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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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Improved Antitumor Effect of NK Cells Activated by Neutrophils in a Bone Marrow Transplant Model. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:6316581. [PMID: 36762286 PMCID: PMC9904906 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6316581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The licensing process mediated by inhibitory receptors of the Ly49 C-type lectin superfamily that recognizes self-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I in mice is essential for the proper antitumor function of natural killer (NK) cells. Several models for NK cell licensing can be exploited for adoptive immunotherapy for cancer. However, the appropriate adoptive transfer setting to induce efficient graft versus tumor/leukemia effects remains elusive, especially after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In our previous experiment, we showed that intraperitoneal neutrophil administration with their corresponding NK receptor ligand-activated NK cells using congenic mice without HSCT. In this experiment, we demonstrate enhanced antitumor effects of licensed NK cells induced by weekly intraperitoneal injections of irradiated neutrophil-enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) in recipient mice bearing lymphoma. Bone marrow transplantation was performed using BALB/c mice (H-2d) as the recipient and B10 mice (H-2b) as the donor. The tumor was A20, a BALB/c-derived lymphoma cell line, which was injected subcutaneously into the recipient at the same time as the HSCT. Acute graft versus host disease was not exacerbated in this murine MHC class I mismatched HSCT setting. The intraperitoneal injection of PBMNCs activated a transient licensing of NK subsets expressed Ly49G2, its corresponding NK receptor ligand to H-2d, and reduced A20 tumor growth in the recipient after HSCT. Pathological examination revealed that increased donor-oriented NK1.1+NK cells migrated into the recipient tumors, depending on neutrophil counts in the administered PBMNCs. Collectively, our data reveal a pivotal role of neutrophils in promoting NK cell effector functions and adoptive immunotherapy for cancer.
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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: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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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Demel I, Koristek Z, Motais B, Hajek R, Jelinek T. Natural killer cells: Innate immune system as a part of adaptive immunotherapy in hematological malignancies. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:802-817. [PMID: 35285978 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26529] [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: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of a phylogenetically old defense system, which is characterized by its strong cytolytic function against physiologically stressed cells such as tumor cells and virus-infected cells. Their use in the treatment of hematological malignancies may be more advantageous in several ways when compared with the already established T lymphocyte-based immunotherapy. Given the different mechanisms of action, allogeneic NK cell products can be produced in a non-personal based manner without the risk of the formidable graft-versus-host disease. Advanced manufacturing processes are capable of producing NK cells relatively easily in large and clinically sufficient numbers, useable without subsequent manipulations or after genetic modifications, which can solve the lack of specificity and improve clinical efficacy of NK cell products. This review summarizes the basic characteristics of NK cells and provides a quick overview of their sources. Results of clinical trials in hematological malignancies are presented, and strategies on how to improve the clinical outcome of NK cell therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Demel
- Department of Hematooncology University Hospital Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Koristek
- Department of Hematooncology University Hospital Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
| | - Benjamin Motais
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hajek
- Department of Hematooncology University Hospital Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Jelinek
- Department of Hematooncology University Hospital Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
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khodadadi A, Talaiezadeh A, Heike Y, Galehdari H, Oraki Kohshour M, Sheikhi A, Jazayeri SN, Pedram M, Borhani M, Asadirad A. Natural adjuvants ( PC and G2) induce activated natural killer cells with NKG2D expression and cytotoxic properties in colorectal cancer. GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY FROM BED TO BENCH 2022; 15:15-23. [PMID: 35611258 PMCID: PMC9123632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to investigate the effects of natural adjuvants (G2 and PC) to activate natural killer cells in colorectal cancer. Background Natural killer (NK) cells are an element of the innate immune system that can recognize and kill cancer cells and provide hope for cancer therapy. One of the current methods in cancer immunotherapy is NK cell therapy. Immunotherapy with NK cells has been limited because of the low number and cytotoxicity level of NK cells. Natural adjuvants such as PC and G2 may stimulate the immune system. It seems that these adjuvants could increase cytotoxic NK cells. Methods Twelve patients with colorectal cancer and six healthy individuals qualified for inclusion in this study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from each patient with two distinctive concentrations (105and 5×104 cells/well) were treated with Interleukin2 (IL2), PC, and G2 adjuvant separately. The NK cell's surface markers, including CD16, CD56, and NKG2D, were evaluated by flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity effect of treated PBMCs as effector cells against NK sensitive cell line (K562) was assessed using the LDH assay method. Results The results revealed a significant increase in the level of CD16+NKG2D+ NK cells in PBMCs treated with the G2 group compared with the control group in CRC PBMC (p<0.001) as well as the normal PBMC group (p < 0.01). In addition, the results indicated a significant increase in the level of CD56+NKG2D+ cells in the PBMC treated with PC (p < 0.05) and G2 (p < 0.001) groups compared with the PBMC group. The cytotoxicity result of PBMC from CRC patients in 10:1 ratio of the effector: target showed that the cells' cytotoxicity in the PBMCs treated with PC (p<0.01) and G2 (p<0.05) was significantly higher than the untreated PBMC. Conclusion According to the result of this study, it can be stated that the PC and G2 adjuvants could be candidates for inducing cytotoxic natural killer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali khodadadi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Cancer, Petroleum and Environmental Pollutants Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Abdolhassan Talaiezadeh
- Cancer, Petroleum and Environmental Pollutants Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Yuji Heike
- Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Cancer Centre Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
- Deceased
| | - Hamid Galehdari
- Cancer, Petroleum and Environmental Pollutants Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Oraki Kohshour
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Cancer, Petroleum and Environmental Pollutants Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Abdolkarim Sheikhi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dezful Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
| | - Seyed Nematollah Jazayeri
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research center, Health research institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Pedram
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research center, Health research institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Borhani
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Epidemiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Deceased
| | - Ali Asadirad
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Cancer, Petroleum and Environmental Pollutants Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Pramil E, Dillard C, Escargueil AE. Colorectal Cancer and Immunity: From the Wet Lab to Individuals. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071713. [PMID: 33916641 PMCID: PMC8038567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071713] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tackling the current dilemma of colorectal cancer resistance to immunotherapy is puzzling and requires novel therapeutic strategies to emerge. However, characterizing the intricate interactions between cancer and immune cells remains difficult because of the complexity and heterogeneity of both compartments. Developing rationales is intellectually feasible but testing them can be experimentally challenging and requires the development of innovative procedures and protocols. In this review, we delineated useful in vitro and in vivo models used for research in the field of immunotherapy that are or could be applied to colorectal cancer management and lead to major breakthroughs in the coming years. Abstract Immunotherapy is a very promising field of research and application for treating cancers, in particular for those that are resistant to chemotherapeutics. Immunotherapy aims at enhancing immune cell activation to increase tumor cells recognition and killing. However, some specific cancer types, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), are less responsive than others to the current immunotherapies. Intrinsic resistance can be mediated by the development of an immuno-suppressive environment in CRC. The mutational status of cancer cells also plays a role in this process. CRC can indeed be distinguished in two main subtypes. Microsatellite instable (MSI) tumors show a hyper-mutable phenotype caused by the deficiency of the DNA mismatch repair machinery (MMR) while microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors show a comparatively more “stable” mutational phenotype. Several studies demonstrated that MSI CRC generally display good prognoses for patients and immunotherapy is considered as a therapeutic option for this type of tumors. On the contrary, MSS metastatic CRC usually presents a worse prognosis and is not responsive to immunotherapy. According to this, developing new and innovative models for studying CRC response towards immune targeted therapies has become essential in the last years. Herein, we review the in vitro and in vivo models used for research in the field of immunotherapy applied to colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Pramil
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.P.); (C.D.)
- Alliance Pour la Recherche en Cancérologie—APREC, Tenon Hospital, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Clémentine Dillard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.P.); (C.D.)
- Alliance Pour la Recherche en Cancérologie—APREC, Tenon Hospital, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Alexandre E. Escargueil
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.P.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)1-49-28-46-44
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Zhao X, Cai L, Hu Y, Wang H. Cord-Blood Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:584099. [PMID: 33193399 PMCID: PMC7642255 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.584099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a predominant part of innate immune cells and play a crucial role in anti-cancer immunity. NK cells can kill target cells nonspecifically, and their recognition of target cells is not restricted by the major histocompatibility complex. NK cells also fight against tumor cells independently of antibodies and prior activation. Of note, umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a rich source of NK cells. Immunotherapies based on UCB-derived NK cells are becoming increasingly researched, and the investigations are producing encouraging results. In recent years, non-modified and modified UCB-derived NK cells have been successfully developed to fight against tumor cells. Herein, UCB-derived NK cell-based immunotherapy is a potential strategy for the treatment of cancer in the future. In this review, we focus on discussing the biological characteristics of UCB-derived NK cells and their application prospects in anti-tumor immunotherapy, including the latest preclinical and clinical researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huafang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Xue Z, Gao Y, Wu X. Anti-Relapse effects of donor natural killer cells and IL-2 gene modification on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute leukemia. Cancer Biomark 2020; 29:207-219. [PMID: 32568180 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-191296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with acute leukemia (AL) refractory to induction or reinduction chemotherapy show poor prognoses if they do not undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT). The present study aims to investigate whether donor natural killer (NK) cells and interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene modification exert anti-relapse effects on AHSCT after establishing a mouse model of AL. METHODS C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice were selected as donor mice to obtain NK cells and hematopoietic stem cells, while BALB/c (H-2d) mice were selected as the recipient mice for AHSCT. The AHSCT-treated mice were then injected with the donor NK cells, recombinant adenovirus expressing IL-2 (AdIL-2), or the NK cells infected by AdIL-2. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the cell transplantation rate, immune cell number, and cell immunogenicity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the secretion of IL-2 in spleen cells, and the level of peripheral blood factors, including interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-35, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and IL-10. RESULTS In our experiments, promotional effects of NK cells and AdIL-2 were found on cell transplantation rate, immune reconstitution ability, cell immunogenicity, IL-2 secretion, as well as increased peripheral blood factor levels in the recipient mice treated with AHSCT, with improved pathological changes observed. Moreover, the aforementioned changes were further promoted in the AHSCT-treated recipient mice injected with the AdIL-2-infected NK cells. CONCLUSIONS These results uncover that the donor NK cells and IL-2 gene modification could inhibit the relapse of AL mice underwent AHSCT, hereby providing a new target for leukemia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanxia Xue
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Yongshan Gao
- Department of Thoraco-Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | - Xueliang Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
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Shimasaki N, Jain A, Campana D. NK cells for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:200-218. [PMID: 31907401 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 643] [Impact Index Per Article: 160.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can swiftly kill multiple adjacent cells if these show surface markers associated with oncogenic transformation. This property, which is unique among immune cells, and their capacity to enhance antibody and T cell responses support a role for NK cells as anticancer agents. Although tumours may develop several mechanisms to resist attacks from endogenous NK cells, ex vivo activation, expansion and genetic modification of NK cells can greatly increase their antitumour activity and equip them to overcome resistance. Some of these methods have been translated into clinical-grade platforms and support clinical trials of NK cell infusions in patients with haematological malignancies or solid tumours, which have yielded encouraging results so far. The next generation of NK cell products will be engineered to enhance activating signals and proliferation, suppress inhibitory signals and promote their homing to tumours. These modifications promise to significantly increase their clinical activity. Finally, there is emerging evidence of increased NK cell-mediated tumour cell killing in the context of molecularly targeted therapies. These observations, in addition to the capacity of NK cells to magnify immune responses, suggest that NK cells are poised to become key components of multipronged therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shimasaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amit Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dario Campana
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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A novel immature natural killer cell subpopulation predicts relapse after cord blood transplantation. Blood Adv 2019; 3:4117-4130. [PMID: 31821460 PMCID: PMC6963241 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are highly heterogeneous, with vast phenotypic and functional diversity at the single-cell level. They are involved in the innate immune response against malignant and virus-infected cells. To understand the effect of NK diversity during immune recovery on the antitumor response after cord blood transplantation (CBT), we used high-dimensional mass cytometry and the metrics of NK cell diversity to study the NK cell repertoire in serial samples from 43 CBT recipients. A higher-diversity index based on single-cell combinatorial phenotypes was significantly associated with a lower risk for relapse after CBT (P = .005). Cytomegalovirus reactivation was a major factor in the development of a more diverse NK repertoire after CBT. Notably, we identified a group of patients whose CB-derived NK cells after transplantation possessed an immature phenotype (CB-NKim), characterized by poor effector function and a low diversity index. Frequencies of CB-NKim of 11.8% or higher during the early post-CBT recovery phase were highly predictive for relapse (area under the curve [AUC], 0.979), a finding that was validated in a second independent cohort of patients (n = 25; AUC, 0.977). Moreover, we showed that the maturation, diversity, and acquisition of effector function by CB-NKim early after CBT were driven by interleukin 15. Our data indicate that the diversity of the NK cell repertoire after CBT contributes importantly to the risk for subsequent relapse. We suggest that the use of diversity metrics and high-dimensional mass cytometry may be useful tools in predicting clinical outcomes and informing the design of therapeutic strategies to prevent relapse after CBT.
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Ex Vivo-expanded Natural Killer Cells Derived From Long-term Cryopreserved Cord Blood are Cytotoxic Against Primary Breast Cancer Cells. J Immunother 2019; 41:64-72. [PMID: 29189387 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
With over 600,000 units of umbilical cord blood (CB) stored on a global scale, it is important to elucidate the therapeutic abilities of this cryopreserved reservoir. In the advancing field of natural killer (NK) cell cancer immunotherapy, CB has proven to be a promising and noninvasive source of therapeutic NK cells. Although studies have proven the clinical efficacy of using long-term cryopreserved CB in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantations, little is known about its use for the ex vivo expansion of effector immune cells. Therefore, our group sought to derive ex vivo-expanded NK cells from long-term cryopreserved CB, using an artificial antigen presenting cell-mediated expansion technique. We compared the expansion potential and antitumor effector function of CB-derived NK (CB-NK) cells expanded from fresh (n=4), short-term cryopreserved (<1-year old, n=5), and long-term cryopreserved (1-10-year old, n=5) CB. Here, we demonstrated it is possible to obtain an exponential amount of expanded CB-NK cells from long-term cryopreserved CB. Ex vivo-expanded CB-NK cells had an increased surface expression of activating markers and showed potent antitumor function by producing robust levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, expanded CB-NK cells (n=3-5) demonstrated cytotoxicity towards primary breast cancer cells (n=2) derived from a triple-negative breast cancer and an estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer patient. Long-term cryopreservation had no effect on the expansion potential or effector function of expanded CB-NK cells. Therefore, we propose that long-term cryopreserved CB remains clinically useful for the ex vivo expansion of therapeutic NK cells.
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12
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Willcox CR, Davey MS, Willcox BE. Development and Selection of the Human Vγ9Vδ2 + T-Cell Repertoire. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1501. [PMID: 30013562 PMCID: PMC6036166 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2+ lymphocytes are among the first T-cells to develop in the human fetus and are the predominant peripheral blood γδ T-cell population in most adults. Capable of broad polyclonal responses to pyrophosphate antigens (pAg), they are implicated in immunity to a diverse range of infections. Previously Vγ9Vδ2+ development was thought to involve postnatal selection and amplification of public Vγ9 clonotypes in response to microbial stimuli. However, recent data indicate the Vγ9Vδ2+ T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, which is generated early in gestation, is dominated by public Vγ9 clonotypes from birth. These chains bear highly distinct features compared to Vγ9 chains from Vδ1+ T-cells, due either to temporal differences in recombination of each subset and/or potentially prenatal selection of pAg-reactive clonotypes. While these processes result in a semi-invariant repertoire featuring Vγ9 sequences preconfigured for pAg recognition, alterations in TCRδ repertoires between neonate and adult suggest either peripheral selection of clonotypes responsive to microbial antigens or altered postnatal thymic output of Vγ9Vδ2+ T-cells. Interestingly, some individuals demonstrate private Vγ9Vδ2+ expansions with distinct effector phenotypes, suggestive of selective expansion in response to microbial stimulation. The Vγ9Vδ2+ T-cell subset, therefore, exhibits many features common to mouse γδ T-cell subsets, including early development, a semi-invariant TCR repertoire, and a reliance on butyrophilin-like molecules in antigen recognition. However, importantly Vγ9Vδ2+ T-cells retain TCR sensitivity after acquiring an effector phenotype. We outline a model for Vγ9Vδ2+ T-cell development and selection involving innate prenatal repertoire focusing, followed by postnatal repertoire shifts driven by microbial infection and/or altered thymic output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie R Willcox
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Martin S Davey
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin E Willcox
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Centre, Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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13
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Schmidt S, Tramsen L, Rais B, Ullrich E, Lehrnbecher T. Natural killer cells as a therapeutic tool for infectious diseases - current status and future perspectives. Oncotarget 2018; 9:20891-20907. [PMID: 29755697 PMCID: PMC5945539 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are involved in the host immune response against infections due to viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens, all of which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Since the recovery of the immune system has a major impact on the outcome of an infectious complication, there is major interest in strengthening the host response in immunocompromised patients, either by using cytokines or growth factors or by adoptive cellular therapies transfusing immune cells such as granulocytes or pathogen-specific T-cells. To date, relatively little is known about the potential of adoptively transferring NK cells in immunocompromised patients with infectious complications, although the anti-cancer property of NK cells is already being investigated in the clinical setting. This review will focus on the antimicrobial properties of NK cells and the current standing and future perspectives of generating and using NK cells as immunotherapy in patients with infectious complications, an approach which is promising and might have an important clinical impact in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw Schmidt
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lars Tramsen
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bushra Rais
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Laboratory for Cellular Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Laboratory for Cellular Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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NK cell therapy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: can we improve anti-tumor effect? Int J Hematol 2017; 107:151-156. [PMID: 29196968 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-017-2379-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
After decades since the discovery of natural killer (NK) cells as potential effector cells fighting malignantly transformed and virally infected cells, little progress has been made in their clinical application. This yet unrealized therapeutic effect is presumably, at least in part, due to low numbers of functional NK cells that could be obtained from the peripheral blood relative to tumor burden. Our group hypothesized that a relatively small NK cell number to targeted malignant cells is the cause of a lack of clinical effect. We pursued obtaining large numbers of NK cells via ex vivo expansion using feeder cells that express membrane-bound IL-21. Early clinical studies demonstrate safety of administration of ex vivo expanded NK cells after transplantation using this method and suggest a therapeutic benefit in terms on decreasing relapse rate and possible control of viral infections post-transplant can be achieved. Successful application of NK cells after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation opens the possibility to effectively enhance the anti-tumor effect and decrease relapse rate post-transplant. Moreover, high doses of NK cells could prove more efficacious in enhancing anti-tumor effects, not only in hematological malignancies, with our without transplantation, but also in solid tumor oncology.
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Dickinson AM, Norden J, Li S, Hromadnikova I, Schmid C, Schmetzer H, Jochem-Kolb H. Graft-versus-Leukemia Effect Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Leukemia. Front Immunol 2017. [PMID: 28638379 PMCID: PMC5461268 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) lies with the ability of the engrafting immune system to remove residual leukemia cells via a graft-versus-leukemia effect (GvL), caused either spontaneously post-HSCT or via donor lymphocyte infusion. GvL effects can also be initiated by allogenic mismatched natural killer cells, antigen-specific T cells, and activated dendritic cells of leukemic origin. The history and further application of this GvL effect and the main mechanisms will be discussed and reviewed in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Dickinson
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jean Norden
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Shuang Li
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ilona Hromadnikova
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Christoph Schmid
- Department for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Augsburg, Munich, Germany
| | - Helga Schmetzer
- Department for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Internal Medicine III, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Jochem-Kolb
- Department of Hematology-Oncology Immunology Infectious Diseases, Klinikum München-Schwabing, Munich, Germany
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Shimasaki N, Coustan-Smith E, Kamiya T, Campana D. Expanded and armed natural killer cells for cancer treatment. Cytotherapy 2016; 18:1422-1434. [PMID: 27497701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of natural killer (NK) cells to recognize and kill transformed cells suggests that their infusion could be used to treat cancer. It is difficult to obtain large numbers of NK cells ex vivo by exposure to cytokines alone but the addition of stimulatory cells to the cultures can induce NK cell proliferation and long-term expansion. Some of these methods have been validated for clinical-grade application and support clinical trials testing feasibility and safety of NK cell administration. Early data indicate that ex vivo expansion of NK cells from healthy donors or from patients with cancer is robust, allowing multiple infusions from a single apheresis. NK cells can transiently expand in vivo after infusion. Allogeneic NK cells are not direct effectors of graft-versus-host disease but this may occur if donor NK cells are infused after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, which may activate T cell alloreactivity. NK cells can be directed with antibodies, or engineered using either transient modification by electroporation of mRNA or prolonged gene expression by viral transduction. Thus, expanded NK cells can be armed with activating receptors that enhance their natural anti-tumor capacity or with chimeric antigen receptors that can redirect them towards specific tumor targets. They can also be induced to express cytokines that promote their autonomous growth, further supporting their in vivo expansion. With the implementation of these approaches, expanded and armed NK cells should ultimately become a powerful component of immunotherapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shimasaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elaine Coustan-Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Takahiro Kamiya
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dario Campana
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Mehta RS, Shpall EJ, Rezvani K. Cord Blood as a Source of Natural Killer Cells. Front Med (Lausanne) 2016; 2:93. [PMID: 26779484 PMCID: PMC4700256 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2015.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cord blood (CB) offers several unique advantages as a graft source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The risk of relapse and graft vs. host disease after cord blood transplantation (CBT) is lower than what is typically observed after other graft sources with a similar degree of human leukocyte antigen mismatch. Natural killer (NK) cells have a well-defined role in both innate and adaptive immunity and as the first lymphocytes to reconstitute after HSCT and CBT, and they play a significant role in protection against early relapse. In this article, we highlight the uses of CB NK cells in transplantation and adoptive immunotherapy. First, we will describe differences in the phenotype and functional characteristics of NK cells in CB as compared with peripheral blood. Then, we will review some of the obstacles we face in using resting CB NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy, and discuss methods to overcome them. We will review the current literature on killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors ligand mismatch and outcomes after CBT. Finally, we will touch on current strategies for the use of CB NK cells in cellular immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohtesh S Mehta
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical Center , Minneapolis, MN , USA
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA
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Rezvani K, Rouce RH. The Application of Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer. Front Immunol 2015; 6:578. [PMID: 26635792 PMCID: PMC4648067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are essential components of the innate immune system and play a critical role in host immunity against cancer. Recent progress in our understanding of NK cell immunobiology has paved the way for novel NK cell-based therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer. In this review, we will focus on recent advances in the field of NK cell immunotherapy, including augmentation of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, manipulation of receptor-mediated activation, and adoptive immunotherapy with ex vivo-expanded, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered, or engager-modified NK cells. In contrast to T lymphocytes, donor NK cells do not attack non-hematopoietic tissues, suggesting that an NK-mediated antitumor effect can be achieved in the absence of graft-vs.-host disease. Despite reports of clinical efficacy, a number of factors limit the application of NK cell immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer, such as the failure of infused NK cells to expand and persist in vivo. Therefore, efforts to enhance the therapeutic benefit of NK cell-based immunotherapy by developing strategies to manipulate the NK cell product, host factors, and tumor targets are the subject of intense research. In the preclinical setting, genetic engineering of NK cells to express CARs to redirect their antitumor specificity has shown significant promise. Given the short lifespan and potent cytolytic function of mature NK cells, they are attractive candidate effector cells to express CARs for adoptive immunotherapies. Another innovative approach to redirect NK cytotoxicity towards tumor cells is to create either bispecific or trispecific antibodies, thus augmenting cytotoxicity against tumor-associated antigens. These are exciting times for the study of NK cells; with recent advances in the field of NK cell biology and translational research, it is likely that NK cell immunotherapy will move to the forefront of cancer immunotherapy over the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Rayne H Rouce
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, TX , USA ; Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine Houston Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital , Houston, TX , USA
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Pittari G, Filippini P, Gentilcore G, Grivel JC, Rutella S. Revving up Natural Killer Cells and Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells Against Hematological Malignancies. Front Immunol 2015; 6:230. [PMID: 26029215 PMCID: PMC4429635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to innate immunity and exhibit cytolytic activity against infectious pathogens and tumor cells. NK-cell function is finely tuned by receptors that transduce inhibitory or activating signals, such as killer immunoglobulin-like receptors, NK Group 2 member D (NKG2D), NKG2A/CD94, NKp46, and others, and recognize both foreign and self-antigens expressed by NK-susceptible targets. Recent insights into NK-cell developmental intermediates have translated into a more accurate definition of culture conditions for the in vitro generation and propagation of human NK cells. In this respect, interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-21 are instrumental in driving NK-cell differentiation and maturation, and hold great promise for the design of optimal NK-cell culture protocols. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells possess phenotypic and functional hallmarks of both T cells and NK cells. Similar to T cells, they express CD3 and are expandable in culture, while not requiring functional priming for in vivo activity, like NK cells. CIK cells may offer some advantages over other cell therapy products, including ease of in vitro propagation and no need for exogenous administration of IL-2 for in vivo priming. NK cells and CIK cells can be expanded using a variety of clinical-grade approaches, before their infusion into patients with cancer. Herein, we discuss GMP-compliant strategies to isolate and expand human NK and CIK cells for immunotherapy purposes, focusing on clinical trials of adoptive transfer to patients with hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Pittari
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation , Doha , Qatar
| | - Perla Filippini
- Deep Immunophenotyping Core, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center , Doha , Qatar
| | - Giusy Gentilcore
- Deep Immunophenotyping Core, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center , Doha , Qatar
| | - Jean-Charles Grivel
- Deep Immunophenotyping Core, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center , Doha , Qatar
| | - Sergio Rutella
- Clinical Research Center, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center , Doha , Qatar
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Cany J, Dolstra H, Shah N. Umbilical cord blood-derived cellular products for cancer immunotherapy. Cytotherapy 2015; 17:739-748. [PMID: 25795272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although the vast majority of experience with umbilical cord blood (CB) centers on hematopoietic reconstitution, a recent surge in the knowledge of CB cell subpopulations as well as advances in ex vivo culture technology have expanded the potential of this rich resource. Because CB has the capacity to generate the entire hematopoietic system, we now have a new source for natural killer, dendritic and T cells for therapeutic use against malignancies. This Review will focus on cellular immunotherapies derived from CB. Expansion techniques, ongoing clinical trials and future directions for this new dimension of CB application are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Cany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Shah
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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