51
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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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52
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Mroweh M, Decaens T, Marche PN, Macek Jilkova Z, Clément F. Modulating the Crosstalk between the Tumor and Its Microenvironment Using RNA Interference: A Treatment Strategy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5250. [PMID: 32722054 PMCID: PMC7432232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy with one of the highest mortality rates among solid cancers. It develops almost exclusively in the background of chronic liver inflammation, which can be caused by viral hepatitis, chronic alcohol consumption or an unhealthy diet. Chronic inflammation deregulates the innate and adaptive immune responses that contribute to the proliferation, survival and migration of tumor cells. The continuous communication between the tumor and its microenvironment components serves as the overriding force of the tumor against the body's defenses. The importance of this crosstalk between the tumor microenvironment and immune cells in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis has been shown, and therapeutic strategies modulating this communication have improved the outcomes of patients with liver cancer. To target this communication, an RNA interference (RNAi)-based approach can be used, an innovative and promising strategy that can disrupt the crosstalk at the transcriptomic level. Moreover, RNAi offers the advantage of specificity in comparison to the treatments currently used for HCC in clinics. In this review, we will provide the recent data pertaining to the modulation of a tumor and its microenvironment by using RNAi and its potential for therapeutic intervention in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Mroweh
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, 38700 La Tronche, France; (M.M.); (T.D.); (P.N.M.)
- Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath Beirut 6573-14, Lebanon
| | - Thomas Decaens
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, 38700 La Tronche, France; (M.M.); (T.D.); (P.N.M.)
- Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Service d’hépato-Gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Patrice N Marche
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, 38700 La Tronche, France; (M.M.); (T.D.); (P.N.M.)
- Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, 38700 La Tronche, France; (M.M.); (T.D.); (P.N.M.)
- Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Service d’hépato-Gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Flora Clément
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, 38700 La Tronche, France; (M.M.); (T.D.); (P.N.M.)
- Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
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53
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Zhang C, Liu Y. Targeting NK Cell Checkpoint Receptors or Molecules for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1295. [PMID: 32714324 PMCID: PMC7344328 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint blockade therapy, for example using antibodies against CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1, relieves T cells from the suppression by inhibitory checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment; thereby achieving good outcomes in the treatment of different cancer types. Like T cells, natural killer (NK) cell inhibitory receptors function as checkpoints for NK cell activation. Upon interaction with their cognate ligands on infected cells, tumor cells, dendritic cells and regulatory T cells, signals from these receptors severely affect NK cells' activation and effector functions, resulting in NK cell exhaustion. Checkpoint inhibition with antagonistic antibodies (Abs) can rescue NK cell exhaustion and arouse their robust anti-tumor capacity. Most notably, the response to anti-PD-1 therapy can be enhanced by the increased frequency and activation of NK cells, thereby increasing the overall survival of patients with multiple types of cancer. In addition, rescue of NK cell activity could enhance adaptive T cells' anti-tumor activity. Some antagonistic Abs (e.g., anti-TIGIT and anti-NKG2A monoclonal Abs) have extraordinary potential in cancer therapy, as evidenced by their induction of potent anti-tumor immunity through recovering both NK and T cell function. In this review, we summarize the dysfunction of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment and the key NK cell checkpoint receptors or molecules that control NK cell function. We particularly focus on recent advances in the most promising strategies through blockade of NK cell checkpoints or their combination with other approaches to more effectively reject tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuxia Liu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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54
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Hypoxia Impairs NK Cell Cytotoxicity through SHP-1-Mediated Attenuation of STAT3 and ERK Signaling Pathways. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:4598476. [PMID: 33123602 PMCID: PMC7584946 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4598476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune effectors with potent antitumor activity. However, tumor cells can create an immunosuppressive microenvironment to escape immune surveillance. Although accumulating evidence indicates that microenvironmental hypoxia plays an important role in favoring tumor development and immune evasion, it remains unclear by what means hypoxia directly impairs NK cell antitumor activity. In this study, we confirmed that hypoxic NK cells showed significantly lower cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Consistent with this finding, we found that the reduction in NK cell cytotoxicity resulting from hypoxia correlated to the lower expression of granzyme B, IFN-γ, and degranulation marker CD107a, as well as activating receptors including NKp30, NKp46, and NKG2D expressed on the surface of NK cells. More importantly, we further demonstrated that a reduction in the phosphorylation levels of ERK and STAT3 secondary to hypoxia was strongly associated with the attenuated NK cell cytotoxicity. Focusing on the mechanism responsible for reduced phosphorylation levels of ERK and STAT3, we reveal that the activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 (Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1) following hypoxia might play an essential role in this process. By knocking down SHP-1 or blocking its activity using a specific inhibitor TPI-1, we were able to partially restore NK cell cytotoxicity under hypoxia. Taken together, we demonstrate that hypoxia could impair NK cell cytotoxicity by decreasing the phosphorylation levels of ERK and STAT3 in a SHP-1-dependent manner. Therefore, targeting SHP-1 could provide an approach to enhance NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy.
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55
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Shi R, Tang Y, Miao H. Metabolism in tumor microenvironment: Implications for cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:47-68. [PMID: 34766109 PMCID: PMC8489668 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment is a special environment for tumor survival, which is characterized by hypoxia, acidity, nutrient deficiency, and immunosuppression. The environment consists of the vasculature, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and proteins or metabolic molecules. A large number of recent studies have shown that not only tumor cells but also the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment have undergone metabolic reprogramming, which is closely related to tumor drug resistance and malignant progression. Tumor immunotherapy based on T cells gives patients new hope, but faces the dilemma of low response rate. New strategies sensitizing cancer immunotherapy are urgently needed. Metabolic reprogramming can directly affect the biological activity of tumor cells and also regulate the differentiation and activation of immune cells. The authors aim to review the characteristics of tumor microenvironment, the metabolic changes of tumor‐associated immune cells, and the regulatory role of metabolic reprogramming in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongchen Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThird Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing People's Republic of China
| | - Yi‐Quan Tang
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridge Biomedical Campus Cambridge UK
| | - Hongming Miao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyThird Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing People's Republic of China
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56
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Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Tumor-Infiltrating NK Cells Reveals that Inhibition of Transcription Factor HIF-1α Unleashes NK Cell Activity. Immunity 2020; 52:1075-1087.e8. [PMID: 32445619 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing immune cell functions in tumors remains a major challenge in cancer immunotherapy. Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors, and cells adapt by upregulating the transcription factor HIF-1α. Here, we defined the transcriptional landscape of mouse tumor-infiltrating natural killer (NK) cells by using single-cell RNA sequencing. Conditional deletion of Hif1a in NK cells resulted in reduced tumor growth, elevated expression of activation markers, effector molecules, and an enriched NF-κB pathway in tumor-infiltrating NK cells. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) from myeloid cells was required for NF-κB activation and the enhanced anti-tumor activity of Hif1a-/- NK cells. Extended culture with an HIF-1α inhibitor increased human NK cell responses. Low HIF1A expression was associated with high expression of IFNG in human tumor-infiltrating NK cells, and an enriched NK-IL18-IFNG signature in solid tumors correlated with increased overall patient survival. Thus, inhibition of HIF-1α unleashes NK cell anti-tumor activity and could be exploited for cancer therapy.
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57
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Wee YM, Go H, Choi MY, Jung HR, Cho YM, Kim YH, Han DJ, Shin S. Tissue-resident natural killer cells exacerbate tubulointerstitial fibrosis by activating transglutaminase 2 and syndecan-4 in a model of aristolochic acid-induced nephropathy. BMB Rep 2020. [PMID: 31072444 PMCID: PMC6774424 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2019.52.9.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite reports suggesting that tissue-resident natural killer (trNK) cells cause ischemic kidney injury, their contribution to the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis has not been determined. This study hypothesized that the depletion of trNK cells may ameliorate renal fibrosis by affecting transglutaminase 2/syndecan-4 interactions. Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) was induced in C57BL/6 mice as an experimental model of kidney fibrosis. The mice were treated with anti-asialo GM1 (ASGM1) or anti-NK1.1 antibodies to deplete NK cells. Although both ASGM1 and NK1.1 antibodies suppressed renal NKp46+DX5+ NK cells, renal NKp46+DX5− cells were resistant to suppression by ASGM1 or NK1.1 antibodies during the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the AAN-induced mouse model. Western blot analysis showed that both antibodies increased the expression of fibronectin, transglutaminase 2, and syndecan-4. These findings indicate that trNK cells played an exacerbating role in tubulointerstitial fibrosis by activating transglutaminase 2 and syndecan-4 in the AAN-induced mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mee Wee
- Department of Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05535, Korea
| | - Heounjeong Go
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05535, Korea
| | - Monica Young Choi
- Department of Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05535, Korea
| | - Hey Rim Jung
- Department of Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05535, Korea
| | - Yong Mee Cho
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05535, Korea
| | - Young Hoon Kim
- Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05535, Korea
| | - Duck Jong Han
- Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05535, Korea
| | - Sung Shin
- Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05535, Korea
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58
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Shin MH, Kim J, Lim SA, Kim J, Kim SJ, Lee KM. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapies in Cancer. Immune Netw 2020; 20:e14. [PMID: 32395366 PMCID: PMC7192832 DOI: 10.4110/in.2020.20.e14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of technologies that can transform immune cells into therapeutic modalities, immunotherapy has remarkably changed the current paradigm of cancer treatment in recent years. NK cells are components of the innate immune system that act as key regulators and exhibit a potent tumor cytolytic function. Unlike T cells, NK cells exhibit tumor cytotoxicity by recognizing non-self, without deliberate immunization or activation. Currently, researchers have developed various approaches to improve the number and anti-tumor function of NK cells. These approaches include the use of cytokines and Abs to stimulate the efficacy of NK cell function, adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic ex vivo expanded NK cells, establishment of homogeneous NK cell lines using the NK cells of patients with cancer or healthy donors, derivation of NK cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and modification of NK cells with cutting-edge genetic engineering technologies to generate chimeric Ag receptor (CAR)-NK cells. Such NK cell-based immunotherapies are currently reported as being promising anti-tumor strategies that have shown enhanced functional specificity in several clinical trials investigating malignant tumors. Here, we summarize the recent advances in NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies that have focused on providing improved function through the use of the latest genetic engineering technologies. We also discuss the different types of NK cells developed for cancer immunotherapy and present the clinical trials being conducted to test their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hwa Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Junghee Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Siyoung A Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jungwon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon 16229, Korea
| | - Kyung-Mi Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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59
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Silvestri G, Trotta R, Stramucci L, Ellis JJ, Harb JG, Neviani P, Wang S, Eisfeld AK, Walker CJ, Zhang B, Srutova K, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Pineda G, Jamieson CHM, Stagno F, Vigneri P, Nteliopoulos G, May PC, Reid AG, Garzon R, Roy DC, Moutuou MM, Guimond M, Hokland P, Deininger MW, Fitzgerald G, Harman C, Dazzi F, Milojkovic D, Apperley JF, Marcucci G, Qi J, Polakova KM, Zou Y, Fan X, Baer MR, Calabretta B, Perrotti D. Persistence of Drug-Resistant Leukemic Stem Cells and Impaired NK Cell Immunity in CML Patients Depend on MIR300 Antiproliferative and PP2A-Activating Functions. Blood Cancer Discov 2020; 1:48-67. [PMID: 32974613 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.bcd-19-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistence of drug-resistant quiescent leukemic stem cells (LSC) and impaired natural killer (NK) cell immune response account for relapse of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Inactivation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is essential for CML-quiescent LSC survival and NK cell antitumor activity. Here we show that MIR300 has antiproliferative and PP2A-activating functions that are dose dependently differentially induced by CCND2/CDK6 and SET inhibition, respectively. MIR300 is upregulated in CML LSCs and NK cells by bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) signals to induce quiescence and impair immune response, respectively. Conversely, BCR-ABL1 downregulates MIR300 in CML progenitors to prevent growth arrest and PP2A-mediated apoptosis. Quiescent LSCs escape apoptosis by upregulating TUG1 long noncoding RNA that uncouples and limits MIR300 function to cytostasis. Genetic and pharmacologic MIR300 modulation and/or PP2A-activating drug treatment restore NK cell activity, inhibit BMM-induced growth arrest, and selectively trigger LSC apoptosis in vitro and in patient-derived xenografts; hence, the importance of MIR300 and PP2A activity for CML development and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovannino Silvestri
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rossana Trotta
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lorenzo Stramucci
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Justin J Ellis
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jason G Harb
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Paolo Neviani
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ann-Kathrin Eisfeld
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Christopher J Walker
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Bin Zhang
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Klara Srutova
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Gabriel Pineda
- Department of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Catriona H M Jamieson
- Department of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Fabio Stagno
- Division of Hematology and Unit of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Division of Hematology and Unit of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Georgios Nteliopoulos
- Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa C May
- Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair G Reid
- Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ramiro Garzon
- Department of Molecular Virology Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Denis-Claude Roy
- Department of Hematology and Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moutuaata M Moutuou
- Department of Hematology and Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin Guimond
- Department of Hematology and Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter Hokland
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael W Deininger
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Garrett Fitzgerald
- Center for Advanced Fetal Care University, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christopher Harman
- Center for Advanced Fetal Care University, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Francesco Dazzi
- Division of Cancer Studies, Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dragana Milojkovic
- Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane F Apperley
- Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guido Marcucci
- Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Leukemia Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Jianfei Qi
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Ying Zou
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xiaoxuan Fan
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Maria R Baer
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bruno Calabretta
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Danilo Perrotti
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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60
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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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61
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Lee HW, Cho KJ, Park JY. Current Status and Future Direction of Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: What Do the Data Suggest? Immune Netw 2020; 20:e11. [PMID: 32158599 PMCID: PMC7049588 DOI: 10.4110/in.2020.20.e11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease. Until recently, systemic treatment options that showed survival benefits in HCC have been limited to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibodies targeting oncogenic signaling pathways or VEGF receptors. The HCC tumor microenvironment is characterized by a dysfunction of the immune system through multiple mechanisms, including accumulation of various immunosuppressive factors, recruitment of regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and induction of T cell exhaustion accompanied with the interaction between immune checkpoint ligands and receptors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been interfered this interaction and have altered therapeutic landscape of multiple cancer types including HCC. In this review, we discuss the use of anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies in the treatment of advanced HCC. However, ICIs as a single agent do not benefit a significant portion of patients. Therefore, various clinical trials are exploring possible synergistic effects of combinations of different ICIs (anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies) or ICIs and target agents. Combinations of ICIs with locoregional therapies may also improve therapeutic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Won Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Institue of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Kyung Joo Cho
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul 03722, Korea
- BK21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Institue of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul 03722, Korea
- BK21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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62
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Salminen A. Activation of immunosuppressive network in the aging process. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 57:100998. [PMID: 31838128 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.100998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation has a key role in the aging process, a state called inflammaging. It is known that the chronic inflammatory condition generates counteracting immunosuppressive state in many diseases. Inflammaging is also associated with an immune deficiency; generally termed as immunosenescence, although it is not known whether it represents the senescence of immune cells or the active remodeling of immune system. Evidence has accumulated since the 1970's indicating that immunosenescence might be caused by an increased activity of immunosuppressive cells rather than cellular senescence. Immune cells display remarkable plasticity; many of these cells can express both proinflammatory and immunosuppressive phenotypes in a context-dependent manner. The immunosuppressive network involves the regulatory subtypes of T (Treg) and B (Breg) cells as well as regulatory phenotypes of macrophages (Mreg), dendritic (DCreg), natural killer (NKreg), and type II natural killer T (NKT) cells. The immunosuppressive network also includes monocytic (M-MDSC) and polymorphonuclear (PMN-MDSC) myeloid-derived suppressor cells which are immature myeloid cells induced by inflammatory mediators. This co-operative network is stimulated in chronic inflammatory conditions preventing excessive inflammatory responses but at the same time they exert harmful effects on the immune system and tissue homeostasis. Recent studies have revealed that the aging process is associated with the activation of immunosuppressive network, especially the functions of MDSCs, Tregs, and Mregs are increased. I will briefly review the properties of the regulatory phenotypes of immune cells and examine in detail the evidences for an activation of immunosuppressive network with aging.
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63
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Zhai Y, Li G, Jiang T, Zhang W. CAR-armed cell therapy for gliomas. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:2554-2566. [PMID: 31911846 PMCID: PMC6943349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-armed cell therapy has developed rapidly in recent years, especially in the treatment of leukemia. However, the treatment methods for solid tumors represented by glioma have not achieved the ideal therapeutic effect. This situation necessitates learning from chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) treatment in other malignancies and discovering the differences between gliomas and other solid tumors. The current design idea is to enhance the targeting, regulatory effects, and adaptation of CAR-armed cells. This review traced not only clinical trials, but also several animal experiments, which might promote the development of CAR-T treatment in glioma. Furthermore, we have discussed the obstacles to CAR-T in the treatment of glioma and the current possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Zhai
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
- Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas Network (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas Network (AGGA)Beijing, China
| | - Guanzhang Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
- Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas Network (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas Network (AGGA)Beijing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
- Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas Network (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas Network (AGGA)Beijing, China
- Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain DisordersBeijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological DiseasesBeijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
- Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas Network (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas Network (AGGA)Beijing, China
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64
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Terrén I, Orrantia A, Vitallé J, Zenarruzabeitia O, Borrego F. NK Cell Metabolism and Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2278. [PMID: 31616440 PMCID: PMC6769035 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are characterized by their potential to kill tumor cells by different means without previous sensitization and have, therefore, become a valuable tool in cancer immunotherapy. However, their efficacy against solid tumors is still poor and further studies are required to improve it. One of the major restrictions for NK cell activity is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). There, tumor and other immune cells create the appropriate conditions for tumor proliferation while, among others, preventing NK cell activation. Furthermore, NK cell metabolism is impaired in the TME, presumably due to nutrient and oxygen deprivation, and the higher concentration of tumor-derived metabolic end products, such as lactate. This metabolic restriction of NK cells limits their effector functions, and it could represent a potential target to focus on to improve the efficacy of NK cell-based therapies against solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the potential effect of TME into NK cell metabolism and its influence in NK cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Terrén
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Ane Orrantia
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Joana Vitallé
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Olatz Zenarruzabeitia
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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65
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Zhao Y, Jia Y, Shi T, Wang W, Shao D, Zheng X, Sun M, He K, Chen L. Depression promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through a glucocorticoid-mediated upregulation of PD-1 expression in tumor-infiltrating NK cells. Carcinogenesis 2019; 40:1132-1141. [PMID: 30715244 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing belief that depression was positively associated with the progression of liver cancer. However, the driving molecular events behind the depression in liver cancer are poorly understood and need to be elucidated. Since hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during depression leads to the excessive release of glucocorticoids (GCs), which suppress the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, we hypothesized that high levels of GCs during depression may inhibit function of tumor-infiltrating NK cells during the progress of the liver cancer. Using chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressed mice model, we showed that the progression of liver cancer was significantly accelerated in the depressed mice. The high levels of GCs were observed in both depressed mice and depressed patients with liver cancer. Importantly, the expression of programmed death (PD)-1 on NK cells was specifically increased in the tumor microenvironment rather than that in blood or spleen. Coculture studies demonstrated that the expression of PD-1 was significantly increased and cytotoxicity of NK92 cells was remarkably decreased by the dexamethasone treatment through PD-L1-dependent pathway. To the best of our knowledge, we first found that PD-1/PD-L1-mediated exhaustion of infiltrated NK cells promoted hepatocellular carcinoma progression under depression and provided a novel strategy for GC-mediated antidepressant therapy in patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Yong Jia
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tongfei Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Wencong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Dan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Madi Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Kan He
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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66
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Improving Cancer Immunotherapy by Targeting the Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment: New Opportunities and Challenges. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091083. [PMID: 31540045 PMCID: PMC6770817 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Initially believed to be a disease of deregulated cellular and genetic expression, cancer is now also considered a disease of the tumor microenvironment. Over the past two decades, significant and rapid progress has been made to understand the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and its contribution to shaping the response to various anti-cancer therapies, including immunotherapy. Nevertheless, it has become clear that the tumor microenvironment is one of the main hallmarks of cancer. Therefore, a major challenge is to identify key druggable factors and pathways in the tumor microenvironment that can be manipulated to improve the efficacy of current cancer therapies. Among the different tumor microenvironmental factors, this review will focus on hypoxia as a key process that evolved in the tumor microenvironment. We will briefly describe our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which hypoxia negatively affects tumor immunity and shapes the anti-tumor immune response. We believe that such understanding will provide insight into the therapeutic value of targeting hypoxia and assist in the design of innovative combination approaches to improve the efficacy of current cancer therapies, including immunotherapy.
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67
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Frutoso M, Mortier E. NK Cell Hyporesponsiveness: More Is Not Always Better. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184514. [PMID: 31547251 PMCID: PMC6770168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocytes that play an important role in the innate immune system. They are of particular interest for their role in elimination of intracellular pathogens, viral infection and tumor cells. As such, numerous strategies are being investigated in order to potentiate their functions. One of these techniques aims at promoting the function of their activating receptors. However, different observations have revealed that providing activation signals could actually be counterproductive and lead to NK cells’ hyporesponsiveness. This phenomenon can occur during the NK cell education process, under pathological conditions, but also after treatment with different agents, including cytokines, that are promising tools to boost NK cell function. In this review, we aim to highlight the different circumstances where NK cells become hyporesponsive and the methods that could be used to restore their functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frutoso
- CRCINA, CNRS, Inserm, University of Nantes, F-44200 Nantes, France.
- LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.
| | - Erwan Mortier
- CRCINA, CNRS, Inserm, University of Nantes, F-44200 Nantes, France.
- LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.
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68
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Fu Y, Liu S, Zeng S, Shen H. From bench to bed: the tumor immune microenvironment and current immunotherapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:396. [PMID: 31500650 PMCID: PMC6734524 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1396-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the most common primary liver malignancy and the third leading cause of tumor-related mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, despite advances in HCC treatment, less than 40% of HCC patients are eligible for potentially curative therapies. Recently, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising approaches for cancer treatment. It has been proven therapeutically effective in many types of solid tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma. As an inflammation-associated tumor, it's well-evidenced that the immunosuppressive microenvironment of HCC can promote immune tolerance and evasion by various mechanisms. Triggering more vigorous HCC-specific immune response represents a novel strategy for its management. Pre-clinical and clinical investigations have revealed that various immunotherapies might extend current options for needed HCC treatment. In this review, we provide the recent progress on HCC immunology from both basic and clinical perspectives, and discuss potential advances and challenges of immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojie Fu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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69
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Piñeiro Fernández J, Luddy KA, Harmon C, O'Farrelly C. Hepatic Tumor Microenvironments and Effects on NK Cell Phenotype and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4131. [PMID: 31450598 PMCID: PMC6747260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ with critical physiological functions including metabolism, glucose storage, and drug detoxification. Its unique immune profile with large numbers of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and significant innate lymphoid population, including natural killer cells, γ δ T cells, MAIT cells, and iNKTcells, suggests an important anti-tumor surveillance role. Despite significant immune surveillance in the liver, in particular large NK cell populations, hepatic cell carcinoma (HCC) is a relatively common outcome of chronic liver infection or inflammation. The liver is also the second most common site of metastatic disease. This discordance suggests immune suppression by the environments of primary and secondary liver cancers. Classic tumor microenvironments (TME) are poorly perfused, leading to accumulation of tumor cell metabolites, diminished O2, and decreased nutrient levels, all of which impact immune cell phenotype and function. Here, we focus on changes in the liver microenvironment associated with tumor presence and how they affect NK function and phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly A Luddy
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33626, USA.
| | - Cathal Harmon
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02138, USA
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland.
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland.
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70
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Chen Z, Yang Y, Liu LL, Lundqvist A. Strategies to Augment Natural Killer (NK) Cell Activity against Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071040. [PMID: 31340613 PMCID: PMC6678934 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a crucial role to prevent local growth and dissemination of cancer. Therapies based on activating the immune system can result in beneficial responses in patients with metastatic disease. Treatment with antibodies targeting the immunological checkpoint axis PD-1 / PD-L1 can result in the induction of anti-tumor T cell activation leading to meaningful long-lasting clinical responses. Still, many patients acquire resistance or develop dose-limiting toxicities to these therapies. Analysis of tumors from patients who progress on anti-PD-1 treatment reveal defective interferon-signaling and antigen presentation, resulting in immune escape from T cell-mediated attack. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that can kill tumor cells without prior sensitization to antigens and can be activated to kill tumor cells that have an impaired antigen processing and presentation machinery. Thus, NK cells may serve as useful effectors against tumor cells that have become resistant to classical immune checkpoint therapy. Various approaches to activate NK cells are being increasingly explored in clinical trials against cancer. While clinical benefit has been demonstrated in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving haploidentical NK cells, responses in patients with solid tumors are so far less encouraging. Several hurdles need to be overcome to provide meaningful clinical responses in patients with solid tumors. Here we review the recent developments to augment NK cell responses against solid tumors with regards to cytokine therapy, adoptive infusion of NK cells, NK cell engagers, and NK cell immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Chen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa L Liu
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden.
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71
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Vigneron C, Mirouse A, Merdji H, Rousseau C, Cousin C, Alby-Laurent F, Mira JP, Chiche JD, Llitjos JF, Pène F. Sepsis inhibits tumor growth in mice with cancer through Toll-like receptor 4-associated enhanced Natural Killer cell activity. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:e1641391. [PMID: 31646090 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1641391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis-induced immune dysfunctions are likely to impact on malignant tumor growth. Sequential sepsis-then-cancer models of tumor transplantation in mice recovering from sepsis have shown that the post-septic immunosuppressive environment was able to promote tumor growth. We herein addressed the impact of sepsis on pre-established malignancy in a reverse cancer-then sepsis experimental model. Mice previously inoculated with MCA205 fibrosarcoma cells were subjected to septic challenges by polymicrobial peritonitis induced by cecal ligation and puncture or endotoxinic shock. The anti-tumoral immune response was assessed through the distribution of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, as well as the functions of cytotoxic cells. As compared to sham surgery, polymicrobial sepsis dampened malignant tumor growth in wild-type (WT) mice, but neither in Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4)-/- nor in Myd88-/- mice. Similar tumor growth inhibition was observed following a LPS challenge in WT mice, suggesting a regulatory role of Tlr4 in this setting. The low expression of MHC class 1 onto MCA205 cells suggested the involvement of Natural Killer (NK) cells in sepsis-induced tumor inhibition. Septic insults applied to mice with cancer promoted the main anti-tumoral NK functions of IFNγ production and degranulation. The anti-tumoral properties of NK cells obtained from septic mice were exacerbated when cultured with MHC1low MCA205 or YAC-1 cells. These results suggest that sepsis may harbor dual effects on tumor growth depending on the sequential experimental model. When applied in mice with cancer, sepsis prevents tumor growth in a Tlr4-dependent manner by enhancing the anti-tumoral functions of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Vigneron
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Adrien Mirouse
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Hamid Merdji
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Rousseau
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Clément Cousin
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Alby-Laurent
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Paul Mira
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Médecine Intensive & Réanimation, hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Daniel Chiche
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Médecine Intensive & Réanimation, hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Llitjos
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Médecine Intensive & Réanimation, hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Pène
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Médecine Intensive & Réanimation, hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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72
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Patel S, Burga RA, Powell AB, Chorvinsky EA, Hoq N, McCormack SE, Van Pelt SN, Hanley PJ, Cruz CRY. Beyond CAR T Cells: Other Cell-Based Immunotherapeutic Strategies Against Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:196. [PMID: 31024832 PMCID: PMC6467966 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells have successfully harnessed T cell immunity against malignancies, but they are by no means the only cell therapies in development for cancer. Main Text Summary: Systemic immunity is thought to play a key role in combatting neoplastic disease; in this vein, genetic modifications meant to explore other components of T cell immunity are being evaluated. In addition, other immune cells—from both the innate and adaptive compartments—are in various stages of clinical application. In this review, we focus on these non-CAR T cell immunotherapeutic approaches for malignancy. The first section describes engineering T cells to express non-CAR constructs, and the second section describes other gene-modified cells used to target malignancy. Conclusions: CAR T cell therapies have demonstrated the clinical benefits of harnessing our body's own defenses to combat tumor cells. Similar research is being conducted on lesser known modifications and gene-modified immune cells, which we highlight in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnum Patel
- GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Rachel A Burga
- GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Allison B Powell
- GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Chorvinsky
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nia Hoq
- GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sarah E McCormack
- GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Stacey N Van Pelt
- GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Patrick J Hanley
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Conrad Russell Y Cruz
- GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.,Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States
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73
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Reactive oxygen species and cancer: A complex interaction. Cancer Lett 2019; 452:132-143. [PMID: 30905813 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Elevated levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), increased antioxidant ability and the maintenance of redox homeostasis can cumulatively contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. The sources and the role of ROS in a heterogeneous tumor microenvironment can vary at different stages of tumor: initiation, development, and progression, thus making it a complex subject. In this review, we have summarized the sources of ROS generation in cancer cells, its role in the tumor microenvironment, the possible functions of ROS and its important scavenger systems in tumor progression with special emphasis on solid tumors.
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74
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Sharma S, Wang J, Alqassim E, Portwood S, Cortes Gomez E, Maguire O, Basse PH, Wang ES, Segal BH, Baysal BE. Mitochondrial hypoxic stress induces widespread RNA editing by APOBEC3G in natural killer cells. Genome Biol 2019; 20:37. [PMID: 30791937 PMCID: PMC6383285 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-019-1651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protein recoding by RNA editing is required for normal health and evolutionary adaptation. However, de novo induction of RNA editing in response to environmental factors is an uncommon phenomenon. While APOBEC3A edits many mRNAs in monocytes and macrophages in response to hypoxia and interferons, the physiological significance of such editing is unclear. Results Here, we show that the related cytidine deaminase, APOBEC3G, induces site-specific C-to-U RNA editing in natural killer cells, lymphoma cell lines, and, to a lesser extent, CD8-positive T cells upon cellular crowding and hypoxia. In contrast to expectations from its anti-HIV-1 function, the highest expression of APOBEC3G is shown to be in cytotoxic lymphocytes. RNA-seq analysis of natural killer cells subjected to cellular crowding and hypoxia reveals widespread C-to-U mRNA editing that is enriched for genes involved in mRNA translation and ribosome function. APOBEC3G promotes Warburg-like metabolic remodeling in HuT78 T cells under similar conditions. Hypoxia-induced RNA editing by APOBEC3G can be mimicked by the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and occurs independently of HIF-1α. Conclusions APOBEC3G is an endogenous RNA editing enzyme in primary natural killer cells and lymphoma cell lines. This RNA editing is induced by cellular crowding and mitochondrial respiratory inhibition to promote adaptation to hypoxic stress. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13059-019-1651-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Sharma
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.,Present Address: Translate Bio, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Emad Alqassim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Scott Portwood
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Eduardo Cortes Gomez
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Orla Maguire
- Department of Flow and Image Cytometry, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Per H Basse
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Eunice S Wang
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Brahm H Segal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Bora E Baysal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
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75
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Memory NK Cell Features Exploitable in Anticancer Immunotherapy. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:8795673. [PMID: 30882007 PMCID: PMC6381560 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8795673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides their innate ability to rapidly produce effector cytokines and kill virus-infected or transformed cells, natural killer (NK) cells display a strong capability to adapt to environmental modifications and to differentiate into long-lived, hyperfunctional populations, dubbed memory or memory-like NK cells. Despite significant progress in the field of NK cell-based immunotherapies, some factors including their short life span and the occurrence of a tumor-dependent functional exhaustion have limited their clinical efficacy so that strategies aimed at overcoming these limitations represent one of the main current challenges in the field. In this scenario, the exploitation of NK cell memory may have a considerable potential. This article summarizes recent evidence in the literature on the peculiar features that render memory NK cells an attractive tool for antitumor immunotherapy, including their long-term survival and in vivo persistence, the resistance to tumor-dependent immunosuppressive microenvironment, the amplified functional responses to IgG-opsonized tumor cells, and in vitro expansion capability. Along with highlighting these issues, we speculate that memory NK cell-based adoptive immunotherapy settings would greatly take advantage from the combination with tumor-targeting therapeutic antibodies (mAbs), as a strategy to fully unleash their clinical efficacy.
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76
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Assessing Canonical and Adaptive Natural Killer Cell Function in Suppression Assays In Vitro. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1913:153-166. [PMID: 30666605 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8979-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro culture system outlined in this chapter allows for standardized protocols to examine canonical and adaptive natural killer (NK) cell responses while interacting with immune suppressor cells such as regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). These interactions pathologically occur during tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Strategies to study the effects of ex vivo purified immune suppressor cells from cancer patients on the function of NK cell antitumor activity will help to understand suppressive mechanisms to improve immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently demonstrated tremendous clinical responses in patients with diverse types of cancers. However, their effect on NK cell function is not very well studied. Here, we have adapted a coculture system that previously has been utilized to study regulatory T cells. This approach can further be utilized to study the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in vitro and ex vivo. We focus on the differences between canonical NK cells and the newly identified subset of NK cells termed "adaptive NK cells." These cells are induced by cytomegalovirus (CMV) in CMV-seropositive individuals.
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77
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Ayuso JM, Truttschel R, Gong MM, Humayun M, Virumbrales-Munoz M, Vitek R, Felder M, Gillies SD, Sondel P, Wisinski KB, Patankar M, Beebe DJ, Skala MC. Evaluating natural killer cell cytotoxicity against solid tumors using a microfluidic model. Oncoimmunology 2018; 8:1553477. [PMID: 30723584 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1553477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies against solid tumors face additional challenges compared with hematological cancers. In solid tumors, immune cells and antibodies need to extravasate from vasculature, find the tumor, and migrate through a dense mass of cells. These multiple steps pose significant obstacles for solid tumor immunotherapy and their study has remained difficult using classic in vitro models based on Petri dishes. In this work, a microfluidic model has been developed to study natural killer cell response. The model includes a 3D breast cancer spheroid in a 3D extracellular matrix, and two flanking lumens lined with endothelial cells, replicating key structures and components during the immune response. Natural Killer cells and antibodies targeting the tumor cells were either embedded in the matrix or perfused through the lateral blood vessels. Antibodies that were perfused through the lateral lumens extravasated out of the blood vessels and rapidly diffused through the matrix. However, tumor cell-cell junctions hindered antibody penetration within the spheroid. On the other hand, natural killer cells were able to detect the presence of the tumor spheroid several hundreds of microns away and penetrate the spheroid faster than the antibodies. Once inside the spheroid, natural killer cells were able to destroy tumor cells at the spheroid periphery and, importantly, also at the innermost layers. Finally, the combination of antibody-cytokine conjugates and natural killer cells led to an enhanced cytotoxicity located mostly at the spheroid periphery. Overall, these results demonstrate the utility of the model for informing immunotherapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Ayuso
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Regan Truttschel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Max M Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Maria Virumbrales-Munoz
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Provenance Biopharmaceuticals Corp., Carlisle, MA USA.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ross Vitek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mildred Felder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Paul Sondel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kari B Wisinski
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Manish Patankar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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78
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Mutated Von Hippel-Lindau-renal cell carcinoma (RCC) promotes patients specific natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:297. [PMID: 30514329 PMCID: PMC6278085 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0952-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Previous evidence demonstrated that restoration of wild type VHL in human renal cancer cells decreased in vitro NK susceptibility. To investigate on the role of tumoral VHL status versus NK capability in renal cancer patients, 51 RCC patients were characterized for VHL mutational status and NK function. Methods VHL mutational status was determined by direct DNA sequencing on tumor tissue. NK cytotoxicity was measured against specific target cells K562, VHL-wild type (CAKI-1) and VHL-mutated (A498) human renal cancer cells through externalization of CD107a and IFN-γ production. Activating NK receptors, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKG2D, DNAM-1, NCAM-1 and FcγRIIIa were evaluated through quantitative RT-PCR. RCC tumoral Tregs were characterized as CD4+CD25+CD127lowFoxp3+ and Treg function was evaluated as inhibition of T-effector proliferation. Results VHL mutations were detected in 26/55 (47%) RCC patients. IL-2 activated whole-blood samples (28 VHL-WT-RCC and 23 VHL-MUT-RCC) were evaluated for NK cytotoxicity toward human renal cancer cells A498, VHL-MUT and CAKI-1, VHL-WT. Efficient NK degranulation and increase in IFN-γ production was detected when IL-2 activated whole-blood from VHL-MUT-RCC patients were tested toward A498 as compared to CAKI-1 cells (CD107a+NK: 7 ± 2% vs 1 ± 0.41%, p = 0.015; IFN-γ+NK: 6.26 ± 3.4% vs 1.78 ± 0.9% respectively). In addition, IL-2 activated NKs induced higher CD107a exposure in the presence of RCC autologous tumor cells or A498 as compared to SN12C (average CD107a+NK: 4.7 and 2.7% vs 0.3% respectively at 10E:1 T ratio). VHL-MUT-RCC tumors were NKp46+ cells infiltrated and expressed high NKp30 and NKp46 receptors as compared to VHL-WT-RCC tumors. A significant lower number of Tregs was detected in the tumor microenvironment of 13 VHL-MUT-RCC as compared to 13 VHL-WT-RCC tumors (1.84 ± 0.36% vs 3.79 ± 0.74% respectively, p = 0.04). Tregs isolated from VHL-MUT-RCC patients were less suppressive of patients T effector proliferation compared to Tregs from VHL-WT-RCC patients (Teff proliferation: 6.7 ± 3.9% vs 2.8 ± 1.1%). Conclusions VHL tumoral mutations improve NKs effectiveness in RCC patients and need to be considered in the evaluation of immune response. Moreover therapeutic strategies designed to target NK cells could be beneficial in VHL-mutated-RCCs alone or in association with immune checkpoints inhibitors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0952-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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79
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Sung PS, Jang JW. Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Pathogenesis and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113648. [PMID: 30463262 PMCID: PMC6274919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently the third leading cause of malignancy-related mortalities worldwide. Natural killer (NK) cells are involved in the critical role of first line immunological defense against cancer development. Defects in NK cell functions are recognized as important mechanisms for immune evasion of tumor cells. NK cell function appears to be attenuated in HCC, and many previous reports suggested that NK cells play a critical role in controlling HCC, suggesting that boosting the activity of dysfunctional NK cells can enhance tumor cell killing. However, the detailed mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in tumor microenvironment of HCC remain largely unknown. A better understanding of the mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in HCC will help in the NK cell-mediated eradication of cancer cells and prolong patient survival. In this review, we describe the various mechanisms underlying human NK cell dysfunction in HCC. Further, we summarize current advances in the approaches to enhance endogenous NK cell function and in adoptive NK cell therapies, to cure this difficult-to-treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
- The Catholic Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
- The Catholic Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
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80
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Lybaert L, Vermaelen K, De Geest BG, Nuhn L. Immunoengineering through cancer vaccines – A personalized and multi-step vaccine approach towards precise cancer immunity. J Control Release 2018; 289:125-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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81
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Parodi M, Raggi F, Cangelosi D, Manzini C, Balsamo M, Blengio F, Eva A, Varesio L, Pietra G, Moretta L, Mingari MC, Vitale M, Bosco MC. Hypoxia Modifies the Transcriptome of Human NK Cells, Modulates Their Immunoregulatory Profile, and Influences NK Cell Subset Migration. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2358. [PMID: 30459756 PMCID: PMC6232835 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia, which characterizes most tumor tissues, can alter the function of different immune cell types, favoring tumor escape mechanisms. In this study, we show that hypoxia profoundly acts on NK cells by influencing their transcriptome, affecting their immunoregulatory functions, and changing the chemotactic responses of different NK cell subsets. Exposure of human peripheral blood NK cells to hypoxia for 16 or 96 h caused significant changes in the expression of 729 or 1,100 genes, respectively. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrated that these changes followed a consensus hypoxia transcriptional profile. As assessed by Gene Ontology annotation, hypoxia-targeted genes were implicated in several biological processes: metabolism, cell cycle, differentiation, apoptosis, cell stress, and cytoskeleton organization. The hypoxic transcriptome also showed changes in genes with immunological relevance including those coding for proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and chemokine-receptors. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed the modulation of several immune-related genes, prompting further immunophenotypic and functional studies. Multiplex ELISA demonstrated that hypoxia could variably reduce NK cell ability to release IFNγ, TNFα, GM-CSF, CCL3, and CCL5 following PMA+Ionomycin or IL15+IL18 stimulation, while it poorly affected the response to IL12+IL18. Cytofluorimetric analysis showed that hypoxia could influence NK chemokine receptor pattern by sustaining the expression of CCR7 and CXCR4. Remarkably, this effect occurred selectively (CCR7) or preferentially (CXCR4) on CD56bright NK cells, which indeed showed higher chemotaxis to CCL19, CCL21, or CXCL12. Collectively, our data suggest that the hypoxic environment may profoundly influence the nature of the NK cell infiltrate and its effects on immune-mediated responses within tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parodi
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Raggi
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Davide Cangelosi
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Claudia Manzini
- Laboratorio di Immunologia Clinica e Sperimentale, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Mirna Balsamo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabiola Blengio
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Eva
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Luigi Varesio
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambin Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Bosco
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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82
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Marshall HT, Djamgoz MBA. Immuno-Oncology: Emerging Targets and Combination Therapies. Front Oncol 2018; 8:315. [PMID: 30191140 PMCID: PMC6115503 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Host immunity recognizes and eliminates most early tumor cells, yet immunological checkpoints, exemplified by CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1, pose a significant obstacle to effective antitumor immune responses. T-lymphocyte co-inhibitory pathways influence intensity, inflammation and duration of antitumor immunity. However, tumors and their immunosuppressive microenvironments exploit them to evade immune destruction. Recent PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors yielded unprecedented efficacies and durable responses across advanced-stage melanoma, showcasing potential to replace conventional radiotherapy regimens. Neverthless, many clinical problems remain in terms of efficacy, patient-to-patient variability, and undesirable outcomes and side effects. In this review, we evaluate recent advances in the immuno-oncology field and discuss ways forward. First, we give an overview of current immunotherapy modalities, involving mainy single agents, including inhibitor monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting T-cell checkpoints of PD-1 and CTLA-4. However, neoantigen recognition alone cannot eliminate tumors effectively in vivo given their inherent complex micro-environment, heterogeneous nature and stemness. Then, based mainly upon CTLA-4 and PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors as a "backbone," we cover a range of emerging ("second-generation") therapies incorporating other immunotherapies or non-immune based strategies in synergistic combination. These include targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, co-stimulatory mAbs, bifunctional agents, epigenetic modulators (such as inhibitors of histone deacetylases or DNA methyltransferase), vaccines, adoptive-T-cell therapy, nanoparticles, oncolytic viruses, and even synthetic "gene circuits." A number of novel immunotherapy co-targets in pre-clinical development are also introduced. The latter include metabolic components, exosomes and ion channels. We discuss in some detail of the personalization of immunotherapy essential for ultimate maximization of clinical outcomes. Finally, we outline possible future technical and conceptual developments including realistic in vitro and in vivo models and inputs from physics, engineering, and artificial intelligence. We conclude that the breadth and quality of immunotherapeutic approaches and the types of cancers that can be treated will increase significantly in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry T Marshall
- Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mustafa B A Djamgoz
- Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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83
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Sarhan D, Hippen KL, Lemire A, Hying S, Luo X, Lenvik T, Curtsinger J, Davis Z, Zhang B, Cooley S, Cichocki F, Blazar BR, Miller JS. Adaptive NK Cells Resist Regulatory T-cell Suppression Driven by IL37. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:766-775. [PMID: 29784636 PMCID: PMC6030483 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are capable of fighting viral infections and cancer. However, these responses are inhibited by immune suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor progression promotes the recruitment and generation of intratumoral regulatory T cells (Treg), associated with a poor prognosis in cancer patients. Here, we show that canonical NK cells are highly susceptible to Treg-mediated suppression, in contrast to highly resistant CD57+ FcεRγ-NKG2C+ adaptive (CD56+CD3-) NK cells that expand in cytomegalovirus exposed individuals. Specifically, Tregs suppressed canonical but not adaptive NK-cell proliferation, IFNγ production, degranulation, and cytotoxicity. Treg-mediated suppression was associated with canonical NK-cell downregulation of TIM3, a receptor that activates NK-cell IFNγ production upon ligand engagement, and upregulation of the NK-cell inhibitory receptors PD-1 and the IL1 receptor family member, IL1R8 (SIGIRR or TIR8). Treg production of the IL1R8 ligand, IL37, contributed to the phenotypic changes and diminished function in Treg-suppressed canonical NK cells. Blocking PD-1, IL1R8, or IL37 abrogated Treg suppression of canonical NK cells while maintaining NK-cell TIM3 expression. Our data uncover new mechanisms of Treg-mediated suppression of canonical NK cells and identify that adaptive NK cells are inherently resistant to Treg suppression. Strategies to enhance the frequency of adaptive NK cells in the tumor microenvironment or to blunt Treg suppression of canonical NK cells will enhance the efficacy of NK-cell cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(7); 766-75. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhifaf Sarhan
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Keli L Hippen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Amanda Lemire
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Skyler Hying
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Xianghua Luo
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Biostatistics Core, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Todd Lenvik
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Julie Curtsinger
- Biostatistics Core, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Translational Therapy Laboratory, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Zachary Davis
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Bin Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sarah Cooley
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Frank Cichocki
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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84
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Natural Killer Cells from Malignant Pleural Effusion Are Endowed with a Decidual-Like Proangiogenic Polarization. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:2438598. [PMID: 29713652 PMCID: PMC5896269 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2438598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial in tumor recognition and eradication, but their activity is impaired in cancer patients, becoming poorly cytotoxic. A particular type of NK cells, from the decidua, has low cytotoxicity and shows proangiogenic functions. We investigated whether NK cells from peripheral blood (PB) and pleural effusions of patients develop decidual-like NK phenotype and whether exposure to IL-2 can restore their killing ability in the presence of pleural fluids. NK cells from pleural effusion of patients with inflammatory conditions (iPE, n = 18), primary tumor (ptPE, n = 18), and metastatic tumor (tmPE, n = 27) acquired the CD56brightCD16− phenotype. NK cells from both ptPE and tmPE showed increased expression for the CD49a and CD69 decidual-like (dNK) markers and decreased levels of the CD57 maturation marker. NK from all the PE analyzed showed impaired degranulation capability and reduced perforin release. PE-NK cells efficiently responded to IL-2 stimulation in vitro. Addition of TGFβ or cell-free pleural fluid to IL-2 in the culture medium abrogated NK cell CD107a and IFNγ expression even in healthy donors (n = 14) NK. We found that tmPE-NK cells produce VEGF and support the formation of capillary-like structures in endothelial cells. Our results suggest that the PE tumor microenvironment can shape NK cell polarization towards a low cytotoxic, decidual-like, highly proangiogenic phenotype and that IL-2 treatment is not sufficient to limit this process.
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85
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Ziani L, Chouaib S, Thiery J. Alteration of the Antitumor Immune Response by Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2018; 9:414. [PMID: 29545811 PMCID: PMC5837994 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Among cells present in the tumor microenvironment, activated fibroblasts termed cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), play a critical role in the complex process of tumor-stroma interaction. CAFs, one of the prominent stromal cell populations in most types of human carcinomas, have been involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, cancer stemness, extracellular matrix remodeling, tissue invasion, metastasis, and even chemoresistance. During the past decade, these activated tumor-associated fibroblasts have also been involved in the modulation of the anti-tumor immune response on various levels. In this review, we describe our current understanding of how CAFs accomplish this task as well as their potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ziani
- INSERM, UMR 1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM, UMR 1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM, UMR 1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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86
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Xu B, Chen L, Li J, Zheng X, Shi L, Wu C, Jiang J. Prognostic value of tumor infiltrating NK cells and macrophages in stage II+III esophageal cancer patients. Oncotarget 2018; 7:74904-74916. [PMID: 27736796 PMCID: PMC5342711 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The detailed understanding of the immunobiology of tumor microenvironment has recently translated into new therapeutic approach against human cancers. Besides the role of immune cells mediating adaptive immune responses, the tumor infiltrating components of the innate immune system including, neutrophils, mast cells, NK cells, and macrophages, also role importantly in anti-tumor immunity. In our present study, we retrospectively analyzed the prognostic value of the densities of tumor infiltrating NK cells and macrophages in esophageal cancer tissues derived from stage II+III patients. Our results showed that the density of the infiltrating NK cells in tumor stroma was significantly associated with nodal status. In addition, the densities of the infiltrating NK cells in tumor nest, and the infiltrating macrophages in tumor nest as well as in tumor stroma, were significantly associated with patients' postoperative prognoses. Furthermore, the combination of infiltrating NK cells in tumor nest and stroma, or the combination of infiltrating macrophages in tumor nest and stroma, could also be used as important prognostic tool in predicting the survival of the stage II+III esophageal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China.,Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy Technology of Jiangsu Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China.,Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy Technology of Jiangsu Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China.,Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy Technology of Jiangsu Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China.,Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy Technology of Jiangsu Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Liangrong Shi
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China.,Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy Technology of Jiangsu Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China.,Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Changping Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China.,Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy Technology of Jiangsu Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China.,Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China.,Research Center for Cancer Immunotherapy Technology of Jiangsu Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu Changzhou 213003, China
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87
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Kouidhi S, Ben Ayed F, Benammar Elgaaied A. Targeting Tumor Metabolism: A New Challenge to Improve Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:353. [PMID: 29527212 PMCID: PMC5829092 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, a marked number of clinical trials on cancer treatment have revealed the success of immunomodulatory therapies based on immune checkpoint inhibitors that activate tumor-specific T cells. However, the therapeutic efficacy of cancer immunotherapies is only restricted to a small fraction of patients. A deeper understanding of key mechanisms generating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) remains a major challenge for more effective antitumor immunity. There is a growing evidence that the TME supports inappropriate metabolic reprogramming that dampens T cell function, and therefore impacts the antitumor immune response and tumor progression. Notably, the immunosuppressive TME is characterized by a lack of crucial carbon sources critical for T cell function and increased inhibitory signals. Here, we summarize the basics of intrinsic and extrinsic metabolic remodeling and metabolic checkpoints underlying the competition between cancer and infiltrating immune cells for nutrients and metabolites. Intriguingly, the upregulation of tumor programmed death-L1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 alters the metabolic programme of T cells and drives their exhaustion. In this context, targeting both tumor and T cell metabolism can beneficially enhance or temper immunity in an inhospitable microenvironment and markedly improve the success of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumaya Kouidhi
- Laboratory BVBGR, LR11ES31, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet (ISBST), Department of Biotechnology, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Department of Biology, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Farhat Ben Ayed
- Association Tunisienne de Lutte contre le Cancer (ATCC), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Benammar Elgaaied
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Department of Biology, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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88
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Tim-3 expression predicts the abnormal innate immune status and poor prognosis of glioma patients. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 476:178-184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2017.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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89
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Ohs I, Ducimetière L, Marinho J, Kulig P, Becher B, Tugues S. Restoration of Natural Killer Cell Antimetastatic Activity by IL12 and Checkpoint Blockade. Cancer Res 2017; 77:7059-7071. [PMID: 29042417 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapies target tumor antigen-specific T cells, but less is known about their effects on natural killer (NK) cells, which help control metastasis. In studying the development of lung metastases, we found that NK cells lose their cytotoxic capacity and acquire a molecular signature defined by the expression of coinhibitory receptors. In an effort to overcome this suppressive mechanism, we evaluated NK cell responses to the immunostimulatory cytokine IL12. Exposure to IL12 rescued the cytotoxicity of NK cells but also led to the emergence of an immature NK cell population that expressed high levels of the coinhibitory molecules PD-1, Lag-3, and TIGIT, thereby limiting NK cell-mediated control of pulmonary metastases. Notably, checkpoint blockade therapy synergized with IL12 to fully enable tumor control by NK cells, demonstrating that checkpoint blockers are not only applicable to enhance T cell-mediated immunotherapy, but also to restore the tumor-suppressive capacity of NK cells. Cancer Res; 77(24); 7059-71. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ohs
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ducimetière
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joana Marinho
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Kulig
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sonia Tugues
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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90
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Goetz AE, Wilkinson M. Stress and the nonsense-mediated RNA decay pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:3509-3531. [PMID: 28503708 PMCID: PMC5683946 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2537-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cells respond to internal and external cellular stressors by activating stress-response pathways that re-establish homeostasis. If homeostasis is not achieved in a timely manner, stress pathways trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis) to preserve organism integrity. A highly conserved stress pathway is the unfolded protein response (UPR), which senses excessive amounts of unfolded proteins in the ER. While a physiologically beneficial pathway, the UPR requires tight regulation to provide a beneficial outcome and avoid deleterious consequences. Recent work has demonstrated that a conserved and highly selective RNA degradation pathway-nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD)-serves as a major regulator of the UPR pathway. NMD degrades mRNAs encoding UPR components to prevent UPR activation in response to innocuous ER stress. In response to strong ER stress, NMD is inhibited by the UPR to allow for a full-magnitude UPR response. Recent studies have indicated that NMD also has other stress-related functions, including promoting the timely termination of the UPR to avoid apoptosis; NMD also regulates responses to non-ER stressors, including hypoxia, amino-acid deprivation, and pathogen infection. NMD regulates stress responses in species across the phylogenetic scale, suggesting that it has conserved roles in shaping stress responses. Stress pathways are frequently constitutively activated or dysregulated in human disease, raising the possibility that "NMD therapy" may provide clinical benefit by downmodulating stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Goetz
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, 92093, USA
| | - Miles Wilkinson
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, 92093, USA.
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91
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Benyamine A, Loncle C, Foucher E, Blazquez JL, Castanier C, Chrétien AS, Modesti M, Secq V, Chouaib S, Gironella M, Vila-Navarro E, Montalto G, Dagorn JC, Dusetti N, Iovanna J, Olive D. BTN3A is a prognosis marker and a promising target for Vγ9Vδ2 T cells based-immunotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1372080. [PMID: 29296524 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1372080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are anti-tumor immune effectors of growing interest in cancer including Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), an especially aggressive cancer characterized by a hypoxic and nutrient-starved immunosuppressive microenvironment. Since Butyrophilin 3 A (BTN3A) isoforms are critical activating molecules of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, we set out to study BTN3A expression under both basal and stress conditions in PDAC primary tumors, and in novel patient-derived xenograft and PDAC-derived cell lines. BTN3A2 was shown to be the most abundant isoform in PDAC and was stress-regulated. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells cytolytic functions against PDAC required BTN3A and this activity was strongly enhanced by the agonist anti-BTN3A 20.1 mAb even under conditions of hypoxia. In PDAC primary tumors, we established that BTN3A expression and high plasma levels of soluble BTN3A were strongly associated with a decreased survival. These findings may have important implications in the design of new immunotherapeutic strategies that target BTN3A for treating PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Benyamine
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Immunity & Cancer, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille, France
| | - Céline Loncle
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Cellular Stress, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France.,Dynabio, Luminy Biotech Entreprises, Marseille, France
| | - Etienne Foucher
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Immunity & Cancer, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille, France
| | - Juan-Luis Blazquez
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Immunity & Cancer, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille, France
| | - Céline Castanier
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Immunity & Cancer, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Chrétien
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Immunity & Cancer, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille, France
| | - Mauro Modesti
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Homologous Recombination, NHEJ and Maintenance of Genomic Integrity; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille, France
| | - Véronique Secq
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Nord / Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM UMR1186, Laboratory «Integrative Tumor Immunology and Genetic Oncology»; INSERM, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay Villejuif, Villejuif, France
| | - Meritxell Gironella
- Gastrointestinal & Pancreatic Oncology Group, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)/Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Vila-Navarro
- Gastrointestinal & Pancreatic Oncology Group, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)/Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiBiMIS), University of Palermo, Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy", National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Nelson Dusetti
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Cellular Stress, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Juan Iovanna
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Cellular Stress, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Inserm, U1068, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Immunity & Cancer, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille Université UM 105; CNRS UMR 7258, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring Platform Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring Platform Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 232 Bd Sainte Marguerite, Marseille, France
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92
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Natural killer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and perspectives for future immunotherapeutic approaches. Front Med 2017; 11:509-521. [DOI: 10.1007/s11684-017-0546-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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93
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Purroy N, Wu CJ. Coevolution of Leukemia and Host Immune Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a026740. [PMID: 28096240 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a026740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative studies on the dissection of changes in driver genetic lesions in cancer across the course of the disease have provided powerful insights into the adaptive mechanisms of tumors in response to the selective pressures of therapy and environmental changes. In particular, the advent of next-generation-sequencing (NGS)-based technologies and its implementation for the large-scale comprehensive analyses of cancers have greatly advanced our understanding of cancer as a complex dynamic system wherein genetically distinct subclones interact and compete during tumor evolution. Aside from genetic evolution arising from interactions intrinsic to the cell subpopulations within tumors, it is increasingly appreciated that reciprocal interactions between the tumor cell and cellular constituents of the microenvironment further exert selective pressures on specific clones that can impact the balance between tumor immunity and immunologic evasion and escape. Herein, we review the evidence supporting these concepts, with a particular focus on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a disease that has been highly amenable to genomic interrogation and studies of clonal heterogeneity and evolution. Better knowledge of the basis for immune escape has an important clinical impact on prognostic stratification and on the pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Purroy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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94
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Stabile H, Fionda C, Gismondi A, Santoni A. Role of Distinct Natural Killer Cell Subsets in Anticancer Response. Front Immunol 2017; 8:293. [PMID: 28360915 PMCID: PMC5352654 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, the prototypic member of innate lymphoid cells, are important effectors of anticancer immune response. These cells can survey and control tumor initiation due to their capability to recognize and kill malignant cells and to regulate the adaptive immune response via cytokines and chemokines release. However, several studies have shown that tumor-infiltrating NK cells associated with advanced disease can have profound functional defects and display protumor activity. This evidence indicates that NK cell behavior undergoes crucial alterations during cancer progression. Moreover, a further level of complexity is due to the extensive heterogeneity and plasticity of these lymphocytes, implying that different NK cell subsets, endowed with specific phenotypic and functional features, may be involved and play distinct roles in the tumor context. Accordingly, many studies reported the enrichment of selective NK cell subsets within tumor tissue, whereas the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. A malignant microenvironment can significantly impact NK cell activity, by recruiting specific subpopulations and/or influencing their developmental programming or the acquisition of a mature phenotype; in particular, neoplastic, stroma and immune cells, or tumor-derived factors take part in these processes. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the recently acquired knowledge on the possible contribution of distinct NK cell subsets in the control and/or progression of solid and hematological malignancies. Moreover, we will address emerging evidence regarding the role of different components of tumor microenvironment on shaping NK cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Stabile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Cinzia Fionda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Angela Gismondi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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95
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Liu M, Zhou J, Chen Z, Cheng ASL. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of tumours and their microenvironments: opportunities and problems for epigenetic therapy. J Pathol 2016; 241:10-24. [PMID: 27770445 DOI: 10.1002/path.4832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment plays an instrumental role in cancer development, progression and treatment response/resistance. Accumulating evidence is underscoring the fundamental importance of epigenetic regulation in tumour immune evasion. Following many pioneering discoveries demonstrating malignant transformation through epigenetic anomalies ('epimutations'), there is also a growing emphasis on elucidating aberrant epigenetic mechanisms that reprogramme the milieu of tumour-associated immune and stromal cells towards an immunosuppressive state. Pharmacological inhibition of DNA methylation and histone modifications can augment the efficiency of immune checkpoint blockage, and unleash anti-tumour T-cell responses. However, these non-specific agents also represent a 'double-edged sword', as they can also reactivate gene transcription of checkpoint molecules, interrupting immune surveillance programmes. By understanding the impact of epigenetic control on the tumour microenvironment, rational combinatorial epigenetic and checkpoint blockage therapies have the potential to harness the immune system for the treatment of cancer. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Jingying Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- AIDS Institute and Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Alfred Sze-Lok Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
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96
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Shemesh A, Kugel A, Steiner N, Yezersky M, Tirosh D, Edri A, Teltsh O, Rosental B, Sheiner E, Rubin E, Campbell KS, Porgador A. NKp44 and NKp30 splice variant profiles in decidua and tumor tissues: a comparative viewpoint. Oncotarget 2016; 7:70912-70923. [PMID: 27765926 PMCID: PMC5342598 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
NKp44 and NKp30 splice variant profiles have been shown to promote diverse cellular functions. Moreover, microenvironment factors such as TGF-β, IL-15 and IL-18 are able to influence both NKp44 and NKp30 splice variant profiles, leading to cytokine-associated profiles. Placenta and cancerous tissues have many similarities; both are immunologically privileged sites and both share immune tolerance mechanisms to support tissue development. Therefore, we studied the profiles of NKp44 and NKp30 splice variants in these states by comparing (i) decidua from pregnancy disorder and healthy gestation and (ii) matched normal and cancer tissue. Decidua samples had high incidence of both NKp44 and NKp30. In cancerous state it was different; while NKp30 expression was evident in most cancerous and matched normal tissues, NKp44 incidence was lower and was mostly associated with the cancerous tissues. A NKp44-1dominant inhibitory profile predominated in healthy pregnancy gestation. Interestingly, the NKp44-2/3 activation profile becomes the leading profile in spontaneous abortions, whereas balanced NKp44 profiles were observed in preeclampsia. In contrast, a clear preference for the NKp30a/b profile was evident in the 1st trimester decidua, yet no significant differences were observed for NKp30 profiles between healthy gestation and spontaneous abortions/preeclampsia. Both cancerous and matched normal tissues manifested balanced NKp30c inhibitory and NKp30a/b activation profiles with a NKp44-1dominant profile. However, a shift in NKp30 profiles between matched normal and cancer tissue was observed in half of the cases. To summarize, NKp44 and NKp30 splice variants profiles are tissue/condition specific and demonstrate similarity between placenta and cancerous tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishai Shemesh
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Aleksandra Kugel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Naama Steiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michal Yezersky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Dan Tirosh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Avishay Edri
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Omri Teltsh
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Benyamin Rosental
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and the Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Eitan Rubin
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Kerry S. Campbell
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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97
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Ferreira-Teixeira M, Paiva-Oliveira D, Parada B, Alves V, Sousa V, Chijioke O, Münz C, Reis F, Rodrigues-Santos P, Gomes C. Natural killer cell-based adoptive immunotherapy eradicates and drives differentiation of chemoresistant bladder cancer stem-like cells. BMC Med 2016; 14:163. [PMID: 27769244 PMCID: PMC5075212 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-016-0715-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a high risk of recurrence and progression to muscle-invasive forms, which seems to be largely related to the presence of tumorigenic stem-like cell populations that are refractory to conventional therapies. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of Natural Killer (NK) cell-based adoptive immunotherapy against chemoresistant bladder cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in a pre-clinical relevant model, using NK cells from healthy donors and NMIBC patients. METHODS Cytokine-activated NK cells from healthy donors and from high-grade NMIBC patients were phenotypically characterized and assayed in vitro against stem-like and bulk differentiated bladder cancer cells. Stem-like cells were isolated from two bladder cancer cell lines using the sphere-forming assay. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in mice bearing a CSC-induced orthotopic bladder cancer. Animals were treated by intravesical instillation of interleukin-activated NK cells. Tumor response was evaluated longitudinally by non-invasive bioluminescence imaging. RESULTS NK cells from healthy donors upon activation with IL-2 and IL-15 kills indiscriminately both stem-like and differentiated tumor cells via stress ligand recognition. In addition to cell killing, NK cells shifted CSCs towards a more differentiated phenotype, rendering them more susceptible to cisplatin, highlighting the benefits of a possible combined therapy. On the contrary, NK cells from NMIBC patients displayed a low density on NK cytotoxicity receptors, adhesion molecules and a more immature phenotype, losing their ability to kill and drive differentiation of CSCs. The local administration, via the transurethral route, of activated NK cells from healthy donors provides an efficient tumor infiltration and a subsequent robust tumoricidal activity against bladder cancer with high selective cytolytic activity against CSCs, leading to a dramatic reduction in tumor burden from 80 % to complete remission. CONCLUSION Although pre-clinical, our results strongly suggest that an immunotherapeutic strategy using allogeneic activated NK cells from healthy donors is effective and should be exploited as a complementary therapeutic strategy in high-risk NMIBC patients to prevent tumor recurrence and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Ferreira-Teixeira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Paiva-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Belmiro Parada
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Urology and Renal Transplantation Department, Coimbra University Hospital Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vera Alves
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vitor Sousa
- Service of Anatomical Pathology, Coimbra University Hospital Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Anatomical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Obinna Chijioke
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Flávio Reis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Immunology and Oncology Laboratory, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia Gomes
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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98
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Intraepithelial ischemia is a principal factor promoting cancerization of the covering epithelial tissues. Med Hypotheses 2016; 94:154-60. [PMID: 27515223 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Prominent angiogenesis, which is a hallmark of invasive cancer is preceded at the precancerous stage by marked ischemia. Our hypothesis proposes a structural mechanism responsible for altering blood flow in the covering epithelium and leading to marked reduction of vascularization in the foci of dysplasia. This mechanism varies from one type of epithelium to another. In squamous epithelium only basal cells are in direct contact with stromal vessels. To supply nutrients to the rest of the cells located at different levels, the subjacent stroma forms excrescences which penetrate upward together with blood capillaries. As soon as precancerous dysplastic alterations start and progress the number of intraepithelial blood vessels simultaneously decreases, thus leading to ischemia which precedes or promotes malignization of the covering squamous epithelium. To compensate for the deficit in blood supply, the dysplastic cells penetrate deeper into the underlying stroma, commencing invasion. Thus, the cells destroy the subjacent stroma not because they are initially "malignant", but due to ischemia which provokes the search for nutrients. Comparing squamous epithelium with glandular respiratory epithelium shows that the latter contains no blood capillaries at all. However, unlike squamous epithelial coverings, in respiratory epithelial covering, each cell is attached directly to the basal membrane and has ample access to the blood supply. Covering respiratory epithelium itself seldom gives rise directly to malignant growth. Cancerization of this type of epithelium occurs in the foci of squamous metaplasia. The latter are not supplied by a sufficient amount of blood vessels and in the majority of cases remain fragile and vulnerable structures, easily prone to malignization. Further study of these phenomenon should include the clarification of the influence of carcinogenic agents on the mechanism of adequate vascularization at the precancerous stage.
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99
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Moving Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Thoracic Tumors beyond NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2016; 11:1819-1836. [PMID: 27288978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2016.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SCLC and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are historically characterized by a disappointing lack of significant therapeutic breakthroughs for novel agents, and both malignancies represent true unmet medical needs. Given the promising results of anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4 and anti-programmed cell death-1/programmed death ligand-1 antibodies in the treatment of advanced NSCLCs, these immune checkpoint inhibitors are now also under investigation in SCLC and MPM, as well as in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). Here, we review the biological and clinical rationale for immune checkpoint inhibition in SCLC, MPM, and TETs and present preliminary clinical results with available antibodies. Immunotherapeutic perspectives for these malignancies in terms of novel agents currently under evaluation or anticipated in the near future are also discussed. Current immune checkpoint blockers targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4 and the programmed cell death-1/programmed death ligand-1 axis, administered alone or in combination and as multimodality treatment, are likely to be a valuable addition to the therapeutic array for managing SCLC and MPM; studies in TETs, which are currently in their infancy, are merited. Close attention to potential toxicities will be important to the success of such strategies in these settings.
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100
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Janji B, Viry E, Moussay E, Paggetti J, Arakelian T, Mgrditchian T, Messai Y, Noman MZ, Van Moer K, Hasmim M, Mami-Chouaib F, Berchem G, Chouaib S. The multifaceted role of autophagy in tumor evasion from immune surveillance. Oncotarget 2016; 7:17591-607. [PMID: 26910842 PMCID: PMC4951235 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While autophagy is constitutively executed at basal level in all cells, it is activated in cancer cells in response to various microenvironmental stresses including hypoxia. It is now well established that autophagy can act both as tumor suppressor or tumor promoter. In this regard, several reports indicate that the tumor suppressor function of autophagy is associated with its ability to scavenge damaged oxidative organelles, thereby preventing the accumulation of toxic oxygen radicals and limiting the genome instability. Paradoxically, in developed tumors, autophagy can promote the survival of cancer cells and therefore operates as a cell resistance mechanism. The consensus appears to be that autophagy has a dual role in suppressing tumor initiation and in promoting the survival of established tumors. This has inspired significant interest in applying anti-autophagy therapies as an entirely new approach to cancer treatment. While much remains to be learned about the regulation and context-dependent biological role of autophagy, it is now well established that modulation of this process could be an attractive approach for the development of novel anticancer therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will summarize recent reports describing how tumor cells, by activating autophagy, manage to resist the immune cell attack. Data described in this review strongly argue that targeting autophagy may represent a conceptual realm for new immunotherapeutic strategies aiming to block the immune escape and therefore providing rational approach to future tumor immunotherapy design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassam Janji
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Elodie Viry
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Etienne Moussay
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Jérôme Paggetti
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Tsolère Arakelian
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Takouhie Mgrditchian
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Yosra Messai
- UMR 1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Muhammad Zaeem Noman
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- UMR 1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Kris Van Moer
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Meriem Hasmim
- UMR 1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Guy Berchem
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Department of Hemato-Oncology, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Salem Chouaib
- UMR 1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
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