151
|
NK Cells, Tumor Cell Transition, and Tumor Progression in Solid Malignancies: New Hints for NK-Based Immunotherapy? J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:4684268. [PMID: 27294158 PMCID: PMC4880686 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4684268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Several evidences suggest that NK cells can patrol the body and eliminate tumors in their initial phases but may hardly control established solid tumors. Multiple factors, including the transition of tumor cells towards a proinvasive/prometastatic phenotype, the immunosuppressive effect of the tumor microenvironment, and the tumor structure complexity, may account for limited NK cell efficacy. Several putative mechanisms of NK cell suppression have been defined in these last years; conversely, the cross talk between NK cells and tumor cells undergoing different transitional phases remains poorly explored. Nevertheless, recent in vitro studies and immunohistochemical analyses on tumor biopsies suggest that NK cells could not only kill tumor cells but also influence their evolution. Indeed, NK cells may induce tumor cells to change the expression of HLA-I, PD-L1, or NKG2D-L and modulate their susceptibility to the immune response. Moreover, NK cells may be preferentially located in the borders of tumor masses, where, indeed, tumor cells can undergo Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) acquiring prometastatic phenotype. Finally, the recently highlighted role of HMGB1 both in EMT and in amplifying the recruitment of NK cells provides further hints on a possible effect of NK cells on tumor progression and fosters new studies on this issue.
Collapse
|
152
|
Pasero C, Gravis G, Granjeaud S, Guerin M, Thomassin-Piana J, Rocchi P, Salem N, Walz J, Moretta A, Olive D. Highly effective NK cells are associated with good prognosis in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:14360-73. [PMID: 25961317 PMCID: PMC4546472 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical outcome of patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) at diagnosis is heterogeneous and unpredictable; thus alternative treatments such as immunotherapy are investigated. We retrospectively analyzed natural killer (NK) cells by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from 39 mPC patients, with 5 year-follow-up, and their correlation with time to castration resistance (TCR) and overall survival (OS). In parallel, NK functionality was carried out against prostate tumor cell lines, analyzed for the expression of NK cell ligands, to identify the receptors involved in PC recognition. NK cells from patients with longer TCR and OS displayed high expression of activating receptors and high cytotoxicity. The activating receptors NKp30 and NKp46 were the most obvious predictive markers of OS and TCR in a larger cohort of mPC patients (OS: p= 0.0018 and 0.0009; TCR: p= 0.007 and < 0.0001 respectively, log-rank test). Importantly, blocking experiments revealed that NKp46, along with NKG2D and DNAM-1 and, to a lesser extent NKp30, were involved in prostate tumor recognition by NK cells. These results identify NK cells as potential predictive biomarkers to stratify patients who are likely to have longer castration response, and pave the way to explore therapies aimed at enhancing NK cells in mPC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Pasero
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Mathilde Guerin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Palma Rocchi
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Naji Salem
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Alessandro Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (D.I.ME.S.), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniel Olive
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
153
|
Pasero C, Gravis G, Guerin M, Granjeaud S, Thomassin-Piana J, Rocchi P, Paciencia-Gros M, Poizat F, Bentobji M, Azario-Cheillan F, Walz J, Salem N, Brunelle S, Moretta A, Olive D. Inherent and Tumor-Driven Immune Tolerance in the Prostate Microenvironment Impairs Natural Killer Cell Antitumor Activity. Cancer Res 2016; 76:2153-65. [PMID: 27197252 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-1965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The field of immunotherapy for solid tumors, such as prostate cancer, has been recently focusing on therapies that can counter tumor-mediated immunosuppression. Precise quantification and characterization of the immune infiltrates in tumors is crucial to improve treatment efficacy. Natural killer (NK) cells, major components of the antitumor immune system, have never been isolated from prostate tumors, despite their suspected role in disease progression. Here, we examined the frequency, phenotype, and functions of NK cells infiltrating control and tumor prostate tissues. NK cell infiltrates in prostate tissues were mainly CD56 (NCAM1)-positive and displayed an unexpected immature, but activated, phenotype with low or no cytotoxic potential. Furthermore, we show that TGFβ1 (TGFB1) is highly secreted into the prostate environment and partly mediates the immunosuppressive effects on NK cells. In addition to this basal level of immunotolerance to NK cells, the prostate environment became further resistant to NK cell-mediated immunity upon cancer cell infiltration. Coculture experiments revealed that prostate cancer cells induced the expression of inhibitory receptor (ILT2/LILRB1) and downregulated the expression of activating receptors NKp46 (NCR1), NKG2D (KLRK1), and CD16 (FCGR3) by NK cells, thus preventing their recognition of tumor cells. Notably, blood levels of NKp46 were also decreased in prostate cancer patients and were inversely correlated with levels of prostate-specific antigen, the main prognostic factor in prostate cancer. Our study shows that a strong immunosuppressive environment impairs NK cell function at multiple levels in prostate cancer and provides a rationale for the design of therapies that restore NK cell efficiency in the prostate tumor microenvironment. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2153-65. ©2016 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Pasero
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068/CNRS U7258, Marseille, France. Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.
| | | | | | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068/CNRS U7258, Marseille, France
| | | | - Palma Rocchi
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068/CNRS U7258, Marseille, France. Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Naji Salem
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Daniel Olive
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068/CNRS U7258, Marseille, France. Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France. Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
154
|
Cacalano NA. Regulation of Natural Killer Cell Function by STAT3. Front Immunol 2016; 7:128. [PMID: 27148255 PMCID: PMC4827001 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, key members of a distinct hematopoietic lineage, innate lymphoid cells, are not only critical effectors that mediate cytotoxicity toward tumor and virally infected cells but also regulate inflammation, antigen presentation, and the adaptive immune response. It has been shown that NK cells can regulate the development and activation of many other components of the immune response, such as dendritic cells, which in turn, modulate the function of NK cells in multiple synergistic feed back loops driven by cell–cell contact, and the secretion of cytokines and chemokines that control effector function and migration of cells to sites of immune activation. The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 is involved in driving almost all of the pathways that control NK cytolytic activity as well as the reciprocal regulatory interactions between NK cells and other components of the immune system. In the context of tumor immunology, NK cells are a first line of defense that eliminates pre-cancerous and transformed cells early in the process of carcinogenesis, through a mechanism of “immune surveillance.” Even after tumors become established, NK cells are critical components of anticancer immunity: dysfunctional NK cells are often found in the peripheral blood of cancer patients, and the lack of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment often correlates to poor prognosis. The pathways and soluble factors activated in tumor-associated NK cells, cancer cells, and regulatory myeloid cells, which determine the outcome of cancer immunity, are all critically regulated by STAT3. Using the tumor microenvironment as a paradigm, we present here an overview of the research that has revealed fundamental mechanisms through which STAT3 regulates all aspects of NK cell biology, including NK development, activation, target cell killing, and fine tuning of the innate and adaptive immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Cacalano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles, CA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
155
|
Pietra G, Vitale C, Pende D, Bertaina A, Moretta F, Falco M, Vacca P, Montaldo E, Cantoni C, Mingari MC, Moretta A, Locatelli F, Moretta L. Human natural killer cells: news in the therapy of solid tumors and high-risk leukemias. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:465-76. [PMID: 26289090 PMCID: PMC11028670 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the immunity against cancer, while the involvement of other recently identified, NK-related innate lymphoid cells is still poorly defined. In the haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the therapy of high-risk leukemias, NK cells have been shown to exert a key role in killing leukemic blasts residual after conditioning. While the clinical results in the cure of leukemias are excellent, the exploitation of NK cells in the therapy of solid tumors is still limited and unsatisfactory. In solid tumors, NK cell function may be inhibited via different mechanisms, occurring primarily at the tumor site. The cellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment involve tumor cells, stromal cells and resident or recruited leukocytes and may favor tumor evasion from the host's defenses. In this context, a number of cytokines, growth factors and enzymes synthesized by tumor cells, stromal cells, suppressive/regulatory myeloid and lymphoid cells may substantially impair the function of different tumor-reactive effector cells, including NK cells. The identification and characterization of such mechanisms may offer clues for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies to restore effective anti-tumor responses. In order to harness NK cell-based immunotherapies, several approaches have been proposed, including reinforcement of NK cell cytotoxicity by means of specific cytokines, antibodies or drugs. These new tools may improve NK cell function and/or increase tumor susceptibility to NK-mediated killing. Hence, the integration of NK-based immunotherapies with conventional anti-tumor therapies may increase chances of successful cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Pietra
- IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Moretta
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Ospedale Sacro Cuore, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini n. 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Montaldo
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini n. 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini n. 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
156
|
Kozlowska AK, Kaur K, Topchyan P, Jewett A. Adoptive transfer of osteoclast-expanded natural killer cells for immunotherapy targeting cancer stem-like cells in humanized mice. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:835-45. [PMID: 27034236 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1822-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Based on data obtained from oral, pancreatic and lung cancers, glioblastoma, and melanoma, we have established that natural killer (NK) cells target cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). CSCs displaying low MHC class I, CD54, and PD-L1 are killed by cytotoxic NK cells and are differentiated by split anergized NK cells through both membrane bound and secreted forms of TNF-α and IFN-γ. NK cells select and differentiate both healthy and transformed stem-like cells, resulting in target cell maturation and shaping of their microenvironment. In our recent studies, we have observed that oral, pancreatic, and melanoma CSCs were capable of forming large tumors in humanized bone marrow, liver, thymus (hu-BLT) mice with fully reconstituted human immune system. In addition, major human immune subsets including NK cells, T cells, B cells, and monocytes were present in the spleen, bone marrow, peripheral blood, and tumor microenvironment. Similar to our previously published in vitro data, CSCs differentiated with split anergized NK cells prior to implantation in mice formed smaller tumors. Intravenous injection of functionally potent osteoclast-expanded NK cells inhibited tumor growth through differentiation of CSCs in humanized mice. In this review, we present current approaches, advances, and existing limitations in studying interactions of the immune system with the tumor, in particular NK cells with CSCs, using in vivo preclinical hu-BLT mouse model. In addition, we discuss the use of osteoclast-expanded NK cells in targeting cancer stem-like tumors in humanized mice-a strategy that provides a much-needed platform to develop effective cancer immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Kozlowska
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paytsar Topchyan
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
157
|
Tarazona R, Duran E, Solana R. Natural Killer Cell Recognition of Melanoma: New Clues for a More Effective Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2016; 6:649. [PMID: 26779186 PMCID: PMC4703774 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells participate in the early immune response against melanoma and also contribute to the development of an adequate adaptive immune response by their crosstalk with dendritic cells and cytokine secretion. Melanoma resistance to conventional therapies together with its high immunogenicity justifies the development of novel therapies aimed to stimulate effective immune responses against melanoma. However, melanoma cells frequently escape to CD8 T cell recognition by the down-regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. In this scenario, NK cells emerge as potential candidates for melanoma immunotherapy due to their capacity to recognize and destroy melanoma cells expressing low levels of MHC class I molecules. In addition, the possibility to combine immune checkpoint blockade with other NK cell potentiating strategies (e.g., cytokine induction of activating receptors) has opened new perspectives in the potential use of adoptive NK cell-based immunotherapy in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Tarazona
- Immunology Unit, University of Extremadura , Caceres , Spain
| | - Esther Duran
- Histology and Pathology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura , Caceres , Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- Immunology Unit, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba , Cordoba , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
158
|
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the prototype innate lymphoid cells endowed with potent cytolytic function that provide host defence against microbial infection and tumours. Here, we review evidence for the role of NK cells in immune surveillance against cancer and highlight new therapeutic approaches for targeting NK cells in the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maelig G Morvan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
159
|
McCulley KJ, Somanchi SS. Assessment of Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity Using Image Cytometry Method. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1441:107-16. [PMID: 27177660 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3684-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Although natural killer (NK) cells produce various cytokines that regulate other lymphocytes of the immune system, the primary effector function of NK cells is the direct cytolysis of their targets. Hence analyzing the cytotoxic potential of these lymphocytes is fundamental to understanding their biology and their clinical impact. We have previously shown that release-based cytotoxicity assays, such as calcein release assay, could potentially underestimate percent specific lysis if the entrapped reporter is not completely released and demonstrated that an Image cytometry method can overcome this caveat. In this chapter, we describe a detailed methodology to quantitate NK cell cytotoxicity using the Cellometer Vision Image Cytometry system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey J McCulley
- Department of Technology R&D, Nexcelom Bioscience LLC, 360 Merrimack St. Building 9, Lawrence, MA, 01843, USA
| | - Srinivas S Somanchi
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit # 853, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
160
|
Becht E, Giraldo NA, Germain C, de Reyniès A, Laurent-Puig P, Zucman-Rossi J, Dieu-Nosjean MC, Sautès-Fridman C, Fridman WH. Immune Contexture, Immunoscore, and Malignant Cell Molecular Subgroups for Prognostic and Theranostic Classifications of Cancers. Adv Immunol 2016; 130:95-190. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
161
|
D'Aloia MM, Caratelli S, Palumbo C, Battella S, Arriga R, Lauro D, Palmieri G, Sconocchia G, Alimandi M. T lymphocytes engineered to express a CD16-chimeric antigen receptor redirect T-cell immune responses against immunoglobulin G-opsonized target cells. Cytotherapy 2015; 18:278-90. [PMID: 26705740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) designed for adoptive immunotherapy need to achieve two functions: antigen recognition and triggering of the lytic machinery of reprogrammed effector cells. Cytotoxic T cells have been engineered with FcγRIII (CD16) chimeric molecules to be redirected against malignant cells by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). These cells have been proven to mediate granule-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, but it is not clear whether they can also kill malignant cells by a granule-independent mechanism of cell cytotoxicity. METHODS We engineered a CD16A-CAR equipped with the extracellular CD16A, the hinge spacer and the transmembrane region of CD8, and the ζ-chain of the T-cell receptor/CD3 complex in tandem with the CD28 co-stimulatory signal transducer module. The CD16A-CAR was expressed and functionally tested in the MD45 cell line, a murine T-cell hybridoma with a defective granular exocytosis pathway but capable of killing target cells by a Fas ligand-mediated lysis. RESULTS Our results indicate that in vitro cross-linking of CD16A-CAR on MD45 cells by the Fc fragment of mAb opsonized tumor cells induced interleukin-2 release and granule-independent cellular cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that strategies aimed to implement the therapeutic functions of mAbs used in the clinic with T-dependent immune responses driven by engineered T cells expressing FcγR-CAR can boost the antitumor efficacy of mAbs used in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Michela D'Aloia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Caratelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Battella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Arriga
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Lauro
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sconocchia
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Alimandi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
162
|
Dahlberg CIM, Sarhan D, Chrobok M, Duru AD, Alici E. Natural Killer Cell-Based Therapies Targeting Cancer: Possible Strategies to Gain and Sustain Anti-Tumor Activity. Front Immunol 2015; 6:605. [PMID: 26648934 PMCID: PMC4663254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were discovered 40 years ago, by their ability to recognize and kill tumor cells without the requirement of prior antigen exposure. Since then, NK cells have been seen as promising agents for cell-based cancer therapies. However, NK cells represent only a minor fraction of the human lymphocyte population. Their skewed phenotype and impaired functionality during cancer progression necessitates the development of clinical protocols to activate and expand to high numbers ex vivo to be able to infuse sufficient numbers of functional NK cells to the cancer patients. Initial NK cell-based clinical trials suggested that NK cell-infusion is safe and feasible with almost no NK cell-related toxicity, including graft-versus-host disease. Complete remission and increased disease-free survival is shown in a small number of patients with hematological malignances. Furthermore, successful adoptive NK cell-based therapies from haploidentical donors have been demonstrated. Disappointingly, only limited anti-tumor effects have been demonstrated following NK cell infusion in patients with solid tumors. While NK cells have great potential in targeting tumor cells, the efficiency of NK cell functions in the tumor microenvironment is yet unclear. The failure of immune surveillance may in part be due to sustained immunological pressure on tumor cells resulting in the development of tumor escape variants that are invisible to the immune system. Alternatively, this could be due to the complex network of immune-suppressive compartments in the tumor microenvironment, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and regulatory T cells. Although the negative effect of the tumor microenvironment on NK cells can be transiently reverted by ex vivo expansion and long-term activation, the aforementioned NK cell/tumor microenvironment interactions upon reinfusion are not fully elucidated. Within this context, genetic modification of NK cells may provide new possibilities for developing effective cancer immunotherapies by improving NK cell responses and making them less susceptible to the tumor microenvironment. Within this review, we will discuss clinical trials using NK cells with a specific reflection on novel potential strategies, such as genetic modification of NK cells and complementary therapies aimed at improving the clinical outcome of NK cell-based immune therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carin I M Dahlberg
- Cell Therapies Institute, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, FL , USA ; Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, NOVUM , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Dhifaf Sarhan
- Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden ; Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Masonic Cancer Research Center, University of Minnesota , Minnesota, MN , USA
| | - Michael Chrobok
- Cell Therapies Institute, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, FL , USA ; Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, NOVUM , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Adil D Duru
- Cell Therapies Institute, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, FL , USA ; Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, NOVUM , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Cell Therapies Institute, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, FL , USA ; Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, NOVUM , Stockholm , Sweden ; Hematology Center, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
163
|
A Novel Method for Assessment of Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity Using Image Cytometry. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141074. [PMID: 26492577 PMCID: PMC4619620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the innate arm of the immune system and though activated NK cells can modulate immune responses through the secretion of cytokines, their primary effector function is through target cell lysis. Accordingly, cytotoxicity assays are central to studying NK cell function. The 51Chromium release assay, is the “gold standard” for cytotoxicity assay, however, due to concerns over toxicity associated with the use and disposal of radioactive compounds there is a significant interest in non-radioactive methods. We have previously used the calcein release assay as a non-radioactive alternative for studying NK cell cytotoxicity. In this study, we show that the calcein release assay varies in its dynamic range for different tumor targets, and that the entrapped calcein could remain unreleased within apoptotic bodies of lysed tumor targets or incompletely released resulting in underestimation of percent specific lysis. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel cytotoxicity assay using the Cellometer Vision Image Cytometer and compared this method to standard calcein release assay for measuring NK cell cytotoxicity. Using tumor lines K562, 721.221, and Jurkat, we demonstrate here that image cytometry shows significantly higher percent specific lysis of the target cells compared to the standard calcein release assay within the same experimental setup. Image cytometry is able to accurately analyze live target cells by excluding dimmer cells and smaller apoptotic bodies from viable target cell counts. The image cytometry-based cytotoxicity assay is a simple, direct and sensitive method and is an appealing option for routine cytotoxicity assay.
Collapse
|
164
|
Janakiram NB, Mohammed A, Bryant T, Brewer M, Biddick L, Lightfoot S, Lang ML, Rao CV. Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells promotes intestinal tumorigenesis and is associated with decreased NK cells and IL-22 binding protein. Mol Carcinog 2015; 54:986-98. [PMID: 24797894 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
High number of regulatory T cells (Tregs), both circulating and at the tumor site, often indicates a poor prognosis in CRC patient's possibly impairing natural killer (NK) cell function. To determine the role of Tregs in CRC development and their effects on NK cells, we created novel transgenic Rag-Apc mice that lack T cells and develop spontaneous intestinal tumors, and we adoptively transferred Tregs or transiently depleted NK cells during initial stages of tumorigenesis. In 6-weeks old Rag-Apc mice containing microscopic intestinal tumors adoptive transfer of Tregs or transient NK cell depletion dramatically associated with an increase in intestinal tumor multiplicity and tumor size, with significantly decreased survival rates. Importantly, Treg transfer increased small intestinal polyp formation up to 65% (P < 0.0005) and increased colon tumors multiplicities by 84% (P < 0.0001) with a significant decrease in NK cells as compared to control mice. Similarly, in NK depleted mice, colon tumor multiplicities increased up to 40% and small intestinal polyp formation up to 60% (P < 0.0001). Treg transfer or NK cell transient depletion markedly increased interleukin (IL)-22 systemically and the inflammatory signaling molecules P2X7R, and STAT3 in the tumors; and impaired production of the tumor suppressor interferon (IFN)-γ systemically. Notably, IL-22 binding protein (IL-22 BP) was associated with NKs and a significant decrease was seen at the tumor site in mice adoptively transferred with Tregs or depleted of NK cells. Our results suggest that adoptive transfer of Tregs aggressively promote intestinal tumorigenesis by decreasing NK cell number and activity by modulating IL-22 BP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naveena B Janakiram
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Altaf Mohammed
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Taylor Bryant
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Misty Brewer
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Laura Biddick
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Stan Lightfoot
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Mark L Lang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Chinthalapally V Rao
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| |
Collapse
|
165
|
Hasmim M, Messai Y, Ziani L, Thiery J, Bouhris JH, Noman MZ, Chouaib S. Critical Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Shaping NK Cell Functions: Implication of Hypoxic Stress. Front Immunol 2015; 6:482. [PMID: 26441986 PMCID: PMC4585210 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blurring the boundary between innate and adaptive immune system, natural killer (NK) cells, a key component of the innate immunity, are recognized as potent anticancer mediators. Extensive studies have been detailed on how NK cells get activated and recognize cancer cells. In contrast, few studies have been focused on how tumor microenvironment-mediated immunosubversion and immunoselection of tumor-resistant variants may impair NK cell function. Accumulating evidences indicate that several cell subsets (macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressive cells, T regulatory cells, dendritic cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and tumor cells), their secreted factors, as well as metabolic components (i.e., hypoxia) have immunosuppressive roles in the tumor microenvironment and are able to condition NK cells to become anergic. In this review, we will describe how NK cells react with different stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. This will be followed by a discussion on the role of hypoxic stress in the regulation of NK cell functions. The aim of this review is to provide a better understanding of how the tumor microenvironment impairs NK cell functions, thereby limiting the use of NK cell-based therapy, and we will attempt to suggest more efficient tools to establish a more favorable tumor microenvironment to boost NK cell cytotoxicity and control tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hasmim
- INSERM U 1186, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy Campus , Villejuif , France
| | - Yosra Messai
- INSERM U 1186, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy Campus , Villejuif , France
| | - Linda Ziani
- INSERM U 1186, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy Campus , Villejuif , France
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM U 1186, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy Campus , Villejuif , France
| | - Jean-Henri Bouhris
- INSERM U 1186, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy Campus , Villejuif , France ; Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Gustave Roussy Campus , Villejuif , France
| | - Muhammad Zaeem Noman
- INSERM U 1186, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy Campus , Villejuif , France
| | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM U 1186, Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy Campus , Villejuif , France
| |
Collapse
|
166
|
Sun X, Zhang J, Hou Z, Han Q, Zhang C, Tian Z. miR-146a is directly regulated by STAT3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and involved in anti-tumor immune suppression. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:243-52. [PMID: 25607648 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.977112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in tumorigenesis, but their role in tumor-induced immune suppression is largely unknown. STAT3 signaling, a key pathway mediating immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment, is responsible for the transcription of several important miRNAs. In this study, we observed that miR-146a, a known important regulator of immune responses, was downregulated by blocking activated STAT3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Furthermore, miR-146a inhibition in HCC cells not only altered the STAT3 activation-associated cytokine profile but also reversed HCC-induced NK cell dysfunction in vitro and improved the anti-tumor effect of lymphocytes in vivo. Importantly, ChIP and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that STAT3 directly bound to the miR-146a promoter and induced miR-146a expression. These findings indicated that miR-146a expression was regulated by aberrantly activated STAT3 in HCC cells and exerted negative effects on anti-tumor immune response, which resulted in the upregulation of cytokines such as TGF-β, IL-17, VEGF and downregulation of type I IFN to create an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This further insight into understanding the mechanism responsible for tumor-induced immune suppression highlights the potential application of miR-146a as a novel immunotherapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Sun
- a Institute of Immunopharmacology & Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences ; Shandong University ; Jinan , Shandong Province , China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
167
|
Natural killer cell receptors: alterations and therapeutic targeting in malignancies. Immunol Res 2015; 64:25-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s12026-015-8695-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
168
|
Ladányi A. Prognostic and predictive significance of immune cells infiltrating cutaneous melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2015; 28:490-500. [PMID: 25818762 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is shaped by interactions between malignant cells and host cells representing an integral component of solid tumors. Host cells, including elements of the innate and adaptive immune system, can exert both positive and negative effects on the outcome of the disease. In melanoma, studies on the prognostic impact of the lymphoid infiltrate in general, and that of T cells, yielded controversial results. According to our studies and data in the literature, a high peritumoral density of activated T cells, increased amount of B lymphocytes and mature dendritic cells (DCs) predicted longer survival, while intense infiltration by plasmacytoid DCs or neutrophil granulocytes could be associated with poor prognosis. Besides its prognostic value, evaluation of the components of immune infiltrate could provide biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of the treatment and disease outcome in patients treated with immunotherapy or other, non-immune-based modalities as chemo-, radio-, or targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ladányi
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
169
|
Cantoni C, Grauwet K, Pietra G, Parodi M, Mingari MC, Maria AD, Favoreel H, Vitale M. Role of NK cells in immunotherapy and virotherapy of solid tumors. Immunotherapy 2015; 7:861-82. [PMID: 26314197 DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although natural killer (NK) cells are endowed with powerful cytolytic activity against cancer cells, their role in different therapies against solid tumors has not yet been fully elucidated. Their interactions with various elements of the tumor microenvironment as well as their possible effects in contributing to and/or limiting oncolytic virotherapy render this potential immunotherapeutic tool still difficult to exploit at the bedside. Here, we will review the current literature with the aim of providing new hints to manage this powerful cell type in future innovative therapies, such as the use of NK cells in combination with new cytokines, specific mAbs (inducing ADCC), Tyr-Kinase inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and/or the design of oncolytic viruses aimed at optimizing the effect of NK cells in virotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Korneel Grauwet
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Parodi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST Genova, Genova, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Herman Favoreel
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
170
|
Li T, Zhang Q, Jiang Y, Yu J, Hu Y, Mou T, Chen G, Li G. Gastric cancer cells inhibit natural killer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis via prostaglandin E2. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1069936. [PMID: 27057432 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1069936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in natural killer (NK) cell functions are necessary for tumor immune escape, but their underlying regulatory mechanisms in human cancers remain largely unknown. Here we showed, in detailed studies of NK cells from 235 untreated patients with gastric cancer (GC), the NK cell density in GC tissues could predict improved survival of patients. However, NK cells were significantly decreased in number with advanced-stage GC. A multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the intratumoral NK cell density was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease-free survival in the GC patients. Most of the intratumoral NK cells exhibited a normal phenotype and secreted normal levels of cytokines, but the expression of Ki67 was decreased compared with NK cells from nontumoral regions. Moreover, the levels of intratumoral NK cells were negatively correlated with the intratumoral expression of cyclooxygenase-2. Furthermore, we found that PGE2 derived from GC cells suppressed NK cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in vitro. These data reveal that tumor-derived PGE2 is critical for inducing NK cell dysfunction in GC and demonstrate that an extensive infiltration of NK cells predicts a good prognosis in patients with GC. Our findings suggest that immunosuppressive barriers erected by tumors greatly hamper the antitumor activity of human NK cells, thereby favoring tumor outgrowth and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuanjie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China; Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuming Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanfeng Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingyu Mou
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Guihua Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China; Department of Hepatic Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoxin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
171
|
Pahl J, Cerwenka A. Tricking the balance: NK cells in anti-cancer immunity. Immunobiology 2015; 222:11-20. [PMID: 26264743 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are classically considered innate immune effector cells involved in the first line of defense against infected and malignant cells. More recently, NK cells have emerged to acquire properties of adaptive immunity in response to certain viral infections such as expansion of specific NK cell subsets and long-lasting virus-specific responses to secondary challenges. NK cells distinguish healthy cells from abnormal cells by measuring the net input of activating and inhibitory signals perceived from target cells through NK cell surface receptors. Acquisition of activating ligands in combination with reduced expression of MHC class I molecules on virus-infected and cancer cells activates NK cell cytotoxicity and release of immunostimulatory cytokines like IFN-γ. In the cancer microenvironment however, NK cells become functionally impaired by inhibitory factors produced by immunosuppressive immune cells and cancer cells. Here we review recent progress on the role of NK cells in cancer immunity. We describe regulatory factors of the tumor microenvironment on NK cell function which determine cancer cell destruction or escape from immune recognition. Finally, recent strategies that focus on exploiting NK cell anti-cancer responses for immunotherapeutic approaches are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Pahl
- Innate Immunity Group, D080, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69221 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Innate Immunity Group, D080, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69221 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
172
|
Khan S, Ferguson Bennit H, Asuncion Valenzuela MM, Turay D, Diaz Osterman CJ, Moyron RB, Esebanmen GE, Ashok A, Wall NR. Localization and upregulation of survivin in cancer health disparities: a clinical perspective. Biologics 2015; 9:57-67. [PMID: 26185415 PMCID: PMC4501680 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s83864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Survivin is one of the most important members of the inhibitors of apoptosis protein family, as it is expressed in most human cancers but is absent in normal, differentiated tissues. Lending to its importance, survivin has proven associations with apoptosis and cell cycle control, and has more recently been shown to modulate the tumor microenvironment and immune evasion as a result of its extracellular localization. Upregulation of survivin has been found in many cancers including breast, prostate, pancreatic, and hematological malignancies, and it may prove to be associated with the advanced presentation, poorer prognosis, and lower survival rates observed in ethnically diverse populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salma Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Heather Ferguson Bennit
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Malyn May Asuncion Valenzuela
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - David Turay
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Department of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Carlos J Diaz Osterman
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Ron B Moyron
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Grace E Esebanmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Arjun Ashok
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Nathan R Wall
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
173
|
Ramutton T, Buccheri S, Dieli F, Todaro M, Stassi G, Meraviglia S. γδ T cells as a potential tool in colon cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2015; 6:989-99. [PMID: 25341120 DOI: 10.2217/imt.14.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are capable of recognizing tumor cells and exert potent cellular cytotoxicity against a large range of tumors, including colon cancer. However, tumors utilize numerous strategies to escape recognition or killing by patrolling γδ T cells, such a downregulation of NKG2D ligands, MICA/B and ULBPs. Therefore, the combined upregulation of T-cell receptorand NKG2D ligands on tumor cells and induction of NKG2D expression on γδ T cells may greatly enhance tumor killing and unlock the functions of γδ T cells. Here, we briefly review current data on the mechanisms of γδ T-cell recognition and killing of colon cancer cells and propose that γδ T cells may represent a promising target for the design of novel and highly innovative immunotherapy in patients with colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thiranut Ramutton
- Department of Biopathology & Biomedical Methodologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
174
|
Belting L, Hömberg N, Przewoznik M, Brenner C, Riedel T, Flatley A, Polić B, Busch DH, Röcken M, Mocikat R. Critical role of the NKG2D receptor for NK cell-mediated control and immune escape of B-cell lymphoma. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:2593-601. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Belting
- Institut für Molekulare Immunologie; Helmholtz-Zentrum München; München Germany
| | - Nadine Hömberg
- Institut für Molekulare Immunologie; Helmholtz-Zentrum München; München Germany
| | | | - Christoph Brenner
- Institut für Molekulare Immunologie; Helmholtz-Zentrum München; München Germany
| | - Tanja Riedel
- Institut für Molekulare Immunologie; Helmholtz-Zentrum München; München Germany
| | - Andrew Flatley
- Institut für Molekulare Immunologie; Helmholtz-Zentrum München; München Germany
| | - Bojan Polić
- Department of Histology and Embryology; Faculty of Medicine; University of Rijeka; Rijeka Croatia
| | - Dirk H. Busch
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie; Immunologie und Hygiene; Technische Universität München; München Germany
| | - Martin Röcken
- Universitäts-Hautklinik, Eberhard-Karls-Universität; Tübingen Germany
| | - Ralph Mocikat
- Institut für Molekulare Immunologie; Helmholtz-Zentrum München; München Germany
| |
Collapse
|
175
|
Verma C, Kaewkangsadan V, Eremin JM, Cowley GP, Ilyas M, El-Sheemy MA, Eremin O. Natural killer (NK) cell profiles in blood and tumour in women with large and locally advanced breast cancer (LLABC) and their contribution to a pathological complete response (PCR) in the tumour following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC): differential restoration of blood profiles by NAC and surgery. J Transl Med 2015; 13:180. [PMID: 26040463 PMCID: PMC4467635 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NK cells contribute to tumour surveillance, inhibition of growth and dissemination by cytotoxicity, secretion of cytokines and interaction with immune cells. Their precise role in human breast cancer is unclear and the effect of therapy poorly studied. The purpose of our study was to characterise NK cells in women with large (≥3 cm) and locally advanced (T3–4, N1–2, M0) breast cancers (LLABCs) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and surgery, and to ascertain their possible contribution to a pathological complete response (pCR). Methods Women with LLABCs (n = 25) and healthy female donors [HFDs (n = 10)] were studied. Pathological responses in the breast were assessed using established criteria. Blood samples were collected pre and post NAC and surgery. Flow cytometry and labelled monoclonal antibodies established absolute numbers (AbNs) and percentages (%) of NK cells, and expressing granzyme B/perforin and NKG2D. In vitro NK cytotoxicity was assessed and NK cells and cytokines (IL-2, INF-γ, TGF-β) documented in tumours using immunohistochemical techniques. Data was analysed by SPSS. Results Women with LLABCs had significantly reduced AbNs (160.00 ± 40.00 cells/µl) but not % of NK cells, compared with HFDs (NK: 266.78 ± 55.00 cells/µl; p = 0.020). NAC enhanced the AbN (p = 0.001) and % (p = 0.006) of NK cells in patients with good pathological responses. Granzyme B+/perforin+ cells were significantly reduced (43.41 ± 4.00%), compared with HFDs (60.26 ± 7.00%; p = 0.003). NAC increased the % in good (p = 0.006) and poor (p = 0.005) pathological responders. Pretreatment NK cytotoxicity was significantly reduced in good (37.80 ± 8.05%) and poor (22.80 ± 7.97%) responders (p = 0.001) but remained unchanged following NAC. NK-NKG2D+ cells were unaltered and unaffected by NAC; NKG2D expression was increased in patients with a pCR (p = 0.001). Surgery following NAC was not beneficial, except in those with a pCR. Tumour-infiltrating NK cells were infrequent but increased peritumourally (p = 0.005) showing a significant correlation (p = 0.004) between CD56+ cells and grade of response. Tumour cytokines had no effect. Conclusion Women with LLABCs have inhibited blood innate immunity, variably reversed by NAC (especially with tumour pCRs), which returned to pretreatment levels following surgery. These and in situ tumour findings suggest a role for NK cells in NAC-induced breast pCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Verma
- Division of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, E Floor West Block, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Viriya Kaewkangsadan
- Division of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, E Floor West Block, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Jennifer M Eremin
- Lincoln Breast Unit, Research and Development Department, Lincoln County Hospital, Greetwell Road, Lincoln, LN2 5QY, UK.
| | - Gerard P Cowley
- Department of Pathology, PathLinks, Lincoln County Hospital, Greetwell Road, Lincoln, LN2 5QY, UK.
| | - Mohammad Ilyas
- Academic Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, A Floor West Block, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Mohamed A El-Sheemy
- Lincoln Breast Unit, Research and Development Department, Lincoln County Hospital, Greetwell Road, Lincoln, LN2 5QY, UK.
| | - Oleg Eremin
- Division of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, E Floor West Block, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK. .,Lincoln Breast Unit, Research and Development Department, Lincoln County Hospital, Greetwell Road, Lincoln, LN2 5QY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
176
|
Parodi M, Pedrazzi M, Cantoni C, Averna M, Patrone M, Cavaletto M, Spertino S, Pende D, Balsamo M, Pietra G, Sivori S, Carlomagno S, Mingari MC, Moretta L, Sparatore B, Vitale M. Natural Killer (NK)/melanoma cell interaction induces NK-mediated release of chemotactic High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1) capable of amplifying NK cell recruitment. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1052353. [PMID: 26587323 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1052353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we characterize a new mechanism by which Natural Killer (NK) cells may amplify their recruitment to tumors. We show that NK cells, upon interaction with melanoma cells, can release a chemotactic form of High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1) protein capable of attracting additional activated NK cells. We first demonstrate that the engagement of different activating NK cell receptors, including those mainly involved in tumor cell recognition can induce the active release of HMGB1. Then we show that during NK-mediated tumor cell killing two HMGB1 forms are released, each displaying a specific electrophoretic mobility possibly corresponding to a different redox status. By the comparison of normal and perforin-defective NK cells (which are unable to kill target cells) we demonstrate that, in NK/melanoma cell co-cultures, NK cells specifically release an HMGB1 form that acts as chemoattractant, while dying tumor cells passively release a non-chemotactic HMGB1. Finally, we show that Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products is expressed by NK cells and mediates HMGB1-induced NK cell chemotaxis. Proteomic analysis of NK cells exposed to recombinant HMGB1 revealed that this molecule, besides inducing immediate chemotaxis, also promotes changes in the expression of proteins involved in the regulation of the cytoskeletal network. Importantly, these modifications could be associated with an increased motility of NK cells. Thus, our findings allow the definition of a previously unidentified mechanism used by NK cells to amplify their response to tumors, and provide additional clues for the emerging role of HMGB1 in immunomodulation and tumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parodi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Pedrazzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy ; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy ; Istituto Giannina Gaslini ; Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Averna
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy ; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy
| | - Mauro Patrone
- Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation (DiSIT); University of Piemonte Orientale ; Alessandria, Italy
| | - Maria Cavaletto
- Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation (DiSIT); University of Piemonte Orientale ; Alessandria, Italy
| | - Stefano Spertino
- Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation (DiSIT); University of Piemonte Orientale ; Alessandria, Italy
| | | | - Mirna Balsamo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy ; IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST ; Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy ; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy ; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy ; IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST ; Genova, Italy
| | | | - Bianca Sparatore
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy ; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR); University of Genova ; Genova, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
177
|
Coppola A, Arriga R, Lauro D, Del Principe MI, Buccisano F, Maurillo L, Palomba P, Venditti A, Sconocchia G. NK Cell Inflammation in the Clinical Outcome of Colorectal Carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2015; 2:33. [PMID: 26131447 PMCID: PMC4469113 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2015.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of natural killer (NK) cells to provide protection against myeloid leukemia has been demonstrated in clinical settings. However, whether NK cells play a role in the clinical course of solid tumors is debated. The controversy surrounding the role of NK cells is due, at least in part, to the limited extent of NK cell infiltration found in the tumor bed. Inactivation of NK cells may explain the shortage of NK cells in the microenvironment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Upon NK cell/tumor cell interaction, tumor cells may escape NK cells by creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which possibly affects T-cells as well. Such an immunosuppressive microenvironment would hamper the functions of NK and T-cell and reduce NK and T-cell interactions. CRC patients with levels of tumor NK cell infiltration suitable for statistical analysis have been identified. The infiltration of the CRC microenvironment by NK cells, in combination with CD8+ T-lymphocytes, has been shown to enhance the prognosis of CRC patients. Here, we discuss the clinicopathological role of NK cells in CRC, and present clinical data indicating a potential supporting role for NK cells in the anti-CRC effects of CD8+ T-cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Coppola
- Institute of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Roberto Arriga
- Institute of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Davide Lauro
- Institute of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Maria Ilaria Del Principe
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesco Buccisano
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Luca Maurillo
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Patrizia Palomba
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sconocchia
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR , Rome , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
178
|
Sun C, Sun H, Zhang C, Tian Z. NK cell receptor imbalance and NK cell dysfunction in HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Mol Immunol 2015; 12:292-302. [PMID: 25308752 PMCID: PMC4654321 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently the third leading cause of cancer mortality and a common poor-prognosis malignancy due to postoperative recurrence and metastasis. There is a significant correlation between chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. As the first line of host defense against viral infections and tumors, natural killer (NK) cells express a large number of immune recognition receptors (NK receptors (NKRs)) to recognize ligands on hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, stellate cells and Kupffer cells, which maintain the balance between immune response and immune tolerance of NK cells. Unfortunately, the percentage and absolute number of liver NK cells decrease significantly during the development and progression of HCC. The abnormal expression of NK cell receptors and dysfunction of liver NK cells contribute to the progression of chronic HBV infection and HCC and are significantly associated with poor prognosis for liver cancer. In this review, we focus on the role of NK cell receptors in anti-tumor immune responses in HCC, particularly HBV-related HCC. We discuss specifically how tumor cells evade attack from NK cells and how emerging understanding of NKRs may aid the development of novel treatments for HCC. Novel mono- and combination therapeutic strategies that target the NK cell receptor-ligand system may potentially lead to successful and effective immunotherapy in HCC.Cellular & Molecular Immunology advance online publication, 6 October 2014; doi:10.1038/cmi.2014.91.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Sun
- Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haoyu Sun
- Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
179
|
Jie HB, Schuler PJ, Lee SC, Srivastava RM, Argiris A, Ferrone S, Whiteside TL, Ferris RL. CTLA-4⁺ Regulatory T Cells Increased in Cetuximab-Treated Head and Neck Cancer Patients Suppress NK Cell Cytotoxicity and Correlate with Poor Prognosis. Cancer Res 2015; 75:2200-10. [PMID: 25832655 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-2788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The EGFR-targeted antibody cetuximab is effective against head and neck cancer (HNSCC), but in only 15% to 20% of patients, and the variability and extent of cetuximab-mediated cellular immunity is not fully understood. We hypothesized that regulatory T cells (Treg) may exert a functional and clinical impact on antitumor immunity in cetuximab-treated individuals. The frequency, immunosuppressive phenotype, and activation status of Treg and natural killer (NK) cells were analyzed in the circulation and tumor microenvironment of cetuximab-treated patients with HNSCC enrolled in a novel neoadjuvant, single-agent cetuximab clinical trial. Notably, cetuximab treatment increased the frequency of CD4(+)FOXP3(+) intratumoral Treg expressing CTLA-4, CD39, and TGFβ. These Treg suppressed cetuximab-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and their presence correlated with poor clinical outcome in two prospective clinical trial cohorts. Cetuximab expanded CTLA-4(+)FOXP3(+) Treg in vitro, in part, by inducing dendritic cell maturation, in combination with TGFβ and T-cell receptor triggering. Importantly, cetuximab-activated NK cells selectively eliminated intratumoral Treg but preserved effector T cells. In ex vivo assays, ipilimumab targeted CTLA-4(+) Treg and restored cytolytic functions of NK cells mediating ADCC. Taken together, our results argue that differences in Treg-mediated suppression contribute to the clinical response to cetuximab treatment, suggesting its improvement by adding ipilimumab or other strategies of Treg ablation to promote antitumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Bae Jie
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick J Schuler
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. University Duisburg-Essen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Essen, Germany
| | - Steve C Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Athanassios Argiris
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Theresa L Whiteside
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cancer Immunology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cancer Immunology Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| |
Collapse
|
180
|
Horton NC, Mathew PA. NKp44 and Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors as Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Recognition Receptors. Front Immunol 2015; 6:31. [PMID: 25699048 PMCID: PMC4313717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a key constituent of the innate immune system, protecting against bacteria, virally infected cells, and cancer. Recognition and protective function against such cells are dictated by activating and inhibitory receptors on the surface of the NK cell, which bind to specific ligands on the surface of target cells. Among the activating receptors is a small class of specialized receptors termed the natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) comprised of NKp30, NKp46, and NKp44. The NCRs are key receptors in the recognition and termination of virally infected and tumor cells. Since their discovery over 10 years ago, ligands corresponding to the NCRs have largely remained elusive. Recent identification of the cellular ligands for NKp44 and NKp30 as exosomal proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and HLA-B-associated transcript 3 (BAT3), respectively, implicate that NCRs may function as receptors for damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules. In this review, we focus on NKp44, which surprisingly recognizes two distinct ligands resulting in either activation or inhibition of NK cell effector responses in response to tumor cells. The inhibitory function of NKp44 requires further study as it may play a pivotal role in placentation in addition to being exploited by tumors as a mechanism to escape NK cell killing. Finally, we suggest that the NCRs are a class of pattern recognition receptors, which recognize signals of genomic instability and cellular stress via interaction with the c-terminus of DAMP molecules localized to the surface of target cells by various co-ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Horton
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center , Fort Worth, TX , USA
| | - Porunelloor A Mathew
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center , Fort Worth, TX , USA
| |
Collapse
|
181
|
Miner CA, Giri TK, Meyer CE, Shabsovich M, Tripathy SK. Acquisition of activation receptor ligand by trogocytosis renders NK cells hyporesponsive. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:1945-53. [PMID: 25582853 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Because NK cells secrete cytotoxic granules and cytokines that can destroy surrounding cells and help shape the subsequent immune response, they must be kept under tight control. Several mechanisms, at different levels, are in place to control NK cell function. In this study, we describe a novel mechanism regulating NK cell function in which NK cells acquire ligands for activating receptors from target cells by trogocytosis, rendering the NK cells hyporesponsive. In this model, murine NK cells acquire m157, the murine CMV-encoded ligand for the Ly49H-activating receptor, from target cells both in vitro and in vivo. Although acquisition of m157 requires cell-to-cell contact, it does not require the expression of the Ly49H receptor by the NK cell. Acquired m157 protein is expressed on the NK cell surface with a glycosylphosphatidylinisotol linkage and interacts with the Ly49H receptor expressed on the NK cell. This interaction results in blocking the Ly49H receptor that prevents the NK cells from recognizing m157-expressing targets and continuous engagement of the Ly49H-activating receptor, which results in the hyporesponsiveness of the Ly49H(+) NK cell to stimulation through other activating receptors. Thus, NK cell acquisition of a ligand for an activation receptor by trogocytosis renders them hyporesponsive. This mechanism, by which mature NK cell function can be altered, has important implications in regard to how NK cells respond to tumors in specific microenvironments as well as the use of expanded NK cells in treating various malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathrine A Miner
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Tusar K Giri
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Claire E Meyer
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Mark Shabsovich
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Sandeep K Tripathy
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| |
Collapse
|
182
|
Hölsken O, Miller M, Cerwenka A. Exploiting natural killer cells for therapy of melanoma. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2015; 13:23-9. [DOI: 10.1111/ddg.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Hölsken
- Innate Immunity Group (D080); German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Heidelberg Germany
| | - Matthias Miller
- Innate Immunity Group (D080); German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Heidelberg Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Innate Immunity Group (D080); German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Heidelberg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
183
|
Hölsken O, Miller M, Cerwenka A. Die Nutzung natürlicher Killerzellen für die Therapie des Melanoms. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ddg.12557_suppl] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Hölsken
- Innate Immunity Group (D080); Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ); Heidelberg
| | - Matthias Miller
- Innate Immunity Group (D080); Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ); Heidelberg
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Innate Immunity Group (D080); Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ); Heidelberg
| |
Collapse
|
184
|
Chu Y, Hochberg J, Yahr A, Ayello J, van de Ven C, Barth M, Czuczman M, Cairo MS. Targeting CD20+ Aggressive B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma by Anti-CD20 CAR mRNA-Modified Expanded Natural Killer Cells In Vitro and in NSG Mice. Cancer Immunol Res 2014; 3:333-44. [PMID: 25492700 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-14-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis is very dismal for patients with relapsed CD20(+) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Facilitating the development of alternative novel therapeutic strategies is required to improve outcomes in patients with recurrent/refractory CD20(+) B-NHL. In this study, we investigated functional activities of anti-CD20 CAR-modified, expanded peripheral blood NK cells (exPBNK) following mRNA nucleofection against CD20(+) B-NHL in vitro and in vivo. CAR(+) exPBNK had significantly enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity, compared with CAR(-) exPBNK against CD20(+) Ramos (P < 0.05), Daudi, Raji, and two rituximab-resistant cell lines, Raji-2R and Raji-4RH (P < 0.001). As expected, there was no significant difference against CD20(-) RS4;11 and Jurkat cells. CD107a degranulation and intracellular IFNγ production were also enhanced in CAR(+) exPBNK in response to CD20(+) B-NHL -: specific stimulation. In Raji-Luc and Raji-2R-Luc xenografted NOD/SCID/γ-chain(-/-) (NSG) mice, the luciferase signals measured in the CAR(+) exPBNK-treated group were significantly reduced, compared with the signals measured in the untreated mice and in mice treated with the CAR(-) exPBNK. Furthermore, the CAR exPBNK-treated mice had significantly extended survival time (P < 0.001) and reduced tumor size, compared with those of the untreated and the CAR(-) exPBNK-treated mice (P < 0.05). These preclinical data suggest that ex vivo-exPBNK modified with anti-CD20 CAR may have therapeutic potential for treating patients with poor-risk CD20(+) hematologic malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaya Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Jessica Hochberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Ashlin Yahr
- Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Janet Ayello
- Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Carmella van de Ven
- Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Matthew Barth
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Myron Czuczman
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York. Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
| | - Mitchell S Cairo
- Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York. Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York. Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York. Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
185
|
Pietra G, Vitale M, Moretta L, Mingari MC. How melanoma cells inactivate NK cells. Oncoimmunology 2014; 1:974-975. [PMID: 23162776 PMCID: PMC3489764 DOI: 10.4161/onci.20405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells are the most potent effectors against different tumors in vitro. However, their efficacy in vivo is compromised by suppressive signals delivered by tumor or tumor-associated cells. This study unravels the molecular mechanisms by which melanomas disarm NK cells and offers clues to revert such inhibitory effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Pietra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale; Università di Genova; Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
186
|
Ma X, Holt D, Kundu N, Reader J, Goloubeva O, Take Y, Fulton AM. A prostaglandin E (PGE) receptor EP4 antagonist protects natural killer cells from PGE 2-mediated immunosuppression and inhibits breast cancer metastasis. Oncoimmunology 2014; 2:e22647. [PMID: 23482441 PMCID: PMC3583931 DOI: 10.4161/onci.22647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 is frequently upregulated in epithelial tumors and contributes to poor outcomes in multiple malignancies. The COX-2 product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes tumor growth and metastasis by acting on a family of four G protein-coupled receptors (EP1-4). Using a novel small molecule EP4 antagonist (RQ-15986) and a syngeneic murine model of metastatic breast cancer, we determined the effect of EP4 blockade on innate immunity and tumor biology. Natural killer (NK)-cell functions are markedly depressed in mice bearing murine mammary tumor 66.1 or 410.4 cells owing to the actions of PGE2 on NK cell EP4 receptors. The EP4 agonist PGE1-OH inhibits NK functions in vitro, and this negative regulation is blocked by RQ-15986. Likewise, the treatment of tumor-bearing mice with RQ-15986 completely protected NK cells from the immunosuppressive effects of the tumor microenvironment in vivo. RQ-15986 also has direct effects on EP4 expressed by tumor cells, inhibiting the PGE2-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase and blocking PGE2-induced tumor cell migration. The pretreatment of tumor cells with a non-cytotoxic concentration of RQ-15986 inhibited lung colonization, a beneficial effect that was lost in mice depleted of NK cells. The oral administration of RQ-15986 inhibited the growth of tumor cells implanted into mammary glands and their spontaneous metastatic colonization to the lungs, resulting in improved survival. Our findings reveal that EP4 antagonism prevents tumor-mediated NK-cell immunosuppression and demonstrates the anti-metastatic activity of a novel EP4 antagonist. These observations support the investigation of EP4 antagonists in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Ma
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center; Baltimore, MD USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
187
|
Vacca P, Martini S, Mingari MC, Moretta L. NK cells from malignant pleural effusions are potent antitumor effectors: A clue for adoptive immunotherapy? Oncoimmunology 2014; 2:e23638. [PMID: 23734317 PMCID: PMC3654587 DOI: 10.4161/onci.23638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells exert potent antitumor activity. However, NK cells infiltrating solid tumors are severely impaired in their function. Remarkably, NK cells isolated from malignant pleural effusions kill very efficiently tumor cells upon exposure to interleukin-2, offering an important clue for the development of novel approaches for tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research; University of Genova; Genova Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
188
|
Li J, Koike-Soko C, Sugimoto J, Yoshida T, Okabe M, Nikaido T. Human Amnion-Derived Stem Cells Have Immunosuppressive Properties on NK Cells and Monocytes. Cell Transplant 2014; 24:2065-76. [PMID: 25333453 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x685230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human amnion-derived cells are considered to be a promising alternative cell source for their potential clinical use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine because of their proliferation and differentiation ability. The cells can easily be obtained from human amnion, offering a potential source without medical intervention. It has been proven that human amnion-derived cells express immunosuppressive factors CD59 and HLA-G, implying that they may have an immunosuppressive function. To assess the immunosuppressive activity, we investigated the effect of human amnion-derived cells on NK cell and monocyte function. Amnion-derived cells inhibited the cytotoxicity of NK cells to K562 cells. The inhibition depended on the NK/amnion-derived cell ratio. The inhibition of NK cytotoxicity was recovered by continuous culturing without amnion-derived cells. The inhibition of NK cytotoxicity was related to the downregulation of the expression of the activated NK receptors and the production of IFN-γ, as well as the upregulation of the expression of IL-10 and PGE2 in human amnion-derived cells. The addition of antibody to IL-10 or PGE2 inhibitor tended to increase NK cytotoxicity. IL-10 and PGE2 might be involved in the immunosuppressive activity of amniotic cells toward NK cells. Amniotic cells also suppressed the activity of cytokine production in monocytes analyzed with TNF-α and IL-6. These data suggested that amniotic cells have immunosuppressive activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Li
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
189
|
Sharma R, Das A. Organ-specific phenotypic and functional features of NK cells in humans. Immunol Res 2014; 58:125-31. [PMID: 24366663 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-013-8477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells kill virus-infected and tumor target cells without prior sensitization. Each NK cell expresses a multitude of activating and inhibitory receptors, and the interplay of signals determines the outcome of NK cell activity. NK cell-mediated cytolysis of target cell involves polarized degranulation at effector-target interface. Peripheral blood NK cell constitutes about 10% of lymphocytes, and approximately 90% of peripheral blood NK cells are CD56(dim)CD16(+); however, there is a distinct subset of NK cells, CD56(bright)CD16(-), expressed by certain lymphoid organs which are able to produce large amounts of cytokines including interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, but the cytotoxicity is attained only on their prolonged activation. In this review, we discuss the accumulated data on distinct phenotypes of NK cells in human uterus, liver, intestine, skin, and lung and also attempt to correlate their phenotype with corresponding activity and functions, with significant stress on the role of NK cells in pathology in the specific organs. Our detailed understanding of altered NK cell activity in different organs and their inherent cytotoxic activity against tumor target cells will help us design better immunotherapeutic strategies in NK cell-mediated cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richa Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Bawana Road, New Delhi, 110042, Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
190
|
Peng YP, Zhang JJ, Liang WB, Tu M, Lu ZP, Wei JS, Jiang KR, Gao WT, Wu JL, Xu ZK, Miao Y, Zhu Y. Elevation of MMP-9 and IDO induced by pancreatic cancer cells mediates natural killer cell dysfunction. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:738. [PMID: 25274283 PMCID: PMC4287420 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in non-specific immune response in different cancers, including pancreatic cancer. However the anti-tumor effect of NK cells decreases during pancreatic cancer progression. The regulatory pathways by which NK cells facilitate tumor immune escape are unclear, therefore our purpose was to investigate the roles of the contributory factors. Methods NK cells isolated from fresh healthy peripheral blood were co-cultured with normal human pancreatic ductal cells hTERT-HPNE and human pancreatic cancer cell lines SW1990 and BxPc-3 in vitro. Then NK cell function was determined by Flow cytometric analysis of surface receptors and cytotoxic granules in NK cells, NK cell apoptosis and cytotoxicity, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of cytokines. Expression level of MMP-9, IDO and COX-2 in hTERT-HPNE and SW1990 cells were detected by quantitative RT-PCR. Statistical differences between data groups were determined by independent t-tests using SPSS 19.0 software. Results Our results showed that NK cell function was significantly downregulated following exposure to pancreatic cancer cells compared to normal pancreatic cells, as demonstrated by lower expressions of activating surface receptors (NKG2D, DNAM-1, NKp30 and NKp46) and cytotoxic granules (Perforin and Granzyme B); decreased secretion of cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ); and reduced cytotoxicity against myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. Further investigations revealed that MMP-9 and IDO may be implicated in SW1990 cell-induced NK cell dysfunction by facilitating tumor immune evasion. Blockade by TIMP-1 and/or 1-MT could partially restore NK function. Conclusions Taken together, elevation of MMP-9 and IDO induced by pancreatic cancer cells mediates NK cell dysfunction. Our findings could contribute to the development of NK cell-based immunotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi Miao
- Department of General Surgery, The first Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
191
|
Gómez-Lomelí P, Bravo-Cuellar A, Hernández-Flores G, Jave-Suárez LF, Aguilar-Lemarroy A, Lerma-Díaz JM, Domínguez-Rodríguez JR, Sánchez-Reyes K, Ortiz-Lazareno PC. Increase of IFN-γ and TNF-α production in CD107a + NK-92 cells co-cultured with cervical cancer cell lines pre-treated with the HO-1 inhibitor. Cancer Cell Int 2014; 14:100. [PMID: 25302050 PMCID: PMC4190300 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-014-0100-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells eliminate virus-infected and tumor cells through the release of perforins and granzymes; they also produce Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which induce apoptosis in target cells. Many tumors express Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and this expression has been associated with avoiding immunosuppression and apoptosis. In this work, HO-1+ Cervical cancer cell (CCC) lines were pre-treated with HO-1 inhibitor and we assessed whether this inhibition enhanced the sensitivity of CCC to NK cell activity. Methods We assessed the expression of HO-1 in HeLa, SiHa, and C-33A CCC by Flow cytometry (FC). CCC were pre-treated with SnPP or ZnPP HO-1 inhibitors. After that, NK-92 cells were co-cultured with HeLa, SiHa, and C-33A CCC pre-treated or not with HO-1 inhibitors, and the expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, CD107a, Granzyme B, NKp44, NKp46, NKp30, and NKG2D was evaluated by FC. Results CCC lines HeLa, SiHa, and C-33A expressed HO-1. Inhibition of HO-1 in these cells increased the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α in CD107a + NK-92 cells. We observed a reduction in the expression of NKG2D, NKp46, and NKp30 in NK cells co-cultured with HeLa and SiHa cells, and when HeLa and SiHa cells were pre-treated with the HO-1 inhibitors, the expression of NKG2D and NKp30 in NK cells was restored. We observed a similar effect in NK cells co-cultured with C-33A cells in NKp30 expression. Conclusion Inhibition of HO-1 in CCC induces an increase in IFN-γ and TNF-α production in CD107a + NK-92 cells and restores NKG2D, NKp46 and NKp30 downmodulation in NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Gómez-Lomelí
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico ; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas Orientación Inmunología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), UdeG, Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico
| | - Alejandro Bravo-Cuellar
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico ; Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario de los Altos, Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco Mexico
| | - Georgina Hernández-Flores
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico
| | - Luis Felipe Jave-Suárez
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico
| | - Adriana Aguilar-Lemarroy
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico
| | - José Manuel Lerma-Díaz
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico ; Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario de los Altos, Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco Mexico
| | - Jorge Ramiro Domínguez-Rodríguez
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico ; Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingeniería, UdeG, Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico
| | - Karina Sánchez-Reyes
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico ; Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas Orientación Inmunología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), UdeG, Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico
| | - Pablo Cesar Ortiz-Lazareno
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
192
|
Moretta L, Montaldo E, Vacca P, Del Zotto G, Moretta F, Merli P, Locatelli F, Mingari MC. Human natural killer cells: origin, receptors, function, and clinical applications. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2014; 164:253-64. [PMID: 25323661 DOI: 10.1159/000365632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important effectors playing a relevant role in innate immunity, primarily in tumor surveillance and in defenses against viruses. Human NK cells recognize HLA class I molecules through surface receptors (KIR and NKG2A) that inhibit NK cell function and kill target cells that have lost (or underexpress) HLA class I molecules as it occurs in tumors or virus-infected cells. NK cell activation is mediated by an array of activating receptors and co-receptors that recognize ligands expressed primarily on tumors or virus-infected cells. In vivo anti-tumor NK cell activity may be suppressed by tumor or tumor-associated cells. Alloreactive NK cells (i.e. those that are not inhibited by the HLA class I alleles of the patient) derived from HSC of haploidentical donors play a major role in the cure of high-risk leukemia, by killing leukemia blasts and patient's DC, thus preventing tumor relapses and graft-versus-host disease. The expression of the HLA-C2-specific activating KIR2DS1 may also contribute to NK alloreactivity in patients expressing C2 alleles. A clear correlation has been proven between the size of the alloreactive NK cell population and the clinical outcome. Recently, haplo-HSCT has been further improved with the direct infusion, together with HSC, of donor-derived, mature alloreactive NK cells and TCRγδ(+) T cells - both contributing to a prompt anti-leukemia effect together with an efficient defense against pathogens during the 6- to 8-week interval required for the generation of alloreactive NK cells from HSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Moretta
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
193
|
Fridman WH, Remark R, Goc J, Giraldo NA, Becht E, Hammond SA, Damotte D, Dieu-Nosjean MC, Sautès-Fridman C. The immune microenvironment: a major player in human cancers. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2014; 164:13-26. [PMID: 24852691 DOI: 10.1159/000362332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health issue and figures among the leading causes of death in the world. Cancer development is a long process, involving the mutation, amplification or deletion of genes and chromosomal rearrangements. The transformed cells change morphologically, enlarge, become invasive and finally detach from the primary tumor to metastasize in other organs through the blood and/or lymph. During this process, the tumor cells interact with their microenvironment, which is complex and composed of stromal and immune cells that penetrate the tumor site via blood vessels and lymphoid capillaries. All subsets of immune cells can be found in tumors, but their respective density, functionality and organization vary from one type of tumor to another. Whereas inflammatory cells play a protumoral role, there is a large body of evidence of effector memory T cells controlling tumor invasion and metastasis. Thus, high densities of memory Th1/CD8 cytotoxic T cells in the primary tumors correlate with good prognosis in most tumor types. Tertiary lymphoid structures, which contain mature dendritic cells (DC) in a T cell zone, proliferating B cells and follicular DC, are found in the tumor stroma and they correlate with intratumoral Th1/CD8 T cell and B cell infiltration. Eventually, tumors undergo genetic and epigenetic modifications that allow them to escape being controlled by the immune system. This comprehensive review describes the immune contexture of human primary and metastatic tumors, how it impacts on patient outcomes and how it could be used as a predictive biomarker and guide immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W H Fridman
- Cancer, Immune Control and Escape, UMRS1138, Cordeliers Research Center, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
194
|
Sconocchia G, Eppenberger S, Spagnoli GC, Tornillo L, Droeser R, Caratelli S, Ferrelli F, Coppola A, Arriga R, Lauro D, Iezzi G, Terracciano L, Ferrone S. NK cells and T cells cooperate during the clinical course of colorectal cancer. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e952197. [PMID: 25610741 DOI: 10.4161/21624011.2014.952197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that natural killer (NK) cells are typically defective in infiltrating solid tumors, with the exception of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Interestingly, however, infrequently infiltrating NK cells do not appear to have a direct effect on tumor progression. Here, prompted by the recent evidence that NK cell and T cell crosstalk may trigger, or enhance, tumor antigen-specific immune responses, we have tested the clinical significance of this reciprocal signaling. To this end, a tissue microarray constructed with 1410 colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patient specimens was stained with NK and T cell antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies, utilizing the immunoperoxidase staining technique. Cut-off scores for positive (>4 NK cells) and negative (≤4 NK cells) NK cell CRC patient samples were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Using this approach, NK cells were detected in 423 (30%) of the 1410 CRC specimens evaluated. The number of NK cells was >4 in only 132 (9%) of CRC samples. Correlation of the immunohistochemical staining results together with analysis of the clinical course of the disease revealed that the infiltration of colorectal tumors with both NK cells and CD8+ T cells is associated with prolonged patient survival. In contrast, infiltration of tumors with NK cells in combination with CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes had no detectable effect on the clinical course of the disease. These results suggest that NK cell and CD8+ T cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment may benefit patient outcome and further, that the enumeration of infiltrating NK and CD8+ T cells in CRC tumors may provide useful prognostic information.
Collapse
Key Words
- ADCC, antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity
- BC, breast cancer
- CD8 T cell
- CRC, colorectal carcinoma
- CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocytes
- DC, dendritic cells
- FGFR, fibroblast growth factor receptor
- GIST, gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- IDO, indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase
- IFNγ, interferon γ
- IRB, Institutional Review Board
- LFA-1, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1
- MHC, the major histocompatibility complex
- MICA/B, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I polypeptide-related sequence A/B
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases
- NK cell
- NK, natural killer
- PGE2, prostaglandin E2
- RCC, renal cell carcinoma
- ROC, receiver operating characteristics
- TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages
- TGF-β1, transforming growth factor β1
- TILs, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
- colorectal carcinoma
- cooperation
- lymphocyte
- survival
- tumor
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Sconocchia
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology; CNR , Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giulio C Spagnoli
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management; University of Basel ; Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Tornillo
- Institute of Pathology; University of Basel ; Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raoul Droeser
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management; University of Basel ; Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sara Caratelli
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology; CNR , Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrelli
- Institute of Systems Medicine; University of Rome "Tor Vergata" ; Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Coppola
- Institute of Systems Medicine; University of Rome "Tor Vergata" ; Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Arriga
- Institute of Systems Medicine; University of Rome "Tor Vergata" ; Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Lauro
- Institute of Systems Medicine; University of Rome "Tor Vergata" ; Rome, Italy
| | - Giandomenica Iezzi
- Institute of Surgical Research and Hospital Management; University of Basel ; Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery; Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School ; Boston, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
195
|
Mao Y, Poschke I, Kiessling R. Tumour-induced immune suppression: role of inflammatory mediators released by myelomonocytic cells. J Intern Med 2014; 276:154-70. [PMID: 24597954 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tumour-induced immune dysfunction is a serious challenge to immunotherapy for cancer, and intact adaptive and innate cellular immunity is key to its success. Myelomonocytic cells have a central role in this immune suppression, and tumour-associated macrophages, eosinophils, neutrophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cells have all been shown to be of major importance. These myelomonocytic cells secrete a broad repertoire of inflammatory mediators providing them with powerful tools to inhibit tumour-reactive T cells and natural killer cells; free oxygen radicals including reactive oxygen species and NO, arginase, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, prostaglandins, the pro-inflammatory heterodimer S100A8/9 and cytokines, such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and transforming growth factor-β, have proven particularly potent in suppressing antitumour cellular immunity. Determining which of these factors prevail in individual cancer patients and designing methods aimed at neutralization or inhibition of their effects on target tissues have the potential to greatly enhance the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Mao
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
196
|
Mao Y, Sarhan D, Steven A, Seliger B, Kiessling R, Lundqvist A. Inhibition of tumor-derived prostaglandin-e2 blocks the induction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and recovers natural killer cell activity. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:4096-106. [PMID: 24907113 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increased frequencies of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) correlate with poor prognosis in patients with cancers. Tumor-derived prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) plays an important role in inducing MDSCs. However, the detailed mechanisms of this induction remain unknown. To develop targeted therapies for MDSCs, we sought to investigate the molecular basis of PGE2-regulated accumulation of MDSCs and their functional consequence on natural killer (NK) cell activity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The effects of PGE2 in inducing phenotypic, signaling, and functional alternations on monocytes were analyzed in vitro. Suppression of NK-cell activity by PGE2-treated monocytes was compared with that of freshly isolated CD14(+)HLA-DR(low/-) monocytic MDSCs (moMDSC) from patients with melanoma. In addition, to explore the in vivo relevance of targeting PGE2 to reduce MDSC-mediated suppression of NK cells, we established a murine model, where tumor cells were disabled from cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) production. RESULTS Patient-derived moMDSCs inhibited NK-cell activity through the production of TGFβ. In vitro, binding of PGE2 to EP2 and EP4 receptors on monocytes activated the p38MAPK/ERK pathway and resulted in elevated secretion of TGFβ. Similar to moMDSCs, PGE2-treated monocytes potently suppressed NK-cell activity through production of TGFβ. Furthermore, silencing COX-2 in murine 4T1 tumor cells reduced the accumulation of CD11b(+)Gr1(+) MDSCs in the spleen, resulting in concomitant improved in vivo clearance of NK-cell sensitive YAC-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal an indispensable role of tumor-derived PGE2 in inducing MDSCs and suggest a favorable outcome of combining COX-2-targeted therapy and adoptive NK-cell transfer in patients with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Mao
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Dhifaf Sarhan
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - André Steven
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Rolf Kiessling
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| |
Collapse
|
197
|
Vitale M, Cantoni C, Pietra G, Mingari MC, Moretta L. Effect of tumor cells and tumor microenvironment on NK-cell function. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:1582-92. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201344272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Vitale
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST; Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro; Genova Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale; Università di Genova; Genova Italy
- Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica; Genova Italy
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST; Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro; Genova Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale; Università di Genova; Genova Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST; Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro; Genova Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale; Università di Genova; Genova Italy
- Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica; Genova Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
198
|
Davies JOJ, Stringaris K, Barrett AJ, Rezvani K. Opportunities and limitations of natural killer cells as adoptive therapy for malignant disease. Cytotherapy 2014; 16:1453-1466. [PMID: 24856895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2014.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Although natural killer (NK) cells can be readily generated for adoptive therapy with current techniques, their optimal application to treat malignant diseases requires an appreciation of the dynamic balance between signals that either synergize with or antagonize each other. Individuals display wide differences in NK function that determine their therapeutic efficacy. The ability of NK cells to kill target cells or produce cytokines depends on the balance between signals from activating and inhibitory cell-surface receptors. The selection of NK cells with a predominant activating profile is critical for delivering successful anti-tumor activity. This can be achieved through selection of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor-mismatched NK donors and by use of blocking molecules against inhibitory pathways. Optimum NK cytotoxicity may require licensing or priming with tumor cells. Recent discoveries in the molecular and cellular biology of NK cells inform in the design of new strategies, including adjuvant therapies, to maximize the cytotoxic potential of NK cells for adoptive transfer to treat human malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James O J Davies
- Department of Haematology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Stringaris
- Department of Haematology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A John Barrett
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
199
|
Schlecker E, Fiegler N, Arnold A, Altevogt P, Rose-John S, Moldenhauer G, Sucker A, Paschen A, von Strandmann EP, Textor S, Cerwenka A. Metalloprotease-Mediated Tumor Cell Shedding of B7-H6, the Ligand of the Natural Killer Cell–Activating Receptor NKp30. Cancer Res 2014; 74:3429-40. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-3017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
200
|
Montaldo E, Vacca P, Moretta L, Mingari MC. Development of human natural killer cells and other innate lymphoid cells. Semin Immunol 2014; 26:107-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|