong P, Liu E, Ang SO, Cai R, Nandivada V, Mohanty V, Miao Q, Shen Y, Baran N, Fowlkes NW, Chen K, Muniz-Feliciano L, Champlin RE, Nieto YL, Koch J, Treder M, Fischer W, Okamoto OK, Shpall EJ, Fehniger TA, Rezvani K. Combining AFM13, a Bispecific CD30/CD16 Antibody, with Cytokine-Activated Blood and Cord Blood-Derived NK Cells Facilitates CAR-like Responses Against CD30 + Malignancies. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3744-3756. [PMID: 33986022 PMCID: PMC8254785 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Natural killer (NK)-cell recognition and function against NK-resistant cancers remain substantial barriers to the broad application of NK-cell immunotherapy. Potential solutions include bispecific engagers that target NK-cell activity via an NK-activating receptor when simultaneously targeting a tumor-specific antigen, as well as enhancing functionality using IL12/15/18 cytokine pre-activation. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We assessed single-cell NK-cell responses stimulated by the tetravalent bispecific antibody AFM13 that binds CD30 on leukemia/lymphoma targets and CD16A on various types of NK cells using mass cytometry and cytotoxicity assays. The combination of AFM13 and IL12/15/18 pre-activation of blood and cord blood-derived NK cells was investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We found heterogeneity within AFM13-directed conventional blood NK cell (cNK) responses, as well as consistent AFM13-directed polyfunctional activation of mature NK cells across donors. NK-cell source also impacted the AFM13 response, with cNK cells from healthy donors exhibiting superior responses to those from patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. IL12/15/18-induced memory-like NK cells from peripheral blood exhibited enhanced killing of CD30+ lymphoma targets directed by AFM13, compared with cNK cells. Cord-blood NK cells preactivated with IL12/15/18 and ex vivo expanded with K562-based feeders also exhibited enhanced killing with AFM13 stimulation via upregulation of signaling pathways related to NK-cell effector function. AFM13-NK complex cells exhibited enhanced responses to CD30+ lymphomas in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS We identify AFM13 as a promising combination with cytokine-activated adult blood or cord-blood NK cells to treat CD30+ hematologic malignancies, warranting clinical trials with these novel combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucila N Kerbauy
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Departments of Stem Cell Transplantation and Hemotherapy/Cellular Therapy, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nancy D Marin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Mecit Kaplan
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pinaki P Banerjee
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Melissa M Berrien-Elliott
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michelle Becker-Hapak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Rafet Basar
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mark Foster
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Luciana Garcia Melo
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Carly C Neal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ethan McClain
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ana Karen Nunez Cortes
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sweta Desai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Francesca Wei Inng Lim
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mayela Carolina Mendt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Timothy Schappe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Li Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hila Shaim
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mayra Shanley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Emily L Ensley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nadima Uprety
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pamela Wong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Enli Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sonny O Ang
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rong Cai
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vandana Nandivada
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vakul Mohanty
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Qi Miao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yifei Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Natalia Baran
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Natalie W Fowlkes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Luis Muniz-Feliciano
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard E Champlin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yago L Nieto
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Oswaldo Keith Okamoto
- Departments of Stem Cell Transplantation and Hemotherapy/Cellular Therapy, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Todd A Fehniger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Bioassay Development for Bispecific Antibodies-Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105350. [PMID: 34069573 PMCID: PMC8160952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody therapeutics are expanding with promising clinical outcomes, and diverse formats of antibodies are further developed and available for patients of the most challenging disease areas. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have several significant advantages over monospecific antibodies by engaging two antigen targets. Due to the complicated mechanism of action, diverse structural variations, and dual-target binding, developing bioassays and other types of assays to characterize BsAbs is challenging. Developing bioassays for BsAbs requires a good understanding of the mechanism of action of the molecule, principles and applications of different bioanalytical methods, and phase-appropriate considerations per regulatory guidelines. Here, we review recent advances and case studies to provide strategies and insights for bioassay development for different types of bispecific molecules.
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Reduced frequency of cytotoxic CD56 dim CD16 + NK cells leads to impaired antibody-dependent degranulation in EBV-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:13-24. [PMID: 33993319 PMCID: PMC8738354 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02956-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Around 30–50% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) cases in immunocompetent individuals from industrialized countries are associated with the B-lymphotropic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Although natural killer (NK) cells exhibit anti-viral and anti-tumoral functions, virtually nothing is known about quantitative and qualitative differences in NK cells in patients with EBV+ cHL vs. EBV- cHL. Here, we prospectively investigated 36 cHL patients without known immune suppression or overt immunodeficiency at diagnosis. All 10 EBV+ cHL patients and 25 out 26 EBV- cHL were seropositive for EBV antibodies, and EBV+ cHL patients presented with higher plasma EBV DNA levels compared to EBV- cHL patients. We show that the CD56dim CD16+ NK cell subset was decreased in frequency in EBV+ cHL patients compared to EBV- cHL patients. This quantitative deficiency translates into an impaired CD56dim NK cell mediated degranulation toward rituximab-coated HLA class 1 negative lymphoblastoid cells in EBV+ compared to EBV- cHL patients. We finally observed a trend to a decrease in the rituximab-associated degranulation and ADCC of in vitro expanded NK cells of EBV+ cHL compared to healthy controls. Our findings may impact on the design of adjunctive treatment targeting antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in EBV+ cHL.
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A phase 1b study of AFM13 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. Blood 2021; 136:2401-2409. [PMID: 32730586 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R HL), immunotherapies such as the anti-programmed death-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab have demonstrated efficacy as monotherapy and are playing an increasingly prominent role in treatment. The CD30/CD16A-bispecific antibody AFM13 is an innate immune cell engager, a first-in-class, tetravalent antibody, designed to create a bridge between CD30 on HL cells and the CD16A receptor on natural killer cells and macrophages, to induce tumor cell killing. Early studies of AFM13 have demonstrated signs of efficacy as monotherapy for patients with R/R HL and the combination of AFM13 with pembrolizumab represents a rational new treatment modality. Here, we describe a phase 1b, dose-escalation study to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of AFM13 in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with R/R HL. The primary objective was estimating the maximum tolerated dose; the secondary objectives were to assess safety, tolerability, antitumor efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. In this heavily pretreated patient population, treatment with the combination of AFM13 and pembrolizumab was generally well tolerated, with similar safety profiles compared to the known profiles of each agent alone. The combination of AFM13 with pembrolizumab demonstrated an objective response rate of 88% at the highest treatment dose, with an 83% overall response rate for the overall population. Pharmacokinetic assessment of AFM13 in the combination setting revealed a half-life of up to 20.6 hours. This proof-of-concept study holds promise as a novel immunotherapy combination worthy of further investigation. This phase 1b study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02665650.
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Zhong X, D’Antona AM. Recent Advances in the Molecular Design and Applications of Multispecific Biotherapeutics. Antibodies (Basel) 2021; 10:13. [PMID: 33808165 PMCID: PMC8103270 DOI: 10.3390/antib10020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant protein-based biotherapeutics drugs have transformed clinical pipelines of the biopharmaceutical industry since the launch of recombinant insulin nearly four decades ago. These biologic drugs are structurally more complex than small molecules, and yet share a similar principle for rational drug discovery and development: That is to start with a pre-defined target and follow with the functional modulation with a therapeutic agent. Despite these tremendous successes, this "one target one drug" paradigm has been challenged by complex disease mechanisms that involve multiple pathways and demand new therapeutic routes. A rapidly evolving wave of multispecific biotherapeutics is coming into focus. These new therapeutic drugs are able to engage two or more protein targets via distinct binding interfaces with or without the chemical conjugation to large or small molecules. They possess the potential to not only address disease intricacy but also exploit new therapeutic mechanisms and assess undruggable targets for conventional monospecific biologics. This review focuses on the recent advances in molecular design and applications of major classes of multispecific biotherapeutics drugs, which include immune cells engagers, antibody-drug conjugates, multispecific tetherbodies, biologic matchmakers, and small-scaffold multispecific modalities. Challenges posed by the multispecific biotherapeutics drugs and their future outlooks are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Zhong
- Department of BioMedicine Design, Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide R&D, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
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63
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Sheppard S, Sun JC. Virus-specific NK cell memory. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211913. [PMID: 33755720 PMCID: PMC7992500 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells express a limited number of germline-encoded receptors that identify infected or transformed cells, eliciting cytotoxicity, effector cytokine production, and in some circumstances clonal proliferation and memory. To maximize the functional diversity of NK cells, the array and expression level of surface receptors vary between individual NK cell “clones” in mice and humans. Cytomegalovirus infection in both species can expand a population of NK cells expressing receptors critical to the clearance of infected cells and generate a long-lived memory pool capable of targeting future infection with greater efficacy. Here, we discuss the pathways and factors that regulate the generation and maintenance of effector and memory NK cells and propose how this understanding may be harnessed therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Sheppard
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Joseph C Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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64
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Lee H, Da Silva IP, Palendira U, Scolyer RA, Long GV, Wilmott JS. Targeting NK Cells to Enhance Melanoma Response to Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061363. [PMID: 33802954 PMCID: PMC8002669 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of an innate immune system. They are important not only in initiating, but also in augmenting adaptive immune responses. NK cell activation is mediated by a carefully orchestrated balance between the signals from inhibitory and activating NK cell receptors. NK cells are potent producers of proinflammatory cytokines and are also able to elicit strong antitumor responses through secretion of perforin and granzyme B. Tumors can develop many mechanisms to evade NK cell antitumor responses, such as upregulating ligands for inhibitory receptors, secreting anti-inflammatory cytokines and recruiting immunosuppressive cells. Enhancing NK cell responses will likely augment the effectiveness of immunotherapies, and strategies to accomplish this are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. A comprehensive understanding of NK cell biology will likely provide additional opportunities to further leverage the antitumor effects of NK cells. In this review, we therefore sought to highlight NK cell biology, tumor evasion of NK cells and clinical trials that target NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansol Lee
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (H.L.); (I.P.D.S.); (U.P.); (R.A.S.); (J.S.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Inês Pires Da Silva
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (H.L.); (I.P.D.S.); (U.P.); (R.A.S.); (J.S.W.)
| | - Umaimainthan Palendira
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (H.L.); (I.P.D.S.); (U.P.); (R.A.S.); (J.S.W.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, The Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Richard A. Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (H.L.); (I.P.D.S.); (U.P.); (R.A.S.); (J.S.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Georgina V. Long
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (H.L.); (I.P.D.S.); (U.P.); (R.A.S.); (J.S.W.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital and Mater Hospital, Sydney 2065, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9911-7336
| | - James S. Wilmott
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (H.L.); (I.P.D.S.); (U.P.); (R.A.S.); (J.S.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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65
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The Advances and Challenges of NK Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:1077-1093. [PMID: 33652996 PMCID: PMC8025748 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can be widely applied for cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to lyse tumor targets without prior sensitization or human leukocyte antigens-matching. Several NK-based therapeutic approaches have been attempted in clinical practice, but their efficacy is not sufficient to suppress tumor development mainly because of lacking specificity. To this end, the engineering of NK cells with T cell receptor along with CD3 subunits (TCR-NK) has been developed to increase the reactivity and recognition specificity of NK cells toward tumor cells. Here, we review recent advances in redirecting NK cells for cancer immunotherapy and discuss the major challenges and future explorations for their clinical applications.
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66
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Gauthier M, Laroye C, Bensoussan D, Boura C, Decot V. Natural Killer cells and monoclonal antibodies: Two partners for successful antibody dependent cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103261. [PMID: 33607229 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting tumors are one of the most important discoveries in the field of cancer. Although several effective antibodies have been developed, a relapse may occur. One of their mechanisms of action is Antibody Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity (ADCC), by engaging the Fc γ receptor CD16 expressing Natural Killer cells, innate lymphoid cells involved in cancer immunosurveillance and able to kill tumor cells. A lack of NK cells observed in many cancers may therefore be a cause of the low efficacy of antibodies observed in some clinical situations. Here we review clear evidences of the essential partnership between NK cells and antibodies showed in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials in different indications, describe the hurdles and ways to enhance ADCC and the evolution of monoclonal antibody therapy. NK cell adoptive immunotherapy combined with monoclonal antibodies may overcome the resistance to the treatment and enhance their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Gauthier
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Caroline Laroye
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Danièle Bensoussan
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Cédric Boura
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR7039, Team BioSIS, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Véronique Decot
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France.
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67
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Wu Z, Nicoll M, Ingham RJ. AP-1 family transcription factors: a diverse family of proteins that regulate varied cellular activities in classical hodgkin lymphoma and ALK+ ALCL. Exp Hematol Oncol 2021; 10:4. [PMID: 33413671 PMCID: PMC7792353 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-020-00197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL) are B and T cell lymphomas respectively, which express the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member, CD30. Another feature shared by cHL and ALK+ ALCL is the aberrant expression of multiple members of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) family of transcription factors which includes proteins of the Jun, Fos, ATF, and Maf subfamilies. In this review, we highlight the varied roles these proteins play in the pathobiology of these lymphomas including promoting proliferation, suppressing apoptosis, and evading the host immune response. In addition, we discuss factors contributing to the elevated expression of these transcription factors in cHL and ALK+ ALCL. Finally, we examine therapeutic strategies for these lymphomas that exploit AP-1 transcriptional targets or the signalling pathways they regulate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoqiao Wu
- grid.17089.37Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Present Address: Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mary Nicoll
- grid.17089.37Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Present Address: Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Robert J. Ingham
- grid.17089.37Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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68
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Xu J, Niu T. Natural killer cell-based immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:167. [PMID: 33287858 PMCID: PMC7720594 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00996-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable progress has been achieved in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia over the past decades, relapse remains a major problem. Novel therapeutic options aimed at attaining minimal residual disease-negative complete remission are expected to reduce the incidence of relapse and prolong survival. Natural killer cell-based immunotherapy is put forward as an option to tackle the unmet clinical needs. There have been an increasing number of therapeutic dimensions ranging from adoptive NK cell transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK cells, antibodies, cytokines to immunomodulatory drugs. In this review, we will summarize different forms of NK cell-based immunotherapy for AML based on preclinical investigations and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting Niu
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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69
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Frutoso M, Mair F, Prlic M. OMIP-070: NKp46-Based 27-Color Phenotyping to Define Natural Killer Cells Isolated From Human Tumor Tissues. Cytometry A 2020; 97:1052-1056. [PMID: 32978859 PMCID: PMC7702032 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This 27-color panel has been validated and optimized to comprehensively profile natural killer (NK) cells isolated from human tumors using a collagenase Type II-based digestion protocol. We confirmed that detection of protein expression by antibodies used in our final panel was not affected during tissue digestion. During this evaluation process, we found that detection of CD56, a biomarker typically used to identify NK cells, was affected substantially by collagenase-based digestion. Thus, our panel is centered around expression of NKp46, which is sufficient to identify NK cells and not affected by the tissue collagenase digestion step. Our panel further includes biomarkers used to extrapolate NK-cell maturation, differentiation, migration, homing potential, and functional state. Our panel is intended to provide in-depth characterization of human NK cells isolated from tissues, which we specifically tested using oral squamous cell carcinomas tissues, but it is compatible with other tissues that can be dissociated with a collagenase Type II-based protocol. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frutoso
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWashington98109USA
| | - Florian Mair
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWashington98109USA
| | - Martin Prlic
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWashington98109USA
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70
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Devillier R, Chrétien AS, Pagliardini T, Salem N, Blaise D, Olive D. Mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment and current clinical approaches to harness NK cell potential for immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 109:1071-1088. [PMID: 32991746 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr0920-198rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are innate immune cells with inherent capabilities in both recognizing and killing cancer cells. NK cell phenotypes and functional alterations are being described with increasing precision among patients harboring various cancer types, emphasizing the critical role that NK cells play in antitumor immune responses. In addition, advances in understanding NK cell biology have improved our knowledge of such alterations, thereby expanding the potential exploitation of NK cells' anticancer capabilities. In this review, we present an overview of (1) the various types of NK cell alterations that may contribute to immune evasion in cancer patients and (2) the various strategies to improve NK cell-based anticancer immunotherapies, including pharmacologic modulation and/or genetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raynier Devillier
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Chrétien
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Pagliardini
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Nassim Salem
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Blaise
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
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Cantoni C, Wurzer H, Thomas C, Vitale M. Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1339-1360. [PMID: 32930468 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0820-652r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
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Checkpoint Inhibitors and Engineered Cells: New Weapons for Natural Killer Cell Arsenal Against Hematological Malignancies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071578. [PMID: 32610578 PMCID: PMC7407972 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells represent one of the first lines of defense against malignant cells. NK cell activation and recognition are regulated by a balance between activating and inhibitory receptors, whose specific ligands can be upregulated on tumor cells surface and tumor microenvironment (TME). Hematological malignancies set up an extensive network of suppressive factors with the purpose to induce NK cell dysfunction and impaired immune-surveillance ability. Over the years, several strategies have been developed to enhance NK cells-mediated anti-tumor killing, while other approaches have arisen to restore the NK cell recognition impaired by tumor cells and other cellular components of the TME. In this review, we summarize and discuss the strategies applied in hematological malignancies to block the immune check-points and trigger NK cells anti-tumor effects through engineered chimeric antigen receptors.
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Functional effects of immune complexes formed between pembrolizumab and patient-generated anti-drug antibodies. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:2453-2464. [PMID: 32556495 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The PD-1-targeting IgG4 antibody pembrolizumab has significant anti-tumor activity in a proportion of stage IV melanoma patients. A subset of patients develop anti-drug antibodies (ADA) which can form immune complexes (IC) with pembrolizumab. Although IC can induce powerful, Fc-mediated, immune-regulatory effects, their functional impact during pembrolizumab treatment is unclear. The functional effects of IC generated in vitro using pembrolizumab and patient-derived ADA was, therefore, investigated. Screening identified a patient whose trough serum samples from three treatment cycles contained both ADA with neutralizing activity and low levels of pembrolizumab. This patient responded well to therapy over 2 years and had ongoing, infusion-related, hypersensitivity reactions despite the later absence of detectable ADA. The components of IC were mimicked by forming a complex of pembrolizumab by absorption onto a solid phase with or without subsequent exposure to the ADA+ patient sera. Complexes comprised of pembrolizumab alone significantly inhibited TLR4 (LPS)-driven IL-10 production by PBMC and stimulated the generation of reactive oxygen species by granulocytes. In contrast, soluble and solid-phase F(ab´)2 fragments of pembrolizumab had no effect demonstrating the requirement for cross-linked Fc regions. IC containing pembrolizumab and ADA could additionally induce complement and NK activation. The results of this study demonstrate that, when oligomerized, the Fc region of pembrolizumab alone can provide immuno-regulatory signals. Furthermore, IC containing both pembrolizumab and patient-generated ADA can induce additional signals. These Fc-mediated signals may modulate both hypersensitivity reactions and anti-tumor responses associated with pembrolizumab therapy.
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Ge Z, Wu S, Zhang Z, Ding S. Mechanism of tumor cells escaping from immune surveillance of NK cells. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2020; 42:187-198. [PMID: 32223464 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2020.1742733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in anti-tumor and anti-infection, and perform their immune surveillance function in various ways. However, no matter what kind of cancer, the functional activity of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is suppressed. Understanding the relationship between tumor cells and NK cells is very critical for tumor immunotherapy. This review discusses the mechanism of tumor cells escaping the immune surveillance of NK cells. These include a variety of factors that inhibit the activity of NK cells, an imbalance of activating receptors and inhibiting receptors on NK cells, abnormal binding of receptors and ligands, cross-talk of surrounding cell groups and NK cells in the TME, and other factors that affect NK cell activity. An understanding of these factors is necessary to provide new treatment strategies for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ge
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Wu
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuzhe Ding
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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75
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Ben-Shmuel A, Biber G, Barda-Saad M. Unleashing Natural Killer Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment-The Next Generation of Immunotherapy? Front Immunol 2020; 11:275. [PMID: 32153582 PMCID: PMC7046808 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy for cancer treatment bears considerable clinical promise. Nevertheless, many patients remain unresponsive, acquire resistance, or suffer dose-limiting toxicities. Immune-editing of tumors assists their escape from the immune system, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) induces immune suppression through multiple mechanisms. Immunotherapy aims to bolster the activity of immune cells against cancer by targeting these suppressive immunomodulatory processes. Natural Killer (NK) cells are a heterogeneous subset of immune cells, which express a diverse array of activating and inhibitory germline-encoded receptors, and are thus capable of directly targeting and killing cancer cells without the need for MHC specificity. Furthermore, they play a critical role in triggering the adaptive immune response. Enhancing the function of NK cells in the context of cancer is therefore a promising avenue for immunotherapy. Different NK-based therapies have been evaluated in clinical trials, and some have demonstrated clinical benefits, especially in the context of hematological malignancies. Solid tumors remain much more difficult to treat, and the time point and means of intervention of current NK-based treatments still require optimization to achieve long term effects. Here, we review recently described mechanisms of cancer evasion from NK cell immune surveillance, and the therapeutic approaches that aim to potentiate NK function. Specific focus is placed on the use of specialized monoclonal antibodies against moieties on the cancer cell, or on both the tumor and the NK cell. In addition, we highlight newly identified mechanisms that inhibit NK cell activity in the TME, and describe how biochemical modifications of the TME can synergize with current treatments and increase susceptibility to NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Guy Biber
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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76
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Zhang C, Hu Y, Shi C. Targeting Natural Killer Cells for Tumor Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:60. [PMID: 32140153 PMCID: PMC7042203 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important innate cytotoxic lymphocytes with a rapid and efficient capacity to recognize and kill tumor cells. In recent years, adoptive transfer of autologous- or allogeneic-activated NK cells has become a promising cellular therapy for cancer. However, the therapeutic efficiency is encouraging in hematopoietic malignancies, but disappointing in solid tumors, for which the use of NK-cell-based therapies presents considerable challenges. It is difficult for NK cells to traffic to, and infiltrate into, tumor sites. NK cell function, phenotype, activation, and persistence are impaired by the tumor microenvironment, even leading to NK cell dysfunction or exhaustion. Many strategies focusing on improving NK cells' durable persistence, activation, and cytolytic activity, including activation with cytokines or analogs, have been attempted. Modifying them with chimeric antigen receptors further increases the targeting specificity of NK cells. Checkpoint blockades can relieve the exhausted state of NK cells. In this review, we discuss how the cytolytic and effector functions of NK cells are affected by the tumor microenvironment and summarize the various immunotherapeutic strategies based on NK cells. In particular, we discuss recent advances in overcoming the suppressive effect of the tumor microenvironment with the aim of enhancing the clinical outcome in solid tumors treated with NK-cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chongdeng Shi
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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77
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Capuano C, Pighi C, Maggio R, Battella S, Morrone S, Palmieri G, Santoni A, Klein C, Galandrini R. CD16 pre-ligation by defucosylated tumor-targeting mAb sensitizes human NK cells to γ c cytokine stimulation via PI3K/mTOR axis. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:501-512. [PMID: 31950225 PMCID: PMC7113231 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02482-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Obinutuzumab is a glycoengineered tumor-targeting anti-CD20 mAb with a modified crystallizable fragment (Fc) domain designed to increase the affinity for the FcγRIIIA/CD16 receptor, which was recently approved for clinical use in CLL and follicular lymphoma. Here we extend our previous observation that, in human NK cells, the sustained CD16 ligation by obinutuzumab-opsonized targets leads to a markedly enhanced IFN-γ production upon a subsequent cytokine re-stimulation. The increased IFN-γ competence in response to IL-2 or IL-15 is attributable to post-transcriptional regulation, as it does not correlate with the upregulation of IFN-γ mRNA levels. Different from the reference molecule rituximab, we observe that the stimulation with obinutuzumab promotes the upregulation of microRNA (miR)-155 expression. A similar trend was also observed in NK cells from untreated CLL patients stimulated with obinutuzumab-opsonized autologous leukemia. miR-155 upregulation associates with reduced levels of SHIP-1 inositol phosphatase, which acts in constraining PI3K-dependent signals, by virtue of its ability to mediate phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) de-phosphorylation. Downstream of PI3K, the phosphorylation status of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) effector molecule, S6, results in amplified response to IL-2 or IL-15 stimulation in obinutuzumab-experienced cells. Importantly, NK cell treatment with the PI3K or mTOR inhibitors, idelalisib and rapamycin, respectively, prevents the enhanced cytokine responsiveness, thus, highlighting the relevance of the PI3K/mTOR axis in CD16-dependent priming. The enhanced IFN-γ competence may be envisaged to potentiate the immunoregulatory role of NK cells in a therapeutic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Maggio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Clinical Cancer Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simone Battella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Morrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Laboratorio Pasteur Italia Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Ricciarda Galandrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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78
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Sanseviero E. NK Cell-Fc Receptors Advance Tumor Immunotherapy. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1667. [PMID: 31614774 PMCID: PMC6832859 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer patients. Among immunotherapeutic approaches, antibodies targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) are approved for treatment of metastatic melanoma and are in clinical trials for a variety of other cancers. The contribution of Natural Killer (NK) cells to the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors is becoming more evident. Enhancing both T and NK cell function in cancer could result in a robust and durable response. Along with the ability to directly kill tumor cells, NK cells can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) given the expression of Fragment Crystallizable (Fc) receptors. Promising novel antibodies modified with improved Fc-receptor-mediated functions or Fc-engagers to kill target cells have been tested in pre-clinical models with considerable results. Combination therapies with immune-therapeutic antibodies with enhancers of NK-cell Fc-receptor-mediated function can be exploited to increase the efficacy of these antibodies. Herein, I discuss possible strategies to improve the success of immunotherapy by boosting NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Sanseviero
- Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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79
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Natural Killer Cells Integrate Signals Received from Tumour Interactions and IL2 to Induce Robust and Prolonged Anti-Tumour and Metabolic Responses. IMMUNOMETABOLISM 2019; 1:e190014. [PMID: 31595191 PMCID: PMC6783304 DOI: 10.20900/immunometab20190014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes with an important role in anti-tumour responses. NK cells bridge the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system; they are primed for immediate anti-tumour function but can also have prolonged actions alongside the adaptive T cell response. However, the key signals and cellular processes that are required for extended NK cell responses are not fully known. Herein we show that murine NK cell interaction with tumour cells induces the expression of CD25, the high affinity IL2 receptor, rendering these NK cells highly sensitive to the T cell-derived cytokine IL2. In response to IL2, CD25high NK cells show robust increases in metabolic signalling pathways (mTORC1, cMyc), nutrient transporter expression (CD71, CD98), cellular growth and in NK cell effector functions (IFNγ, granzyme B). Specific ligation of an individual activating NK cell receptor, NK1.1, showed similar increases in CD25 expression and IL2-induced responses. NK cell receptor ligation and IL2 collaborate to induce mTORC1/cMyc signalling leading to high rates of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and prolonged NK cell survival. Disrupting mTORC1 and cMyc signalling in CD25high tumour interacting NK cells prevents IL2-induced cell growth and function and compromises NK cell viability. This study reveals that tumour cell interactions and T cell-derived IL2 cooperate to promote robust and prolonged NK cell anti-tumour metabolic responses.
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80
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Adaptive innate immunity or innate adaptive immunity? Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:1549-1565. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20180548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The innate immunity is frequently accepted as a first line of relatively primitive defense interfering with the pathogen invasion until the mechanisms of ‘privileged’ adaptive immunity with the production of antibodies and activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes ‘steal the show’. Recent advancements on the molecular and cellular levels have shaken the traditional view of adaptive and innate immunity. The innate immune memory or ‘trained immunity’ based on metabolic changes and epigenetic reprogramming is a complementary process insuring adaptation of host defense to previous infections.
Innate immune cells are able to recognize large number of pathogen- or danger- associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs) to behave in a highly specific manner and regulate adaptive immune responses. Innate lymphoid cells (ILC1, ILC2, ILC3) and NK cells express transcription factors and cytokines related to subsets of T helper cells (Th1, Th2, Th17). On the other hand, T and B lymphocytes exhibit functional properties traditionally attributed to innate immunity such as phagocytosis or production of tissue remodeling growth factors. They are also able to benefit from the information provided by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), e.g. γδT lymphocytes use T-cell receptor (TCR) in a manner close to PRR recognition. Innate B cells represent another example of limited combinational diversity usage participating in various innate responses. In the view of current knowledge, the traditional black and white classification of immune mechanisms as either innate or an adaptive needs to be adjusted and many shades of gray need to be included.
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81
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Del Bano J, Florès-Florès R, Josselin E, Goubard A, Ganier L, Castellano R, Chames P, Baty D, Kerfelec B. A Bispecific Antibody-Based Approach for Targeting Mesothelin in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1593. [PMID: 31354732 PMCID: PMC6636429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) remain a major medical challenge due to poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Mesothelin is a glycosyl-phosphatidyl inositol-linked membrane protein with restricted normal expression and high level expression in a large proportion of TNBC, thus qualifying as an attractive target. Its overexpression in breast tumors has been recently correlated with a decreased disease-free survival and an increase of distant metastases. The objective of the study was to investigate the relevance of a bispecific antibody-based immunotherapy approach through mesothelin targeting and CD16 engagement using a Fab-like bispecific format (MesobsFab). Using two TNBC cell lines with different level of surface mesothelin and epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypes, we showed that, in vitro, MesobsFab promotes the recruitment and penetration of NK cells into tumor spheroids, induces potent dose-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity of mesothelin-positive tumor cells, cytokine secretion, and decreases cell invasiveness. MesobsFab was able to induce cytotoxicity in resting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), mainly through its NK cells-mediated antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity. In vivo, the anti-tumor effect of MesobsFab depends upon a threshold of MSLN density on target cells. Collectively our data support mesothelin as a relevant therapeutic target for the subset of TNBC that overexpresses mesothelin characterized by a low overall and disease-free survival as well as the potential of MesobsFab as antibody-based immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanie Del Bano
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmette, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Florès-Florès
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR7288, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Josselin
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmette, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Armelle Goubard
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmette, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Laetitia Ganier
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmette, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Castellano
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmette, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Chames
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmette, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Baty
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmette, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Brigitte Kerfelec
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmette, CRCM, Marseille, France
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82
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Labrijn AF, Janmaat ML, Reichert JM, Parren PWHI. Bispecific antibodies: a mechanistic review of the pipeline. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:585-608. [DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 493] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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83
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Hu W, Wang G, Huang D, Sui M, Xu Y. Cancer Immunotherapy Based on Natural Killer Cells: Current Progress and New Opportunities. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1205. [PMID: 31214177 PMCID: PMC6554437 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been firmly established as a new milestone for cancer therapy, with the development of multiple immune cells as therapeutic tools. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells endowed with potent cytolytic activity against tumors, and meanwhile act as regulatory cells for the immune system. The efficacy of NK cell-mediated immunotherapy can be enhanced by immune stimulants such as cytokines and antibodies, and adoptive transfer of activated NK cells expanded ex vivo. In addition, NK cells can arm themselves with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which may greatly enhance their anti-tumor activity. Most recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from NK cells show promising anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies. Herein, we carefully review the current progress in these NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies (NK cells combined with stimulants, adoptive transfer of NK cells, CAR-NK cells, and NK EVs) for the treatment of cancers, and discussed the challenges and opportunities for opening a new horizon for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilei Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- Department of Surgery & Clinical Research Institute of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Center for Cancer Biology and Innovative Therapeutics, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meihua Sui
- Department of Surgery & Clinical Research Institute of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Center for Cancer Biology and Innovative Therapeutics, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibing Xu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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84
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Xu M, Wen Y, Liu Y, Tan X, Chen X, Zhu X, Wei C, Chen L, Wang Z, Liu J. Hollow mesoporous ruthenium nanoparticles conjugated bispecific antibody for targeted anti-colorectal cancer response of combination therapy. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:9661-9678. [PMID: 31065660 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr01904a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Combined treatment based on tumor-targeted nanoparticles has become one of the most promising anticancer strategies. Moreover, bispecific antibodies have been designed as linkers to promote the interaction between natural killer (NK) cells and tumor cells, while triggering NK cell-mediated target cell lysis. Here, we adopted a novel design that uses PEGylated hollow mesoporous ruthenium nanoparticles as a carrier to load the fluorescent anti-tumor complex ([Ru(bpy)2(tip)]2+, RBT) and a conjugate with bispecific antibodies (SS-Fc). By accurately targeting carcinoembryonic antigen overexpressed in colorectal cancer cells, HMRu@RBT-SS-Fc significantly improved selective penetration in vitro. The functionalized nanocomplex effectively engaged NK cells and possessed excellent near infrared-sensitive cytotoxicity. Systematic in vivo studies clearly demonstrated the high tumor targeting and anticancer activity in heterotopic colorectal tumor model via combined photothermal and immune therapy. This nanosystem establishes a new platform for future image-guided drug delivery and highly efficient cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Xu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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85
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Cruz-Muñoz ME, Valenzuela-Vázquez L, Sánchez-Herrera J, Santa-Olalla Tapia J. From the "missing self" hypothesis to adaptive NK cells: Insights of NK cell-mediated effector functions in immune surveillance. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 105:955-971. [PMID: 30848847 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.mr0618-224rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The original discovery of NK cells approximately 40 yr ago was based on their unique capability to kill tumor cells without prior sensitization or priming, a process named natural cytotoxicity. Since then, several studies have documented that NK cells can kill hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cancer cells. NK cells also recognize and kill cells that have undergone viral infections. Besides natural cytotoxicity, NK cells are also major effectors of antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). Therefore, NK cells are well "armed" to recognize and mount immune responses against "insults" that result from cell transformation and viral infections. Because of these attributes, an essential role of NK cells in tumor surveillance was noted. Indeed, several studies have shown a correlation between impaired NK cell cytotoxicity and a higher risk of developing cancer. This evidence led to the idea that cancer initiation and progress is intimately related to an abnormal or misdirected immune response. Whereas all these ideas remain current, it is also true that NK cells represent a heterogeneous population with different abilities to secrete cytokines and to mediate cytotoxic functions. In addition, recent data has shown that NK cells are prone to suffer epigenetic modifications resulting in the acquisition of previously unrecognized attributes such as memory and long-term survival. Such NK cells, referred as "adaptive" or "memory-like," also display effector functions that are not necessarily equal to those observed in conventional NK cells. Given the new evidence available, it is essential to discuss the conceptual reasoning and misconceptions regarding the role of NK cells in immune surveillance and immunotherapy.
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86
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87
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Pahl JHW, Cerwenka A, Ni J. Memory-Like NK Cells: Remembering a Previous Activation by Cytokines and NK Cell Receptors. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2796. [PMID: 30546366 PMCID: PMC6279934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells serving at the front line against infection and cancer. In inflammatory microenvironments, multiple soluble and contact-dependent signals modulate NK cell responsiveness. Besides their innate cytotoxic and immunostimulatory activity, it has been uncovered in recent years that NK cells constitute a heterogeneous and versatile cell subset. Persistent memory-like NK populations that mount a robust recall response were reported during viral infection, contact hypersensitivity reactions, and after stimulation by pro-inflammatory cytokines or activating receptor pathways. In this review, we highlight recent findings on the generation, functionality, and clinical applicability of memory-like NK cells and describe common features in comparison to other recent concepts of memory NK cells. Understanding of these features will facilitate the conception and design of novel NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens H W Pahl
- Department for Immunobiochemistry, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Department for Immunobiochemistry, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jing Ni
- Department for Immunobiochemistry, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.,Innate Immunity, German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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88
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Beaulieu AM. Memory responses by natural killer cells. J Leukoc Biol 2018; 104:1087-1096. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1ri0917-366r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee M. Beaulieu
- Center for Immunity and InflammationNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgers Biomedical and Health SciencesRutgers—The State University of New Jersey Newark New Jersey USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgers Biomedical and Health SciencesRutgers—The State University of New Jersey Newark New Jersey USA
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