1
|
Holicek P, Truxova I, Rakova J, Salek C, Hensler M, Kovar M, Reinis M, Mikyskova R, Pasulka J, Vosahlikova S, Remesova H, Valentova I, Lysak D, Holubova M, Kaspar P, Prochazka J, Kasikova L, Spisek R, Galluzzi L, Fucikova J. Type I interferon signaling in malignant blasts contributes to treatment efficacy in AML patients. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:209. [PMID: 36964168 PMCID: PMC10039058 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05728-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
While type I interferon (IFN) is best known for its key role against viral infection, accumulating preclinical and clinical data indicate that robust type I IFN production in the tumor microenvironment promotes cancer immunosurveillance and contributes to the efficacy of various antineoplastic agents, notably immunogenic cell death inducers. Here, we report that malignant blasts from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) release type I IFN via a Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-dependent mechanism that is not driven by treatment. While in these patients the ability of type I IFN to stimulate anticancer immune responses was abolished by immunosuppressive mechanisms elicited by malignant blasts, type I IFN turned out to exert direct cytostatic, cytotoxic and chemosensitizing activity in primary AML blasts, leukemic stem cells from AML patients and AML xenograft models. Finally, a genetic signature of type I IFN signaling was found to have independent prognostic value on relapse-free survival and overall survival in a cohort of 132 AML patients. These findings delineate a clinically relevant, therapeutically actionable and prognostically informative mechanism through which type I IFN mediates beneficial effects in patients with AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Holicek
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Cyril Salek
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Hematology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Marek Kovar
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Reinis
- Laboratory of Immunological and Tumour Models, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Mikyskova
- Laboratory of Immunological and Tumour Models, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Hana Remesova
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Valentova
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Lysak
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty Hospital in Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Holubova
- Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kaspar
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Prochazka
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Radek Spisek
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jitka Fucikova
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells promotes AML-cell fratricide. Oncotarget 2021; 12:878-890. [PMID: 33953842 PMCID: PMC8092344 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the proliferation of immature myeloid blasts and a suppressed immune state. Interferons have been previously shown to aid in the clearance of AML cells. Type I interferons are produced primarily by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). However, these cells exist in a quiescent state in AML. Because pDCs express TLR 7–9, we hypothesized that the TLR7/8 agonist R848 would be able to reprogram them toward a more active, IFN-producing phenotype. Consistent with this notion, we found that R848-treated pDCs from patients produced significantly elevated levels of IFNβ. In addition, they showed increased expression of the immune-stimulatory receptor CD40. We next tested whether IFNβ would influence antibody-mediated fratricide among AML cells, as our recent work showed that AML cells could undergo cell-to cell killing in the presence of the CD38 antibody daratumumab. We found that IFNβ treatment led to a significant, IRF9-dependent increase in CD38 expression and a subsequent increase in daratumumab-mediated cytotoxicity and decreased colony formation. These findings suggest that the tolerogenic phenotype of pDCs in AML can be reversed, and also demonstrate a possible means of enhancing endogenous Type I IFN production that would promote daratumumab-mediated clearance of AML cells.
Collapse
|
3
|
Modulation of phospho-proteins by interferon-alpha and valproic acid in acute myeloid leukemia. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:1729-1749. [PMID: 31111215 PMCID: PMC6571093 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02931-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Valproic acid (VPA) is suggested to be therapeutically beneficial in combination with interferon-alpha (IFNα) in various cancers. Therefore, we examined IFNα and VPA alone and in combinations in selected AML models, examining immune regulators and intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in phospho-proteomics. METHODS The anti-leukemic effects of IFNα and VPA were examined in vitro and in vivo. We mapped the in vitro phosphoprotein modulation by IFNα-2b and human IFNα-Le in MOLM-13 cells by IMAC/2D DIGE/MS analysis and phospho-flow cytometry, and in primary healthy and AML patient-derived PBMCs by CyTOF. In vivo, IFNα-Le and VPA efficacy were investigated in the immunodeficient NOD/Scid IL2γ-/- MOLM-13Luc+ mouse model and the syngeneic immunocompetent BNML rat model. RESULTS IFNα-2b and IFNα-Le differed in the modulation of phospho-proteins involved in protein folding, cell stress, cell death and p-STAT6 Y641, whereas VPA and IFNα-Le shared signaling pathways involving phosphorylation of Akt (T308), ERK1/2 (T202/T204), p38 (T180/Y182), and p53 (S15). Both IFNα compounds induced apoptosis synergistically with VPA in vitro. However, in vivo, VPA monotherapy increased survival, but no benefit was observed by IFNα-Le treatment. CyTOF analysis of primary human PBMCs indicated that lack of immune-cell activation could be a reason for the absence of response to IFNα in the animal models investigated. CONCLUSIONS IFNα-2b and IFNα-Le showed potent and synergistic anti-leukemic effects with VPA in vitro but not in leukemic mouse and rat models in vivo. The absence of IFNα immune activation in lymphocyte subsets may potentially explain the limited in vivo anti-leukemic effect of IFNα-monotherapy in AML.
Collapse
|
4
|
Mollard LM, Chauveau A, Boyer-Perrard F, Douet-Guilbert N, Houot R, Quintin-Roué I, Couturier MA, Dagorne A, Malou M, Le Calloch R, Luycx O, Thepot S, Hunault M, Guillerm G, Berthou C, Ugo V, Lippert É, Ianotto JC. Outcome of Ph negative myeloproliferative neoplasms transforming to accelerated or leukemic phase. Leuk Lymphoma 2018; 59:2812-2820. [PMID: 29616837 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1441408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are chronic disorders that can sometimes evolve into accelerated or leukemic phases. We retrospectively identified 122 patients with such blastic phases. The overall median survival was four months: 10.2 months for patients treated with intensive treatments compared to three months for best supportive care (p = .005). Azacytidine, intensive chemotherapies, or allogeneic stem cell transplantation gave the highest median survivals with 9, 10.2, and 19.4 months, respectively. Accelerated phases (AP) had a longer median survival compared to acute leukemia (4.8 months vs. 3.1 months; p = .02). In this retrospective and observational study, we observe that the longest survivals are seen in patients eligible for intensive treatments. Azacytidine shows interesting results in patients non-fit for intensive chemotherapy. Supportive care should probably be restricted to elderly patients and those with unfavorable karyotype. An early diagnosis of AP could also result in a better survival rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lise-Marie Mollard
- a Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Institut de Cancéro-Hématologie, CHRU de Brest , Brest , France
| | | | | | | | - Roch Houot
- e Laboratoire d'Anatomo-Pathologie, CHRU Brest , Brest , France
| | | | | | - Anaig Dagorne
- h Service d'Hématologie Clinique, CH de Morlaix , Brest , France
| | - Mohamed Malou
- i Service de Médecine Interne, CH de Quimper , Brest , France
| | | | - Odile Luycx
- k Laboratoire d'Hématologie, CHU d'Angers , Brest , France
| | - Sylvain Thepot
- c Service des Maladies du Sang, CHU d'Angers , Brest , France
| | | | - Gaelle Guillerm
- a Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Institut de Cancéro-Hématologie, CHRU de Brest , Brest , France
| | - Christian Berthou
- a Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Institut de Cancéro-Hématologie, CHRU de Brest , Brest , France
| | - Valérie Ugo
- i Service de Médecine Interne, CH de Quimper , Brest , France
| | - Éric Lippert
- b Laboratoire d'Hématologie, CHRU de Brest , Brest , France
| | - Jean-Christophe Ianotto
- a Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Institut de Cancéro-Hématologie, CHRU de Brest , Brest , France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
IFN-α Is Effective for Treatment of Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Acute Leukemia after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Results of a Registry Study. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2017; 23:1303-1310. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2017.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
6
|
Pegylated interferon alpha – 2a is clinically effective and tolerable in myeloproliferative neoplasm patients treated off clinical trial. Leuk Res 2017; 54:73-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
7
|
Mo XD, Zhang XH, Xu LP, Wang Y, Yan CH, Chen H, Chen YH, Han W, Wang FR, Wang JZ, Liu KY, Huang XJ. Interferon-α: A Potentially Effective Treatment for Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Leukemia/Myelodysplastic Syndrome after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2015; 21:1939-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
8
|
Grosso DA, Hess RC, Weiss MA. Immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer 2015; 121:2689-704. [PMID: 26095886 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable progress made in some leukemias such as CML and CLL, cytotoxic treatment for AML remains essentially unchanged over the last 4 decades. Several lines of evidence, including the graft versus leukemia effect associated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), suggest that immunotherapy is an active modality in AML. Given the lack of progress for chemotherapy in this disease, many novel immunologic treatment approaches have been explored. The goals of non-transplant-based immune approaches have largely consisted of the stimulation or restoration of endogenous immune responses or the targeting of specific tumor antigens by immune cells. These strategies have been associated with less toxicity than allogeneic HSCT but typically have inferior efficacy. Allogeneic HSCT exploits major and minor histocompatibility differences between the donor and recipient in order to recognize and eradicate malignancy. With the recognition that the immune system itself provides a basis for treating AML, immunotherapy continues to be an attractive modality to exploit in the treatment of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dolores A Grosso
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rosemary C Hess
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark A Weiss
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Smits ELJM, Anguille S, Berneman ZN. Interferon α may be back on track to treat acute myeloid leukemia. Oncoimmunology 2014; 2:e23619. [PMID: 23734314 PMCID: PMC3654584 DOI: 10.4161/onci.23619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our own experience and a thorough literature review suggest that interferon α (IFNα) should be reconsidered for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia patients. Most likely, the success of such treatment depends on the achievement of high serum levels of IFNα for several months, which can be obtained by using pegylated IFNα.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelien L J M Smits
- Tumor Immunology Group, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ; Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | |
Collapse
|