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Tsiverioti CA, Gottschlich A, Trefny M, Theurich S, Anders HJ, Kroiss M, Kobold S. Beyond CAR T cells: exploring alternative cell sources for CAR-like cellular therapies. Biol Chem 2024; 405:485-515. [PMID: 38766710 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has led to remarkable clinical outcomes in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, challenges remain, such as limited infiltration into solid tumors, inadequate persistence, systemic toxicities, and manufacturing insufficiencies. The use of alternative cell sources for CAR-based therapies, such as natural killer cells (NK), macrophages (MΦ), invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells, γδT cells, neutrophils, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), has emerged as a promising avenue. By harnessing these cells' inherent cytotoxic mechanisms and incorporating CAR technology, common CAR-T cell-related limitations can be effectively mitigated. We herein present an overview of the tumoricidal mechanisms, CAR designs, and manufacturing processes of CAR-NK cells, CAR-MΦ, CAR-iNKT cells, CAR-γδT cells, CAR-neutrophils, and iPSC-derived CAR-cells, outlining the advantages, limitations, and potential solutions of these therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian Gottschlich
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Trefny
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Theurich
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
- 74939 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital of the LMU , Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Cancer and Immunometabolism Research Group, 74939 Gene Center LMU , Feodor-Lynen Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 5, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 5, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str, 9780 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 6, 9780 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- 74939 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital of the LMU , Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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2
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Gheitasi M, Safdel S, Kumar Patra S, Zandvakili R, Nemati M, Saha B, Jafarzadeh A. Generation of immune cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): Their potential for adoptive cell therapy. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110836. [PMID: 38981248 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Advances in human stem cell technologies enable induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to be explored as potent candidates for treating various diseases, such as malignancies, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, and allergic reactions. iPSCs with infinite self-renewal ability can be derived from different types of somatic cells without the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cells. To date, numerous cell types, including various immune cell subsets [CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, gamma delta T (γδ T) cells, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils] have successfully been generated from iPSCs paving the way for effective adoptive cell transfer therapy, drug development, and disease modeling. Herein, we review various iPSC-derived immune cells and their possible application in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Gheitasi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sepeher Safdel
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Raziyeh Zandvakili
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Nemati
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Applied Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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3
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Hammer Q, Perica K, Mbofung RM, van Ooijen H, Martin KE, Momayyezi P, Varady E, Pan Y, Jelcic M, Groff B, Abujarour R, Krokeide SZ, Lee T, Williams A, Goodridge JP, Valamehr B, Önfelt B, Sadelain M, Malmberg KJ. Genetic ablation of adhesion ligands mitigates rejection of allogeneic cellular immunotherapies. Cell Stem Cell 2024:S1934-5909(24)00219-4. [PMID: 38981470 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Allogeneic cellular immunotherapies hold promise for broad clinical implementation but face limitations due to potential rejection of donor cells by the host immune system. Silencing of beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) expression is commonly employed to evade T cell-mediated rejection by the host, although the absence of B2M is expected to trigger missing-self responses by host natural killer (NK) cells. Here, we demonstrate that genetic deletion of the adhesion ligands CD54 and CD58 in B2M-deficient chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and multi-edited induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived CAR NK cells reduces their susceptibility to rejection by host NK cells in vitro and in vivo. The absence of adhesion ligands limits rejection in a unidirectional manner in B2M-deficient and B2M-sufficient settings without affecting the antitumor functionality of the engineered donor cells. Thus, these data suggest that genetic ablation of adhesion ligands effectively alleviates rejection by host immune cells, facilitating the implementation of universal immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quirin Hammer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Karlo Perica
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Cell Therapy Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Hanna van Ooijen
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - Karen E Martin
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pouria Momayyezi
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Yijia Pan
- Fate Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Silje Z Krokeide
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom Lee
- Fate Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Björn Önfelt
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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4
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Li C, Liu Z, Cheng Z, Gu S, Zhao W, Zhang Q, Feng Z. Cytokine-induced killer cells-mediated chlorin e6-loaded gold nanostars for targeted NIR imaging and immuno-photodynamic combination therapy for lung cancer. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:045039. [PMID: 38870927 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad580c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Recently, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells have a broad application prospect in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of tumors owing to their unique characteristics of killing and targeting malignant tumors. Herein, we report a facile strategy for synthesis of monodisperse gold nanostars (GNSs) based on PEGylation and co-loaded with the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) to form GNSs-PEG@Ce6 NPs. Then employing CIK cells loading the as-prepared GNSs-PEG@Ce6 NPs to fabricate a CIK cells-based drug delivery system (GNSs-PEG@Ce6-CIK) for lung cancer. Among them, GNSs was functioned as transport media, Ce6 acted as the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging agent and photodynamic therapy (PDT), and CIK cells served as targeting vectors for immunotherapy, which can increase the efficiency of tumor enrichment and treatment effect. The results of cellular experiments demonstrated that GNSs-PEG@Ce6 NPs had good dispersibility, water solubility and low toxicity under physiological conditions, and the cultured CIK cells had strong anti-tumor properties. Subsequently, GNSs-PEG@Ce6-CIK could effectively inhibit the growth of A549 cells under the exposure of 633 nm laser, which showed stronger killing effect than that of GNSs-PEG@Ce6 NPs or CIK cells. In addition, they showed good tumor targeting and tumor synergistic killing activityin vivo. Therefore, GNSs-PEG@Ce6-CIK was constructed for targeted NIR fluorescence imaging, enhanced PDT and immunotherapy of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xuhui District Central Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Zimei Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200050, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhonghua Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xuhui District Central Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xuhui District Central Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyong Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineNanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan RD, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xuhui District Central Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
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5
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Kuznetsova AV, Glukhova XA, Popova OP, Beletsky IP, Ivanov AA. Contemporary Approaches to Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2270. [PMID: 38927974 PMCID: PMC11201544 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the arrival of the immunotherapy industry has introduced the possibility of providing transformative, durable, and potentially curative outcomes for various forms of malignancies. However, further research has shown that there are a number of issues that significantly reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy, especially in solid tumors. First of all, these problems are related to the protective mechanisms of the tumor and its microenvironment. Currently, major efforts are focused on overcoming protective mechanisms by using different adoptive cell therapy variants and modifications of genetically engineered constructs. In addition, a complex workforce is required to develop and implement these treatments. To overcome these significant challenges, innovative strategies and approaches are necessary to engineer more powerful variations of immunotherapy with improved antitumor activity and decreased toxicity. In this review, we discuss recent innovations in immunotherapy aimed at improving clinical efficacy in solid tumors, as well as strategies to overcome the limitations of various immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla V. Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Russian University of Medicine (Formerly A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bld 4, Dolgorukovskaya Str, 1127006 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (O.P.P.)
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 26 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Xenia A. Glukhova
- Onni Biotechnologies Ltd., Aalto University Campus, Metallimiehenkuja 10, 02150 Espoo, Finland; (X.A.G.); (I.P.B.)
| | - Olga P. Popova
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Russian University of Medicine (Formerly A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bld 4, Dolgorukovskaya Str, 1127006 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (O.P.P.)
| | - Igor P. Beletsky
- Onni Biotechnologies Ltd., Aalto University Campus, Metallimiehenkuja 10, 02150 Espoo, Finland; (X.A.G.); (I.P.B.)
| | - Alexey A. Ivanov
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Russian University of Medicine (Formerly A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bld 4, Dolgorukovskaya Str, 1127006 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (O.P.P.)
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6
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Kaur K, Sanghu J, Memarzadeh S, Jewett A. Exploring the Potential of Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Targeting High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinomas. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:677. [PMID: 38932405 PMCID: PMC11209217 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs) likely consist of poorly differentiated stem-like cells (PDSLCs) and differentiated tumor cells. Conventional therapeutics are incapable of completely eradicating PDSLCs, contributing to disease progression and tumor relapse. Primary NK cells are known to effectively lyse PDSLCs, but they exhibit low or minimal cytotoxic potential against well-differentiated tumors. We have introduced and discussed the characteristics of super-charged NK (sNK) cells in this review. sNK cells, in comparison to primary NK cells, exhibit a significantly higher capability for the direct killing of both PDSLCs and well-differentiated tumors. In addition, sNK cells secrete significantly higher levels of cytokines, especially those known to induce the differentiation of tumors. In addition, we propose that a combination of sNK and chemotherapy could be one of the most effective strategies to eliminate the heterogeneous population of ovarian tumors; sNK cells can lyse both PDSLCs and well-differentiated tumors, induce the differentiation of PDSLCs, and could be used in combination with chemotherapy to target both well-differentiated and NK-induced differentiated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Jashan Sanghu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.S.); (S.M.)
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sanaz Memarzadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.S.); (S.M.)
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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7
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Kiran S, Xue Y, Sarker DB, Li Y, Sang QXA. Feeder-free differentiation of human iPSCs into natural killer cells with cytotoxic potential against malignant brain rhabdoid tumor cells. Bioact Mater 2024; 36:301-316. [PMID: 38496035 PMCID: PMC10940949 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic immune cells that can eliminate target cells without prior stimulation. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a robust source of NK cells for safe and effective cell-based immunotherapy against aggressive cancers. In this in vitro study, a feeder-free iPSC differentiation was performed to obtain iPSC-NK cells, and distinct maturational stages of iPSC-NK were characterized. Mature cells of CD56bright CD16bright phenotype showed upregulation of CD56, CD16, and NK cell activation markers NKG2D and NKp46 upon IL-15 exposure, while exposure to aggressive atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) cell lines enhanced NKG2D and NKp46 expression. Malignant cell exposure also increased CD107a degranulation markers and stimulated IFN-γ secretion in activated NK cells. CD56bright CD16bright iPSC-NK cells showed a ratio-dependent killing of ATRT cells, and the percentage lysis of CHLA-05-ATRT was higher than that of CHLA-02-ATRT. The iPSC-NK cells were also cytotoxic against other brain, kidney, and lung cancer cell lines. Further NK maturation yielded CD56-ve CD16bright cells, which lacked activation markers even after exposure to interleukins or ATRT cells - indicating diminished cytotoxicity. Generation and characterization of different NK phenotypes from iPSCs, coupled with their promising anti-tumor activity against ATRT in vitro, offer valuable insights into potential immunotherapeutic strategies for brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Kiran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA
| | - Drishty B. Sarker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32310-6046, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4380, USA
| | - Qing-Xiang Amy Sang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4380, USA
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Huang M, Liu Y, Yan Q, Peng M, Ge J, Mo Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Zeng Z, Li Y, Fan C, Xiong W. NK cells as powerful therapeutic tool in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:733-757. [PMID: 38170381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00909-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have gained considerable attention and hold great potential for their application in tumor immunotherapy. This is mainly due to their MHC-unrestricted and pan-specific recognition capabilities, as well as their ability to rapidly respond to and eliminate target cells. To artificially generate therapeutic NK cells, various materials can be utilized, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and NK cell lines. Exploiting the therapeutic potential of NK cells to treat tumors through in vivo and in vitro therapeutic modalities has yielded positive therapeutic results. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive description of NK cell therapeutic approaches for tumors and discusses the current problems associated with these therapeutic approaches and the prospects of NK cell therapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Alkek Building, RM N720, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunmei Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Pfefferle A, Contet J, Wong K, Chen C, Verhoeyen E, Slichter CK, Schluns KS, Cursons J, Berry R, Nikolic I, Rautela J, Huntington ND. Optimisation of a primary human CAR-NK cell manufacturing pipeline. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1507. [PMID: 38707997 PMCID: PMC11063921 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy of B-cell malignancies achieves long-term disease remission in a high fraction of patients and has triggered intense research into translating this successful approach into additional cancer types. However, the complex logistics involved in autologous CAR-T manufacturing, the compromised fitness of patient-derived T cells, the high rates of serious toxicities and the overall cost involved with product manufacturing and hospitalisation have driven innovation to overcome such hurdles. One alternative approach is the use of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells as a source for CAR-NK cell therapy. However, this source has traditionally faced numerous manufacturing challenges. Methods To address this, we have developed an optimised expansion and transduction protocol for primary human NK cells primed for manufacturing scaling and clinical evaluation. We have performed an in-depth comparison of primary human NK cell sources as a starting material by characterising their phenotype, functionality, expansion potential and transduction efficiency at crucial timepoints of our CAR-NK manufacturing pipeline. Results We identified adult peripheral blood-derived NK cells to be the superior source for generating a CAR-NK cell product because of a higher maximum yield of CAR-expressing NK cells combined with potent natural, as well as CAR-mediated anti-tumor effector functions. Conclusions Our optimised manufacturing pipeline dramatically improves lentiviral transduction efficiency of primary human NK cells. We conclude that the exponential expansion pre- and post-transduction and high on-target cytotoxicity make peripheral blood-derived NK cells a feasible and attractive CAR-NK cell product for clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Pfefferle
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- oNKo‐Innate Pty LtdMoonee PondsVICAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Els Verhoeyen
- CIRI, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, ENS de LyonUniversité Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308LyonFrance
- INSERM, C3MUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jai Rautela
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- oNKo‐Innate Pty LtdMoonee PondsVICAustralia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
- oNKo‐Innate Pty LtdMoonee PondsVICAustralia
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10
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Zhang Y, Shi Q, Wang P, Huang C, Tang S, Zhou M, Hu Q, Wu L, Liang D. iPSC-derived NK cells with site-specific integration of CAR19 and IL24 at the multi-copy rDNA locus enhanced antitumor activity and proliferation. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e553. [PMID: 38737469 PMCID: PMC11082533 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The generation of chimeric antigen receptor-modified natural killer (CAR-NK) cells using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has emerged as one of the paradigms for manufacturing off-the-shelf universal immunotherapy. However, there are still some challenges in enhancing the potency, safety, and multiple actions of CAR-NK cells. Here, iPSCs were site-specifically integrated at the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus with interleukin 24 (IL24) and CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR19), and successfully differentiated into iPSC-derived NK (iNK) cells, followed by expansion using magnetic beads in vitro. Compared with the CAR19-iNK cells, IL24 armored CAR19-iNK (CAR19-IL24-iNK) cells showed higher cytotoxic capacity and amplification ability in vitro and inhibited tumor progression more effectively with better survival in a B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) (Nalm-6 (Luc1))-bearing mouse model. Interestingly, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that IL24 may enhance iNK cell function through nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway-related genes while exerting a direct effect on tumor cells. This study proved the feasibility and potential of combining IL24 with CAR-iNK cell therapy, suggesting a novel and promising off-the-shelf immunotherapy strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical GeneticsSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Qingxin Shi
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical GeneticsSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Peiyun Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical GeneticsSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Chujun Huang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical GeneticsSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Shuqing Tang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical GeneticsSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Miaojin Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical GeneticsSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Qian Hu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical GeneticsSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Lingqian Wu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical GeneticsSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Desheng Liang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical GeneticsSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human DiseasesSchool of Life SciencesCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
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11
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Maia A, Tarannum M, Lérias JR, Piccinelli S, Borrego LM, Maeurer M, Romee R, Castillo-Martin M. Building a Better Defense: Expanding and Improving Natural Killer Cells for Adoptive Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:451. [PMID: 38474415 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have gained attention as a promising adoptive cell therapy platform for their potential to improve cancer treatments. NK cells offer distinct advantages over T-cells, including major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-independent tumor recognition and low risk of toxicity, even in an allogeneic setting. Despite this tremendous potential, challenges persist, such as limited in vivo persistence, reduced tumor infiltration, and low absolute NK cell numbers. This review outlines several strategies aiming to overcome these challenges. The developed strategies include optimizing NK cell expansion methods and improving NK cell antitumor responses by cytokine stimulation and genetic manipulations. Using K562 cells expressing membrane IL-15 or IL-21 with or without additional activating ligands like 4-1BBL allows "massive" NK cell expansion and makes multiple cell dosing and "off-the-shelf" efforts feasible. Further improvements in NK cell function can be reached by inducing memory-like NK cells, developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, or isolating NK-cell-based tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Memory-like NK cells demonstrate higher in vivo persistence and cytotoxicity, with early clinical trials demonstrating safety and promising efficacy. Recent trials using CAR-NK cells have also demonstrated a lack of any major toxicity, including cytokine release syndrome, and, yet, promising clinical activity. Recent data support that the presence of TIL-NK cells is associated with improved overall patient survival in different types of solid tumors such as head and neck, colorectal, breast, and gastric carcinomas, among the most significant. In conclusion, this review presents insights into the diverse strategies available for NK cell expansion, including the roles played by various cytokines, feeder cells, and culture material in influencing the activation phenotype, telomere length, and cytotoxic potential of expanded NK cells. Notably, genetically modified K562 cells have demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting NK cell expansion. Furthermore, culturing NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15 has been shown to improve expansion rates, while the presence of IL-12 and IL-21 has been linked to enhanced cytotoxic function. Overall, this review provides an overview of NK cell expansion methodologies, highlighting the current landscape of clinical trials and the key advancements to enhance NK-cell-based adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Maia
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mubin Tarannum
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joana R Lérias
- ImmunoTherapy/ImmunoSurgery, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Piccinelli
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luis Miguel Borrego
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), NOVA University of Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
- Immunoallergy Department, Hospital da Luz, 1600-209 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoTherapy/ImmunoSurgery, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- I Medical Clinic, University of Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rizwan Romee
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mireia Castillo-Martin
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- Pathology Service, Champalimaud Clinical Center, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
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12
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Hou Y, Zhao X, Nie X. Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of NK cells in the treatment of ovarian cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 51:50. [PMID: 38299257 PMCID: PMC10851334 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a prevalent gynecological malignancy associated with a high mortality rate and a low 5‑year survival rate. Typically, >70% of patients present with an advanced stage of the disease, resulting in a high number of ovarian cancer‑associated deaths worldwide. Over the past decade, adoptive cellular immunotherapy has been investigated in clinical trials, and the results have led to the increased use in cancer treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphoid cells that recognize and lyse transformed cells, thereby impeding tumor growth. Thus, NK cells exhibit potential as a form of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. However, some patients with ovarian cancer treated with NK cells have experienced unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, further optimization of NK cells is required to increase the number of patients achieving long‑term remission. In the present review article, studies focusing on improving NK cell function were systematically summarized, and innovative strategies that augment the anticancer properties of NK cells were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Xiujun Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqian Nie
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
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Morimoto T, Nakazawa T, Maeoka R, Matsuda R, Nakamura M, Nishimura F, Yamada S, Nakagawa I, Park YS, Tsujimura T. Bulk RNA sequencing reveals the comprehensive genetic characteristics of human cord blood-derived natural killer cells. Regen Ther 2024; 25:367-376. [PMID: 38405180 PMCID: PMC10891285 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Innate immune cells are important in tumor immunotherapy. Natural killer cells (NKCs) are also categorized as innate immune cells and can control tumor growth and metastatic spread. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. NKC-based immunotherapy is a promising treatment strategy against GBM. We previously reported a feeder-free expansion system that yielded large-scale highly purified and cytotoxic NKCs derived from human cord blood (CB). In the present study, we performed comprehensive genomic analyses of NKCs generated from human CB (CBNKCs) as compared those from human peripheral blood (PB) (PBNKCs). Methods Frozen T cell-free CB mononuclear cells were cultured with recombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-18 and rhIL-2 in anti-NKp46 and anti-CD16 antibody immobilization settings. After 14-day expansion, the total RNA of the CBNKCs or PBNKCs was extracted and transcriptomic analyses was performed to determine their similarities and differences. We also examined CBNKC and PBNKC activity against a GBM cell line. Results Differential expression gene analysis revealed that some NK activating and inhibitory receptors were significantly downregulated in the CBNKCs compared to PBNKCs. Furthermore, genes related to anti-apoptosis and proliferation were upregulated in the CBNKCs. Enrichment analysis determined that the gene sets related to immune response and cytokines were enriched in the CBNKCs. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that the immune response pathway was upregulated in the CBNKCs. Cytotoxic assays using impedance-based cell analyzer revealed that the CBNKCs enhanced NKC-mediated cytotoxicity on GBM cells as compared to the PBNKCs. Conclusions We demonstrated the characteristics of human CBNKCs. Cell-based therapy using the CBNKCs is promising for treating GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Nakamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Nishimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Young-Soo Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsujimura
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
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14
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Guo F, Zhang Y, Cui J. Manufacturing CAR-NK against tumors: Who is the ideal supplier? Chin J Cancer Res 2024; 36:1-16. [PMID: 38455373 PMCID: PMC10915637 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2024.01.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer (CAR-NK) cells have emerged as another prominent player in the realm of tumor immunotherapy following CAR-T cells. The unique features of CAR-NK cells make it possible to compensate for deficiencies in CAR-T therapy, such as the complexity of the manufacturing process, clinical adverse events, and solid tumor challenges. To date, CAR-NK products from different allogeneic sources have exhibited remarkable anti-tumor effects on preclinical studies and have gradually been applied in clinical practice. However, each source has advantages and disadvantages. Selecting a suitable source may help maximize CAR-NK cell efficacy and increase the feasibility of clinical transformation. Therefore, this review discusses the development and challenges of CAR-NK cells from different sources to provide a reference for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Guo
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Cancer Center, Changchun 133021, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Cancer Center, Changchun 133021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Cancer Center, Changchun 133021, China
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15
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Wang K, Wang L, Wang Y, Xiao L, Wei J, Hu Y, Wang D, Huang H. Reprogramming natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00027-3. [PMID: 38273655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen rapid development in the field of cellular immunotherapy, particularly in regard to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells. However, challenges, such as severe treatment-related toxicities and inconsistent quality of autologous products, have hindered the broader use of CAR-T cell therapy, highlighting the need to explore alternative immune cells for cancer targeting. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cells have been extensively studied in cellular immunotherapy and were found to exert cytotoxic effects without being restricted by human leukocyte antigen and have a lower risk of causing graft-versus-host disease; making them favorable for the development of readily available "off-the-shelf" products. Clinical trials utilizing unedited NK cells or reprogrammed NK cells have shown early signs of their effectiveness against tumors. However, limitations, including limited in vivo persistence and expansion potential, remained. To enhance the antitumor function of NK cells, advanced gene-editing technologies and combination approaches have been explored. In this review, we summarize current clinical trials of antitumor NK cell therapy, provide an overview of innovative strategies for reprogramming NK cells, which include improvements in persistence, cytotoxicity, trafficking and the ability to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and also discuss some potential combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linqin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jieping Wei
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yongxian Hu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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16
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Fan Z, Han D, Fan X, Zhao L. Ovarian cancer treatment and natural killer cell-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308143. [PMID: 38187402 PMCID: PMC10768003 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the malignant tumors that poses a serious threat to women's health. Natural killer (NK) cells are an integral part of the immune system and have the ability to kill tumor cells directly or participate indirectly in the anti-tumor immune response. In recent years, NK cell-based immunotherapy for OC has shown remarkable potential. However, its mechanisms and effects remain unclear when compared to standard treatment. Methods To explore the value of NK cell-based immunotherapy in the treatment of OC, we conducted a literature review. In comparison to standard treatment, our focus was primarily on the current anti-tumor mechanisms, the clinical effect of NK cells against OC, factors affecting the structure and function of NK cells, and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of NK cells. Results We found that NK cells exert their therapeutic effects in OC through mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, perforin release, and granule enzyme secretion. They also secrete IFN-γ and TNF-α or engage in Fas/FasL and TRAIL/TRAILR pathways, mediating the death of OC cells. In clinical trials, the majority of patients experienced disease stability with mild side effects after receiving NK cell-based immunotherapy, but there is still a lack of high-quality research evidence regarding its clinical effectiveness. OC and prior experience with standard treatments have an effect on NK cells, and it may be considered to maximize NK cell effects through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment or combination with other therapies. Conclusions In this review, we have summarized the current evidence of NK cell applications in the treatment of OC. Furthermore, factors and strategies that influence and enhance the role of NK cell immunotherapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongru Fan
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dongyu Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Meddical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Meddical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China
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17
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Fetzko SL, Timothy LD, Parihar R. NK Cell Therapeutics for Hematologic Malignancies: from Potential to Fruition. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2023; 18:264-272. [PMID: 37751103 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-023-00711-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review focuses on the preclinical development and clinical advances of natural killer (NK) cell therapeutics for hematologic malignancies and offers perspective on the unmet challenges that will direct future discovery in the field. RECENT FINDINGS Approaches to improve or re-direct NK cell anti-tumor functions against hematologic malignancies have included transgenic expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), administration of NK cell engagers including BiKEs and TriKEs that enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by co-engaging NK cell CD16 and antigens on tumors, incorporation of a non-cleavable CD16 that results in enhanced ADCC, use of induced memory-like NK cells alone or in combination with CARs, and blockade of NK immune checkpoints to enhance NK cytotoxicity. Recently reported and ongoing clinical trials support the feasibility and safety of these approaches. NK cell-based therapeutic strategies hold great promise as cost-effective, off-the-shelf cell therapies for patients with relapsed and refractory hematologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Fetzko
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leander D Timothy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robin Parihar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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18
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Klaihmon P, Luanpitpong S, Kang X, Issaragrisil S. Anti-TIM3 chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells from engineered induced pluripotent stem cells effectively target acute myeloid leukemia cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:297. [PMID: 38012684 PMCID: PMC10680184 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03153-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal malignant disorder which originates from a small number of leukemia-initiating cells or leukemic stem cells (LSCs)-the subpopulation that is also the root cause of relapsed/refractory AML. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has proved successful at combating certain hematologic malignancies, but has several hurdles that limit its widespread applications. CAR-natural killer (NK) cells do not carry the risk of inducing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) frequently associated with allogeneic T cells, thereby overcoming time-consuming, autologous cell manufacturing, and have relatively safer clinical profiles than CAR-T cells. The present study aimed to generate anti-TIM3 CAR-NK cells targeting LSCs from a clonal master induced pluripotent stem cells engineered with the third-generation anti-TIM3 CAR. METHODS A clonal master umbilical cord blood NK-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line, MUSIi013-A, was used as a starting cells for engineering of an anti-TIM3 CAR harboring TIM3 scFv fragment (clone TSR-022), CD28, 4-1BB, and CD3ζ signaling (CAR-TIM3). The established CAR-TIM3 iPSCs were further differentiated under serum- and feeder-free conditions into functional CAR-TIM3 NK cells and tested for its anti-tumor activity against various TIM3-positive AML cells. RESULTS We successfully established a single-cell clone of CAR-TIM3 iPSCs, as validated by genomic DNA sequencing as well as antibody and antigen-specific detection. We performed thorough iPSC characterization to confirm its retained pluripotency and differentiation capacity. The established CAR-TIM3 iPSCs can be differentiated into CAR-TIM3 NK-like cells, which were further proven to have enhanced anti-tumor activity against TIM3-positive AML cells with minimal effect on TIM3-negative cells when compared with wild-type (WT) NK-like cells from parental iPSCs. CONCLUSIONS iPSCs engineered with CARs, including the established single-cell clone CAR-TIM3 iPSCs herein, are potential alternative cell source for generating off-the-shelf CAR-NK cells as well as other CAR-immune cells. The feasibility of differentiation of functional CAR-TIM3 NK cells under serum- and feeder-free conditions support that Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant protocols can be further established for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phatchanat Klaihmon
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sudjit Luanpitpong
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Blood Products and Cellular Immunotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Xing Kang
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surapol Issaragrisil
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Siriraj Hospital, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
- BDMS Center of Excellence for Hematology, Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Mehra V, Chhetri JB, Ali S, Roddie C. The Emerging Role of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as Adoptive Cellular Immunotherapeutics. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1419. [PMID: 37998018 PMCID: PMC10669440 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has transformed the treatment landscape for cancer and infectious disease through the investigational use of chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-Ts), tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and viral-specific T-cells (VSTs). Whilst these represent breakthrough treatments, there are subsets of patients who fail to respond to autologous ACT products. This is frequently due to impaired patient T-cell function or "fitness" as a consequence of prior treatments and age, and can be exacerbated by complex manufacturing protocols. Further, the manufacture of autologous, patient-specific products is time-consuming, expensive and non-standardised. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as an allogeneic alternative to patient-specific products can potentially overcome the issues outlined above. iPSC technology provides an unlimited source of rejuvenated iPSC-derived T-cells (T-iPSCs) or natural killer (NK) cells (NK-iPSCs), and in the context of the growing field of allogeneic ACT, iPSCs have enormous potential as a platform for generating off-the-shelf, standardised, "fit" therapeutics for patients. In this review, we evaluate current and future applications of iPSC technology in the CAR-T/NK, TIL and VST space. We discuss current and next-generation iPSC manufacturing protocols, and report on current iPSC-based adoptive therapy clinical trials to elucidate the potential of this technology as the future of ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Claire Roddie
- Research Department of Haematology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O’Gorman Building, London WCIE 6DD, UK
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Hegewisch-Solloa E, Nalin AP, Freud AG, Mace EM. Deciphering the localization and trajectory of human natural killer cell development. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:487-506. [PMID: 36869821 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells represent the first line of cellular immunity, comprised of both circulating and tissue-resident natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells. These innate lymphocytes arise from a common CD34+ progenitor that differentiates into mature natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells. The successive stages in natural killer cell maturation are characterized by increased lineage restriction and changes to phenotype and function. Mechanisms of human natural killer cell development have not been fully elucidated, especially the role of signals that drive the spatial localization and maturation of natural killer cells. Cytokines, extracellular matrix components, and chemokines provide maturation signals and influence the trafficking of natural killer cell progenitors to peripheral sites of differentiation. Here we present the latest advances in our understanding of natural killer and innate lymphoid cell development in peripheral sites, including secondary lymphoid tissues (i.e. tonsil). Recent work in the field has provided a model for the spatial distribution of natural killer cell and innate lymphoid cell developmental intermediates in tissue and generated further insights into the developmental niche. In support of this model, future studies using multifaceted approaches seek to fully map the developmental trajectory of human natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells in secondary lymphoid tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everardo Hegewisch-Solloa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St. New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ansel P Nalin
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 460 W 10th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aharon G Freud
- Department of Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 460 W 12th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St. New York, NY 10032, USA
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21
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Lachota M, Zielniok K, Palacios D, Kanaya M, Penna L, Hoel HJ, Wiiger MT, Kveberg L, Hautz W, Zagożdżon R, Malmberg KJ. Mapping the chemotactic landscape in NK cells reveals subset-specific synergistic migratory responses to dual chemokine receptor ligation. EBioMedicine 2023; 96:104811. [PMID: 37741009 PMCID: PMC10520535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have a unique capability of spontaneous cytotoxicity against malignant cells and hold promise for off-the-shelf cell therapy against cancer. One of the key challenges in the field is to improve NK cell homing to solid tumors. METHODS To gain a deeper understanding of the cellular mechanisms regulating trafficking of NK cells into the tumor, we used high-dimensional flow cytometry, mass cytometry, and single-cell RNA-sequencing combined with functional assays, creating a comprehensive map of human NK cell migration phenotypes. FINDINGS We found that the chemokine receptor repertoire of peripheral blood NK cells changes in a coordinated manner becoming progressively more diversified during NK cell differentiation and correlating tightly with the migratory response of the distinct NK cell subsets. Simultaneous ligation of CXCR1/2 and CX3CR1, synergistically potentiated the migratory response of NK cells. Analysis of 9471 solid cancers from publicly available TCGA/TARGET repositories revealed dominant chemokine patterns that varied across tumor types but with no tumor group expressing ligands for more than one chemokine receptor present on mature NK cells. INTERPRETATION The finding that chemokine stimulation can elicit a synergistic migratory response in NK cells combined with the identified lack of naturally occurring pairs of chemokines-chemokine receptors in human cancers may explain the systematic exclusion of NK cells from the tumor microenvironment and provides a basis for engineering next-generation NK cell therapies against malignancies. FUNDING The Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the National Science Centre, Poland, The Norwegian Cancer Society, the Norwegian Research Council, the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, The Swedish Cancer Society, the Swedish Children's Cancer Foundation, The Swedish Research Council, The Center of Excellence: Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and National Cancer Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieszko Lachota
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Zielniok
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniel Palacios
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Minoru Kanaya
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Leena Penna
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Julie Hoel
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Thune Wiiger
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Kveberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Wojciech Hautz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway; Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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22
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Galat Y, Du Y, Perepitchka M, Li XN, Balyasnikova IV, Tse WT, Dambaeva S, Schneiderman S, Iannaccone PM, Becher O, Graham DK, Galat V. In vitro vascular differentiation system efficiently produces natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapies. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2240670. [PMID: 37720687 PMCID: PMC10501168 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2240670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapeutic innovation is crucial for limited operability tumors. CAR T-cell therapy displayed reduced efficiency against glioblastoma (GBM), likely due to mutations underlying disease progression. Natural Killer cells (NKs) detect cancer cells despite said mutations - demonstrating increased tumor elimination potential. We developed an NK differentiation system using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Via this system, genetic modifications targeting cancer treatment challenges can be introduced during pluripotency - enabling unlimited production of modified "off-the-shelf" hPSC-NKs. Methods hPSCs were differentiated into hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and NKs using our novel organoid system. These cells were characterized using flow cytometric and bioinformatic analyses. HPC engraftment potential was assessed using NSG mice. NK cytotoxicity was validated using in vitro and in vitro K562 assays and further corroborated on lymphoma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), and GBM cell lines in vitro. Results HPCs demonstrated engraftment in peripheral blood samples, and hPSC-NKs showcased morphology and functionality akin to same donor peripheral blood NKs (PB-NKs). The hPSC-NKs also displayed potential advantages regarding checkpoint inhibitor and metabolic gene expression, and demonstrated in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity against various cancers. Conclusions Our organoid system, designed to replicate in vivo cellular organization (including signaling gradients and shear stress conditions), offers a suitable environment for HPC and NK generation. The engraftable nature of HPCs and potent NK cytotoxicity against leukemia, lymphoma, DIPG, and GBM highlight the potential of this innovative system to serve as a valuable tool that will benefit cancer treatment and research - improving patient survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekaterina Galat
- Developmental Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- ARTEC Biotech Inc, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yuchen Du
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mariana Perepitchka
- Developmental Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- ARTEC Biotech Inc, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Irina V Balyasnikova
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William T Tse
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Svetlana Dambaeva
- Microbiology and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sylvia Schneiderman
- Microbiology and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Philip M Iannaccone
- Developmental Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Oren Becher
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vasiliy Galat
- Developmental Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- ARTEC Biotech Inc, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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23
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Zheng H, Chen Y, Luo Q, Zhang J, Huang M, Xu Y, Huo D, Shan W, Tie R, Zhang M, Qian P, Huang H. Generating hematopoietic cells from human pluripotent stem cells: approaches, progress and challenges. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:31. [PMID: 37656237 PMCID: PMC10474004 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been suggested as a potential source for the production of blood cells for clinical application. In two decades, almost all types of blood cells can be successfully generated from hPSCs through various differentiated strategies. Meanwhile, with a deeper understanding of hematopoiesis, higher efficiency of generating progenitors and precursors of blood cells from hPSCs is achieved. However, how to generate large-scale mature functional cells from hPSCs for clinical use is still difficult. In this review, we summarized recent approaches that generated both hematopoietic stem cells and mature lineage cells from hPSCs, and remarked their efficiency and mechanisms in producing mature functional cells. We also discussed the major challenges in hPSC-derived products of blood cells and provided some potential solutions. Our review summarized efficient, simple, and defined methodologies for developing good manufacturing practice standards for hPSC-derived blood cells, which will facilitate the translation of these products into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqiong Zheng
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Yijin Chen
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Qian Luo
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Mengmeng Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Yulin Xu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Dawei Huo
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Wei Shan
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Ruxiu Tie
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
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24
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Guo T, Wei Q. Cell Reprogramming Techniques: Contributions to Cancer Therapy. Cell Reprogram 2023; 25:142-153. [PMID: 37530737 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The reprogramming of terminally differentiated cells over the past few years has become important for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in the field of regenerative medicine and disease drug modeling. At the same time, iPSCs have also played an important role in human cancer research. iPSCs derived from cancer patients can be used to simulate the early progression of cancer, for drug testing, and to study the molecular mechanism of cancer occurrence. In recent years, with the application of cellular immunotherapy in cancer therapy, patient-derived iPSC-induced immune cells (T, natural killer, and macrophage cells) solve the problem of immune rejection and have higher immunogenicity, which greatly improves the therapeutic efficiency of immune cell therapy. With the continuous progress of cancer differentiation therapy, iPSC technology can reprogram cancer cells to a more primitive pluripotent undifferentiated state, and successfully reverse cancer cells to a benign phenotype by changing the epigenetic inheritance of cancer cells. This article reviews the recent progress of cell reprogramming technology in human cancer research, focuses on the application of reprogramming technology in cancer immunotherapy and the problems solved, and summarizes the malignant phenotype changes of cancer cells in the process of reprogramming and subsequent differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Guo
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qi Wei
- Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
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25
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Zhao X, Lin M, Huang X. Current status and future perspective of natural killer cell therapy for cancer. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:305-320. [PMID: 38235405 PMCID: PMC10790210 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells possess innate abilities to effectively eliminate cancer cells. However, because of difficulties of proliferation and easy to be induced dysfunction in the setting of cancer post NK cell therapy, the curative effect of NK cell infusion has been constrained and not been widely applicable in clinical practice. The rapid development of biotechnology has promoted the development of NK cell therapy for cancer treatment. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current status and future prospects of NK cell therapy for cancer, focusing on the biological characteristics of NK cells, as well as strategies to enhance their targeting capabilities and overcome tumor immune suppression within the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Minghao Lin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
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26
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Bernson E, Huhn O, Karlsson V, Hawkes D, Lycke M, Cazzetta V, Mikulak J, Hall J, Piskorz AM, Portuesi R, Vitobello D, Fiamengo B, Siesto G, Horowitz A, Ghadially H, Mavilio D, Brenton JD, Sundfeldt K, Colucci F. Identification of Tissue-Resident Natural Killer and T Lymphocytes with Anti-Tumor Properties in Ascites of Ovarian Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3362. [PMID: 37444472 PMCID: PMC10340516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Women with ovarian cancer have limited therapy options, with immunotherapy being unsatisfactory for a large group of patients. Tumor cells spread from the ovary or the fallopian tube into the abdominal cavity, which is commonly accompanied with massive ascites production. The ascites represents a unique peritoneal liquid tumor microenvironment with the presence of both tumor and immune cells, including cytotoxic lymphocytes. We characterized lymphocytes in ascites from patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Our data reveal the presence of NK and CD8+ T lymphocytes expressing CD103 and CD49a, which are markers of tissue residency. Moreover, these cells express high levels of the inhibitory NKG2A receptor, with the highest expression level detected on tissue-resident NK cells. Lymphocytes with these features were also present at the primary tumor site. Functional assays showed that tissue-resident NK cells in ascites are highly responsive towards ovarian tumor cells. Similar results were observed in an in vivo mouse model, in which tissue-resident NK and CD8+ T cells were detected in the peritoneal fluid upon tumor growth. Together, our data reveal the presence of highly functional lymphocyte populations that may be targeted to improve immunotherapy for patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Bernson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke’s Hosptial, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Oisín Huhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke’s Hosptial, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Veronika Karlsson
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Delia Hawkes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke’s Hosptial, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Maria Lycke
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Valentina Cazzetta
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - James Hall
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Anna M. Piskorz
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Rosalba Portuesi
- Unit of Gynecology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Domenico Vitobello
- Unit of Gynecology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Fiamengo
- Unit of Pathological Anatomy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siesto
- Unit of Gynecology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Amir Horowitz
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hormas Ghadially
- AstraZeneca, Oncology R&D, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GP, UK
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Blantyre Private Bag 360, Malawi
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - James D. Brenton
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Karin Sundfeldt
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke’s Hosptial, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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27
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Klaihmon P, Kang X, Issaragrisil S, Luanpitpong S. Generation and Functional Characterization of Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Natural Killer Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10508. [PMID: 37445684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a part of innate immunity that can be activated rapidly in response to malignant transformed cells without prior sensitization. Engineering NK cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) allows them to be directed against corresponding target tumor antigens. CAR-NK cells are regarded as a promising candidate for cellular immunotherapy alternatives to conventional CAR-T cells, due to the relatively low risk of graft-versus-host disease and safer clinical profile. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a promising renewable cell source of clinical NK cells. In the present study, we successfully introduced a third-generation CAR targeting CD19, which was validated to have effective signaling domains suitable for NK cells, into umbilical cord blood NK-derived iPSCs, followed by a single-cell clone selection and thorough iPSC characterization. The established single-cell clone of CAR19-NK/iPSCs, which is highly desirable for clinical application, can be differentiated using serum- and feeder-free protocols into functional CAR19-iNK-like cells with improved anti-tumor activity against CD19-positive hematologic cancer cells when compared with wild-type (WT)-iNK-like cells. With the feasibility of being an alternative source for off-the-shelf CAR-NK cells, a library of single-cell clones of CAR-engineered NK/iPSCs targeting different tumor antigens may be created for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phatchanat Klaihmon
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Xing Kang
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Surapol Issaragrisil
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- BDMS Center of Excellence for Hematology, Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
| | - Sudjit Luanpitpong
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Blood Products and Cellular Immunotherapy Research Group, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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Meng F, Zhang S, Xie J, Zhou Y, Wu Q, Lu B, Zhou S, Zhao X, Li Y. Leveraging CD16 fusion receptors to remodel the immune response for enhancing anti-tumor immunotherapy in iPSC-derived NK cells. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:62. [PMID: 37316891 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cytotoxicity of NK cells is largely dependent on IgG Fc receptor CD16a, which mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The high-affinity and non-cleavable CD16 (hnCD16) is developed and demonstrated a multi-tumor killing potential. However, the hnCD16 receptor activates a single CD16 signal and provides limited tumor suppression. How to exploit the properties of hnCD16 and incorporate NK cell-specific activation domains is a promising development direction to further improve the anti-tumor activity of NK cells. METHODS To expand the applications of hnCD16-mediated ADCC for NK cell-based immunotherapy in cancer, we designed the hnCD16 Fusion Receptor (FR) constructs with the ectodomain of hnCD16 fused with NK cell-specific activating domains in the cytoplasm. FR constructs were transduced into CD16-negative NK cell line and human iPSC-derived NK (iNK) cells and effective FR constructs were screened. The up-regulation of immune activation- and cytokine-releasing-related pathways in FR-transduced NK cells was screened and validated by RNA sequencing and multiplex cytokines release assay, respectively. The tumor-killing efficiency was tested in vitro and in vivo via co-culture with tumor cell lines and xenograft mice-bearing human B-cell lymphoma, respectively. RESULTS We screened the most effective combination to kill B cell lymphoma, which was fused with the ectodomain of hnCD16a, NK-specific co-stimulators (2B4 and DAP10) and CD3ζ in cytoplasmic domains. The screened construct showed excellent cytotoxicity effects and sharp multiple cytokines releasing both in the NK cell line and iNK cells. The transcriptomic analysis and validation assays of hnCD16- and hnCD16FR-transduced NK cells showed that hnCD16FR transduction remodeled immune-related transcriptome in NK cells, where significant upregulation of genes related to cytotoxicity, high cytokines releasing, induced tumor cell apoptosis, and ADCC in comparison with hnCD16 transduction were highlighted. In vivo xenograft studies demonstrated that a single low-dose regimen of engineered hnCD16FR iPSC-derived NK cells co-administered with anti-CD20 mAb treatment mediated potent activity and significantly improved survival. CONCLUSION We developed a novel hnCD16FR construct that exhibits more potent cytotoxicity than reported hnCD16, which is a promising approach to treat malignancies with improved ADCC properties. We also offer a rationale for NK activation domains that remodel immune response to enhance CD16 signaling in NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyi Meng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Xie
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingling Wu
- Guangzhou Regenverse Therapeutics Co.,Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Binyan Lu
- Guangzhou Regenverse Therapeutics Co.,Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Shixin Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiangyu Zhao
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Bareke H, Ibáñez-Navarro A, Guerra-García P, González Pérez C, Rubio-Aparicio P, Plaza López de Sabando D, Sastre-Urgelles A, Ortiz-Cruz EJ, Pérez-Martínez A. Prospects and Advances in Adoptive Natural Killer Cell Therapy for Unmet Therapeutic Needs in Pediatric Bone Sarcomas. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098324. [PMID: 37176035 PMCID: PMC10178897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant bone tumors are aggressive tumors, with a high tendency to metastasize, that are observed most frequently in adolescents during rapid growth spurts. Pediatric patients with malignant bone sarcomas, Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma, who present with progressive disease have dire survival rates despite aggressive therapy. These therapies can have long-term effects on bone growth, such as decreased bone mineral density and reduced longitudinal growth. New therapeutic approaches are therefore urgently needed for targeting pediatric malignant bone tumors. Harnessing the power of the immune system against cancer has improved the survival rates dramatically in certain cancer types. Natural killer (NK) cells are a heterogeneous group of innate effector cells that possess numerous antitumor effects, such as cytolysis and cytokine production. Pediatric sarcoma cells have been shown to be especially susceptible to NK-cell-mediated killing. NK-cell adoptive therapy confers numerous advantages over T-cell adoptive therapy, including a good safety profile and a lack of major histocompatibility complex restriction. NK-cell immunotherapy has the potential to be a new therapy for pediatric malignant bone tumors. In this manuscript, we review the general characteristics of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, discuss the long-term effects of sarcoma treatment on bones, and the barriers to effective immunotherapy in bone sarcomas. We then present the laboratory and clinical studies on NK-cell immunotherapy for pediatric malignant bone tumors. We discuss the various donor sources and NK-cell types, the engineering of NK cells and combinatorial treatment approaches that are being studied to overcome the current challenges in adoptive NK-cell therapy, while suggesting approaches for future studies on NK-cell immunotherapy in pediatric bone tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halin Bareke
- Translational Research Group in Pediatric Oncology, Haematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Ibáñez-Navarro
- Translational Research Group in Pediatric Oncology, Haematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Guerra-García
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos González Pérez
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Rubio-Aparicio
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Sastre-Urgelles
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo José Ortiz-Cruz
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Pérez-Martínez
- Translational Research Group in Pediatric Oncology, Haematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28046 Madrid, Spain
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Li YR, Dunn ZS, Yu Y, Li M, Wang P, Yang L. Advancing cell-based cancer immunotherapy through stem cell engineering. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:592-610. [PMID: 36948187 PMCID: PMC10164150 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Advances in cell-based therapy, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, have transformed the treatment of hematological malignancies. Although an important step forward for the field, autologous CAR-T therapies are hindered by high costs, manufacturing challenges, and limited efficacy against solid tumors. With ongoing progress in gene editing and culture techniques, engineered stem cells and their application in cell therapy are poised to address some of these challenges. Here, we review stem cell-based immunotherapy approaches, stem cell sources, gene engineering and manufacturing strategies, therapeutic platforms, and clinical trials, as well as challenges and future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zachary Spencer Dunn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Yanqi Yu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pin Wang
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Li Y, Xie S, Chen M, Li H, Wang Y, Fan Y, An K, Wu Y, Xiao W. Development of an antibody-ligand fusion protein scFvCD16A -sc4-1BBL in Komagataella phaffii with stimulatory activity for Natural Killer cells. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:67. [PMID: 37041591 PMCID: PMC10091686 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02082-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies have demonstrated substantial potential for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, its application is limited due to the difficulty in the production of a large number of NK cells in vitro and the insufficient therapeutic efficacy against solid tumors in vivo. Engineered antibodies or fusion proteins targeting activating receptors and costimulatory molecules of NK cells have been developed to encounter these problems. They are mostly produced in mammalian cells with high cost and long processing times. Yeast systems, such as Komagataella phaffii, present a convenient manipulation of microbial systems with the key advantages of improved folding machinery and low cost. RESULTS In this study, we designed an antibody fusion protein scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL, composed of the single chain variant fragment (scFv) of anti-CD16A antibody and the three extracellular domains (ECDs) of human 4-1BBL in a single-chain format (sc) with the GS linker, aiming to boost NK cell proliferation and activation. This protein complex was produced in the K. phaffii X33 system and purified by affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. The scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL complex showed comparable binding abilities to its two targets human CD16A and 4-1BB as its two parental moieties (scFvCD16A and monomer ECD (mn)4-1BBL). scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL specifically stimulated the expansion of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived NK cells in vitro. Furthermore, in the ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model, adoptive NK cell infusion combined with intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL further reduced the tumor burden and prolonged the survival time of mice. CONCLUSION Our studies demonstrate the feasibility of the expression of the antibody fusion protein scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL in K. phaffii with favourable properties. scFvCD16A-sc4-1BBL stimulates PBMC-derived NK cell expansion in vitro and improves the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred NK cells in a murine model of ovarian cancer and may serve as a synergistic drug for NK immunotherapy in future research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Li
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Siqi Xie
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Minhua Chen
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Yehai Wang
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Kang An
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Weihua Xiao
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
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Wang C, Liu J, Li W. 'Off the shelf' immunotherapies: Generation and application of pluripotent stem cell-derived immune cells. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13425. [PMID: 36855955 PMCID: PMC10068955 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, great strides have been made toward the development of immune cell-based therapies in the treatment of refractory malignancies. Primary T cells and NK cells armed with chimeric antigen receptors have achieved tremendous clinical success especially in patients with leukaemia and lymphoma. However, the autologous origin of these effector cells means that a single batch of laboriously engineered cells treats only a certain patient, leading to high cost, ununiform product quality, and risk of delay in treatment, and therefore results in restricted accessibility of these therapies to the overwhelming majority of the patients. Addressing these tricky obstacles calls for the development of universal immune cell products that can be provided 'off the shelf' in a large amount. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), owing to their unique capacity of self-renewal and the potential of multi-lineage differentiation, offer an unlimited cell source to generate uniform and scalable engineered immune cells. This review discusses the major advances in the development of PSC-derived immune cell differentiation approaches and their therapeutic potential in treating both hematologic malignancies and solid tumours. We also consider the potency of PSC-derived immune cells as an alternative therapeutic strategy for other diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, infections, et al.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jingjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Rani R, Nayak M, Nayak B. Exploring the reprogramming potential of B cells and comprehending its clinical and therapeutic perspective. Transpl Immunol 2023; 78:101804. [PMID: 36921730 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Initiating from multipotent progenitors, the lineages extrapolated from hematopoietic stem cells are determined by transcription factors specific to each of them. The commitment factors assist in the differentiation of progenitor cells into terminally differentiated cells. B lymphocytes constitute a population of cells that expresses clonally diverse cell surface immunoglobulin (Ig) receptors specific to antigenic epitopes. B cells are a significant facet of the adaptive immune system. The secreted antibodies corresponding to the B cell recognize the antigens via the B cell receptor (BCR). Following antigen recognition, the B cell is activated and thereafter undergoes clonal expansion and proliferation to become memory B cells. The essence of 'cellular reprogramming' has aided in reliably altering the cells to desired tissue type. The potential of reprogramming has been harnessed to decipher and find solutions for various genetically inherited diseases and degenerative disorders. B lymphocytes can be reprogrammed to their initial naive state from where they get differentiated into any lineage or cell type similar to a pluripotent stem cell which can be accomplished by the deletion of master regulators of the B cell lineage. B cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells and also can undergo transdifferentiation at the midway of cell differentiation to other cell types. Mandated expression of C/EBP in specialized B cells corresponds to their fast and effective reprogramming into macrophages, reversing the cell fate of these lymphocytes and allowing them to differentiate freshly into other types of cells. The co-expression of C/EBPα and OKSM (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc) amplified the reprogramming efficiency of B lymphocytes. Various human somatic cells including the immune cells are compliant to reprogramming which paves a path for opportunities like autologous tissue grafts, blood transfusion, and cancer immunotherapy. The ability to reprogram B cells offers an unprecedented opportunity for developing a therapeutic approach for several human diseases. Here, we will focus on all the proteins and transcription factors responsible for the developmental commitment of B lymphocytes and how it is harnessed in various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetika Rani
- Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha. 769008, India
| | - Madhusmita Nayak
- Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha. 769008, India
| | - Bismita Nayak
- Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha. 769008, India.
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Berrien-Elliott MM, Jacobs MT, Fehniger TA. Allogeneic natural killer cell therapy. Blood 2023; 141:856-868. [PMID: 36416736 PMCID: PMC10023727 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in adoptive cell therapy for treating cancer is exploding owing to early clinical successes of autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocyte therapy. However, limitations using T cells and autologous cell products are apparent as they (1) take weeks to generate, (2) utilize a 1:1 donor-to-patient model, (3) are expensive, and (4) are prone to heterogeneity and manufacturing failures. CAR T cells are also associated with significant toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and prolonged cytopenias. To overcome these issues, natural killer (NK) cells are being explored as an alternative cell source for allogeneic cell therapies. NK cells have an inherent ability to recognize cancers, mediate immune functions of killing and communication, and do not induce graft-versus-host disease, cytokine release syndrome, or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. NK cells can be obtained from blood or cord blood or be derived from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, and can be expanded and cryopreserved for off-the-shelf availability. The first wave of point-of-care NK cell therapies led to the current allogeneic NK cell products being investigated in clinical trials with promising preliminary results. Basic advances in NK cell biology and cellular engineering have led to new translational strategies to block inhibition, enhance and broaden target cell recognition, optimize functional persistence, and provide stealth from patients' immunity. This review details NK cell biology, as well as NK cell product manufacturing, engineering, and combination therapies explored in the clinic leading to the next generation of potent, off-the-shelf cellular therapies for blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam T. Jacobs
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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35
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Cichocki F, van der Stegen SJC, Miller JS. Engineered and banked iPSCs for advanced NK- and T-cell immunotherapies. Blood 2023; 141:846-855. [PMID: 36327161 PMCID: PMC10023718 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of methods to derive induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has propelled stem cell research, and has the potential to revolutionize many areas of medicine, including cancer immunotherapy. These cells can be propagated limitlessly and can differentiate into nearly any specialized cell type. The ability to perform precise multigene engineering at the iPSC stage, generate master cell lines after clonal selection, and faithfully promote differentiation along natural killer (NK) cells and T-cell lineages is now leading to new opportunities for the administration of off-the-shelf cytotoxic lymphocytes with direct antigen targeting to treat patients with relapsed/refractory cancer. In this review, we highlight the recent progress in iPSC editing and guided differentiation in the development of NK- and T-cell products for immunotherapy. We also discuss some of the potential barriers that remain in unleashing the full potential of iPSC-derived cytotoxic effector cells in the adoptive transfer setting, and how some of these limitations may be overcome through gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Cichocki
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Sjoukje J. C. van der Stegen
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY
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36
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Smith DM, Schafer JR, Tullius B, Witkam L, Paust S. Natural killer cells for antiviral therapy. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabl5278. [PMID: 36599006 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl5278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy is being explored for treating infectious diseases, including viral infections. Here, we discuss evidence of NK cell responses to different viruses, ongoing clinical efforts to treat such infections with NK cell products, and review platforms to generate NK cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davey M Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | | | - Laura Witkam
- Kiadis Pharma, Sanofi, 1105BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Silke Paust
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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37
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Jin G, Chang Y, Harris J, Bao X. Adoptive Immunotherapy: A Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Perspective. Cells Tissues Organs 2023; 212:439-467. [PMID: 36599319 PMCID: PMC10318121 DOI: 10.1159/000528838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed significant advances in cancer immunotherapy, particularly through the adoptive transfer of engineered T cells in treating advanced leukemias and lymphomas. Despite these excitements, challenges remain with scale, cost, and ensuring quality control of engineered immune cells, including chimeric antigen receptor T, natural killer cells, and macrophages. The advent of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, has transformed immunotherapy by providing a scalable, off-the-shelf source of any desired immune cells for basic research, translational studies, and clinical interventions. The tractability of hPSCs for gene editing could also generate homogenous, universal cellular products with custom functionality for individual or combinatory therapeutic applications. This review will explore various immune cell types whose directed differentiation from hPSCs has been achieved and recently adapted for translational immunotherapy and feature forward-looking bioengineering techniques shaping the future of the stem cell field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyuhyung Jin
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Yun Chang
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Jackson Harris
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Xiaoping Bao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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38
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Ghaedrahmati F, Esmaeil N, Abbaspour M. Targeting immune checkpoints: how to use natural killer cells for fighting against solid tumors. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 43:177-213. [PMID: 36585761 PMCID: PMC9926962 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique innate immune cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses. Thus, they might hold great potential for cancer immunotherapy. NK cell adoptive immunotherapy in humans has shown modest efficacy. In particular, it has failed to demonstrate therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of solid tumors, possibly due in part to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which reduces NK cell immunotherapy's efficiencies. It is known that immune checkpoints play a prominent role in creating an immunosuppressive TME, leading to NK cell exhaustion and tumor immune escape. Therefore, NK cells must be reversed from their dysfunctional status and increased in their effector roles in order to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Blockade of immune checkpoints can not only rescue NK cells from exhaustion but also augment their robust anti-tumor activity. In this review, we discussed immune checkpoint blockade strategies with a focus on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells to redirect NK cells to cancer cells in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhoodeh Ghaedrahmati
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran,Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non‐Communicable DiseaseIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Maryam Abbaspour
- Department of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyFaculty of PharmacyIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
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39
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CAR-NK as a Rapidly Developed and Efficient Immunotherapeutic Strategy against Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010117. [PMID: 36612114 PMCID: PMC9817948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cell therapy has been rapidly developing in recent years, ultimately revolutionizing immunotherapeutic strategies and providing significant anti-tumor potency, mainly in treating hematological neoplasms. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and other adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndromes (CRS) and neurotoxicity associated with CAR-T cell infusion, have raised some concerns about the broad application of this therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells have been identified as promising alternative platforms for CAR-based therapies because of their unique features, such as a lack of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matching restriction, superior safety, and better anti-tumor activity when compared with CAR-T cells. The lack of CRS, neurotoxicity, or GVHD, in the case of CAR-NK therapy, in addition to the possibility of using allogeneic NK cells as a CAR platform for "off-the-shelf" therapy, opens new windows for strategic opportunities. This review underlines recent design achievements in CAR constructs and summarizes preclinical studies' results regarding CAR-NK therapies' safety and anti-tumor potency. Additionally, new approaches in CAR-NK technology are briefly described, and currently registered clinical trials are listed.
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40
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McKenna DH, Perlingeiro RCR. Development of allogeneic iPS cell-based therapy: from bench to bedside. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 15:e15315. [PMID: 36479608 PMCID: PMC9906386 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202115315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This commentary provides a brief overview of the steps necessary for the generation of an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived clinical grade product. This process requires extensive, proper documentation as well as a thoughtful and systematic optimization of the manufacturing methods to ensure maintenance of the key biological features of the product, compliance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), and most importantly patient safety. The scale-up and optimization also ideally include the identification of efficient and cost-effective purification/isolation and expansion of the target cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H McKenna
- Molecular and Cellular TherapeuticsUniversity of MinnesotaSaint PaulMNUSA,Stem Cell InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
| | - Rita C R Perlingeiro
- Stem Cell InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA,Department of Medicine, Lillehei Heart InstituteUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
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41
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Reprogramming cell fates towards novel cancer immunotherapies. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 67:102312. [PMID: 36335715 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of host immune and cancer cells interactions have made immunotherapy a prominent choice in cancer treatment. Despite such promise, cell-based immunotherapies remain inapplicable to many patients due to severe limitations in the availability and quality of immune cells isolated from donors. Reprogramming technologies that facilitate the engineering of cell types of interest, are emerging as a putative solution to such challenges. Here we focus on the recent progress being made in reprogramming technologies with respect to the immune system and their potential for clinical applications.
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42
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Nikolouli E, Reichstein J, Hansen G, Lachmann N. In vitro systems to study inborn errors of immunity using human induced pluripotent stem cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1024935. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, the exponential progress in the field of genetics could reveal the genetic impact on the onset and progression of several diseases affecting the immune system. This knowledge has led to the discovery of more than 400 monogenic germline mutations, also known as “inborn errors of immunity (IEI)”. Given the rarity of various IEI and the clinical diversity as well as the limited available patients’ material, the continuous development of novel cell-based in vitro models to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases is imperative. Focusing on stem cell technologies, this review aims to provide an overview of the current available in vitro models used to study IEI and which could lay the foundation for new therapeutic approaches. We elaborate in particular on the use of induced pluripotent stem cell-based systems and their broad application in studying IEI by establishing also novel infection culture models. The review will critically discuss the current limitations or gaps in the field of stem cell technology as well as the future perspectives from the use of these cell culture systems.
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43
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Yang X, Weng D, Pan Q, Xiang T, Yang C, Wu Z, Li M, Xie S, Tang Y, Xia J, Zhao J. Adjuvant alternative cytokine-induced killer cell combined with natural killer cell immunotherapy improves the prognosis of post-mastectomy breast cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:974487. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.974487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a significantly worse prognosis due to the lack of endocrine receptors including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In this study, we investigated adjuvant cellular immunotherapy (CIT) in patients with post-mastectomy breast cancer. We enrolled 214 post-mastectomy breast cancer patients, including 107 patients in the control group (who received chemotherapy/radiotherapy/endocrine therapy) and the other 107 patients in the CIT group (who received chemotherapy/radiotherapy/endocrine therapy and subsequent immune cell infusion). Of these 214 patients, 54 had TNBC, including 26 patients in the control group and 28 patients in the CIT group. Survival analysis showed that the overall survival rate of patients treated with cellular immunotherapy was higher than that of patients who were not treated with CIT. Compared to those who received cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells alone, the patients who received CIK combined with natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy showed the best overall survival rate. In subgroup analyses, adjuvant CIT significantly improved the overall survival of patients in the TNBC subgroup and the patients who were aged over 50 years. Our study indicates that adjuvant CIK cell combined with NK cell treatment is an effective therapeutic strategy to prolong the survival of post-mastectomy patients, particularly for TNBC patients and those who are aged over 50 years.
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44
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Lamers-Kok N, Panella D, Georgoudaki AM, Liu H, Özkazanc D, Kučerová L, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Raimo M. Natural killer cells in clinical development as non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:164. [DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are unique immune effectors able to kill cancer cells by direct recognition of surface ligands, without prior sensitization. Allogeneic NK transfer is a highly valuable treatment option for cancer and has recently emerged with hundreds of clinical trials paving the way to finally achieve market authorization. Advantages of NK cell therapies include the use of allogenic cell sources, off-the-shelf availability, and no risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Allogeneic NK cell therapies have reached the clinical stage as ex vivo expanded and differentiated non-engineered cells, as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered or CD16-engineered products, or as combination therapies with antibodies, priming agents, and other drugs. This review summarizes the recent clinical status of allogeneic NK cell-based therapies for the treatment of hematological and solid tumors, discussing the main characteristics of the different cell sources used for NK product development, their use in cell manufacturing processes, the engineering methods and strategies adopted for genetically modified products, and the chosen approaches for combination therapies. A comparative analysis between NK-based non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies is presented, examining the choices made by product developers regarding the NK cell source and the targeted tumor indications, for both solid and hematological cancers. Clinical trial outcomes are discussed and, when available, assessed in comparison with preclinical data. Regulatory challenges for product approval are reviewed, highlighting the lack of specificity of requirements and standardization between products. Additionally, the competitive landscape and business field is presented. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the effort driven by biotech and pharmaceutical companies and by academic centers to bring NK cell therapies to pivotal clinical trial stages and to market authorization.
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45
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Wang X, Yang X, Yuan X, Wang W, Wang Y. Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK cells: new weapons of cancer immunotherapy with great potential. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:85. [PMID: 36324149 PMCID: PMC9628181 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cells have obtained prominent achievement in the clinical immunotherapy of hematological malignant tumors, leading to a rapid development of cellular immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Scientists are also aware of the prospective advantages of CAR engineering in cellular immunotherapy. Due to various limitations such as the serious side effects of CAR-T therapy, researchers began to investigate other immune cells for CAR modification. Natural killer (NK) cells are critical innate immune cells with the characteristic of non-specifically recognizing target cells and with the potential to become "off-the-shelf" products. In recent years, many preclinical studies on CAR-engineered NK (CAR-NK) cells have shown their remarkable efficacy in cancer therapy and their superiority over autologous CAR-T cells. In this review, we summarize the generation, mechanisms of anti-tumor activity and unique advantages of CAR-NK cells, and then analyze some challenges and recent clinical trials about CAR-NK cells therapy. We believe that CAR-NK therapy is a promising prospect for cancer immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Yueying Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
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46
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Moscarelli J, Zahavi D, Maynard R, Weiner LM. The Next Generation of Cellular Immunotherapy: Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Natural Killer Cells. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:650-656. [PMID: 35788086 PMCID: PMC9547868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering has led to the development of powerful cellular therapies for cancer. CAR T cell-based treatments have had notable clinical success, but logistical issues and associated toxicities are recognized limitations. There is emerging interest in using other immune effector cell types for CAR therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system, and these lymphocytes play major roles in immunosurveillance and antitumor immune responses. Incorporating CARs into NK cells provides the opportunity to harness and enhance their innate cytotoxic potential toward malignancies. In this review, we discuss the production of CAR-engineered NK cells, highlight data on their preclinical and clinical efficacy, and examine the obstacles and strategies to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Moscarelli
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - David Zahavi
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Rachael Maynard
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Louis M Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington, DC.
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47
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Keshavarz A, Salehi A, Khosravi S, Shariati Y, Nasrabadi N, Kahrizi MS, Maghsoodi S, Mardi A, Azizi R, Jamali S, Fotovat F. Recent findings on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered immune cell therapy in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:482. [PMID: 36153626 PMCID: PMC9509604 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in adoptive cell therapy over the last four decades have revealed various new therapeutic strategies, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which are dedicated immune cells that are engineered and administered to eliminate cancer cells. In this context, CAR T-cells have shown significant promise in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, many obstacles limit the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Consequently, CAR-NK and CAR-M cell therapies have recently emerged as novel therapeutic options for addressing the challenges associated with CAR T-cell therapies. Currently, many CAR immune cell trials are underway in various human malignancies around the world to improve antitumor activity and reduce the toxicity of CAR immune cell therapy. This review will describe the comprehensive literature of recent findings on CAR immune cell therapy in a wide range of human malignancies, as well as the challenges that have emerged in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Keshavarz
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Salehi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University,, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Setareh Khosravi
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Yasaman Shariati
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Navid Nasrabadi
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Sairan Maghsoodi
- Department of Paramedical, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Mardi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramyar Azizi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samira Jamali
- Department of Endodontics, College of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Farnoush Fotovat
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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48
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Cord Blood-Derived Natural Killer Cell Exploitation in Immunotherapy Protocols: More Than a Promise? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184439. [PMID: 36139598 PMCID: PMC9496735 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary NK cell anti-tumor activity against hematological malignancies is well-established and many studies support their role in the control of solid tumor growth and metastasis generation. However, tumor microenvironment may affect NK cell function. Ongoing studies are aimed to design novel immunotherapeutic protocols to combine NK cell-based immunotherapy with other therapeutic strategies to improve the anti-tumor NK cell response. In this context, UCB is one of the main sources of both mature NK cells and of CD34+ HSPC that can generate NK cells, both in-vivo and in-vitro. UCB-derived NK cells represent a valuable tool to perform in-vitro and preclinical analyses and are already used in several clinical settings, particularly against hematological malignancies. The present review describes the characteristics of different types of UCB-derived NK cells and the in-vitro models to expand them, both for research and clinical purposes in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Abstract In the last 20 years, Natural Killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has become a promising approach to target various types of cancer. Indeed, NK cells play a pivotal role in the first-line defense against tumors through major histocompatibility complex-independent immunosurveillance. Their role in the control of leukemia relapse has been clearly established and, moreover, the presence of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) generally correlates with good prognosis. However, it has also been observed that, often, NK cells poorly infiltrate the tumor tissue, and, in TME, their functions may be compromised by immunosuppressive factors that contribute to the failure of anti-cancer immune response. Currently, studies are focused on the design of effective strategies to expand NK cells and enhance their cytotoxic activity, exploiting different cell sources, such as peripheral blood (PB), umbilical cord blood (UCB) and NK cell lines. Among them, UCB represents an important source of mature NK cells and CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs), as precursors of NK cells. In this review, we summarize the UCB-derived NK cell activity in the tumor context, review the different in-vitro models to expand NK cells from UCB, and discuss the importance of their exploitation in anti-tumor immunotherapy protocols.
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49
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Current Progress of CAR-NK Therapy in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174318. [PMID: 36077853 PMCID: PMC9454439 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T and -natural killer (NK) therapies are promising in cancer treatment. CAR-NK therapy gains great attention due to the lack of adverse effects observed in CAR-T therapies and to the NK cells’ unique mechanisms of recognizing target cells. Off-the-shelf products are in urgent need, not only for good yields, but also for lower cost and shorter preparation time. The current progress of CAR-NK therapy is discussed. Abstract CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells eliminate target cells through the release of lytic granules and Fas ligand (FasL)-induced target cell apoptosis. The introduction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) makes these two types of cells selective and effective in killing cancer cells. The success of CAR-T therapy in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other types of blood cancers proved that the immunotherapy is an effective approach in fighting against cancers, yet adverse effects, such as graft versus host disease (GvHD) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS), cannot be ignored for the CAR-T therapy. CAR-NK therapy, then, has its advantage in lacking these adverse effects and works as effective as CAR-T in terms of killing. Despite these, NK cells are known to be hard to transduce, expand in vitro, and sustain shorter in vivo comparing to infiltrated T cells. Moreover, CAR-NK therapy faces challenges as CAR-T therapy does, e.g., the time, the cost, and the potential biohazard due to the use of animal-derived products. Thus, enormous efforts are needed to develop safe, effective, and large-scalable protocols for obtaining CAR-NK cells. Here, we reviewed current progress of CAR-NK therapy, including its biological properties, CAR compositions, preparation of CAR-NK cells, and clinical progresses. We also discussed safety issues raised from genetic engineering. We hope this review is instructive to the research community and a broad range of readers.
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50
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Wang G, Wang W. Advanced Cell Therapies for Glioblastoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:904133. [PMID: 36052072 PMCID: PMC9425637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.904133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The sheer ubiquity of Gioblastoma (GBM) cases would lead you to believe that there should have been many opportunities for the discovery of treatments to successfully render it into remission. Unfortunately, its persistent commonality is due in large part to the fact that it is the most treatment-resistant tumors in adults. That completely changes the treatment plan of attack. Long established and accepted treatment therapies such as surgical resection, radiation, and aggressive chemotherapy, (and any combination thereof) have only confirmed that the disease lives up to its treatment-resistant reputation. To add to the seemingly insurmountable task of finding a cure, GBM has also proven to be a very stubborn and formidable opponent to newer immunotherapies. Across the board, regardless of the therapy combination, the five-year survival rate of GBM patients is still very poor at a heartbreaking 5.6%. Obviously, the present situation cannot be tolerated or deemed acceptable. The grave situation calls for researchers to be more innovative and find more efficient strategies to discover new and successful strategies to treat GBM. Inspired by researchers worldwide attempting to control GBM, we provide in this review a comprehensive overview of the many diverse cell therapies currently being used to treat GBM. An overview of the treatments include: CAR T cells, CAR NK cells, gamma-delta T cells, NKT cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, as well stem cell-based strategies. To give you the complete picture, we will discuss the efficacy, safety, and developmental stages, the mechanisms of action and the challenges of each of these therapies and detail their potential to be the next-generation immunotherapeutic to eliminate this dreadful disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Wang
- BlueRock Therapeutics, Department of Process Development, Cambridge, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Wenshi Wang, ; Guangwen Wang,
| | - Wenshi Wang
- Metagenomi Inc., Department of Cell Therapy, Emeryville, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Wenshi Wang, ; Guangwen Wang,
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