101
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Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells mediate mainly innate anti-tumor and anti-viral immune responses and respond to a variety of cytokines and other stimuli to promote survival, cellular proliferation, production of cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFNγ) and/or cytotoxicity programs. NK cell activation by cytokine stimulation requires a substantial remodeling of metabolic pathways to support their bioenergetic and biosynthetic requirements. There is a large body of evidence that suggests that impaired NK cell metabolism is associated with a number of chronic diseases including obesity and cancer, which highlights the clinical importance of the availability of a method to determine NK cell metabolism. Here we describe the use of an extracellular flux analyzer, a platform that allows real-time measurements of glycolysis and mitochondrial oxygen consumption, as a tool to monitor changes in the energy metabolism of human NK cells. The method described here also allows for the monitoring of metabolic changes after stimulation of NK cells with cytokines such as IL-15, a system that is currently being investigated in a wide range of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Traba
- Cardiovascular Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health; Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM)
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | - Olga M Anton
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health;
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102
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Pilones KA, Charpentier M, Garcia-Martinez E, Daviaud C, Kraynak J, Aryankalayil J, Formenti SC, Demaria S. Radiotherapy Cooperates with IL15 to Induce Antitumor Immune Responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:1054-1063. [PMID: 32532811 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Focal radiotherapy can promote cross-presentation of tumor antigens to T cells, but by itself, it is insufficient to induce therapeutically effective T-cell responses. The common gamma-chain cytokine IL15 promotes and sustains the proliferation and effector function of CD8+ T cells but has limited activity against poorly immunogenic tumors that do not elicit significant spontaneous T-cell responses. Here, we show that radiotherapy and subcutaneous IL15 had complementary effects and induced CD8+ T-cell-mediated tumor regression and long-term protective memory responses in two mouse carcinoma models unresponsive to IL15 alone. Mechanistically, radiotherapy-induced IFN type I production and Batf3-dependent conventional dendritic cells type 1 (cDC1) were required for priming of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and for the therapeutic effect of the combination. IL15 cooperated with radiotherapy to activate and recruit cDC1s to the tumor. IL15 alone and in complex with a hybrid molecule containing the IL15α receptor have been tested in early-phase clinical trials in patients with cancer and demonstrated good tolerability, especially when given subcutaneously. Expansion of natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells was noted, without clear clinical activity, suggesting further testing of IL15 as a component of a combinatorial treatment with other agents. Our results provide the rationale for testing combinations of IL15 with radiotherapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten A Pilones
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Maud Charpentier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Elena Garcia-Martinez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,Hematology and Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain
| | - Camille Daviaud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey Kraynak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Silvia C Formenti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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103
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Chulpanova DS, Kitaeva KV, Green AR, Rizvanov AA, Solovyeva VV. Molecular Aspects and Future Perspectives of Cytokine-Based Anti-cancer Immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:402. [PMID: 32582698 PMCID: PMC7283917 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine-based immunotherapy is a promising field in the cancer treatment, since cytokines, as proteins of the immune system, are able to modulate the host immune response toward cancer cell, as well as directly induce tumor cell death. Since a low dose monotherapy with some cytokines has no significant therapeutic results and a high dose treatment leads to a number of side effects caused by the pleiotropic effect of cytokines, the problem of understanding the influence of cytokines on the immune cells involved in the pro- and anti-tumor immune response remains a pressing one. Immune system cells carry CD makers on their surface which can be used to identify various populations of cells of the immune system that play different roles in pro- and anti-tumor immune responses. This review discusses the functions and specific CD markers of various immune cell populations which are reported to participate in the regulation of the immune response against the tumor. The results of research studies and clinical trials investigating the effect of cytokine therapy on the regulation of immune cell populations and their surface markers are also discussed. Current trends in the development of cancer immunotherapy, as well as the role of cytokines in combination with other therapeutic agents, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria S Chulpanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Kristina V Kitaeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Andrew R Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Albert A Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia.,Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Valeriya V Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
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104
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Waldmann TA, Dubois S, Miljkovic MD, Conlon KC. IL-15 in the Combination Immunotherapy of Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:868. [PMID: 32508818 PMCID: PMC7248178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We completed clinical trials of rhIL-15 by bolus, subcutaneous, and continuous intravenous infusions (CIV). IL-15 administered by CIV at 2 mcg/kg/day yielded a 38-fold increase in 10- day number of circulating NK cells, a 358-fold increase in CD56bright NK cells and a 5.8-fold increase in CD8 T cells. However, IL-15 preparations administered as monotherapy were ineffective, due to actions of immunological checkpoints and due to the lack of tumor specific targeting by NK cells. To circumvent checkpoints, trials of IL-15 in combination with other anticancer agents were initiated. Tumor-bearing mice receiving IL-15 with antibodies to CTLA-4 and PD-L1 manifested marked prolongation of survival compared to mice receiving IL-15 with either agent alone. In translation, a phase I trial was initiated involving IL-15 (rhIL-15), nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with malignancy (NCT03388632). In rhesus macaques CIV IL-15 at 20 μg/kg/day for 10 days led to an 80-fold increase in number of circulating effector memory CD8 T cells. However, administration of γc cytokines such as IL-15 led to paralysis/depression of CD4 T-cells that was mediated through transient expression of SOCS3 that inhibited the STAT5 signaling pathway. This lost CD4 helper role could be restored alternatively by CD40 agonists. In the TRAMP-C2 prostate tumor model the combination of IL-15 with agonistic anti-CD40 produced additive effects in terms of numbers of TRAMP-C2 tumor specific Spas/SCNC/9H tetramer positive CD8 T cells expressed and tumor responses. A clinical trial is being initiated for patients with cancer using an intralesional anti-CD40 in combination with CIV rhIL-15. To translate IL-15-mediated increases in NK cells, we investigated combination therapy of IL-15 with anticancer monoclonal antibodies including rituximab in mouse models of EL-4 lymphoma transfected with human CD20 and with alemtuzumab (CAMPATH-1H) in a xenograft model of adult T cell leukemia (ATL). IL-15 enhanced the ADCC and therapeutic efficacy of both antibodies. These results provided the scientific basis for trials of IL-15 combined with alemtuzumab (anti-CD52) for patients with ATL (NCT02689453), with obinutuzumab (anti-CD20) for patients with CLL (NCT03759184), and with avelumab (anti-PD-L1) in patients with T-cell lymphoma (NCT03905135) and renal cancer (NCT04150562). In the first trial, there was elimination of circulating ATL and CLL leukemic cells in select patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sigrid Dubois
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Milos D Miljkovic
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kevin C Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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105
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Tan C, Waldmann TA. Bench-to-bedside translation of interleukin-15 for immunotherapy: principles and challenges. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:895-898. [PMID: 32357804 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1764933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chalet Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, University of Mississippi , Oxford, MS, USA
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center of Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
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106
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Knudson KM, Hicks KC, Ozawa Y, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Functional and mechanistic advantage of the use of a bifunctional anti-PD-L1/IL-15 superagonist. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e000493. [PMID: 32303618 PMCID: PMC7204804 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti(α)-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monotherapy fails to provide durable clinical benefit for most patients with carcinoma. Recent studies suggested that strategies to reduce immunosuppressive cells, promote systemic T-cell responses and lymphocyte trafficking to the tumor microenvironment (TME) may improve efficacy. N-809 is a first-in-class bifunctional agent comprising the interleukin (IL)-15 superagonist N-803 fused to two αPD-L1 domains. Thus, N-809 can potentially stimulate effector immune cells through IL-15 and block immunosuppressive PD-L1. Here, we examined the antitumor efficacy and immunomodulatory effects of N-809 versus N-803+αPD-L1 combination. METHODS The ability of N-809 to block PD-L1 and induce IL-15-dependent immune effects was examined in vitro and in vivo. Antitumor efficacy of N-809 or N-803+αPD-L1 was evaluated in two murine carcinoma models and an extensive analysis of immune correlates was performed in the tumor and tumor-draining lymph node (dLN). RESULTS We demonstrate that N-809 blocks PD-L1 and induces IL-15-dependent immune effects. N-809 was well-tolerated and reduced 4T1 lung metastasis, decreased MC38 tumor burden and increased survival versus N-803+αPD-L1. Compared with N-803+αPD-L1, N-809 enhanced natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T-cell activation and function in the dLN and TME, relating to increased gene expression associated with interferon and cytokine signaling, lymphoid compartment, costimulation and cytotoxicity. The higher number of TME CD8+ T cells was attributed to enhanced infiltration, not in situ expansion. Increased TME NK and CD8+ T-cell numbers correlated with augmented chemokine ligands and receptors. Moreover, in contrast to N-803+αPD-L1, N-809 reduced immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Treg), monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSC) and M2-like macrophages in the TME. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that N-809 functions by a novel immune mechanism to promote antitumor efficacy. Foremost, N-809 enhances intratumoral lymphocyte numbers by increasing trafficking via altered chemokine levels in the TME and chemokine receptor expression on CD8+ T cells and NK cells. In addition, N-809 reduces immunosuppressive and pro-tumorigenic immune cells in the TME, including Treg, M2-like macrophages and M-MDSC. Overall, these novel effects of N-809 promote an inflamed TME, leading to lower tumor burden and increased survival. These results provide mechanistic insight and rationale supporting the potential clinical study of N-809 in patients with carcinoma.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Bispecific/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- B7-H1 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor/transplantation
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Movement/immunology
- Female
- Humans
- Interleukin-15/agonists
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocyte Count
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Natural Killer T-Cells/drug effects
- Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/therapeutic use
- Single-Chain Antibodies/pharmacology
- Single-Chain Antibodies/therapeutic use
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin M Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristin C Hicks
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yohei Ozawa
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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107
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Knudson KM, Hodge JW, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Rationale for IL-15 superagonists in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:705-709. [PMID: 32159390 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1738379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karin M Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
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108
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Terrén I, Orrantia A, Mikelez-Alonso I, Vitallé J, Zenarruzabeitia O, Borrego F. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020316. [PMID: 32013092 PMCID: PMC7072691 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020316] [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: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that are able to kill tumor cells without prior sensitization. It has been shown that NK cells play a pivotal role in a variety of cancers, highlighting their relevance in tumor immunosurveillance. NK cell infiltration has been reported in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most frequent kidney cancer in adults, and their presence has been associated with patients’ survival. However, the role of NK cells in this disease is not yet fully understood. In this review, we summarize the biology of NK cells and the mechanisms through which they are able to recognize and kill tumor cells. Furthermore, we discuss the role that NK cells play in renal cell carcinoma, and review current strategies that are being used to boost and exploit their cytotoxic capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Terrén
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.T.); (A.O.); (I.M.-A.); (J.V.); (O.Z.)
| | - Ane Orrantia
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.T.); (A.O.); (I.M.-A.); (J.V.); (O.Z.)
| | - Idoia Mikelez-Alonso
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.T.); (A.O.); (I.M.-A.); (J.V.); (O.Z.)
- CIC biomaGUNE, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Joana Vitallé
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.T.); (A.O.); (I.M.-A.); (J.V.); (O.Z.)
| | - Olatz Zenarruzabeitia
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.T.); (A.O.); (I.M.-A.); (J.V.); (O.Z.)
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.T.); (A.O.); (I.M.-A.); (J.V.); (O.Z.)
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-94-600-6000 (ext. 7079)
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109
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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: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.5] [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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110
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Shimasaki N, Jain A, Campana D. NK cells for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:200-218. [PMID: 31907401 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 648] [Impact Index Per Article: 162.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can swiftly kill multiple adjacent cells if these show surface markers associated with oncogenic transformation. This property, which is unique among immune cells, and their capacity to enhance antibody and T cell responses support a role for NK cells as anticancer agents. Although tumours may develop several mechanisms to resist attacks from endogenous NK cells, ex vivo activation, expansion and genetic modification of NK cells can greatly increase their antitumour activity and equip them to overcome resistance. Some of these methods have been translated into clinical-grade platforms and support clinical trials of NK cell infusions in patients with haematological malignancies or solid tumours, which have yielded encouraging results so far. The next generation of NK cell products will be engineered to enhance activating signals and proliferation, suppress inhibitory signals and promote their homing to tumours. These modifications promise to significantly increase their clinical activity. Finally, there is emerging evidence of increased NK cell-mediated tumour cell killing in the context of molecularly targeted therapies. These observations, in addition to the capacity of NK cells to magnify immune responses, suggest that NK cells are poised to become key components of multipronged therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shimasaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amit Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dario Campana
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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111
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Corral Sánchez MD, Fernández Casanova L, Pérez-Martínez A. Beyond CAR-T cells: Natural killer cells immunotherapy. Med Clin (Barc) 2019; 154:134-141. [PMID: 31771858 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Children and adolescents suffering from refractory leukaemia, relapse after stem cell transplantation, solid metastatic tumour or refractory to conventional treatments still condition a dismal prognosis. The critical role of the immune system in the immunosurveillance of cancer is becoming relevant with the development of new treatments such as the checkpoint inhibitor drugs and genetic modified T lymphocytes, tisagenlecleucel or axicabtagene ciloleucel. In addition, other immunotherapies are being developed such as cell therapy with natural killer (NK) lymphocytes. The rapid and potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells respecting healthy cells and the possibility of expansion, manipulating them and combining them with other treatments, make these cells a powerful therapeutic tool to be developed, with a very high safety profile. Furthermore, new strategies are being developed to increase the therapeutic benefit of NK cells such as genetic manipulation for the expression of chimeric antigen receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Pérez-Martínez
- Servicio de Hemato-Oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España; Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, España.
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112
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Sachdeva M, Busser BW, Temburni S, Jahangiri B, Gautron AS, Maréchal A, Juillerat A, Williams A, Depil S, Duchateau P, Poirot L, Valton J. Repurposing endogenous immune pathways to tailor and control chimeric antigen receptor T cell functionality. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5100. [PMID: 31723132 PMCID: PMC6853973 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13088-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endowing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells with additional potent functionalities holds strong potential for improving their antitumor activity. However, because potency could be deleterious without control, these additional features need to be tightly regulated. Immune pathways offer a wide array of tightly regulated genes that can be repurposed to express potent functionalities in a highly controlled manner. Here, we explore this concept by repurposing TCR, CD25 and PD1, three major players of the T cell activation pathway. We insert the CAR into the TCRα gene (TRACCAR), and IL-12P70 into either IL2Rα or PDCD1 genes. This process results in transient, antigen concentration-dependent IL-12P70 secretion, increases TRACCAR T cell cytotoxicity and extends survival of tumor-bearing mice. This gene network repurposing strategy can be extended to other cellular pathways, thus paving the way for generating smart CAR T cells able to integrate biological inputs and to translate them into therapeutic outputs in a highly regulated manner. Engineered T cells work as living therapeutics, but are prone to hyperreactivity and exhaustion. Here the authors improve CAR T cell antitumor responses by simultaneously targeting a CAR to TCR locus and IL-12 to PD1 locus, placing the transgenes under a naturally regulated transcriptional network while disrupting unwanted signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Sachdeva
- Cellectis, Inc., 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Brian W Busser
- Cellectis, Inc., 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Sonal Temburni
- Cellectis, Inc., 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | | | | | - Alan Maréchal
- Cellectis, 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013, Paris, France
| | | | - Alan Williams
- Cellectis, Inc., 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Stéphane Depil
- Cellectis, 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013, Paris, France
| | | | - Laurent Poirot
- Cellectis, 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Julien Valton
- Cellectis, Inc., 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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113
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Abstract
Introduction: Lung cancer is a devastating disease with poor overall survival. Despite significant advances in the treatment of lung cancers using radiochemotherapy, targeted therapies and/or immune therapies prognosis remains poor. The capacity of natural killer (NK) cells to provide a first line of defense that can bridge and orchestrate innate and 'downstream' adaptive immune responses renders them to be an ideal platform on which to base new cancer therapeutics.Areas covered: We provide an overview of the mechanisms controlling the effector functions of NK cells, tumor-directed immune escape, the impact and influence of NK cells on the development of effective, protective anti-tumor immunity and the therapeutic potential of combined cytokine-, complement-dependent- and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (CDC/ADCC), NK-92-, KIR mismatch- and CAR-NK cell-based therapies.Expert opinion: Despite promising results of immuno-oncological approaches, a relevant proportion of patients do not profit from these therapies, partly due to an ineffective NK cell activation, a lack of tumor-specific NK cells, an upregulated expression of checkpoint pathways, and a low mutational burden, which hinders the development of long-term adaptive immunity. Strategies that re-activate NK cells in combination with other therapies are therefore likely to be beneficial for the clinical outcome of patients with lung cancer.Abbreviations: ADCC: antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity; ALK: anaplastic lymphoma kinase; CAR: chimeric antigen receptor; CDC: complement-dependent cytotoxicity; CEACAM-1: carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1; DC: dendritic cell; DNAM: activating, maturation receptor; EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor; EMT: epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition; EpCAM: epithelial cell adhesion molecule; GM-CSF: granulocyte monocyte colony stimulating factor; HIF: hypoxia inducible factor; IDO, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase; IFN: interferon; IL: interleukin; ITIM/ITAM: immune tyrosine-based inhibitory/activatory motif; KIR: killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor; LAG-3: lymphocyte activation gene 3; MDSC: myeloid derived suppressor cells; MICA/B: MHC class I-related proteins A/B; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; mTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin; NCAM: neuronal adhesion molecule; NCR: natural cytotoxicity receptor; NK: natural killer; NSCLC: non-small cell lung cancer; PD-1: programmed cell death 1; PS: phosphatidylserine; SCLC: small cell lung cancer; STAT: signal transducer and activator of transcription; TAM: tumor-associated M2 macrophages; TCR: T cell receptor; TIGIT: T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain; Tim-3: T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin domain-containing 3; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; ULBP: UL16-binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Graham Pockley
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Peter Vaupel
- Campus Klinikum rechts der Isar, Center for Translational Cancer Research Technische Universität München (TranslaTUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- Campus Klinikum rechts der Isar, Center for Translational Cancer Research Technische Universität München (TranslaTUM), Munich, Germany
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114
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Frutoso M, Mortier E. NK Cell Hyporesponsiveness: More Is Not Always Better. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184514. [PMID: 31547251 PMCID: PMC6770168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of cytotoxic lymphocytes that play an important role in the innate immune system. They are of particular interest for their role in elimination of intracellular pathogens, viral infection and tumor cells. As such, numerous strategies are being investigated in order to potentiate their functions. One of these techniques aims at promoting the function of their activating receptors. However, different observations have revealed that providing activation signals could actually be counterproductive and lead to NK cells’ hyporesponsiveness. This phenomenon can occur during the NK cell education process, under pathological conditions, but also after treatment with different agents, including cytokines, that are promising tools to boost NK cell function. In this review, we aim to highlight the different circumstances where NK cells become hyporesponsive and the methods that could be used to restore their functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frutoso
- CRCINA, CNRS, Inserm, University of Nantes, F-44200 Nantes, France.
- LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.
| | - Erwan Mortier
- CRCINA, CNRS, Inserm, University of Nantes, F-44200 Nantes, France.
- LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.
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115
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Nguyen R, Moustaki A, Norrie JL, Brown S, Akers WJ, Shirinifard A, Dyer MA. Interleukin-15 Enhances Anti-GD2 Antibody-Mediated Cytotoxicity in an Orthotopic PDX Model of Neuroblastoma. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:7554-7564. [PMID: 31455682 PMCID: PMC6911623 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-1045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunotherapy with IL2, GM-CSF, and an anti-disialoganglioside (GD2) antibody significantly increases event-free survival in children with high-risk neuroblastoma. However, therapy failure in one third of these patients and IL2-related toxicities pose a major challenge. We compared the immunoadjuvant effects of IL15 with those of IL2 for enhancing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in neuroblastoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We tested ADCC against neuroblastoma patient-derived xenografts (PDX) in vitro and in vivo and examined the functional and migratory properties of NK cells activated with IL2 and IL15. RESULTS In cell culture, IL15-activated NK cells induced higher ADCC against two GD+ neuroblastoma PDXs than did IL2-activated NK cells (P < 0.001). This effect was dose-dependent (P < 0.001) and was maintained across several effector-to-tumor ratios. As compared with IL2, IL15 also improved chemotaxis of NK cells, leading to higher numbers of tumorsphere-infiltrating NK cells in vitro (P = 0.002). In an orthotopic PDX model, animals receiving chemoimmunotherapy with an anti-GD2 antibody, GM-CSF, and a soluble IL15/IL15Rα complex had greater tumor regression than did those receiving chemotherapy alone (P = 0.012) or combined with anti-GD2 antibody and GM-CSF with (P = 0.016) or without IL2 (P = 0.035). This was most likely due to lower numbers of immature tumor-infiltrating NK cells (DX5+CD27+) after IL15/IL15Rα administration (P = 0.029) and transcriptional upregulation of Gzmd. CONCLUSIONS The substitution of IL15 for IL2 leads to significant tumor regression in vitro and in vivo and supports clinical testing of IL15 for immunotherapy in pediatric neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Nguyen
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ardiana Moustaki
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jacqueline L Norrie
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Shantel Brown
- Center for In Vivo Imaging and Therapeutics (CIVIT), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Walter J Akers
- Center for In Vivo Imaging and Therapeutics (CIVIT), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Abbas Shirinifard
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
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116
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Marshall N, Hutchinson K, Marron TU, Aleynick M, Hammerich L, Upadhyay R, Svensson-Arvelund J, Brown BD, Merad M, Brody JD. Antitumor T-cell Homeostatic Activation Is Uncoupled from Homeostatic Inhibition by Checkpoint Blockade. Cancer Discov 2019; 9:1520-1537. [PMID: 31375522 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
T-cell transfer into lymphodepleted recipients induces homeostatic activation and potentiates antitumor efficacy. In contrast to canonical T-cell receptor-induced activation, homeostatic activation yields a distinct phenotype and memory state whose regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show in patients and murine models that, following transfer into lymphodepleted bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients, CD8+ T cells undergo activation but also simultaneous homeostatic inhibition manifested by upregulation of immune-checkpoint molecules and functional suppression. T cells transferred into BMT recipients were protected from homeostatic inhibition by PD-1/CTLA4 dual checkpoint blockade (dCB). This combination of dCB and BMT-"immunotransplant"-increased T-cell homeostatic activation and antitumor T-cell responses by an order of magnitude. Like homeostatic activation, homeostatic inhibition is IL7/IL15-dependent, revealing mechanistic coupling of these two processes. Marked similarity in ex vivo modulation of post-BMT T cells in mice and patients is promising for the clinical translation of immunotransplant (NCT03305445) and for addressing homeostatic inhibition in T-cell therapies. SIGNIFICANCE: For optimal anticancer effect, T-cell therapies including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, and transgenic T-cell therapies require transfer into lymphodepleted recipients and homeostatic activation; however, concomitant homeostatic inhibition mitigates T-cell therapies' efficacy. Checkpoint blockade uncouples homeostatic inhibition from activation, amplifying T-cell responses. Conversely, tumors nonresponsive to checkpoint blockade or BMT are treatable with immunotransplant.See related commentary by Ansell, p. 1487.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1469.
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Affiliation(s)
- Netonia Marshall
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Keino Hutchinson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Thomas U Marron
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Mark Aleynick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Ranjan Upadhyay
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Judit Svensson-Arvelund
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Brian D Brown
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Miriam Merad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York.,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Joshua D Brody
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York.
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Ajina A, Maher J. Synergistic combination of oncolytic virotherapy with CAR T-cell therapy. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 164:217-292. [PMID: 31383406 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
For patients with advanced hematological malignancies the therapeutic landscape has been transformed by the emergence of adoptive cell transfer utilizing autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected T-cells. However, solid tumors have proved far more resistant to this approach. Here, we summarize the numerous challenges faced by CAR T-cells designed to target solid tumors, highlighting, in particular, issues related to impaired trafficking, expansion, and persistence. In parallel, we draw attention to exciting developments in the burgeoning field of oncolytic virotherapy and posit strategies for the synergistic combination of oncolytic viruses with CAR T-cells to improve outcomes for patients with advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Ajina
- King's College London, Division of Cancer Studies, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - John Maher
- King's College London, Division of Cancer Studies, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, East Sussex, United Kingdom
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118
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Cursons J, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F, Foroutan M, Anderson A, Hollande F, Hediyeh-Zadeh S, Behren A, Huntington ND, Davis MJ. A Gene Signature Predicting Natural Killer Cell Infiltration and Improved Survival in Melanoma Patients. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1162-1174. [PMID: 31088844 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell activity is essential for initiating antitumor responses and may be linked to immunotherapy success. NK cells and other innate immune components could be exploitable for cancer treatment, which drives the need for tools and methods that identify therapeutic avenues. Here, we extend our gene-set scoring method singscore to investigate NK cell infiltration by applying RNA-seq analysis to samples from bulk tumors. Computational methods have been developed for the deconvolution of immune cell types within solid tumors. We have taken the NK cell gene signatures from several such tools, then curated the gene list using a comparative analysis of tumors and immune cell types. Using a gene-set scoring method to investigate RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we show that patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma have an improved survival rate if their tumor shows evidence of NK cell infiltration. Furthermore, these survival effects are enhanced in tumors that show higher expression of genes that encode NK cell stimuli such as the cytokine IL15 Using this signature, we then examine transcriptomic data to identify tumor and stromal components that may influence the penetrance of NK cells into solid tumors. Our results provide evidence that NK cells play a role in the regulation of human tumors and highlight potential survival effects associated with increased NK cell activity. Our computational analysis identifies putative gene targets that may be of therapeutic value for boosting NK cell antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Cursons
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fernando Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Momeneh Foroutan
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashley Anderson
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frédéric Hollande
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Soroor Hediyeh-Zadeh
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Behren
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa J Davis
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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119
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Hu W, Wang G, Huang D, Sui M, Xu Y. Cancer Immunotherapy Based on Natural Killer Cells: Current Progress and New Opportunities. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1205. [PMID: 31214177 PMCID: PMC6554437 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been firmly established as a new milestone for cancer therapy, with the development of multiple immune cells as therapeutic tools. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells endowed with potent cytolytic activity against tumors, and meanwhile act as regulatory cells for the immune system. The efficacy of NK cell-mediated immunotherapy can be enhanced by immune stimulants such as cytokines and antibodies, and adoptive transfer of activated NK cells expanded ex vivo. In addition, NK cells can arm themselves with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which may greatly enhance their anti-tumor activity. Most recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from NK cells show promising anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies. Herein, we carefully review the current progress in these NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies (NK cells combined with stimulants, adoptive transfer of NK cells, CAR-NK cells, and NK EVs) for the treatment of cancers, and discussed the challenges and opportunities for opening a new horizon for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilei Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Huang
- Department of Surgery & Clinical Research Institute of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Center for Cancer Biology and Innovative Therapeutics, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meihua Sui
- Department of Surgery & Clinical Research Institute of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Center for Cancer Biology and Innovative Therapeutics, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibing Xu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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120
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Conlon KC, Potter EL, Pittaluga S, Lee CCR, Miljkovic MD, Fleisher TA, Dubois S, Bryant BR, Petrus M, Perera LP, Hsu J, Figg WD, Peer CJ, Shih JH, Yovandich JL, Creekmore SP, Roederer M, Waldmann TA. IL15 by Continuous Intravenous Infusion to Adult Patients with Solid Tumors in a Phase I Trial Induced Dramatic NK-Cell Subset Expansion. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:4945-4954. [PMID: 31142503 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The first-in-human clinical trial with human bolus intravenous infusion IL15 (rhIL15) was limited by treatment-associated toxicity. Here, we report toxicity, immunomodulation, and clinical activity of rhIL15 administered as a 10-day continuous intravenous infusion (CIV) to patients with cancers in a phase I trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients received treatment for 10 days with CIV rhIL15 in doses of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 μg/kg/day. Correlative laboratory tests included IL15 pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses, and assessment of changes in lymphocyte subset numbers. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients were treated with rhIL15; 2 μg/kg/day was identified as the MTD. There were eight serious adverse events including two bleeding events, papilledema, uveitis, pneumonitis, duodenal erosions, and two deaths (one due to likely drug-related gastrointestinal ischemia). Evidence of antitumor effects was observed in several patients, but stable disease was the best response noted. Patients in the 2 μg/kg/day group had a 5.8-fold increase in number of circulating CD8+ T cells, 38-fold increase in total NK cells, and 358-fold increase in CD56bright NK cells. Serum IL15 concentrations were markedly lower during the last 3 days of infusion. CONCLUSIONS This phase I trial identified the MTD for CIV rhIL15 and defined a treatment regimen that produced significant expansions of CD8+ T and NK effector cells in circulation and tumor deposits. This regimen has identified several biological features, including dramatic increases in numbers of NK cells, supporting trials of IL15 with anticancer mAbs to increase antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and anticancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - E Lake Potter
- ImmunoTechnology Section Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Stefania Pittaluga
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Milos D Miljkovic
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Thomas A Fleisher
- NIH Clinical Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sigrid Dubois
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Bonita R Bryant
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michael Petrus
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Liyanage P Perera
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jennifer Hsu
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William D Figg
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Cody J Peer
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joanna H Shih
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jason L Yovandich
- Biological Resources Branch, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Developmental Therapeutics Program, NCI, NIH, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Stephen P Creekmore
- Biological Resources Branch, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Developmental Therapeutics Program, NCI, NIH, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Mario Roederer
- ImmunoTechnology Section Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
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121
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Palata O, Hradilova Podzimkova N, Nedvedova E, Umprecht A, Sadilkova L, Palova Jelinkova L, Spisek R, Adkins I. Radiotherapy in Combination With Cytokine Treatment. Front Oncol 2019; 9:367. [PMID: 31179236 PMCID: PMC6538686 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in the management of cancer patients. RT is used in more than 50% of patients during the course of their disease in a curative or palliative setting. In the past decades it became apparent that the abscopal effect induced by RT might be dependent on the activation of immune system, and that the induction of immunogenic cancer cell death and production of danger-associated molecular patterns from dying cells play a major role in the radiotherapy-mediated anti-tumor efficacy. Therefore, the combination of RT and immunotherapy is of a particular interest that is reflected in designing clinical trials to treat patients with various malignancies. The use of cytokines as immunoadjuvants in combination with RT has been explored over the last decades as one of the immunotherapeutic combinations to enhance the clinical response to anti-cancer treatment. Here we review mainly the data on the efficacy of IFN-α, IL-2, IL-2-based immunocytokines, GM-CSF, and TNF-α used in combinations with various radiotherapeutic techniques in clinical trials. Moreover, we discuss the potential of IL-15 and its analogs and IL-12 cytokines in combination with RT based on the efficacy in preclinical mouse tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Palata
- SOTIO a.s, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Nada Hradilova Podzimkova
- SOTIO a.s, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | | | | | | | - Lenka Palova Jelinkova
- SOTIO a.s, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radek Spisek
- SOTIO a.s, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Irena Adkins
- SOTIO a.s, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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122
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have evolved to complement T and B cells in host defense against pathogens and cancer. They recognize infected cells and tumors using a sophisticated array of activating, costimulatory, and inhibitory receptors that are expressed on NK cell subsets to create extensive functional diversity. NK cells can be targeted to kill with exquisite antigen specificity by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. NK and T cells share many of the costimulatory and inhibitory receptors that are currently under evaluation in the clinic for cancer immunotherapy. As with T cells, genetic engineering is being employed to modify NK cells to specifically target them to tumors and to enhance their effector functions. As the selective pressures exerted by immunotherapies to augment CD8+T cell responses may result in loss of MHC class I, NK cells may provide an important fail-safe to eliminate these tumors by their capacity to eliminate tumors that are “missing self.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S. Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Lewis L. Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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123
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Abstract
The processes controlled by cytokines may be co-opted by pathologic states, contributing to processes that threaten host well-being. A nuanced understanding of this immense web of chemical communications will allow us to understand the mechanisms and limitations of current therapies and to enhance their therapeutic benefits while minimizing their toxicities. This article reviews the current state of cytokine science in malignancy, focusing on agents that are approved for therapy or are in late-stage development. Promising new directions, including novel engineered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann W Silk
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Room LW503, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kim Margolin
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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124
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Silva AC, Lobo JMS. Cytokines and Growth Factors. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 171:87-113. [PMID: 31384960 DOI: 10.1007/10_2019_105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several cytokines have been used to treat autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and cancer and to regenerate the skin. In particular, interferons (INFs) have been used to treat cancer, hepatitis B and C, and multiple sclerosis, while interleukins (ILs) and tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) have been used in the management of different types of cancer. Concerning the hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs), epoetin has been used for anemia, whereas the colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) have been used for neutropenia. Other growth factors have been extensively explored, although most still need to demonstrate in vivo clinical relevance before reaching the market.This chapter provides an overview on the therapeutic applications of biological medicines containing recombinant cytokines and growth factors (HGFs and others). From this review, we concluded that the clinical relevance of recombinant cytokines has been increasing. Since the 1980s, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and/or Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved 89 biological medicines containing recombinant cytokines. Among these, 18 were withdrawn, 24 are biosimilars, and 18 are orphans.So far, considerable progress has been made in discovering new cytokines, additional cytokine functions, and how they interfere with human diseases. Future prospects include the approval of more biological and biosimilar medicines for different therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Silva
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-ENAS (UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit), CEBIMED (Biomedical Research Centre), Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
| | - J M Sousa Lobo
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, MEDTECH, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Berraondo P, Sanmamed MF, Ochoa MC, Etxeberria I, Aznar MA, Pérez-Gracia JL, Rodríguez-Ruiz ME, Ponz-Sarvise M, Castañón E, Melero I. Cytokines in clinical cancer immunotherapy. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:6-15. [PMID: 30413827 PMCID: PMC6325155 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0328-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 638] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are soluble proteins that mediate cell-to-cell communication. Based on the discovery of the potent anti-tumour activities of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in animal models, clinical research led to the approval of recombinant interferon-alpha and interleukin-2 for the treatment of several malignancies, even if efficacy was only modest. These early milestones in immunotherapy have been followed by the recent addition to clinical practice of antibodies that inhibit immune checkpoints, as well as chimeric antigen receptor T cells. A renewed interest in the anti-tumour properties of cytokines has led to an exponential increase in the number of clinical trials that explore the safety and efficacy of cytokine-based drugs, not only as single agents, but also in combination with other immunomodulatory drugs. These second-generation drugs under clinical development include known molecules with novel mechanisms of action, new targets, and fusion proteins that increase half-life and target cytokine activity to the tumour microenvironment or to the desired effector immune cells. In addition, the detrimental activity of immunosuppressive cytokines can be blocked by antagonistic antibodies, small molecules, cytokine traps or siRNAs. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel trends in the cytokine immunotherapy field that are yielding therapeutic agents for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Berraondo
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María C Ochoa
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Etxeberria
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria A Aznar
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - José Luis Pérez-Gracia
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María E Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Castañón
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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Zhu L, Kalimuthu S, Oh JM, Gangadaran P, Baek SH, Jeong SY, Lee SW, Lee J, Ahn BC. Enhancement of antitumor potency of extracellular vesicles derived from natural killer cells by IL-15 priming. Biomaterials 2018; 190-191:38-50. [PMID: 30391801 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Natural killer (NK) cells are the key subset of innate-immunity lymphocytes; they possess antitumor activities and are used for cancer immunotherapy. In a previous study, extracellular vehicles (EVs) from NK-92MI cells were isolated and exploited for their ability to kill human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo (multiple injection methods). Here, the potential of NK-cell-derived EVs (NK-EVs) for immunotherapy was improved by priming with interleukin (IL)-15. METHODS NK-EVs were isolated from the culture medium without or with IL-15 (NK-EVsIL-15) by ultracentrifugation and were purified via density gradient ultracentrifugation. In addition, NK-EVs and NK-EVsIL-15 were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle-tracking analysis, and western blotting. Flow cytometry, bioluminescence imaging, and a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were performed for apoptosis, protein expression, cell proliferation, and cytotoxicity analyses. Furthermore, xenograft tumor-bearing mice were injected with PBS, NK-EVs, or NK-EVsIL-15 intravenously five times. Tumor growth was monitored using calipers and bioluminescence imaging. Toxicity of the nanoparticles was evaluated by measuring the body weight of the mice. RESULTS NK-EVsIL-15 showed significantly higher cytolytic activity toward human cancer cell lines (glioblastoma, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer) and simultaneously increased the expression of molecules associated with NK-cell cytotoxicity. When compared with NK-EVs, NK-EVsIL-15 significantly inhibited the growth of glioblastoma xenograft cells in mice. In addition, both NK-EVs and NK-EVsIL-15 were not significantly toxic to either normal cells or mice. CONCLUSION IL-15 may improve the immunotherapeutic effects of NK-EVs, thus improving the applications of NK-EVs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Senthilkumar Kalimuthu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Ji Min Oh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Se Hwan Baek
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Shin Young Jeong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Jaetae Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Byeong-Cheol Ahn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, South Korea.
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127
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Margolin K, Morishima C, Velcheti V, Miller JS, Lee SM, Silk AW, Holtan SG, Lacroix AM, Fling SP, Kaiser JC, Egan JO, Jones M, Rhode PR, Rock AD, Cheever MA, Wong HC, Ernstoff MS. Phase I Trial of ALT-803, A Novel Recombinant IL15 Complex, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:5552-5561. [PMID: 30045932 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: IL15 induces the activation and proliferation of natural killer (NK) and memory CD8+ T cells and has preclinical antitumor activity. Given the superior activity and favorable kinetics of ALT-803 (IL15N72D:IL15RαSu/IgG1 Fc complex) over recombinant human IL15 (rhIL15) in animal models, we performed this first-in-human phase I trial of ALT-803 in patients with advanced solid tumors.Patients and Methods: Patients with incurable advanced melanoma, renal cell, non-small cell lung, and head and neck cancer were treated with ALT-803 0.3 to 6 μg/kg weekly intravenously or 6 to 20 μg/kg weekly subcutaneously for 4 consecutive weeks, every 6 weeks. Immune correlates included pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and lymphocyte expansion and function. Clinical endpoints were toxicity and antitumor activity.Results: Twenty-four patients were enrolled; 11 received intravenous and 13 received subcutaneous ALT-803. Of these patients, nine had melanoma, six renal, three head and neck, and six lung cancer. Although total lymphocyte and CD8+ T-cell expansion were modest, NK cell numbers rose significantly. Neither anti-ALT-803 antibodies nor clinical activity were observed. Overall, ALT-803 was well tolerated, with adverse effects including fatigue and nausea most commonly with intravenous administration, whereas painful injection site wheal was reported most commonly with subcutaneous ALT-803.Conclusions: Subcutaneous ALT-803 produced the expected NK cell expansion and was well tolerated with minimal cytokine toxicities and a strong local inflammatory reaction at injection sites in patients with advanced cancer. These data, together with compelling evidence of synergy in preclinical and clinical studies, provide the rationale for combining ALT-803 with other anticancer agents. Clin Cancer Res; 24(22); 5552-61. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Margolin
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California.
| | - Chihiro Morishima
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Sylvia M Lee
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ann W Silk
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | - Andreanne M Lacroix
- Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Steven P Fling
- Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Judith C Kaiser
- Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jack O Egan
- Altor BioScience, a Nantworks Company, Miramar, Florida
| | - Monica Jones
- Altor BioScience, a Nantworks Company, Miramar, Florida
| | - Peter R Rhode
- Altor BioScience, a Nantworks Company, Miramar, Florida
| | - Amy D Rock
- Altor BioScience, a Nantworks Company, Miramar, Florida
| | - Martin A Cheever
- Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Hing C Wong
- Altor BioScience, a Nantworks Company, Miramar, Florida
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Frutoso M, Morisseau S, Tamzalit F, Quéméner A, Meghnem D, Leray I, Jacques Y, Mortier E. Emergence of NK Cell Hyporesponsiveness after Two IL-15 Stimulation Cycles. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:493-506. [PMID: 29848756 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
IL-15 is a cytokine playing a crucial role in the function of immune cells, including NK and CD8 T cells. In this study, we demonstrated that in vivo, in mice, IL-15-prestimulated NK cells were no longer able to respond to a second cycle of IL-15 stimulation. This was illustrated by defects in cell maturation, proliferation, and activation, seemingly linked to the environment surrounding NK cells but not related to the presence of CD4 regulatory T cells, TGF-β, or IL-10. Moreover, NK cells from immunodeficient mice could respond to two cycles of IL-15 stimulation, whereas an adoptive transfer of CD44+CD8+ cells impaired their responsiveness to the second cycle. Conversely, in immunocompetent mice, NK cell responsiveness to a second IL-15 stimulation was restored by the depletion of CD8+ cells. These biological findings refine our understanding of the complex mode of action of NK cells in vivo, and they should be taken into consideration for IL-15-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frutoso
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Sébastien Morisseau
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Fella Tamzalit
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Agnès Quéméner
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Dihia Meghnem
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Isabelle Leray
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Yannick Jacques
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
| | - Erwan Mortier
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Nantes-Angers, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44007 Nantes, France; and
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Pranzatelli MR. Advances in Biomarker-Guided Therapy for Pediatric- and Adult-Onset Neuroinflammatory Disorders: Targeting Chemokines/Cytokines. Front Immunol 2018; 9:557. [PMID: 29670611 PMCID: PMC5893838 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept and recognized components of “neuroinflammation” are expanding at the intersection of neurobiology and immunobiology. Chemokines (CKs), no longer merely necessary for immune cell trafficking and positioning, have multiple physiologic, developmental, and modulatory functionalities in the central nervous system (CNS) through neuron–glia interactions and other mechanisms affecting neurotransmission. They issue the “help me” cry of neurons and astrocytes in response to CNS injury, engaging invading lymphoid cells (T cells and B cells) and myeloid cells (dendritic cells, monocytes, and neutrophils) (adaptive immunity), as well as microglia and macrophages (innate immunity), in a cascade of events, some beneficial (reparative), others destructive (excitotoxic). Human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies have been instrumental in revealing soluble immunobiomarkers involved in immune dysregulation, their dichotomous effects, and the cells—often subtype specific—that produce them. CKs/cytokines continue to be attractive targets for the pharmaceutical industry with varying therapeutic success. This review summarizes the developing armamentarium, complexities of not compromising surveillance/physiologic functions, and insights on applicable strategies for neuroinflammatory disorders. The main approach has been using a designer monoclonal antibody to bind directly to the chemo/cytokine. Another approach is soluble receptors to bind the chemo/cytokine molecule (receptor ligand). Recombinant fusion proteins combine a key component of the receptor with IgG1. An additional approach is small molecule antagonists (protein therapeutics, binding proteins, and protein antagonists). CK neutralizing molecules (“neutraligands”) that are not receptor antagonists, high-affinity neuroligands (“decoy molecules”), as well as neutralizing “nanobodies” (single-domain camelid antibody fragment) are being developed. Simultaneous, more precise targeting of more than one cytokine is possible using bispecific agents (fusion antibodies). It is also possible to inhibit part of a signaling cascade to spare protective cytokine effects. “Fusokines” (fusion of two cytokines or a cytokine and CK) allow greater synergistic bioactivity than individual cytokines. Another promising approach is experimental targeting of the NLRP3 inflammasome, amply expressed in the CNS and a key contributor to neuroinflammation. Serendipitous discovery is not to be discounted. Filling in knowledge gaps between pediatric- and adult-onset neuroinflammation by systematic collection of CSF data on CKs/cytokines in temporal and clinical contexts and incorporating immunobiomarkers in clinical trials is a challenge hereby set forth for clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Pranzatelli
- National Pediatric Neuroinflammation Organization, Inc., Orlando, FL, United States.,College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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Aktaş ON, Öztürk AB, Erman B, Erus S, Tanju S, Dilege Ş. Role of natural killer cells in lung cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:997-1003. [PMID: 29616326 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2635-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE One of the key immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer is natural killer (NK) cells and these cells are novel targets for therapeutic applications in lung cancer. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current literature on lung cancer pathogenesis with a focus on the interaction between NK cells and smoking, how these factors are related to the pathogenesis of lung cancer and how NK cell-based immunotherapy effect lung cancer survival. METHODS The relevant literature from PubMed and Medline databases is reviewed in this article. RESULTS The cytolytic potential of NK cells are reduced in lung cancer and increasing evidence suggests that improving NK cell functioning may induce tumor regression. Recent clinical trials on NK cell-based novel therapies such as cytokines including interleukin (IL)-15, IL-12 and IL-2, NK-92 cell lines and allogenic NK cell immunotherapy showed promising results with less adverse effects on the lung cancer survival. CONCLUSIONS The NK cell targeting strategy has not yet been approved for lung cancer treatment. More clinical studies focusing on the role of NK cells in lung cancer pathogenesis are warranted to develop novel NK cell-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Nur Aktaş
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Community Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ayşe Bilge Öztürk
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Baran Erman
- Koç University, School of Medicine, Translational Medicine Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Suat Erus
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serhan Tanju
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şükrü Dilege
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Psomas CK, Lafeuillade A, Margolis D, Salzwedel K, Stevenson M, Chomont N, Poli G, Routy JP. Highlights from the 8 th International Workshop on HIV Persistence during Therapy, 12-15 December 2017, Miami, FL, USA. J Virus Erad 2018; 4:132-142. [PMID: 29682308 PMCID: PMC5892681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 4 days, more than 500 scientists involved in HIV persistence research shared their new unpublished data and designed future perspectives towards ART-free HIV remission. This 8th International Workshop on HIV Persistence followed the format of past conferences but further focused on encouraging participation of young investigators, especially through submission of oral and poster presentations. The topic of the workshop was HIV persistence. Consequently, issues of HIV reservoirs and HIV cure were also addressed. In this article, we report the discussions as closely as possible; however, all the workshop abstracts can be found online at www.viruseradication.com.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karl Salzwedel
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,
Bethesda,
USA
| | | | | | - Guido Poli
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute,
Milano,
Italy
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132
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Felices M, Lenvik AJ, McElmurry R, Chu S, Hinderlie P, Bendzick L, Geller MA, Tolar J, Blazar BR, Miller JS. Continuous treatment with IL-15 exhausts human NK cells via a metabolic defect. JCI Insight 2018; 3:96219. [PMID: 29415897 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.96219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cell-based immunotherapies have been gaining traction in the clinic for treatment of cancer. IL-15 is currently being used in number of clinical trials to improve NK cell expansion and function. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of repetitive IL-15 exposure on NK cells. An in vitro model in which human NK cells are continuously (on on on) or intermittently (on off on) treated with IL-15 was used to explore this question. After treatment, cells were evaluated for proliferation, survival, cell cycle gene expression, function, and metabolic processes. Our data indicate that continuous treatment of NK cells with IL-15 resulted in decreased viability and a cell cycle arrest gene expression pattern. This was associated with diminished signaling, decreased function both in vitro and in vivo, and reduced tumor control. NK cells continuously treated with IL-15 also displayed a reduced mitochondrial respiration profile when compared with NK cells treated intermittently with IL-15. This profile was characterized by a decrease in the spare respiratory capacity that was dependent on fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Limiting the strength of IL-15 signaling via utilization of an mTOR inhibitor rescued NK cell functionality in the group continuously treated with IL-15. The findings presented here show that human NK cells continuously treated with IL-15 undergo a process consistent with exhaustion that is accompanied by a reduction in FAO. These findings should inform IL-15-dosing strategies in NK cell cancer immunotherapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Felices
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation
| | - Alexander J Lenvik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation
| | | | - Sami Chu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation
| | - Peter Hinderlie
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation
| | - Laura Bendzick
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Melissa A Geller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation
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