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Sordo-Bahamonde C, Lorenzo-Herrero S, Payer ÁR, Gonzalez S, López-Soto A. Mechanisms of Apoptosis Resistance to NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103726. [PMID: 32466293 PMCID: PMC7279491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are major contributors to immunosurveillance and control of tumor development by inducing apoptosis of malignant cells. Among the main mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, the death receptor pathway and the release of granules containing perforin/granzymes stand out due to their efficacy in eliminating tumor cells. However, accumulated evidence suggest a profound immune suppression in the context of tumor progression affecting effector cells, such as NK cells, leading to decreased cytotoxicity. This diminished capability, together with the development of resistance to apoptosis by cancer cells, favor the loss of immunogenicity and promote immunosuppression, thus partially inducing NK cell-mediated killing resistance. Altered expression patterns of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins along with genetic background comprise the main mechanisms of resistance to NK cell-related apoptosis. Herein, we summarize the main effector cytotoxic mechanisms against tumor cells, as well as the major resistance strategies acquired by tumor cells that hamper the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways related to NK cell-mediated killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sordo-Bahamonde
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-B.); (A.L.-S.)
| | - Seila Lorenzo-Herrero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ángel R. Payer
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (S.L.-H.); (S.G.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-Soto
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.-B.); (A.L.-S.)
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102
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts: key determinants of tumor immunity and immunotherapy. Curr Opin Immunol 2020; 64:80-87. [PMID: 32402828 PMCID: PMC8228400 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Immune-targeted approaches are rapidly changing the therapeutic landscape for cancer. In spite of that, most patients show resistance or acquire resistance to these therapies. Increasing work describing the tumor microenvironment (TME) has highlighted this space as one of the key determinants in tumor immune response and immunotherapeutic success. Frequently overlooked within this space, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the TME have surfaced as an important dictator of the tumor immune response. Herein, we review recent advances in defining the role of CAF-immune cell interactions in solid tumors and prospects for targeting stroma to overcome resistance to immunotherapy.
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103
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McNerney KO, Karageorgos SA, Hogarty MD, Bassiri H. Enhancing Neuroblastoma Immunotherapies by Engaging iNKT and NK Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:873. [PMID: 32457760 PMCID: PMC7225357 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children and, in the high-risk group, has a 5-year mortality rate of ~50%. The high mortality rate and significant treatment-related morbidities associated with current standard of care therapies belie the critical need for more tolerable and effective treatments for this disease. While the monoclonal antibody dinutuximab has demonstrated the potential for immunotherapy to improve overall NB outcomes, the 5-year overall survival of high-risk patients has not yet substantially changed. The frequency and type of invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) and natural killer cells (NKs) has been associated with improved outcomes in several solid and liquid malignancies, including NB. Indeed, iNKTs and NKs inhibit tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), kill cancer stem cells (CSCs) and neuroblasts, and robustly secrete cytokines to recruit additional immune effectors. These capabilities, and promising pre-clinical and early clinical data suggest that iNKT- and NK-based therapies may hold promise as both stand-alone and combination treatments for NB. In this review we will summarize the biologic features of iNKTs and NKs that confer advantages for NB immunotherapy, discuss the barriers imposed by the NB tumor microenvironment, and examine the current state of such therapies in pre-clinical models and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O McNerney
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Spyridon A Karageorgos
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael D Hogarty
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hamid Bassiri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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104
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Piper M, Mueller AC, Karam SD. The interplay between cancer associated fibroblasts and immune cells in the context of radiation therapy. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:754-765. [PMID: 32363633 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are a key component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can serve as a scaffold for tumor cell migration and augment the tumor's ability to withstand harsh conditions. When activated by external or endogenous stimuli, normal fibroblasts become cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a heterogeneous group of stromal cells in the tumor that are phenotypically and epigenetically different from normal fibroblasts. Dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells, immune cells, and CAFs through chemokines and surface signaling makes the TME conducive to tumor growth. When activated, CAFs promote tumorigenesis and metastasis through several phenomena including regulation of tumor immunity, metabolic reprogramming of the TME, extracellular matrix remodeling and contraction, and induction of therapeutic resistance. Ionizing radiation (radiation theraphy [RT]) is a potent immunological stimulant that has been shown to increase cytotoxic Teff infiltration and IFN-I stimulated genes. RT, however, is unable to overcome the infiltration and activation of immunosuppressive cells which can contribute to tumor progression. Another paradox of RT is that, while very effective at killing cancer cells, it can contribute to the formation of CAFs. This review examines how the interplay between CAFs and immune cells during RT contributes to organ fibrosis, immunosuppression, and tumor growth. We focus on targeting mechanistic pathways of CAF formation as a potentially effective strategy not only for preventing organ fibrosis, but also in hampering tumor progression in response to RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Piper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Adam C Mueller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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105
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Arriga R, Caratelli S, Lanzilli G, Ottaviani A, Cenciarelli C, Sconocchia T, Spagnoli GC, Iezzi G, Roselli M, Lauro D, Coppola A, Dotti G, Ferrone S, Sconocchia G. CD16-158-valine chimeric receptor T cells overcome the resistance of KRAS-mutated colorectal carcinoma cells to cetuximab. Int J Cancer 2020; 146:2531-2538. [PMID: 31396956 PMCID: PMC8711772 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations hinder therapeutic efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific monoclonal antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab-based immunotherapy of EGFR+ cancers. Although cetuximab inhibits KRAS-mutated cancer cell growth in vitro by natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), KRAS-mutated colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells escape NK cell immunosurveillance in vivo. To overcome this limitation, we used cetuximab and panitumumab to redirect Fcγ chimeric receptor (CR) T cells against KRAS-mutated HCT116 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We compared four polymorphic Fcγ-CR constructs including CD16158F -CR, CD16158V -CR, CD32131H -CR, and CD32131R -CR transduced into T cells by retroviral vectors. Percentages of transduced T cells expressing CD32131H -CR (83.5 ± 9.5) and CD32131R -CR (77.7 ± 13.2) were significantly higher than those expressing with CD16158F -CR (30.3 ± 10.2) and CD16158V -CR (51.7 ± 13.7) (p < 0.003). CD32131R -CR T cells specifically bound soluble cetuximab and panitumumab. However, only CD16158V -CR T cells released high levels of interferon gamma (IFNγ = 1,145.5 pg/ml ±16.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα = 614 pg/ml ± 21 pg/ml, p < 0.001) upon incubation with cetuximab-opsonized HCT116 cells. Moreover, only CD16158V -CR T cells combined with cetuximab killed HCT116 cells and A549 KRAS-mutated cells in vitro. CD16158V -CR T cells also effectively controlled subcutaneous growth of HCT116 cells in CB17-SCID mice in vivo. Thus, CD16158V -CR T cells combined with cetuximab represent useful reagents to develop innovative EGFR+KRAS-mutated CRC immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Arriga
- Department of Systems Medicine, Endocrinology and Medical Oncology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Caratelli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Tommaso Sconocchia
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Chair of Immunology and Pathophysiology Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Giandomenica Iezzi
- Department of Surgery, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Mario Roselli
- Department of Systems Medicine, Endocrinology and Medical Oncology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Lauro
- Department of Systems Medicine, Endocrinology and Medical Oncology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Coppola
- Department of Systems Medicine, Endocrinology and Medical Oncology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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106
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Érsek B, Silló P, Cakir U, Molnár V, Bencsik A, Mayer B, Mezey E, Kárpáti S, Pós Z, Németh K. Melanoma-associated fibroblasts impair CD8+ T cell function and modify expression of immune checkpoint regulators via increased arginase activity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:661-673. [PMID: 32328671 PMCID: PMC7581550 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Abstract This study shows that melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) suppress cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity and reveals a pivotal role played by arginase in this phenomenon. MAFs and normal dermal fibroblasts (DFs) were isolated from surgically resected melanomas and identified as Melan-A-/gp100-/FAP+ cells. CTLs of healthy blood donors were activated in the presence of MAF- and DF-conditioned media (CM). Markers of successful CTL activation, cytotoxic degranulation, killing activity and immune checkpoint regulation were evaluated by flow cytometry, ELISPOT, and redirected killing assays. Soluble mediators responsible for MAF-mediated effects were identified by ELISA, flow cytometry, inhibitor assays, and knock-in experiments. In the presence of MAF-CM, activated/non-naïve CTLs displayed dysregulated ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling, impeded CD69 and granzyme B production, impaired killing activity, and upregulated expression of the negative immune checkpoint receptors TIGIT and BTLA. Compared to DFs, MAFs displayed increased amounts of VISTA and HVEM, a known ligand of BTLA on T cells, increased l-arginase activity and CXCL12 release. Transgenic arginase over-expression further increased, while selective arginase inhibition neutralized MAF-induced TIGIT and BTLA expression on CTLs. Our data indicate that MAF interfere with intracellular CTL signaling via soluble mediators leading to CTL anergy and modify immune checkpoint receptor availability via l-arginine depletion. Graphic abstract ![]()
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00018-020-03517-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Érsek
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, 4 Nagyvarad ter, VII/709, Budapest, 1089, Hungary.,Office for Research Groups Attached to Universities and Other Institutions of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1051, Hungary
| | - Pálma Silló
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
| | - Ugur Cakir
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
| | - Viktor Molnár
- Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - András Bencsik
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, 4 Nagyvarad ter, VII/709, Budapest, 1089, Hungary
| | - Balázs Mayer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
| | - Eva Mezey
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Sarolta Kárpáti
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Pós
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, 4 Nagyvarad ter, VII/709, Budapest, 1089, Hungary.
| | - Krisztián Németh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
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107
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Ansems M, Span PN. The tumor microenvironment and radiotherapy response; a central role for cancer-associated fibroblasts. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2020; 22:90-97. [PMID: 32337377 PMCID: PMC7177030 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth is not only dictated by events involving tumor cells, but also by the environment they reside in, the so-called tumor microenvironment (TME). In the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are often the predominant cell type. CAFs were long considered to be of limited importance in the TME, but are now recognized for their pivotal role in cancer progression. Recently, it has become evident that different subsets of CAFs exist, with certain CAF subtypes having protumorigenic properties, whereas others show more antitumorigenic characteristics. Currently, the intricate interaction between the different subsets of CAFs with tumor cells, but also with immune cells that reside in the TME, is still poorly understood. This crosstalk of CAFs with tumor and immune cells in the TME largely dictates how a tumor responds to therapy and whether the tumor will eventually be eliminated, stay dormant or will progress and metastasize. Radiotherapy (RT) is a widely used and mostly very effective local cancer treatment, but CAFs are remarkably RT resistant. Although radiation does cause persistent DNA damage, CAFs do not die upon clinically applied doses of RT, but rather become senescent. Through the secretion of cytokines and growth factors they have been implicated in the induction of tumor radioresistance and recruitment of specific immune cells to the TME, thereby affecting local immune responses. In this review we will discuss the versatile role of CAFs in the TME and their influence on RT response.
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108
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Mechanisms of Resistance to NK Cell Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040893. [PMID: 32272610 PMCID: PMC7226138 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has recently been a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells are suitable targets for immunotherapy owing to their potent cytotoxic activity that may target cancer cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and antigen-unrestricted manner. Current therapies targeting NK cells include monoclonal antibodies that promote NK cell antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the adoptive transfer of NK cells, the redirection of NK cells using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells and the use of cytokines and immunostimulatory drugs to boost the anti-tumor activity of NK cells. Despite some encouraging clinical results, patients receiving these therapies frequently develop resistance, and a myriad of mechanisms of resistance affecting both the immune system and cancer cells have been reported. A first contributing factor that modulates the efficacy of the NK cell therapy is the genetic profile of the individual, which regulates all aspects of NK cell biology. Additionally, the resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis and the immunoediting of cancer cells, a process that decreases their immunogenicity and promotes immunosuppression, are major determinants of the resistance to NK cell therapy. Consequently, the efficacy of NK cell anti-tumor therapy is specific to each patient and disease. The elucidation of such immunosubversive mechanisms is crucial to developing new procedures and therapeutic strategies to fully harness the anti-tumor potential of NK cells.
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109
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Cristiani CM, Garofalo C, Passacatini LC, Carbone E. New avenues for melanoma immunotherapy: Natural Killer cells? Scand J Immunol 2020; 91:e12861. [PMID: 31879979 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Human solid malignant tumours may be particularly resistant to conventional therapies. Among solid tumours, immunological features of cutaneous melanoma have been well characterized in the past and today melanoma patients are routinely treated with the anti-immune checkpoints immunotherapy that has completely changed metastatic melanoma treatment and prognosis. Two cytotoxic cell populations may lead to the physical elimination of tumour cell targets: cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Tumour recognition by CTLs depends on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, while NK cells recognize tumours expressing low or null levels of MHC class I molecules. Despite this well-established complementarity, NK cells are still left behind in the optimization of innovative immunotherapy approaches. NK cells are members of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that play a critical role in early host defence against invading pathogens and transformed cells. Recent findings suggest that NK cell frequencies directly correlate with the overall survival of ipilimumab-treated melanoma patients. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo evidences indicate that NK cells can selectively kill cancer stem cells, reducing tumour size and delaying metastatic progression. The aim of this review is to provide a survey of the evidences indicating NK cells as an excellent candidate to complement the newest solid tumour immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Maria Cristiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Garofalo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Passacatini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
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110
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Mhaidly R, Mechta-Grigoriou F. Fibroblast heterogeneity in tumor micro-environment: Role in immunosuppression and new therapies. Semin Immunol 2020; 48:101417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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111
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Damele L, Ottonello S, Mingari MC, Pietra G, Vitale C. Targeted Therapies: Friends or Foes for Patient's NK Cell-Mediated Tumor Immune-Surveillance? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040774. [PMID: 32218226 PMCID: PMC7226262 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 20 years there has been a huge increase in the number of novel drugs for cancer treatment. Most of them exploit their ability to target specific oncogenic mutations in the tumors (targeted therapies–TT), while others target the immune-checkpoint inhibitor molecules (ICI) or the epigenetic DNA modifications. Among them, TT are the longest established drugs exploited against a wide spectrum of both solid and hematological tumors, often with reasonable costs and good efficacy as compared to other innovative therapies (i.e., ICI). Although they have greatly improved the treatment of cancer patients and their survival, patients often relapse or develop drug-resistance, leading to the impossibility to eradicate the disease. The outcome of TT has been often correlated with their ability to affect not only tumor cells, but also the repertoire of immune cells and their ability to interact with cancer cells. Thus, the possibility to create novel synergies among drugs an immunotherapy prompted scientists and physicians to deeply characterize the effects of TT on immune cells both by in-vitro and by ex-vivo analyses. In this context, NK cells may represent a key issue, since they have been shown to exert a potent anti-tumor activity, both against hematological malignancies and solid tumors. In the present review we will discuss most recent ex-vivo analyses that clarify the effect of TT treatment on patient’s NK cells comparing them with clinical outcome and previous in-vitro data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Damele
- UO Immunologia IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.D.); (S.O.); (M.C.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Selene Ottonello
- UO Immunologia IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.D.); (S.O.); (M.C.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- UO Immunologia IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.D.); (S.O.); (M.C.M.); (G.P.)
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- UO Immunologia IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.D.); (S.O.); (M.C.M.); (G.P.)
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- UO Immunologia IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.D.); (S.O.); (M.C.M.); (G.P.)
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), Università degli Studi di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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112
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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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113
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Melaiu O, Lucarini V, Cifaldi L, Fruci D. Influence of the Tumor Microenvironment on NK Cell Function in Solid Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3038. [PMID: 32038612 PMCID: PMC6985149 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a population of innate lymphoid cells playing a pivotal role in host immune responses against infection and tumor growth. These cells have a powerful cytotoxic activity orchestrated by an intricate network of inhibitory and activating signals. The importance of NK cells in controlling tumor growth and in mediating a robust anti-metastatic effect has been demonstrated in different experimental mouse cancer models. Consistently, high density of tumor-infiltrating NK cells has been linked with a good prognosis in multiple human solid tumors. However, there are also tumors that appear to be refractory to NK cell-mediated killing for the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment affecting NK cell function. Immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at restoring and increasing the cytotoxic activity of NK cells in solid tumors, including the adoptive transfer of NK and CAR-NK cells, are currently employed in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we outline recent advances supporting the direct role of NK cells in controlling expansion of solid tumors and their prognostic value in human cancers. We summarize the mechanisms adopted by cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment to affect NK cell function, and finally we evaluate current strategies to augment the antitumor function of NK cells for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Melaiu
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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114
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Attenuated anti-tumor activity of NK-92 cells by invasive human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells. Mol Cell Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-019-00059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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115
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Bald T, Pedde AM, Corvino D, Böttcher JP. The role of NK cell as central communicators in cancer immunity. Adv Immunol 2020; 147:61-88. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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116
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Poggi A, Zocchi MR. Immunomodulatory Properties of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Still Unresolved "Yin and Yang". Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 14:344-350. [PMID: 30516112 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x14666181205115452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are mesodermal elements characterized by the ability to differentiate into several types of cells present mainly in connective tissues. They play a key function in tissue homeostasis and repair. Furthermore, they exert a strong effect on both innate and adaptive immune response. The main current of thought considers MSC as strong inhibitors of the immune system. Indeed, the first description of MSC immunomodulation pointed out their inability to induce alloimmune responses and their veto effects on mixed lymphocyte reactions. This inhibition appears to be mediated both by direct MSC interaction with immune cells and by soluble factors. Unfortunately, evidence to support this notion comes almost exclusively from in vitro experiments. In complex experimental systems, it has been shown that MSC can exert immunosuppressive effects also in vivo, either in murine models or in transplanted patients to avoid the graft versus host disease. However, it is still debated how the small number of administered MSC can regulate efficiently a large number of host effector lymphocytes. In addition, some reports in the literature indicate that MSC can trigger rather than inhibit lymphocyte activation when a very low number of MSC are co-cultured with lymphocytes. This would imply that the ratio between the number of MSC and immune cells is a key point to forecast whether MSC will inhibit or activate the immune system. Herein, we discuss the conflicting results reported on the immunomodulatory effects of MSC to define which features are relevant to understand their behavior and cross-talk with immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria R Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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117
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An Y, Liu F, Chen Y, Yang Q. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:13-24. [PMID: 31642585 PMCID: PMC6933413 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies have shown that cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in tumour progression, including carcinogenesis, invasion, metastasis and the chemoresistance of cancer cells. Immune cells, including macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and T cells, play a dual role in the tumour microenvironment. Although increasing research has focused on studying interactions between distinct cells in the tumour microenvironment, the complex relationships between CAFs and immune cells remain unclear and need further study. Here, we summarize our current understanding of crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells, which may help clarify their diagnostic and therapeutic value in tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan An
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Fengtian Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
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118
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Liu S, Dhar P, Wu JD. NK Cell Plasticity in Cancer. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8091492. [PMID: 31546818 PMCID: PMC6780970 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8091492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical immune components in controlling tumor growth and dissemination. Given their innate capacity to eliminate tumor cells without prior sensitization, NK-based therapies for cancer are actively pursued pre-clinically and clinically. However, recent data suggest that tumors could induce functional alterations in NK cells, polarizing them to tumor-promoting phenotypes. The potential functional plasticity of NK cells in the context of tumors could lead to undesirable outcomes of NK-cell based therapies. In this review, we will summarize to-date evidence of tumor-associated NK cell plasticity and provide our insights for future investigations and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhe Liu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Payal Dhar
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Jennifer D Wu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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119
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Shembrey C, Huntington ND, Hollande F. Impact of Tumor and Immunological Heterogeneity on the Anti-Cancer Immune Response. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1217. [PMID: 31438563 PMCID: PMC6770225 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumors are the primary cause of cancer-related mortality. In recent years, interest in the immunologic control of malignancy has helped establish escape from immunosurveillance as a critical requirement for incipient metastases. Our improved understanding of the immune system's interactions with cancer cells has led to major therapeutic advances but has also unraveled a previously unsuspected level of complexity. This review will discuss the vast spatial and functional heterogeneity in the tumor-infiltrating immune system, with particular focus on natural killer (NK) cells, as well as the impact of tumor cell-specific factors, such as secretome composition, receptor-ligand repertoire, and neoantigen diversity, which can further drive immunological heterogeneity. We emphasize how tumor and immunological heterogeneity may undermine the efficacy of T-cell directed immunotherapies and explore the potential of NK cells to be harnessed to circumvent these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Shembrey
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Frédéric Hollande
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
- Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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120
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Unraveling the crosstalk between melanoma and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:236-250. [PMID: 31404607 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is the most common skin cancer with an incidence that has been rapidly increasing in the past decades. Melanomas are among the most immunogenic tumors and, as such, have the greatest potential to respond favorably to immunotherapy. However, like many cancers, melanomas acquire various suppressive mechanisms, which generally act in concert, to escape innate and adaptive immune detection and destruction. Intense research into the cellular and molecular events associated with melanomagenesis, which ultimately lead to immune suppression, has resulted in the discovery of new therapeutic targets and synergistic combinations of immunotherapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy. Tremendous effort to determine efficacy of single and combination therapies in pre-clinical and clinical phase I-III trials has led to FDA-approval of several immunotherapeutic agents that could potentially be beneficial for aggressive, highly refractory, advanced and metastatic melanomas. The increasing availability of approved combination therapies for melanoma and more rapid assessment of patient tumors has increased the feasibility of personalized treatment to overcome patient and tumor heterogeneity and to achieve greater clinical benefit. Here, we review the evolution of the immune system during melanomagenesis, mechanisms exploited by melanoma to suppress anti-tumor immunity and methods that have been developed to restore immunity. We emphasize that an effective therapeutic strategy will require coordinate activation of tumor-specific immunity as well as increased recognition and accessibility of melanoma cells in primary tumors and distal metastases. This review integrates available knowledge on melanoma-specific immunity, molecular signaling pathways and molecular targeting strategies that could be utilized to envision therapeutics with broader application and greater efficacy for early stage and advanced metastatic melanoma.
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121
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Monteran L, Erez N. The Dark Side of Fibroblasts: Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts as Mediators of Immunosuppression in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1835. [PMID: 31428105 PMCID: PMC6688105 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 416] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are prominent components of the microenvironment in most types of solid tumors, and were shown to facilitate cancer progression by supporting tumor cell growth, extracellular matrix remodeling, promoting angiogenesis, and by mediating tumor-promoting inflammation. In addition to an inflammatory microenvironment, tumors are characterized by immune evasion and an immunosuppressive milieu. In recent years, CAFs are emerging as central players in immune regulation that shapes the tumor microenvironment. CAFs contribute to immune escape of tumors via multiple mechanisms, including secretion of multiple cytokines and chemokines and reciprocal interactions that mediate the recruitment and functional differentiation of innate and adaptive immune cells. Moreover, CAFs directly abrogate the function of cytotoxic lymphocytes, thus inhibiting killing of tumor cells. In this review, we focus on recent advancements in our understanding of how CAFs drive the recruitment and functional fate of tumor-infiltrating immune cells toward an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and provide outlook on future therapeutic implications that may lead to integration of preclinical findings into the design of novel combination strategies, aimed at impairing the tumor-supportive function of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Monteran
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Neta Erez
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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122
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Chandler C, Liu T, Buckanovich R, Coffman LG. The double edge sword of fibrosis in cancer. Transl Res 2019; 209:55-67. [PMID: 30871956 PMCID: PMC6545239 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibrosis is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) which significantly impacts cancer behavior. However, there is significant controversy regarding fibrosis as a predominantly tumor promoting or tumor suppressing factor. Cells essential to the generation of tissue fibrosis such as fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have dual phenotypes dependent upon their independence or association with cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer-associated MSCs have unique molecular profiles which facilitate cancer cell cross talk, influence extracellular matrix deposition, and direct the immune system to generate a protumorigenic environment. In contrast, normal tissue fibroblasts and MSCs are important in restraining cancer initiation, influencing epithelial cell differentiation, and limiting cancer cell invasion. We propose this apparent dichotomy of function is due to (1) cancer mediated stromal reprogramming; (2) tissue stromal source; (3) unique subtypes of fibrosis; and (4) the impact of fibrosis on other TME elements. First, as cancer progresses, tumor cells influence their surrounding stroma to move from a cancer restraining phenotype into a cancer supportive role. Second, cancer has specific organ tropism, thus stroma derived from preferred metastatic organs support growth while less preferred metastatic tissues do not. Third, there are subtypes of fibrosis which have unique function to support or inhibit cancer growth. Fourth, depleting fibrosis influences other TME components which drive the cancer response. Collectively, this review highlights the complexity of cancer-associated fibrosis and supports a dual function of fibrosis which evolves during the continuum of cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Chandler
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tianshi Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ronald Buckanovich
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Hematology Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lan G Coffman
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Division of Hematology Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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123
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Boesch M, Baty F, Rumpold H, Sopper S, Wolf D, Brutsche MH. Fibroblasts in cancer: Defining target structures for therapeutic intervention. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1872:111-121. [PMID: 31265878 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The functional importance of the tumor stroma for cancer growth and progression is increasingly recognized, but has not resulted in notable therapeutic developments yet. Within the mesenchymal tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts take the center stage and fuel tumor progression in various ways including malignant cell potentiation, immune regulation and fibrosis. However, recent studies have demonstrated pronounced heterogeneity of the fibroblastic tumor stroma, which comprises a plethora of individual cell subsets with varying phenotypes and functions, some of which suppress malignant growth through immune engagement or crosstalk with the tumor vasculature. This article summarizes the various levels at which the fibroblastic tumor stroma may impact cancer progression and highlights potential target structures for future therapeutic intervention(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Boesch
- Lung Center, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Florent Baty
- Lung Center, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Holger Rumpold
- Internal Medicine II (Medical Oncology, Hematology, Gastroenterology & Rheumatology), Academic Teaching Hospital Feldkirch, Carinagasse 47, 6807 Feldkirch, Austria
| | - Sieghart Sopper
- Internal Medicine V (Hematology & Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innrain 66, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Internal Medicine V (Hematology & Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Medical Clinic 3, Oncology, Hematology, Immunoncology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Bonn (UKB), Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin H Brutsche
- Lung Center, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland
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124
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Vitale M, Cantoni C, Della Chiesa M, Ferlazzo G, Carlomagno S, Pende D, Falco M, Pessino A, Muccio L, De Maria A, Marcenaro E, Moretta L, Sivori S. An Historical Overview: The Discovery of How NK Cells Can Kill Enemies, Recruit Defense Troops, and More. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1415. [PMID: 31316503 PMCID: PMC6611392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were originally defined as effector lymphocytes of innate immunity characterized by the unique ability of killing tumor and virally infected cells without any prior priming and expansion of specific clones. The "missing-self" theory, proposed by Klas Karre, the seminal discovery of the first prototypic HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors, and, later, of the Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs) by Alessandro Moretta, provided the bases to understand the puzzling behavior of NK cells. Actually, those discoveries proved crucial also for many of the achievements that, along the years, have contributed to the modern view of these cells. Indeed, NK cells, besides killing susceptible targets, are now known to functionally interact with different immune cells, sense pathogens using TLR, adapt their responses to the local environment, and, even, mount a sort of immunological memory. In this review, we will specifically focus on the main activating NK receptors and on their crucial role in the ever-increasing number of functions assigned to NK cells and other innate lymphoid cells (ILCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Vitale
- U.O.C. Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- U.O.C. Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annamaria Pessino
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Letizia Muccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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125
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Park A, Yang Y, Lee Y, Kim MS, Park YJ, Jung H, Kim TD, Lee HG, Choi I, Yoon SR. Indoleamine-2,3-Dioxygenase in Thyroid Cancer Cells Suppresses Natural Killer Cell Function by Inhibiting NKG2D and NKp46 Expression via STAT Signaling Pathways. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8060842. [PMID: 31212870 PMCID: PMC6617210 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8060842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are key players in the immune system. They use receptors on their cell surface to identify target cells. However, to escape being killed by the immune system, cancer cells such as thyroid cancer cells, use various methods to suppress the function of NK cells. Thus, this study aims to elucidate how thyroid cancer cells downregulate NK cell function in a co-culture system. We found that thyroid cancer cells suppress NK cell cytotoxicity and inhibit the expression of activating receptors, such as NKG2D and NKp46, by regulating indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Also, thyroid cancer cells produce kynurenine using IDO, which causes NK cell dysfunction. Kynurenine enters NK cells via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) on the surfaces of the NK cells, which decreases NK cell function and NK receptor expression via the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 and STAT3 pathways. In addition, STAT1 and STAT3 directly regulated the expression of NKG2D and NKp46 receptors by binding to the promoter region. Conclusively, NK cell function may be impaired in thyroid cancer patients by IDO-induced kynurenine production. This implies that IDO can be used as a target for thyroid cancer therapeutics aiming at improving NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arum Park
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea.
| | - Yunjeong Yang
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.
| | - Yunhee Lee
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.
| | - Mi Sun Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
| | - Young-Jun Park
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea.
| | - Haiyoung Jung
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea.
| | - Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea.
| | - Hee Gu Lee
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea.
| | - Inpyo Choi
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea.
| | - Suk Ran Yoon
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea.
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126
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Rotolo R, Leuci V, Donini C, Cykowska A, Gammaitoni L, Medico G, Valabrega G, Aglietta M, Sangiolo D. CAR-Based Strategies beyond T Lymphocytes: Integrative Opportunities for Cancer Adoptive Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112839. [PMID: 31212634 PMCID: PMC6600566 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T lymphocytes (CAR Ts) produced impressive clinical results against selected hematological malignancies, but the extension of CAR T cell therapy to the challenging field of solid tumors has not, so far, replicated similar clinical outcomes. Many efforts are currently dedicated to improve the efficacy and safety of CAR-based adoptive immunotherapies, including application against solid tumors. A promising approach is CAR engineering of immune effectors different from αβT lymphocytes. Herein we reviewed biological features, therapeutic potential, and safety of alternative effectors to conventional CAR T cells: γδT, natural killer (NK), NKT, or cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells. The intrinsic CAR-independent antitumor activities, safety profile, and ex vivo expansibility of these alternative immune effectors may favorably contribute to the clinical development of CAR strategies. The proper biological features of innate immune response effectors may represent an added value in tumor settings with heterogeneous CAR target expression, limiting the risk of tumor clonal escape. All these properties bring out CAR engineering of alternative immune effectors as a promising integrative option to be explored in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Rotolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
| | - Valeria Leuci
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo TO, Italy.
| | - Chiara Donini
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
| | - Anna Cykowska
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
| | | | - Giovanni Medico
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Valabrega
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo TO, Italy.
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo TO, Italy.
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo TO, Italy.
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Gorchs L, Fernández Moro C, Bankhead P, Kern KP, Sadeak I, Meng Q, Rangelova E, Kaipe H. Human Pancreatic Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts Promote Expression of Co-inhibitory Markers on CD4 + and CD8 + T-Cells. Front Immunol 2019. [PMID: 31068935 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00847.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carcinoma-associated pancreatic fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major type of cells in the stroma of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and besides their pathological release of extracellular matrix proteins, they are also perceived as key contributors to immune evasion. Despite the known relevance of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in cancers, the interactions between T-cells and CAFs remain largely unexplored. Here, we found that CAFs isolated from tumors of pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgical resection (n = 15) expressed higher levels of the PD-1 ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 compared to primary skin fibroblasts from healthy donors. CAFs strongly inhibited T-cell proliferation in a contact-independent fashion. Blocking the activity of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by indomethacin partially restored the proliferative capacity of both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. After stimulation, the proportion of proliferating T-cells expressing HLA-DR and the proportion of memory T-cells were decreased when CAFs were present compared to T-cells proliferating in the absence of CAFs. Interestingly, CAFs promoted the expression of TIM-3, PD-1, CTLA-4 and LAG-3 in proliferating T-cells. Immunohistochemistry stainings further showed that T-cells residing within the desmoplastic stromal compartment express PD-1, indicating a role for CAFs on co-inhibitory marker expression also in vivo. We further found that PGE2 promoted the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 on T-cells. Functional assays showed that proliferating T-cells expressing immune checkpoints produced less IFN-γ, TNF-α, and CD107a after restimulation when CAFs had been present. Thus, this indicates that CAFs induce expression of immune checkpoints on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, which contribute to a diminished immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gorchs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Bankhead
- Division of Pathology, Centre for Genomic & Experimental Medicine, Western General Hospital, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina P Kern
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Imrul Sadeak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qingda Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Rangelova
- Department of CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Center for Digestive Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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128
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Characterization of circulating T-, NK-, and NKT cell subsets in patients with colorectal cancer: the peripheral blood immune cell profile. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1011-1024. [PMID: 31053876 PMCID: PMC6529387 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02343-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective As the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) are known to be affected by the immune system, cell subsets such as T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cells are considered interesting targets for immunotherapy and clinical biomarker research. Until now, the role of systemic immune profiles in tumor progression remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to characterize the immunophenotype of circulating T cells, NK cells, and NKT-like cells in patients with CRC, and to subsequently correlate these immunophenotypes to clinical follow-up data. Methods Using multiparameter flow cytometry, the subset distribution and immunophenotype of T cells (CD3+CD56−), CD56dim NK cells (CD3−CD56dim), CD56bright NK cells (CD3−CD56bright), and NKT-like (CD3+CD56+) cells were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from 71 CRC patients and 19 healthy donors. Results CRC patients showed profound differences in immune cell subset distribution and their immunophenotype compared to healthy donors, as characterized by increased percentage of regulatory T cells, and reduced expression level of the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp44 and NKp46 on both CD56dim NK cells and NKT-like cells. Finally, we showed in a multivariate analysis that above-median percentage of CD16+ NKT-like cells was independently associated with shorter disease-free survival in CRC patients. Conclusion The altered phenotype of circulating immune cell subsets in CRC and its association with clinical outcome highlight the potential use of PBMC subsets as prognostic biomarkers in CRC, thereby contributing to better insight into the role of systemic immune profiles in tumor progression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00262-019-02343-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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129
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Gorchs L, Fernández Moro C, Bankhead P, Kern KP, Sadeak I, Meng Q, Rangelova E, Kaipe H. Human Pancreatic Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts Promote Expression of Co-inhibitory Markers on CD4 + and CD8 + T-Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:847. [PMID: 31068935 PMCID: PMC6491453 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Carcinoma-associated pancreatic fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major type of cells in the stroma of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and besides their pathological release of extracellular matrix proteins, they are also perceived as key contributors to immune evasion. Despite the known relevance of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in cancers, the interactions between T-cells and CAFs remain largely unexplored. Here, we found that CAFs isolated from tumors of pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgical resection (n = 15) expressed higher levels of the PD-1 ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 compared to primary skin fibroblasts from healthy donors. CAFs strongly inhibited T-cell proliferation in a contact-independent fashion. Blocking the activity of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by indomethacin partially restored the proliferative capacity of both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. After stimulation, the proportion of proliferating T-cells expressing HLA-DR and the proportion of memory T-cells were decreased when CAFs were present compared to T-cells proliferating in the absence of CAFs. Interestingly, CAFs promoted the expression of TIM-3, PD-1, CTLA-4 and LAG-3 in proliferating T-cells. Immunohistochemistry stainings further showed that T-cells residing within the desmoplastic stromal compartment express PD-1, indicating a role for CAFs on co-inhibitory marker expression also in vivo. We further found that PGE2 promoted the expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 on T-cells. Functional assays showed that proliferating T-cells expressing immune checkpoints produced less IFN-γ, TNF-α, and CD107a after restimulation when CAFs had been present. Thus, this indicates that CAFs induce expression of immune checkpoints on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, which contribute to a diminished immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gorchs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Bankhead
- Division of Pathology, Centre for Genomic & Experimental Medicine, Western General Hospital, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina P. Kern
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Imrul Sadeak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qingda Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Rangelova
- Department of CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Center for Digestive Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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130
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Parodi M, Favoreel H, Candiano G, Gaggero S, Sivori S, Mingari MC, Moretta L, Vitale M, Cantoni C. NKp44-NKp44 Ligand Interactions in the Regulation of Natural Killer Cells and Other Innate Lymphoid Cells in Humans. Front Immunol 2019; 10:719. [PMID: 31024551 PMCID: PMC6465645 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are potent cytotoxic cells belonging to the family of Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs). Their most characterized effector functions are directed to the control of aberrant cells in the body, including both transformed and virus-infected cells. NK cell-mediated recognition of abnormal cells primarily occurs through receptor-ligand interactions, involving an array of inhibitory and activating NK receptors and different types of ligands expressed on target cells. While most of the receptors have become known over many years, their respective ligands were only defined later and their impressive complexity has only recently become evident. NKp44, a member of Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs), is an activating receptor playing a crucial role in most functions exerted by activated NK cells and also by other NKp44+ immune cells. The large and heterogeneous panel of NKp44 ligands (NKp44L) now includes surface expressed glycoproteins and proteoglycans, nuclear proteins that can be exposed outside the cell, and molecules that can be either released in the extracellular space or carried in extracellular vesicles. Recent findings have extended our knowledge on the nature of NKp44L to soluble plasma glycoproteins, such as secreted growth factors or extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived glycoproteins. NKp44L are induced upon tumor transformation or viral infection but may also be expressed in normal cells and tissues. In addition, NKp44-NKp44L interactions are involved in the crosstalk between NK cells and different innate and adaptive immune cell types. NKp44 expression in different ILCs located in tissues further extends the potential role of NKp44-NKp44L interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parodi
- Immunology Operative Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Herman Favoreel
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Gaggero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Immunology Operative Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- Immunology Operative Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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131
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Natural Killer Cells as Key Players of Tumor Progression and Angiogenesis: Old and Novel Tools to Divert Their Pro-Tumor Activities into Potent Anti-Tumor Effects. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040461. [PMID: 30939820 PMCID: PMC6521276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells, as a consequence of their plasticity, can acquire altered phenotype/functions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Some of these aberrant functions include attenuation of targeting and killing of tumor cells, tolerogenic/immunosuppressive behavior and acquisition of pro-angiogenic activities. Natural killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes involved in tumor immunosurveillance. In solid malignancies, tumor-associated NK cells (TANK cells) in peripheral blood and tumor-infiltrating NK (TINK) cells show altered phenotypes and are characterized by either anergy or reduced cytotoxicity. Here, we aim at discussing how NK cells can support tumor progression and how induction of angiogenesis, due to TME stimuli, can be a relevant part on the NK cell-associated tumor supporting activities. We will review and discuss the contribution of the TME in shaping NK cell response favoring cancer progression. We will focus on TME-derived set of factors such as TGF-β, soluble HLA-G, prostaglandin E2, adenosine, extracellular vesicles, and miRNAs, which can exhibit a dual function. On one hand, these factors can suppress NK cell-mediated activities but, on the other hand, they can induce a pro-angiogenic polarization in NK cells. Also, we will analyze the impact on cancer progression of the interaction of NK cells with several TME-associated cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Then, we will discuss the most relevant therapeutic approaches aimed at potentiating/restoring NK cell activities against tumors. Finally, supported by the literature revision and our new findings on NK cell pro-angiogenic activities, we uphold NK cells to a key host cellular paradigm in controlling tumor progression and angiogenesis; thus, we should bear in mind NK cells like a TME-associated target for anti-tumor therapeutic approaches.
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132
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Kim N, Lee HH, Lee HJ, Choi WS, Lee J, Kim HS. Natural killer cells as a promising therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. Arch Pharm Res 2019; 42:591-606. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-019-01143-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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133
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CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway orchestrates CSC-like properties by CAF recruited tumor associated macrophage in OSCC. Exp Cell Res 2019; 378:131-138. [PMID: 30857971 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM), a crucial component of immune cell infiltrated in tumor microenvironment, is associated with progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, it is still unclear how TAM is induced/accumulated and activated around/in OSCC. In the study herein, we tried to understand how TAM accumulates and activates in the OSCC and how TAM promotes OSCC to convert cancer stem cell (CSC). In this study, first important finding was that the M2 macrophages significantly increased in all twenty human OSCC samples in vivo. Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived CXCL12 effectively attracted monocytes, which displayed M2 macrophage phenotype. Blocking CXCL12 receptor (CXCR4) significantly reduced chemotaxis of M2 macrophage. Polarized M2 macrophage promoted CSC-like transition in OSCC cell line, Cal27 cells. These CSC-like cells significantly expressed higher Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog genes, were stronger positive for CD44 and CD105, increased cell proliferation with less apoptosis, enhanced cell migration, and were resistant to chemotherapy drug, vineristine. These results indicate that CAF effectively attracts monocytes via the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway and induces their differentiation to M2 macrophages. Interestingly, these polarized M2 macrophages promote formation of CSC-like cells from the OSCC lead to enhance OSCC proliferation with less apoptosis. Therefore, our findings have potential to lead to novel therapy for the OSCC to target CXCL12-mediated TAM recruitment.
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134
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Yang C, Cheng H, Zhang Y, Fan K, Luo G, Fan Z, Huang Q, Lu Y, Jin K, Wang Z, Yu X, Liu C. Anergic natural killer cells educated by tumor cells are associated with a poor prognosis in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1815-1823. [PMID: 30167864 PMCID: PMC11028138 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2235-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Natural killer cells (NK) are often believed to play a positive role in the antitumor immune response. However, this is not the case for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. This study was performed to determine the unique subtype of "educated" NK cells and their prognostic value in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. METHODS We divided 378 eligible patients into a derivation cohort (September 2010 to December 2014, n = 239) and a validation cohort (January 2015 to April 2016, n = 139). Flow cytometry was performed to analyze NK cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model were used. RESULTS Survival analysis showed that a high density of NK cells accompanied by a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was associated with reduced overall survival in both the derivation and validation cohorts. Multivariable analysis also showed that high NK infiltration (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.79, p = 0.001) was an independent prognostic factor. In these patients, high NK infiltration was associated with reduced levels of IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α, although only IFN-γ reached statistical significance, which accounted for this unique phenomenon. DISCUSSION Natural killer cells in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer are a unique subtype with anergic features. A high density of NKs predicts poor survival in these patients, possibly because an active inflammatory response and reduced secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α inhibit NK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - He Cheng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyin Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Fan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Guopei Luo
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyao Fan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyi Huang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaizhou Jin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengshi Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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135
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Vacca P, Munari E, Tumino N, Moretta F, Pietra G, Vitale M, Del Zotto G, Mariotti FR, Mingari MC, Moretta L. Human natural killer cells and other innate lymphoid cells in cancer: Friends or foes? Immunol Lett 2018; 201:14-19. [PMID: 30439479 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) including NK cells (cytotoxic) and the recently identified "helper" ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3, play an important role in innate defenses against pathogens. Notably, they mirror analogous T cell subsets, regarding the pattern of cytokine produced, while the timing of their intervention is few hours vs days required for T cell-mediated adaptive responses. On the other hand, the effectiveness of ILC in anti-tumor defenses is controversial. The relevance of NK cells in the control of tumor growth and metastasis has been well documented and they have been exploited in the therapy of high risk leukemia in the haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting. In contrast, the actual involvement of helper ILCs remains contradictory. Thus, while certain functional capabilities of ILC1 and ILC3 may favor anti-tumor responses, other functions could rather favor tumor growth, neo-angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. In addition, ILC2, by secreting type-2 cytokines, are thought to induce a prevalent pro-tumorigenic effect. Finally, the function of both NK cells and helper ILCs may be inhibited by the tumor microenvironment, thus adding further complexity to the interplay between ILC and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Vacca
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Department of Pathology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, VR, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Moretta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024, Negrar, VR, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- UOC Immunologia, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Exellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UOC Immunologia, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Genny Del Zotto
- Department of Research and Diagnostics, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- UOC Immunologia, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Exellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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136
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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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137
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Park A, Lee Y, Kim MS, Kang YJ, Park YJ, Jung H, Kim TD, Lee HG, Choi I, Yoon SR. Prostaglandin E2 Secreted by Thyroid Cancer Cells Contributes to Immune Escape Through the Suppression of Natural Killer (NK) Cell Cytotoxicity and NK Cell Differentiation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1859. [PMID: 30140269 PMCID: PMC6094168 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in immune surveillance. However, the tumor microenvironment suppresses NK cell function and allows cancer cells to evade immune detection. In this study, we investigated whether the thyroid cancer cell microenvironment has this effect on NK cells. We found that prostaglandin (PG) E2 produced by thyroid cancer cells suppressed the cytolytic activity of NK cells by inhibiting the expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp44 and NKp30 and the death receptor tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. PGE2 and cyclooxygenase-2 were highly expressed in thyroid cancer cells; moreover, anaplastic thyroid cancer cells released higher amounts of PGE2 than the papillary subtype, which was associated with suppression of NK cell-inducing nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways via PGE2 receptor (EP) 2 and EP4 expressed on the NK cell surface. In addition, PGE2 inhibited the functional maturation of NK cells and reduced their cytotoxicity against target cells. These results indicate that PGE2 promotes thyroid cancer progression by inhibiting NK cell maturation and cytotoxicity. Thus, therapeutic strategies that target PGE2 in thyroid cancer could potentiate the immune response and improve patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arum Park
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yunhee Lee
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Mi Sun Kim
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Young Ju Kang
- New Drug Development Center, OSONG Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju-si, South Korea
| | - Young-Jun Park
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Haiyoung Jung
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hee Gu Lee
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Inpyo Choi
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Suk Ran Yoon
- Immunotherapy Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
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138
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Costa D, Venè R, Benelli R, Romairone E, Scabini S, Catellani S, Rebesco B, Mastracci L, Grillo F, Minghelli S, Loiacono F, Zocchi MR, Poggi A. Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Can Counteract the Inhibition of Natural Killer Cell Function Exerted by Colorectal Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1150. [PMID: 29910806 PMCID: PMC5992415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) present in the tumor microenvironment [usually named tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAF)] can exert immunosuppressive effects on T and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes, favoring tumor immune escape. We have analyzed this mechanism in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and found that co-culture of NK cells with TAF can prevent the IL-2-mediated NKG2D upregulation. This leads to the impairment of NKG2D-mediated recognition of CRC cells, sparing the NK cell activation through DNAM1 or FcγRIIIA (CD16). In situ, TAF express detectable levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); thus, the therapeutic anti-EGFR humanized antibody cetuximab can trigger the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of TAF, through the engagement of FcγRIIIA on NK cells. Importantly, in the tumor, we found a lymphoid infiltrate containing NKp46+CD3- NK cells, enriched in CD16+ cells. This population, sorted and cultured with IL-2, could be triggered via CD16 and via NKG2D. Of note, ex vivo NKp46+CD3- cells were able to kill autologous TAF; in vivo, this might represent a control mechanism to reduce TAF-mediated regulatory effect on NK cell function. Altogether, these findings suggest that MSC from the neoplastic mucosa (TAF) of CRC patients can downregulate the immune cell recognition of CRC tumor cells. This immunosuppression can be relieved by the anti-EGFR antibody used in CRC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfina Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Venè
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Benelli
- Immunology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Scabini
- Oncological Surgery, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Catellani
- Clinical Hematology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Rebesco
- Antiblastic Drug Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Unit of Pathology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Unit of Pathology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Minghelli
- Clinical and Experimental Immunology Laboratory, Ospedale G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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139
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts induce PDL1+ neutrophils through the IL6-STAT3 pathway that foster immune suppression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:422. [PMID: 29556041 PMCID: PMC5859264 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0458-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicate that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) affect tumor progression by reshaping the tumor microenvironment. Neutrophils are prominent components of solid tumors and important in cancer progression. Whether the phenotype and function of neutrophils in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are influenced by CAFs is not well understood. Herein, we investigated the effect of HCC-derived CAFs (HCC-CAFs) on the neutrophils and explored the biological role of this effect. We found that HCC-CAFs induced chemotaxis of neutrophils and protected them from spontaneous apoptosis. Neutrophils were activated by the conditioned medium from HCC-CAFs with increased expression of CD66b, PDL1, IL8, TNFa, and CCL2, and with decreased expression of CD62L. HCC-CAF-primed neutrophils impaired T-cell function through the PD1/PDL1 signaling pathway. We revealed that HCC-CAFs induced the activation of STAT3 pathways in neutrophils, which are essential for the survival and function of activated neutrophils. In addition, we demonstrated that HCC-CAF-derived IL6 was responsible for the STAT3 activation of neutrophils. Collectively, our results suggest that HCC-CAFs regulate the survival, activation, and function of neutrophils within HCC through an IL6-STAT3-PDL1 signaling cascade, which presents a novel mechanism for the role of CAFs in remodeling the cancer niche and provides a potential target for HCC therapy.
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140
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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: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [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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141
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Takahashi H, Sakakura K, Kudo T, Toyoda M, Kaira K, Oyama T, Chikamatsu K. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote an immunosuppressive microenvironment through the induction and accumulation of protumoral macrophages. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8633-8647. [PMID: 28052009 PMCID: PMC5352428 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) closely interact with tumor cells and affect tumor cell behavior in diverse manners. We herein investigated the mechanisms by which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) affect the functional polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in vitro and in human cancer samples. The expression of CD68, CD14, CD163, CD200R, CD206, HLA-G, CD80, and CD86 was higher in CD14-positive cells co-cultured with the culture supernatants of CAFs established from OSCC specimens (CAF-educated cells) than in control cells. The gene expression level of ARG1, IL10, and TGFB1 was increased in CAF-educated cells. CAF-educated cells suppressed T cell proliferation more strongly than control cells, and the neutralization of TGF-β IL-10, or arginase I significantly restored T cell proliferation. We then investigated the relationship between the infiltration of CAFs and TAMs using tissue samples obtained from patients with OSCC. The infiltration of CAFs was associated with the numbers of CD68-positive and CD163-positive macrophages. It also correlated with lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, lymph node involvement, and the TNM stage. The infiltration of CAFs was identified as an independent prognostic factor in OSCC. Our results indicate that CAFs play important roles in shaping the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment in OSCC by inducing the protumoral phenotype of TAMs. Therapeutic strategies to reverse CAF-mediated immunosuppression need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Takahashi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Koichi Sakakura
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kudo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Minoru Toyoda
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Kaira
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Oyama
- Department of Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chikamatsu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
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142
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Poggi A, Varesano S, Zocchi MR. How to Hit Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Make the Tumor Microenvironment Immunostimulant Rather Than Immunosuppressive. Front Immunol 2018; 9:262. [PMID: 29515580 PMCID: PMC5825917 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence indicates that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may regulate tumor microenvironment (TME). It is conceivable that the interaction with MSC can influence neoplastic cell functional behavior, remodeling TME and generating a tumor cell niche that supports tissue neovascularization, tumor invasion and metastasization. In addition, MSC can release transforming growth factor-beta that is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of carcinoma cells; this transition is essential to give rise to aggressive tumor cells and favor cancer progression. Also, MSC can both affect the anti-tumor immune response and limit drug availability surrounding tumor cells, thus creating a sort of barrier. This mechanism, in principle, should limit tumor expansion but, on the contrary, often leads to the impairment of the immune system-mediated recognition of tumor cells. Furthermore, the cross-talk between MSC and anti-tumor lymphocytes of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system strongly drives TME to become immunosuppressive. Indeed, MSC can trigger the generation of several types of regulatory cells which block immune response and eventually impair the elimination of tumor cells. Based on these considerations, it should be possible to favor the anti-tumor immune response acting on TME. First, we will review the molecular mechanisms involved in MSC-mediated regulation of immune response. Second, we will focus on the experimental data supporting that it is possible to convert TME from immunosuppressive to immunostimulant, specifically targeting MSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Varesano
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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143
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Cifaldi L, Locatelli F, Marasco E, Moretta L, Pistoia V. Boosting Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy with Anticancer Drugs: a Perspective. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:1156-1175. [PMID: 29133133 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells efficiently recognize and kill tumor cells through several mechanisms including the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors on target cells. Different clinical trials indicate that NK cell-based immunotherapy represents a promising antitumor treatment. However, tumors develop immune-evasion strategies, including downregulation of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors, that can negatively affect antitumor activity of NK cells, which either reside endogenously, or are adoptively transferred. Thus, restoration of the expression of NK cell-activating ligands on tumor cells represents a strategic therapeutic goal. As discussed here, various anticancer drugs can fulfill this task via different mechanisms. We envision that the combination of selected chemotherapeutic agents with NK cell adoptive transfer may represent a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emiliano Marasco
- Department of Rheumatology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Research Area, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Pistoia
- Immunology Research Area, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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144
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Xi KX, Wen YS, Zhu CM, Yu XY, Qin RQ, Zhang XW, Lin YB, Rong TH, Wang WD, Chen YQ, Zhang LJ. Tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after lung resection is a prognostic factor for survival. J Thorac Dis 2017; 9:4017-4026. [PMID: 29268412 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2017.09.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background In recent years, the tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) has been considered to a new and independent predictive variable for the prognosis of some kinds of neoplasms. The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of the TSR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A cohort of 261 NSCLC patients who underwent radical surgery of lung cancer were included in the present study. Two independent observers visually estimated the TSR on hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stained tissue pathological slices. According to the proportion of stroma ≥50% or <50%, We separate the patients into two groups: those with stroma-poor and those with stroma-rich tumors. Results Both univariate and multivariate analyses disclosed that the TSR was associated with overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR), 1.741; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.040-2.913 and HR, 1.904; 95% CI, 1.132-3.202, respectively]. The HR values for disease-free survival (DFS) were 1.795 (95% CI, 1.073-3.005) and 2.034 (95% CI, 1.210-3.420). The OS and DFS of patients with stroma-poor tumors were better than those with stroma-rich tumors. Conclusions These results demonstrated that the TSR is a new prognostic factor for NSCLC. Stroma-poor tumors were associated with longer disease-free period and better prognosis than were stroma-rich tumors in NSCLC patients. The TSR may contribute to the development of individualized treatment for NSCLC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Xing Xi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ying-Sheng Wen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chong-Mei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Rong-Qing Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital Of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Xue-Wen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yong-Bin Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Tie-Hua Rong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei-Dong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Lan-Jun Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
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145
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Paul S, Lal G. The Molecular Mechanism of Natural Killer Cells Function and Its Importance in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1124. [PMID: 28955340 PMCID: PMC5601256 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 458] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that show strong cytolytic function against physiologically stressed cells such as tumor cells and virus-infected cells. NK cells show a broad array of tissue distribution and phenotypic variability. NK cells express several activating and inhibitory receptors that recognize the altered expression of proteins on target cells and control the cytolytic function. NK cells have been used in several clinical trials to control tumor growth. However, the results are encouraging only in hematological malignancies but not very promising in solid tumors. Increasing evidence suggests that tumor microenvironment regulate the phenotype and function of NK cells. In this review, we discussed the NK cell phenotypes and its effector function and impact of the tumor microenvironment on effector and cytolytic function of NK cells. We also summarized various NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies used in the past and the possibilities to improve the function of NK cell for the better clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Paul
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
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146
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that recognize tumor cells or stressed cells through 'missing-self' signals, such as altered or absent expression of MHC class I molecules. The function of NK cells is regulated by the activation or inhibition of receptors present on their surface. The activation of NK cells results in cytotoxic activity on target cells through release of toxic granules and inflammatory cytokines. However, NK cells infiltrating tumors have been frequently shown to exhibit a skewed phenotype that includes decreased antitumor activity and enhanced protumor activities, such as angiogenesis and metastasis. In fact, many studies have reported that tumor microenvironments induce a protumor phenotype in NK cells. Here, we review the biological properties of NK cells in the context of tumorigenesis and tumor progression, with a specific focus on the interactions between NK cells and critical tumor microenvironments, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, matrix metalloproteinases, and tumor-associated chronic inflammation in tumor metastasis.
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147
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Ziani L, Safta-Saadoun TB, Gourbeix J, Cavalcanti A, Robert C, Favre G, Chouaib S, Thiery J. Melanoma-associated fibroblasts decrease tumor cell susceptibility to NK cell-mediated killing through matrix-metalloproteinases secretion. Oncotarget 2017; 8:19780-19794. [PMID: 28423623 PMCID: PMC5386721 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a central role in the complex process of tumor-stroma interaction and promote tumor growth. Emerging evidences also suggest that these fibroblasts are involved in the alteration of the anti-tumor immune response by impacting several immune cell populations, especially through their secretion of pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment. However, the underlying immuno-modulating mechanisms triggered by these fibroblasts are still only partially defined. In this study, we provide evidence that melanoma-associated fibroblasts decrease the susceptibility of melanoma tumor cells to NK-mediated lysis through the secretion of active matrix metalloproteinases. This secretion reduces the expression of the two NKG2D ligands, MICA/B, at the surface of tumor cells and consequently decreases the NKG2D-dependent cytotoxic activity of NK cells against melanoma tumor cells. Together, our data demonstrate that the modification of tumor cell susceptibility to killer cells is an important determinant of the anti-tumor immune response alteration triggered by CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ziani
- INSERM, UMR 1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Thouraya Ben Safta-Saadoun
- INSERM, UMR 1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Johanne Gourbeix
- INSERM, UMR 1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Andrea Cavalcanti
- Department of General Surgery, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Caroline Robert
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,INSERM, UMR 981, Villejuif, France.,Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM, UMR 1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM, UMR 1186, Villejuif, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,University Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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148
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Abstract
Natural killer cells are important effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system, playing critical roles in antitumor and anti-infection host defense. Tumor progression or chronic infections, however, usually leads to exhaustion of NK cells, thus limiting the antitumor/infection potential of NK cells. In many tumors or chronic infections, multiple mechanisms might contribute to the exhaustion of NK cells, such as dysregulated NK cell receptors signaling, as well as suppressive effects by regulatory cells or soluble factors within the microenvironment. Better understanding of the characteristics, as well as the underlying mechanisms of NK cell exhaustion, not only should increase our understanding of the basic biology of NK cells but also could reveal novel NK cell-based antitumor/infection targets. Here, we provide an overview of our current knowledge on NK cell exhaustion in tumors, and in chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Bi
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease of Chinese Academy of Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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149
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Aurello P, Berardi G, Giulitti D, Palumbo A, Tierno SM, Nigri G, D'Angelo F, Pilozzi E, Ramacciato G. Tumor-Stroma Ratio is an independent predictor for overall survival and disease free survival in gastric cancer patients. Surgeon 2017. [PMID: 28629870 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2017.05.007] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite different prognostic factors have been already studied, patients undergoing potentially curative resection for gastric cancer, still have a poor outcome. There is therefore the need to identify novel prognostic factors. Recently, Tumor-Stroma Ratio (TSR) was proven to be associated with prognosis in different types of cancers. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of TSR in gastric cancer patients. METHODS 106 patients underwent gastrectomy between January 2004 and December 2015. Demographics and histopathological characteristics were collected. We considered a 50% TSR cutoff value to divide patients in Stroma-Rich (≥50%) and Stroma-Poor (<50%) groups. RESULTS Forty-one (38.7%) patients were classified as Stroma-Poor while 65 (61.3%) as Stroma-Rich (61.3%). The Stroma-Rich patients had a higher number of positive lymph-nodes, lymph node ratio (LNR), a higher percentage of T3/T4 local invasion and N2/N3, and a more advanced TNM. Moreover, these patients showed a higher percentage of lymphovascular and perineural invasion. With a median FU of 38 months Stroma-Rich patients had a significantly worse 5-years actuarial overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) compared to Stroma-Poor patients. Moreover, the multivariate analysis showed that Stroma-Rich was the only independent factor associated with OS and DFS together with TNM-Stage. CONCLUSIONS TSR is an independent marker of poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer that should be readily incorporated into routine clinical pathology reporting. Identification of sensitive markers for patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy and who are at high risk of recurrence could provide useful information for planning follow-up after surgery or intensive and or/targeting adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Aurello
- Department of General Surgery, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Giammauro Berardi
- Department of General Surgery, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy.
| | - Diego Giulitti
- Department of General Surgery, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Palumbo
- Department of Pathology, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Maria Tierno
- Department of General Surgery, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nigri
- Department of General Surgery, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Angelo
- Department of General Surgery, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pilozzi
- Department of Pathology, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ramacciato
- Department of General Surgery, University of Rome, "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
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150
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Kaur K, Cook J, Park SH, Topchyan P, Kozlowska A, Ohanian N, Fang C, Nishimura I, Jewett A. Novel Strategy to Expand Super-Charged NK Cells with Significant Potential to Lyse and Differentiate Cancer Stem Cells: Differences in NK Expansion and Function between Healthy and Cancer Patients. Front Immunol 2017; 8:297. [PMID: 28424683 PMCID: PMC5380683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are known to target cancer stem cells and undifferentiated tumors. In this paper, we provide a novel strategy for expanding large numbers of super-charged NK cells with significant potential to lyse and differentiate cancer stem cells and demonstrate the differences in the dynamics of NK cell expansion between healthy donors and cancer patients. Decline in cytotoxicity and lower interferon (IFN)-γ secretion by osteoclast (OC)-expanded NK cells from cancer patients correlates with faster expansion of residual contaminating T cells within purified NK cells, whereas healthy donors’ OCs continue expanding super-charged NK cells while limiting T cell expansion for up to 60 days. Similar to patient NK cells, NK cells from tumor-bearing BLT-humanized mice promote faster expansion of residual T cells resulting in decreased numbers and function of NK cells, whereas NK cells from mice with no tumor continue expanding NK cells and retain their cytotoxicity. In addition, dendritic cells (DCs) in contrast to OCs are found to promote faster expansion of residual T cells within purified NK cells resulting in the decline in NK cell numbers from healthy individuals. Addition of anti-CD3 mAb inhibits T cell proliferation while enhancing NK cell expansion; however, expanding NK cells have lower cytotoxicity but higher secretion of IFN-γ. Expansion and functional activation of super-charged NK cells by OCs is dependent on interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-15. Thus, in this report, we not only provide a novel strategy to expand super-charged NK cells, but also demonstrate that rapid and sustained expansion of residual T cells within the purified NK cells during expansion with DCs or OCs could be a potential mechanism by which the numbers and function of NK cells decline in cancer patients and in BLT-humanized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Cook
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - So-Hyun Park
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paytsar Topchyan
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna Kozlowska
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Tumor Immunology, Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Nick Ohanian
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Changge Fang
- Pingan Advanced Personalized Diagnostics, Biomed Co. (USA and Beijing), Beijing, China
| | - Ichiro Nishimura
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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