101
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King LA, Lameris R, de Gruijl TD, van der Vliet HJ. CD1d-Invariant Natural Killer T Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy: α-Galactosylceramide and Beyond. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1519. [PMID: 30013569 PMCID: PMC6036112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are considered an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Upon their activation by glycolipid antigen and/or cytokines, iNKT cells can induce direct lysis of tumor cells but can also induce an antitumor immune response via their rapid production of proinflammatory cytokines that trigger the cytotoxic machinery of other components of the innate and adaptive immune system. Here, we provide an overview of various therapeutic approaches that have been evaluated or that are currently being developed and/or explored. These include administration of α-GalCer or alternative (glyco) lipid antigens, glycolipid-loaded antigen-presenting cells and liposomes, strategies that enhance CD1d expression levels or are based on ligation of CD1d, adoptive transfer of iNKT cells or chimeric antigen receptor iNKT cells, and tumor targeting of iNKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A King
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Roeland Lameris
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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102
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Lepore M, Mori L, De Libero G. The Conventional Nature of Non-MHC-Restricted T Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1365. [PMID: 29963057 PMCID: PMC6010553 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The definition “unconventional T cells” identifies T lymphocytes that recognize non-peptide antigens presented by monomorphic antigen-presenting molecules. Two cell populations recognize lipid antigens and small metabolites presented by CD1 and MR1 molecules, respectively. A third cell population expressing the TCR Vγ9Vδ2 is stimulated by small phosphorylated metabolites. In the recent past, we have learnt a lot about the selection, tissue distribution, gene transcription programs, mode of expansion after antigen recognition, and persistence of these cells. These studies depict their functions in immune homeostasis and diseases. Current investigations are revealing that unconventional T cells include distinct sub-populations, which display unexpected similarities to classical MHC-restricted T cells in terms of TCR repertoire diversity, antigen specificity variety, functional heterogeneity, and naïve-to-memory differentiation dynamic. This review discusses the latest findings with a particular emphasis on these T cells, which appear to be more conventional than previously appreciated, and with the perspective of using CD1 and MR1-restricted T cells in vaccination and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lepore
- Experimental Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Mori
- Experimental Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gennaro De Libero
- Experimental Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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103
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Sekar D, Govene L, Del Río ML, Sirait-Fischer E, Fink AF, Brüne B, Rodriguez-Barbosa JI, Weigert A. Downregulation of BTLA on NKT Cells Promotes Tumor Immune Control in a Mouse Model of Mammary Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2018. [PMID: 29518903 PMCID: PMC5877613 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer T cells (NKT cells) are emerging as critical regulators of pro- and anti-tumor immunity, both at baseline and in therapeutic settings. While type I NKT cells can promote anti-tumor immunity, their activity in the tumor microenvironment may be limited by negative regulators such as inhibitory immune checkpoints. We observed dominant expression of B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) on type I NKT cells in polyoma middle T oncogene-driven (PyMT) murine autochthonous mammary tumors. Other immune checkpoint receptors, such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) were equally distributed among T cell populations. Interference with BTLA using neutralizing antibodies limited tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis in the PyMT model in a therapeutic setting, correlating with an increase in type I NKT cells and expression of cytotoxic marker genes. While therapeutic application of an anti-PD-1 antibody increased the number of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and elevated IL-12 expression, tumor control was not established. Expression of ZBTB16, the lineage-determining transcription factor of type I NKT cells, was correlated with a favorable patient prognosis in the METABRIC dataset, and BTLA levels were instrumental to further distinguish prognosis in patents with high ZBTB16 expression. Taken together, these data support a role of BTLA on type I NKT cells in limiting anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Sekar
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Luisa Govene
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - María-Luisa Del Río
- Transplantation Immunobiology Section, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Leon and Castilla and Leon Regional Transplantation Coordination, Leon University Hospital, 24071 Leon, Spain.
| | - Evelyn Sirait-Fischer
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Annika F Fink
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Brüne
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
- Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, IME, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - José I Rodriguez-Barbosa
- Transplantation Immunobiology Section, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Leon and Castilla and Leon Regional Transplantation Coordination, Leon University Hospital, 24071 Leon, Spain.
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
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104
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Wolf BJ, Choi JE, Exley MA. Novel Approaches to Exploiting Invariant NKT Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:384. [PMID: 29559971 PMCID: PMC5845557 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
iNKT cells are a subset of innate-like T cells that utilize an invariant TCR alpha chain complexed with a limited repertoire of TCR beta chains to recognize specific lipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules. Because iNKT cells have an invariant TCR, they can be easily identified and targeted in both humans and mice via standard reagents, making this a population of T cells that has been well characterized. iNKT cells are some of the first cells to respond during an infection. By making different types of cytokines in response to different infection stimuli, iNKT cells help determine what kind of immune response then develops. It has been shown that iNKT cells are some of the first cells to respond during infection with a pathogen and the type of cytokines that iNKT cells make help determine the type of immune response that develops in various situations. Indeed, along with immunity to pathogens, pre-clinical mouse studies have clearly demonstrated that iNKT cells play a critical role in tumor immunosurveillance. They can mediate anti-tumor immunity by direct recognition of tumor cells that express CD1d, and/or via targeting CD1d found on cells within the tumor microenvironment. Multiple groups are now working on manipulating iNKT cells for clinical benefit within the context of cancer and have demonstrated that targeting iNKT cells can have a therapeutic benefit in patients. In this review, we briefly introduce iNKT cells, then discuss preclinical data on roles of iNKT cells and clinical trials that have targeted iNKT cells in cancer patients. We finally discuss how future trials could be modified to further increase the efficacy of iNKT cell therapies, in particular CAR-iNKT and rTCR-iNKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiyoung Elizabeth Choi
- Agenus Inc., Lexington, MA, United States.,Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark A Exley
- Agenus Inc., Lexington, MA, United States.,Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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105
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Krijgsman D, Hokland M, Kuppen PJK. The Role of Natural Killer T Cells in Cancer-A Phenotypical and Functional Approach. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29535734 PMCID: PMC5835336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of CD1d-restricted T cells at the interface between the innate and adaptive immune system. NKT cells can be subdivided into functional subsets that respond rapidly to a wide variety of glycolipids and stress-related proteins using T- or natural killer (NK) cell-like effector mechanisms. Because of their major modulating effects on immune responses via secretion of cytokines, NKT cells are also considered important players in tumor immunosurveillance. During early tumor development, T helper (TH)1-like NKT cell subsets have the potential to rapidly stimulate tumor-specific T cells and effector NK cells that can eliminate tumor cells. In case of tumor progression, NKT cells may become overstimulated and anergic leading to deletion of a part of the NKT cell population in patients via activation-induced cell death. In addition, the remaining NKT cells become hyporesponsive, or switch to immunosuppressive TH2-/T regulatory-like NKT cell subsets, thereby facilitating tumor progression and immune escape. In this review, we discuss this important role of NKT cells in tumor development and we conclude that there should be three important focuses of future research in cancer patients in relation with NKT cells: (1) expansion of the NKT cell population, (2) prevention and breaking of NKT cell anergy, and (3) skewing of NKT cells toward TH1-like subsets with antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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106
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Lin YH, Yang MC, Tseng SH, Jiang R, Yang A, Farmer E, Peng S, Henkle T, Chang YN, Hung CF, Wu TC. Integration of Oncogenes via Sleeping Beauty as a Mouse Model of HPV16 + Oral Tumors and Immunologic Control. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:305-319. [PMID: 29362220 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-16-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is the etiologic factor for cervical cancer and a subset of oropharyngeal cancers. Although several prophylactic HPV vaccines are available, no effective therapeutic strategies to control active HPV diseases exist. Tumor implantation models are traditionally used to study HPV-associated buccal tumors. However, they fail to address precancerous phases of disease progression and display tumor microenvironments distinct from those observed in patients. Previously, K14-E6/E7 transgenic mouse models have been used to generate spontaneous tumors. However, the rate of tumor formation is inconsistent, and the host often develops immune tolerance to the viral oncoproteins. We developed a preclinical, spontaneous, HPV16+ buccal tumor model using submucosal injection of oncogenic plasmids expressing HPV16-E6/E7, NRas G12V , luciferase, and sleeping beauty (SB) transposase, followed by electroporation in the buccal mucosa. We evaluated responses to immunization with a pNGVL4a-CRT/E7(detox) therapeutic HPV DNA vaccine and tumor cell migration to distant locations. Mice transfected with plasmids encoding HPV16-E6/E7, NRas G12V , luciferase, and SB transposase developed tumors within 3 weeks. We also found transient anti-CD3 administration is required to generate tumors in immunocompetent mice. Bioluminescence signals from luciferase correlated strongly with tumor growth, and tumors expressed HPV16-associated markers. We showed that pNGVL4a-CRT/E7(detox) administration resulted in antitumor immunity in tumor-bearing mice. Lastly, we demonstrated that the generated tumor could migrate to tumor-draining lymph nodes. Our model provides an efficient method to induce spontaneous HPV+ tumor formation, which can be used to identify effective therapeutic interventions, analyze tumor migration, and conduct tumor biology research. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(3); 305-19. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsin Lin
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Penghu Branch, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chieh Yang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung. Taiwan
| | - Ssu-Hsueh Tseng
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rosie Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrew Yang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emily Farmer
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shiwen Peng
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Talia Henkle
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yung-Nien Chang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chien-Fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Departments of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - T-C Wu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Departments of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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107
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Bennstein SB. Unraveling Natural Killer T-Cells Development. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1950. [PMID: 29375573 PMCID: PMC5767218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T-cells are a subset of innate-like T-cells with the ability to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. There is great interest in harnessing these cells to improve tumor therapy; however, greater understanding of invariant NKT (iNKT) cell biology is needed. The first step is to learn more about NKT development within the thymus. Recent studies suggest lineage separation of murine iNKT cells into iNKT1, iNKT2, and iNKT17 cells instead of shared developmental stages. This review will focus on these new studies and will discuss the evidence for lineage separation in contrast to shared developmental stages. The author will also highlight the classifications of murine iNKT cells according to identified transcription factors and cytokine production, and will discuss transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulations, and the role of mammalian target of rapamycin. Finally, the importance of these findings for human cancer therapy will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Bianca Bennstein
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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108
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Clancy-Thompson E, Ali L, Bruck PT, Exley MA, Blumberg RS, Dranoff G, Dougan M, Dougan SK. IAP Antagonists Enhance Cytokine Production from Mouse and Human iNKT Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:25-35. [PMID: 29187357 PMCID: PMC5754232 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) antagonists are in clinical trials for a variety of cancers, and mouse models show synergism between IAP antagonists and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Although IAP antagonists affect the intrinsic signaling of tumor cells, their most pronounced effects are on immune cells and the generation of antitumor immunity. Here, we examined the effects of IAP antagonism on T-cell development using mouse fetal thymic organ culture and observed a selective loss of iNKT cells, an effector cell type of potential importance for cancer immunotherapy. Thymic iNKT-cell development probably failed due to increased strength of TCR signal leading to negative selection, given that mature iNKT cells treated with IAP antagonists were not depleted, but had enhanced cytokine production in both mouse and human ex vivo cultures. Consistent with this, mature mouse primary iNKT cells and iNKT hybridomas increased production of effector cytokines in the presence of IAP antagonists. In vivo administration of IAP antagonists and α-GalCer resulted in increased IFNγ and IL-2 production from iNKT cells and decreased tumor burden in a mouse model of melanoma lung metastasis. Human iNKT cells also proliferated and increased IFNγ production dramatically in the presence of IAP antagonists, demonstrating the utility of these compounds in adoptive therapy of iNKT cells. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(1); 25-35. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Clancy-Thompson
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lestat Ali
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patrick T Bruck
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark A Exley
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard S Blumberg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Glenn Dranoff
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Dougan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephanie K Dougan
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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109
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Szabó M, Sárosi V, Balikó Z, Bodó K, Farkas N, Berki T, Engelmann P. Deficiency of innate-like T lymphocytes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respir Res 2017; 18:197. [PMID: 29179729 PMCID: PMC5704534 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-017-0671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Based on the phenotypic and functional characteristics unconventional T-lymphocytes such as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells link the innate and adaptive immune responses. Up to now data are scarce about their involvement in pulmonary disorders including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study explores simultaneously the frequencies of iNKT and MAIT cells in the peripheral blood and sputum of stable and exacerbating COPD patients. Methods By means of multicolor flow cytometry frequencies of total iNKT and MAIT cells and their subsets were enumerated in peripheral blood and sputum samples of healthy controls, and COPD patients. In addition, gene expression of TCR for iNKT, MAIT cells, and CD1d, MR1 were assessed by qPCR in the study cohorts. Results Percentages of total iNKT and MAIT cells were dramatically dropped in blood, and reduced numbers of iNKT cells were observed in the sputum of COPD patients. Furthermore decreased DN and increased CD4+ iNKT subsets, while increased DN and decreased CD8+ MAIT subpopulations were measured in the blood of COPD patients. Reduced invariant TCR mRNA levels in COPD patients had confirmed these previous findings. The mRNA expression of CD1d and MR1 were increased in stable and exacerbating COPD patients; however both molecules were decreased upon antibiotic and systemic steroid treatments. Conclusions Our results support the notion that both invariant T-cell populations are affected in COPD. Further detailed analysis of invariant T cells could shed more light into the complex interactions of these lymphocyte groups in COPD pathogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12931-017-0671-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann Szabó
- Division of Pulmonology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Rákóczi u. 2, Pécs, H-7623, Hungary.
| | - Veronika Sárosi
- Division of Pulmonology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Rákóczi u. 2, Pécs, H-7623, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Balikó
- Division of Pulmonology, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Rákóczi u. 2, Pécs, H-7623, Hungary
| | - Kornélia Bodó
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, Pécs, H-7643, Hungary
| | - Nelli Farkas
- Department of Bioanalysis, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, Pécs, H-7643, Hungary
| | - Tímea Berki
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, Pécs, H-7643, Hungary
| | - Péter Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, Pécs, H-7643, Hungary.
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110
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Zhang L, Donda A. Alpha-Galactosylceramide/CD1d-Antibody Fusion Proteins Redirect Invariant Natural Killer T Cell Immunity to Solid Tumors and Promote Prolonged Therapeutic Responses. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1417. [PMID: 29163493 PMCID: PMC5672503 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Major progress in cancer immunotherapies have been obtained by the use of tumor targeting strategies, in particular with the development of bi-functional fusion proteins such as ImmTacs or BiTes, which engage effector T cells for targeted elimination of tumor cells. Given the significance of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in bridging innate and adaptive immunity, we have developed a bi-functional protein composed of the extracellular part of CD1d molecule that was genetically fused to an scFv fragment from high affinity antibodies against HER2 or CEA. Systemic treatments with the CD1d-antitumor fusion proteins loaded with the agonist alpha-galactosylceramide (αGalCer) led to specific iNKT cell activation, resulting in a sustained growth inhibition of established tumors expressing HER2 or CEA, while treatment with the free αGalCer was ineffective. Importantly, we discovered that αGalCer/CD1d-antitumor fusion proteins were able to maintain iNKT cells reactive to multiple re-stimulations in contrast to their anergic state induced after a single injection of free αGalCer. We further demonstrated that the antitumor effects by αGalCer/CD1d-antitumor fusion proteins were largely dependent on the iNKT cell-mediated transactivation of NK cells. Moreover, prolonged antitumor effects could be obtained when combining the CD1d-antitumor fusion protein treatment with a therapeutic peptide/CpG cancer vaccine, which favored the capacity of iNKT cells to transactivate cross-presenting DCs for efficient priming of tumor-specific CD8 T cells. We will also summarize these pre-clinical results with a special focus on the cellular mechanisms underlying iNKT cell unresponsiveness to antigen re-challenge. Finally, we will discuss the perspectives regarding iNKT cell-mediated tumor targeting strategy in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianjun Zhang
- Translational Tumor Immunology Group, Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alena Donda
- Translational Tumor Immunology Group, Ludwig Center for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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111
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Lam PY, Nissen MD, Mattarollo SR. Invariant Natural Killer T Cells in Immune Regulation of Blood Cancers: Harnessing Their Potential in Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1355. [PMID: 29109728 PMCID: PMC5660073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique innate T lymphocyte population that possess cytolytic properties and profound immunoregulatory activities. iNKT cells play an important role in the immune surveillance of blood cancers. They predominantly recognize glycolipid antigens presented on CD1d, but their activation and cytolytic activities are not confined to CD1d expressing cells. iNKT cell stimulation and subsequent production of immunomodulatory cytokines serve to enhance the overall antitumor immune response. Crucially, the activation of iNKT cells in cancer often precedes the activation and priming of other immune effector cells, such as NK cells and T cells, thereby influencing the generation and outcome of the antitumor immune response. Blood cancers can evade or dampen iNKT cell responses by downregulating expression of recognition receptors or by actively suppressing or diverting iNKT cell functions. This review will discuss literature on iNKT cell activity and associated dysregulation in blood cancers as well as highlight some of the strategies designed to harness and enhance iNKT cell functions against blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yeng Lam
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael D. Nissen
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen R. Mattarollo
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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112
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Nair S, Dhodapkar MV. Natural Killer T Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1178. [PMID: 29018445 PMCID: PMC5614937 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are specialized CD1d-restricted T cells that recognize lipid antigens. Following stimulation, NKT cells lead to downstream activation of both innate and adaptive immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. This has impelled the development of NKT cell-targeted immunotherapies for treating cancer. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the stimulatory and regulatory functions of NKT cells in tumor immunity as well as highlight preclinical and clinical studies based on NKT cells. Finally, we discuss future perspectives to better harness the potential of NKT cells for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiny Nair
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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113
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Salio M, Gasser O, Gonzalez-Lopez C, Martens A, Veerapen N, Gileadi U, Verter JG, Napolitani G, Anderson R, Painter G, Besra GS, Hermans IF, Cerundolo V. Activation of Human Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Induces CD40L-Dependent Maturation of Monocyte-Derived and Primary Dendritic Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:2631-2638. [PMID: 28877992 PMCID: PMC5632842 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate T cells that recognize intermediates of the vitamin B2 biosynthetic pathway presented by the monomorphic MR1 molecule. It remains unclear whether, in addition to their cytolytic activity that is important in antimicrobial defense, MAIT cells have immune-modulatory functions that could enhance dendritic cell (DC) maturation. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms dictating the interactions between human MAIT cells and DCs and demonstrate that human MAIT cells mature monocyte-derived and primary DCs in an MR1- and CD40L-dependent manner. Furthermore, we show that MAIT cell–derived signals synergize with microbial stimuli to induce secretion of bioactive IL-12 by DCs. Activation of human MAIT cells in whole blood leads to MR1- and cytokine-dependent NK cell transactivation. Our results underscore an important property of MAIT cells, which can be of translational relevance to rapidly orchestrate adaptive immunity through DC maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariolina Salio
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom;
| | - Olivier Gasser
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Claudia Gonzalez-Lopez
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Martens
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Natacha Veerapen
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B11 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Uzi Gileadi
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob G Verter
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgio Napolitani
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Regan Anderson
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt 5046, New Zealand; and
| | - Gavin Painter
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Lower Hutt 5046, New Zealand; and
| | - Gurdyal S Besra
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B11 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Ian F Hermans
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6242, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland 1042, New Zealand
| | - Vincenzo Cerundolo
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
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114
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Ghinnagow R, Cruz LJ, Macho-Fernandez E, Faveeuw C, Trottein F. Enhancement of Adjuvant Functions of Natural Killer T Cells Using Nanovector Delivery Systems: Application in Anticancer Immune Therapy. Front Immunol 2017; 8:879. [PMID: 28798749 PMCID: PMC5529346 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I natural killer T (NKT) cells have gained considerable interest in anticancer immune therapy over the last decade. This “innate-like” T lymphocyte subset has the unique ability to recognize foreign and self-derived glycolipid antigens in association with the CD1d molecule expressed by antigen-presenting cells. An important property of these cells is to bridge innate and acquired immune responses. The adjuvant function of NKT cells might be exploited in the clinics. In this review, we discuss the approaches currently being used to target NKT cells for cancer therapy. In particular, we highlight ongoing strategies utilizing NKT cell-based nanovaccines to optimize immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Ghinnagow
- Univ. Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8204, Lille, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1019, Lille, France.,Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Lille, France.,Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Luis Javier Cruz
- Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Elodie Macho-Fernandez
- Univ. Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8204, Lille, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1019, Lille, France.,Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Lille, France.,Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Christelle Faveeuw
- Univ. Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8204, Lille, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1019, Lille, France.,Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Lille, France.,Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - François Trottein
- Univ. Lille, U1019 - UMR 8204 - CIIL - Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille, Lille, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8204, Lille, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1019, Lille, France.,Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Lille, France.,Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
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