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Saeed MA, Peng B, Kim K, Rawat K, Kuehm LM, Siegel ZR, Borkowski A, Habib N, Van Tine B, Sheikh N, Tuyen V, Thorek DLJ, Fehniger TA, Pachynski RK. High-Dimensional Analyses Reveal IL15 Enhances Activation of Sipuleucel-T Lymphocyte Subsets and Reverses Immunoresistance. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:559-574. [PMID: 38407894 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Sipuleucel-T (sip-T) is the only FDA-approved autologous cellular immunotherapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To elucidate parameters of the response profile to this therapy, we report high-dimensional analyses of sip-T using cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) and show a lymphoid predominance, with CD3+ T cells constituting the highest proportion (median ∼60%) of sip-T, followed by B cells, and natural killer (NK) and NKT cells. We hypothesized that treatment of sip-T with homeostatic cytokines known to activate/expand effector lymphocytes could augment efficacy against prostate tumors. Of the cytokines tested, IL15 was the most effective at enhancing activation and proliferation of effector lymphocytes, as well as augmenting tumor cytotoxicity in vitro. Co-culture of sip-T with IL15 and control or prostate-relevant antigens showed substantial activation and expansion of CD8+ T cells and NKT cells in an antigen-specific manner. Adoptive transfer of IL15-treated sip-T into NSG mice resulted in more potent prostate tumor growth inhibition compared with control sip-T. Evaluation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed a 2- to 14-fold higher influx of sip-T and a significant increase in IFNγ producing CD8+ T cells and NKT cells within the tumor microenvironment in the IL15 group. In conclusion, we put forward evidence that IL15 treatment can enhance the functional antitumor immunity of sip-T, providing rationale for combining IL15 or IL15 agonists with sip-T to treat patients with mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad A Saeed
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Bo Peng
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Kevin Kim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Kavita Rawat
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Lindsey M Kuehm
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Zoe R Siegel
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Ariel Borkowski
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Nabih Habib
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Brian Van Tine
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Vu Tuyen
- Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC, Seattle, Washington
| | - Daniel L J Thorek
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Todd A Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Russell K Pachynski
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
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2
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Skariah N, James OJ, Swamy M. Signalling mechanisms driving homeostatic and inflammatory effects of interleukin-15 on tissue lymphocytes. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 3:kyae002. [PMID: 38405398 PMCID: PMC10883678 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
There is an intriguing dichotomy in the function of cytokine interleukin-15-at low levels, it is required for the homeostasis of the immune system, yet when it is upregulated in response to pathogenic infections or in autoimmunity, IL-15 drives inflammation. IL-15 associates with the IL-15Rα within both myeloid and non-haematopoietic cells, where IL-15Rα trans-presents IL-15 in a membrane-bound form to neighboring cells. Alongside homeostatic maintenance of select lymphocyte populations such as NK cells and tissue-resident T cells, when upregulated, IL-15 also promotes inflammatory outcomes by driving effector function and cytotoxicity in NK cells and T cells. As chronic over-expression of IL-15 can lead to autoimmunity, IL-15 expression is tightly regulated. Thus, blocking dysregulated IL-15 and its downstream signalling pathways are avenues for immunotherapy. In this review we discuss the molecular pathways involved in IL-15 signalling and how these pathways contribute to both homeostatic and inflammatory functions in IL-15-dependent mature lymphoid populations, focusing on innate, and innate-like lymphocytes in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Skariah
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Olivia J James
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Mahima Swamy
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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3
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Shah R, Liu C, Shah HP, Judson BL. Prognostic value of absolute lymphocyte count in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2023; 8:870-875. [PMID: 37621277 PMCID: PMC10446262 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) has been shown to be a prognostic indicator in other solid tumors. Given this, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of ALC in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods Using our institutional tumor registry data, we identified patients ≥18 years old who were diagnosed with OSCC between 2012 and 2018. Preoperative ALC values within 30 days of surgery were collected through retrospective chart review. American Joint Committee on Cancer, 7th-edition best stage was used to categorize cancers as early stage (stages 1 and 2) or late-stage (stages 3 and 4). Primary outcomes were likelihood of recurrence and survival rates after 3 years. Results Of the 412 patients identified, 262 patients had available ALC data and met inclusion criteria. Early stage cancer patients who had lymphopenia did not have any significant difference in their rate of death ([OR], 1.71, CI: 0.54-5.45, p = .36) or likelihood recurrence ([OR], 0.60, CI: 0.06-5.87, p = .66) after controlling for age, tobacco use, alcohol use, positive margins, and adjuvant therapy. Late-stage cancer patients who had lymphopenia also showed no difference in their rate of death ([OR], 2.74, CI: 0.65-11.6, p = .17) or likelihood of recurrence ([OR], 0.38, CI: 0.04-3.36, p = .38). Conclusions and Relevance This study evaluates the prognostic value of ALC in oral cavity cancers. Our findings demonstrate that pretreatment ALC is not significantly associated with recurrence and survival outcomes patients with OSCC. Level of Evidence III. Lay Summary Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) has been associated with prognosis in several cancers. We found that preoperative ALC was not associated with likelihood of survival or recurrence in patients with early stage or late-stage oral cavity cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rema Shah
- Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Division of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of SurgeryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Christina Liu
- Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Division of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of SurgeryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Hemali P. Shah
- Yale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Division of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of SurgeryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Benjamin L. Judson
- Division of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of SurgeryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
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Naoun AA, Raphael I, Forsthuber TG. Immunoregulation via Cell Density and Quorum Sensing-like Mechanisms: An Underexplored Emerging Field with Potential Translational Implications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152442. [PMID: 35954285 PMCID: PMC9368058 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) was historically described as a mechanism by which bacteria detect and optimize their population density via gene regulation based on dynamic environmental cues. Recently, it was proposed that QS or similar mechanisms may have broader applications across different species and cell types. Indeed, emerging evidence shows that the mammalian immune system can also elicit coordinated responses on a population level to regulate cell density and function, thus suggesting that QS-like mechanisms may also be a beneficial trait of the immune system. In this review, we explore and discuss potential QS-like mechanisms deployed by the immune system to coordinate cellular-level responses, such as T cell responses mediated via the common gamma chain (γc) receptor cytokines and the aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs). We present evidence regarding a novel role of QS as a multifunctional mechanism coordinating CD4+ and CD8+ T cell behavior during steady state and in response to infection, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Successful clinical therapies such as adoptive cell transfer for cancer treatment may be re-evaluated to harness the effects of the QS mechanism(s) and enhance treatment responsiveness. Moreover, we discuss how signaling threshold perturbations through QS-like mediators may result in disturbances of the complex crosstalk between immune cell populations, undesired T cell responses, and induction of autoimmune pathology. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic role of modulating immune-system-related QS as a promising avenue to treat human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian A. Naoun
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Itay Raphael
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (T.G.F.)
| | - Thomas G. Forsthuber
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (T.G.F.)
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5
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Zhu Z, Parikh P, Zhao H, Givens NT, Beck DB, Willson CM, Bai Q, Wakefield MR, Fang Y. Targeting immunometabolism of neoplasms by interleukins: A promising immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Cancer Lett 2021; 518:94-101. [PMID: 34153401 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, tumor metabolism has become a prevalent research topic for scientists and pharmaceutical companies. As research in the field has progressed, the metabolism-based therapy of tumors has ushered in new opportunities. Most tumors emerge and evolve under selective pressure from their microenvironment, which promotes the diversification of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic compartments of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and finally reaches a certain degree of intratumoral heterogeneity. As a result of the tumor intratumoral heterogeneity, tumor cells often possess a complex energy metabolism phenotype. During tumor progression, the metabolism for both tumor parenchyma and stroma is reprogrammed. The tumor stroma mainly consists of the extracellular matrix, fibroblasts, and immune cells. Interestingly, tumor-infiltrating immune cells utilize different metabolites based on their subtype and function, and these immunometabolic pathways can be modified in the TME. In particular, interleukins play a vital role in the activation and differentiation of immune cells and have exhibited multiple effects on tumor cell neoplasia, invasion, and metastasis. In this review, we summarize the common mechanisms of interleukins affecting the tumor and tumor-infiltrating immune cells metabolically and discuss how these mechanisms may lead to novel therapeutic opportunities. This review might contribute to the novel development of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Pooja Parikh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hongyun Zhao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathan T Givens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Damien B Beck
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Conner M Willson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mark R Wakefield
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Yujiang Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA.
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6
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Krishna Priya EK, Srinivas L, Rajesh S, Sasikala K, Banerjee M. Pro-inflammatory cytokine response pre-dominates immuno-genetic pathway in development of rheumatoid arthritis. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8669-8677. [PMID: 33074413 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05909-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a crucial inflammatory joint disease characterized by loss of self-tolerance and severe cartilage loss, autoimmune, and subchondral bone erosions. Cytokines are the key regulators of inflammatory responses. Homeostatic imbalances in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine activities can result in pathogenic inflammatory reactions. These imbalances could be initiated by environmental factors but the ability to define the threshold of environmental impact relies on the genetic background of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. To address this a case-control association study was carried out in 429 individuals from Malayalam speaking ethnic population from South India. Functionally relevant SNPs from IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-1RN were genotyped using PCR -RFLP and sequencing. Meta-analysis was performed for the associated variants of IL-10, IL-1β. Significant association with RA was observed with IL-1β rs1143634, rs1143627, IL-10 rs1800896, IL-6 rs1800796, rs1800797. The associated SNPs are likely to impact transcriptional activity of a gene. Meta-analysis with global populations also provide evidence that IL-10 and IL-1β could be a global marker for RA. The functional significance of associated risk variants of IL-1β and IL-6 indicate increased production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines while IL-10 risk allele suggest reduced production of anti- inflammatory cytokines. The study concludes that increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced production of anti- inflammatory cytokines may influence the Th1/Th2 equilibrium resulting in a triggering of Th1 mediated inflammatory responses in development of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Krishna Priya
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Lekshmy Srinivas
- Neurobiology and Genetics Division, Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695 014, India
| | - S Rajesh
- Kerala Institute of Medical Science (KIMS) Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Kesavarao Sasikala
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Moinak Banerjee
- Neurobiology and Genetics Division, Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695 014, India.
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Waldmann TA, Miljkovic MD, Conlon KC. Interleukin-15 (dys)regulation of lymphoid homeostasis: Implications for therapy of autoimmunity and cancer. J Exp Med 2020; 217:132622. [PMID: 31821442 PMCID: PMC7037239 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-15 supports NK, NK-T, γδ, ILC1, and memory CD8 T cell function, and dysregulated IL-15 is associated with many autoimmune diseases. Striking IL-15–driven increases in NK and CD8 T cells in patients highlight the potential for combination therapy of cancers. IL-15, a pleiotropic cytokine, stimulates generation of NK, NK-T, γδ, ILC1, and memory CD8 T cells. IL-15 disorders play pathogenetic roles in organ-specific autoimmune diseases including celiac disease. Diverse approaches are developed to block IL-15 action. IL-15 administered to patients with malignancy yielded dramatic increases in NK numbers and modest increases in CD8 T cells. Due to immunological checkpoints, to achieve major cancer therapeutic efficacy, IL-15 will be used in combination therapy, and combination trials with checkpoint inhibitors, with anti-CD40 to yield tumor-specific CD8 T cells, and with anticancer monoclonal antibodies to increase ADCC and antitumor efficacy, have been initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Milos D Miljkovic
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kevin C Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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8
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Interferon γ and α Have Differential Effects on SAMHD1, a Potent Antiviral Protein, in Feline Lymphocytes. Viruses 2019; 11:v11100921. [PMID: 31600877 PMCID: PMC6832628 DOI: 10.3390/v11100921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterile alpha motif and histidine/aspartic domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) is a protein with anti-viral, anti-neoplastic, and anti-inflammatory properties. By degrading cellular dNTPs to constituent deoxynucleoside and free triphosphate, SAMHD1 limits viral DNA synthesis and prevents replication of HIV-1 and some DNA viruses such as HBV, vaccinia, and HSV-1. Recent findings suggest SAMHD1 is broadly active against retroviruses in addition to HIV-1, such as HIV-2, FIV, BIV, and EIAV. Interferons are cytokines produced by lymphocytes and other cells that induce a wide array of antiviral proteins, including some with activity again lentiviruses. Here we evaluated the role of IFNs on SAMHD1 gene expression, transcription, and post-translational modification in a feline CD4+ T cell line (FeTJ) and in primary feline CD4+ T lymphocytes. SAMHD1 mRNA in FetJ cells increased in a dose-related manner in response to IFNγ treatment concurrent with increased nuclear localization and phosphorylation. IFNα treatment induced SAMHD1 mRNA but did not significantly alter SAMHD1 protein detection, phosphorylation, or nuclear translocation. In purified primary feline CD4+ lymphocytes, IL2 supplementation increased SAMHD1 expression, but the addition of IFNγ did not further alter SAMHD1 protein expression or nuclear localization. Thus, the effect of IFNγ on SAMHD1 expression is cell-type dependent, with increased translocation to the nucleus and phosphorylation in FeTJ but not primary CD4+ lymphocytes. These findings imply that while SAMH1 is inducible by IFNγ, overall activity is cell type and compartment specific, which is likely relevant to the establishment of lentiviral reservoirs in quiescent lymphocyte populations.
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9
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Spangler JB, Moraga I, Jude KM, Savvides CS, Garcia KC. A strategy for the selection of monovalent antibodies that span protein dimer interfaces. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:13876-13886. [PMID: 31387945 PMCID: PMC6755802 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligand-induced dimerization is the predominant mechanism through which secreted proteins activate cell surface receptors to transmit essential biological signals. Cytokines are a large class of soluble proteins that dimerize transmembrane receptors into precise signaling topologies, but there is a need for alternative, engineerable ligand scaffolds that specifically recognize and stabilize these protein interactions. Recombinant antibodies can potentially serve as robust and versatile platforms for cytokine complex stabilization, and their specificity allows for tunable modulation of dimerization equilibrium. Here, we devised an evolutionary strategy to isolate monovalent antibody fragments that bridge together two different receptor subunits in a cytokine-receptor complex, precisely as the receptors are disposed in their natural signaling orientations. To do this, we screened a naive antibody library against a stabilized ligand-receptor ternary complex that acted as a "molecular cast" of the natural receptor dimer conformation. Our selections elicited "stapler" single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) of antibodies that specifically engage the interleukin-4 receptor heterodimer. The 3.1 Å resolution crystal structure of one such stapler revealed that, as intended, this scFv recognizes a composite epitope between the two receptors as they are positioned in the complex. Extending our approach, we evolved a stapler scFv that specifically binds to and stabilizes the interface between the interleukin-2 cytokine and one of its receptor subunits, leading to a 15-fold enhancement in interaction affinity. This demonstration that scFvs can be selected to recognize epitopes that span protein interfaces presents new opportunities to engineer structurally defined antibodies for a broad range of research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie B Spangler
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305 .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Ignacio Moraga
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Kevin M Jude
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Christina S Savvides
- Department of Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
| | - K Christopher Garcia
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305 .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305.,Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
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10
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Christensen-Quick A, Massanella M, Frick A, Rawlings SA, Spina C, Vargas-Meneses M, Schrier R, Nakazawa M, Anderson C, Gianella S. Subclinical Cytomegalovirus DNA Is Associated with CD4 T Cell Activation and Impaired CD8 T Cell CD107a Expression in People Living with HIV despite Early Antiretroviral Therapy. J Virol 2019; 93:e00179-19. [PMID: 31019052 PMCID: PMC6580967 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00179-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Most people living with HIV (PLWH) are coinfected with cytomegalovirus (CMV). Subclinical CMV replication is associated with immune dysfunction and with increased HIV DNA in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive and -suppressed PLWH. To identify immunological mechanisms by which CMV could favor HIV persistence, we analyzed 181 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from 64 PLWH starting ART during early HIV infection with subsequent virologic suppression up to 58 months. In each sample, we measured levels of CMV and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). We also measured expression of immunological markers for activation (HLA-DR+ CD38+), cycling (Ki-67+), degranulation (CD107a+), and the immune checkpoint protein PD-1 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cell memory subsets. Significant differences in percentages of lymphocyte markers by CMV/EBV shedding were identified using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Overall, CMV DNA was detected at 60/181 time points. At the time of ART initiation, the presence of detectable CMV DNA was associated with increased CD4+ T cell activation and CD107a expression and with increased CD8+ T cellular cycling and reduced CD107a expression on CD8+ T cells. While some effects disappeared during ART, greater CD4+ T cell activation and reduced CD107a expression on CD8+ T cells persisted when CMV was present (P < 0.01). In contrast, EBV was not associated with any immunological differences. Among the covariates, peak HIV RNA and CD4/CD8 ratio had the most significant effect on the immune system. In conclusion, our study identified immune differences in PLWH with detectable CMV starting early ART, which may represent an additional hurdle for HIV cure efforts.IMPORTANCE Chronic viral infections such as with HIV and CMV last a lifetime and can continually antagonize the immune system. Both viruses are associated with higher expression of inflammation markers, and recent evidence suggests that CMV may complicate efforts to deplete HIV reservoirs. Our group and others have shown that CMV shedding is associated with a larger HIV reservoir. Subclinical CMV replication could favor HIV persistence via bystander effects on our immune system. In this study, we collected longitudinal PBMC samples from people starting ART and measured immune changes associated with detectable CMV. We found that when CMV was detectable, CD4+ T cell activation was higher and CD8+ T cell degranulation was lower. Both results may contribute to the slower decay of the size of the reservoir during CMV replication, since activated CD4+ T cells are more vulnerable to HIV infection, while the loss of CD8+ T cell degranulation may impede the proper killing of infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Massanella
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Andrew Frick
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stephen A Rawlings
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Celsa Spina
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Rachel Schrier
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Masato Nakazawa
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Christy Anderson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sara Gianella
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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11
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Yang H, Kureshi R, Spangler JB. Structural Basis for Signaling Through Shared Common γ Chain Cytokines. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1172:1-19. [PMID: 31628649 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9367-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The common γ chain (γc) family of hematopoietic cytokines consists of six distinct four α-helix bundle soluble ligands that signal through receptors which include the shared γc subunit to coordinate a wide range of physiological processes, in particular, those related to innate and adaptive immune function. Since the first crystallographic structure of a γc family cytokine/receptor signaling complex (the active Interleukin-2 [IL-2] quaternary complex) was determined in 2005 [1], tremendous progress has been made in the structural characterization of this protein family, transforming our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying immune activity. Although many conserved features of γc family cytokine complex architecture have emerged, distinguishing details have been observed for individual cytokine complexes that rationalize their unique functional properties. Much work remains to be done in the molecular characterization of γc family signaling, particularly with regard to intracellular activation events, and looking forward, new technologies in structural biophysics will offer further insight into the biology of cytokine signaling to inform the design of targeted therapeutics for treatment of immune-linked diseases such as cancer, infection, and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Yang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rakeeb Kureshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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12
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Pfannenstiel LW, McNeilly C, Xiang C, Kang K, Diaz-Montero CM, Yu JS, Gastman BR. Combination PD-1 blockade and irradiation of brain metastasis induces an effective abscopal effect in melanoma. Oncoimmunology 2018; 8:e1507669. [PMID: 30546944 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1507669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly half of melanoma patients develop brain metastases during the course of their disease. Despite advances in both localized radiation and systemic immunotherapy, brain metastases remain difficult to treat, with most patients surviving less than 5 months from the time of diagnosis. While both treatment regimens have individually shown considerable promise in treating metastatic melanoma, there is interest in combining these strategies to take advantage of potential synergy. In order to study the ability of local radiation and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy to induce beneficial anti-tumor immune responses against distant, unirradiated tumors, we used two mouse models of metastatic melanoma in the brain, representing BRAF mutant and non-mutant tumors. Combination treatments produced a stronger systemic anti-tumor immune response than either treatment alone. This resulted in reduced tumor growth and larger numbers of activated, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, even in the unirradiated tumor, indicative of an abscopal effect. The immune-mediated effects were present regardless of BRAF status. These data suggest that irradiation of brain metastases and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy together can induce abscopal anti-tumor responses that control both local and distant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corey McNeilly
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chaomei Xiang
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kai Kang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Jennifer S Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Brian R Gastman
- Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Institutes of Head and Neck, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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13
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Johnson CB, May BR, Riesenberg BP, Suriano S, Mehrotra S, Garrett-Mayer E, Salem ML, Jeng EK, Wong HC, Paulos CM, Wrangle JM, Cole DJ, Rubinstein MP. Enhanced Lymphodepletion Is Insufficient to Replace Exogenous IL2 or IL15 Therapy in Augmenting the Efficacy of Adoptively Transferred Effector CD8 + T Cells. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3067-3074. [PMID: 29636345 PMCID: PMC6108084 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Effector CD8+ T cells conditioned with IL12 during activation mediate enhanced antitumor efficacy after adoptive transfer into lymphodepleted hosts; this is due in part to improved IL7 responsiveness. Therefore, we hypothesized that increasing the intensity or type of lymphodepletion would deplete more IL7-consuming host cells and improve the persistence and antitumor activity of IL12-conditioned CD8+ T cells. Using cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, and total body irradiation (TBI, 6 Gy) either individually or in combination, we found that combined lymphodepletion best enhanced T-cell engraftment in mice. This improvement was strongly related to the extent of leukopenia, as posttransfer levels of donor T cells inversely correlated to host cell counts after lymphodepletion. Despite the improvement in engraftment seen with combination lymphodepletion, dual-agent lymphodepletion did not augment the antitumor efficacy of donor T cells compared with TBI alone. Similarly, IL7 supplementation after TBI and transfer of tumor-reactive T cells failed to improve persistence or antitumor immunity. However, IL15 or IL2 supplementation greatly augmented the persistence and antitumor efficacy of donor tumor-reactive T cells. Our results indicate that the amount of host IL7 induced after single agent lymphodepletion is sufficient to potentiate the expansion and antitumor activity of donor T cells, and that the efficacy of future regimens may be improved by providing posttransfer support with IL2 or IL15.Significance: The relationship between lymphodepletion and cytokine support plays a critical role in determining donor T-cell engraftment and antitumor efficacy. Cancer Res; 78(11); 3067-74. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bryce Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Bennett R May
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Brian P Riesenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Samantha Suriano
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mohamed L Salem
- Immunology and Biotechnology Division, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Hing C Wong
- Altor BioScience Corporation, Miramar, Florida
| | - Chrystal M Paulos
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - John M Wrangle
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - David J Cole
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mark P Rubinstein
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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14
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Afrin F, Fernandez CP, Flores RA, Kim WH, Jeong J, Chang HH, Kim S, Lillehoj HS, Min W. Downregulation of common cytokine receptor γ chain inhibits inflammatory responses in macrophages stimulated with Riemerella anatipestifer. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 81:225-234. [PMID: 29241952 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Th17-cell-mediated inflammation is affected by the soluble form of common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc). We previously suggested that inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17A are associated with Riemerella anatipestifer infection, which a harmful bacterial pathogen in ducks. Here, the expression profiles of membrane-associated γc (duγc-a) and soluble γc (duγc-b) in R. anatipestifer-stimulated splenic lymphocytes and macrophages, and in the spleens and livers of R. anatipestifer-infected ducks, were investigated. In vitro and in vivo results indicated that the expression levels of both forms of γc were increased, showing that marked increases were detected in the expression of the duγc-b form rather than the duγc-a form. Treatment with γc-specific siRNA downregulated mRNA expression of Th17-related cytokines, including IL-17A and IL-17F, in duck splenic macrophages stimulated with R. anatipestifer, whereas the expressions of interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-2 were enhanced. The results showed that the upregulation of γc, especially the duγc-b form, was associated with expression of Th17-related cytokines during R. anatipestifer infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmida Afrin
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, South Korea
| | - Cherry P Fernandez
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, South Korea
| | - Rochelle A Flores
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, South Korea
| | - Woo H Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, South Korea; Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, South Korea
| | - Jipseol Jeong
- Environmental Health Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, South Korea
| | - Hong H Chang
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, South Korea
| | - Suk Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, South Korea
| | - Hyun S Lillehoj
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Wongi Min
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, South Korea.
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15
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Wrangle JM, Patterson A, Johnson CB, Neitzke DJ, Mehrotra S, Denlinger CE, Paulos CM, Li Z, Cole DJ, Rubinstein MP. IL-2 and Beyond in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2018; 38:45-68. [PMID: 29443657 PMCID: PMC5815463 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2017.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the T- and natural killer (NK) cell growth factor IL-2 has been a sentinel force ushering in the era of immunotherapy in cancer. With the advent of clinical grade recombinant IL-2 in the mid-1980s, oncologists could for the first time directly manipulate lymphocyte populations with systemic therapy. By itself, recombinant IL-2 can induce clinical responses in up to 15% of patients with metastatic cancer or renal cell carcinoma. When administered with adoptively transferred tumor-reactive lymphocytes, IL-2 promotes T cell engraftment and response rates of up to 50% in metastatic melanoma patients. Importantly, these IL-2-driven responses can yield complete and durable responses in a subset of patients. However, the use of IL-2 is limited by toxicity and concern of the expansion of T regulatory cells. To overcome these limitations and improve response rates, other T cell growth factors, including IL-15 and modified forms of IL-2, are in clinical development. Administering T cell growth factors in combination with other agents, such as immune checkpoint pathway inhibitors, may also improve efficacy. In this study, we review the development of T- and NK cell growth factors and highlight current combinatorial approaches based on these reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Wrangle
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Alicia Patterson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - C. Bryce Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Daniel J. Neitzke
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Chadrick E. Denlinger
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Chrystal M. Paulos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - David J. Cole
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mark P. Rubinstein
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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16
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Christensen-Quick A, Vanpouille C, Lisco A, Gianella S. Cytomegalovirus and HIV Persistence: Pouring Gas on the Fire. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2017; 33:S23-S30. [PMID: 29140108 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2017.0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The inherent stability of a small population of T cells that are latently infected with HIV despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a stubborn obstacle to an HIV cure. By exploiting the memory compartment of our immune system, HIV maintains persistence in a small subset of quiescent cells with varying phenotypes, thus evading immune surveillance and clinical detection. Understanding the molecular and immunological mechanisms that maintain the latent reservoir will be critical to the success of HIV eradication strategies. Human cytomegalovirus (CMV), another chronic viral infection, frequently co-occurs with HIV and occupies an oversized proportion of memory T cell responses. CMV and HIV have both evolved complex strategies to manipulate our immune system for their own advantage. Given the increasingly clear links between CMV replication, chronic immune activation, and increased HIV reservoirs, we present a closer examination of the interplay between these two chronic coinfections. Here we review the effects of CMV on the immune system and show how they may affect persistence of the latent HIV reservoir during ART. The studies described herein suggest that hijacking of cytokine and chemokine signaling, manipulation of cell development pathways, and transactivation of HIV expression by CMV might be pouring gas on the fire of HIV persistence. Future interventional studies are required to formally determine the extent to which CMV is causally associated with inflammation and HIV reservoir expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christophe Vanpouille
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Andrea Lisco
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sara Gianella
- University of California San Diego, Center for AIDS Research, La Jolla, California
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17
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Immunostimulatory activity of plumieride an iridoid in augmenting immune system by targeting Th-1 pathway in balb/c mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2017; 48:203-210. [PMID: 28527347 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.05.009] [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: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Plumieride, an iridoid glucoside isolated from Plumieria acutifolia leaves was investigated for its immunostimulatory activity on humoral, cell mediated and intracellular cytokine levels in sensitized and unsensitised balb/c mice. Plumieride restores the suppressed cell mediated, humoral immune response and also enhances the release of TNF- α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 (Th-1) in immune compromised cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide treated balb/c mice. It does not stimulate the IL-4 (Th-2) expression. Plumieride demonstrates significant augmentation of Th-1 response in immunosuppressed balb/c mice. Results of the present study suggested that plumieride can be developed as an immunostimulatory adjuvant to treat the immune suppression in various disease condition(s).
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18
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Dong J, Yang XF, Wang LX, Wei X, Wang AH, Hao CQ, Shen HJ, Huang CX, Zhang Y, Lian JQ. Modulation of Tim-3 Expression by Antigen-Dependent and -Independent Factors on T Cells from Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:98. [PMID: 28401068 PMCID: PMC5368241 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) was up-regulated on viral specific T cells and contributed to T cells exhaustion during chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, modulation of Tim-3 expression was still not fully elucidated. To evaluate the potential viral and inflammatory factors involved in the inductor of Tim-3 expression on T cells, 76 patients with chronic HBV infection (including 40 chronic hepatitis B [CHB] and 36 asymptomatic HBV carriers [AsC]) and 40 of normal controls (NCs) were enrolled in this study. Tim-3 expressions on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were assessed in response to HBV-encoding antigens, HBV peptide pools, and common γ-chain (γc) cytokines stimulation by flow cytometry. HBV peptides and anti-CD3/CD28 directly induced Tim-3 expression on T cells. γc cytokines also drive Tim-3 up-regulations on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, γc cytokines did not enhance the Tim-3 inductions by either anti-CD3/CD28 or HBV peptides stimulation. Furthermore, γc cytokines-mediated Tim-3 induction could not be abrogated by γc cytokine receptor-neutralizing antibodies. The current results suggested that elevation of Tim-3 expression on T cells could be regulated by both antigen-dependent and -independent manner in patients with chronic HBV infection. The role of γc cytokines in modulation of inhibitory pathway might be evaluated as immunotherapies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China; Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, Tenth Hospital of PLAWuwei, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Yang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Lin-Xu Wang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - An-Hui Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Chun-Qiu Hao
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Huan-Jun Shen
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Chang-Xing Huang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Jian-Qi Lian
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
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19
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Neitzke DJ, Bowers JS, Andrijauskaite K, O'Connell NS, Garrett-Mayer E, Wrangle J, Li Z, Paulos CM, Cole DJ, Rubinstein MP. Murine Th17 cells utilize IL-2 receptor gamma chain cytokines but are resistant to cytokine withdrawal-induced apoptosis. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:737-751. [PMID: 28280853 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-1965-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) with the Th17 subset of CD4+ T cells can cure established melanoma in preclinical models and holds promise for treating human cancer. However, little is known about the growth factors necessary for optimal engraftment and anti-tumor activity of Th17 cells. Due to the central role of IL-2 receptor gamma chain (IL2Rγ-chain) cytokines (IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15) in the activity and persistence of many T cell subsets after adoptive transfer, we hypothesized that these cytokines are important for Th17 cells. We found that Th17 cells proliferated in response to IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15 in vitro. However, in contrast to many other T cell subsets, including conventionally activated CD8+ T cells, we found that Th17 cells were resistant to apoptosis in the absence of IL2Rγ-chain cytokines. To determine whether Th17 cells utilize IL2Rγ-chain cytokines in vivo, we tracked Th17 cell engraftment after adoptive transfer with or without cytokine depletion. Depletion of IL-7 and/or IL-2 decreased initial engraftment, while depletion of IL-15 did not. Supplementation of IL-2 increased initial Th17 engraftment. To assess the clinical relevance of these findings, we treated melanoma-bearing mice with Th17 cell adoptive transfer and concurrent cytokine depletion or supplementation. We found that simultaneous depletion of IL-2 and IL-7 decreased therapeutic efficacy, depletion of IL-15 had no effect, and IL-2 supplementation increased therapeutic efficacy. Our results show that Th17 cells are responsive to IL2Rγ-chain cytokines, and provide insight into the application of these cytokines for Th17-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Neitzke
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Jacob S Bowers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Kristina Andrijauskaite
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Nathaniel S O'Connell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - John Wrangle
- Department of Medicine, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Chrystal M Paulos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - David J Cole
- Department of Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Mark P Rubinstein
- Departments of Surgery, and Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Hollings Cancer Center Room 506, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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20
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Xu DH, Zhu Z, Xiao H, Wakefield MR, Bai Q, Nicholl MB, Ding VA, Fang Y. Unveil the mysterious mask of cytokine-based immunotherapy for melanoma. Cancer Lett 2017; 394:43-51. [PMID: 28254411 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the leading cause of death among all skin cancers and its incidence continues to rise rapidly worldwide in the past decades. The available treatment options for melanoma remain limited despite extensive clinical research. Melanoma is an immunogenic tumor and great advances in immunology in recent decades allow for the development of immunotherapeutic agents against melanoma. In recent years, immunotherapy utilizing cytokines has been particularly successful in certain cancers and holds promise for patients with advanced melanoma. In this review, an overview of the current status and emerging perspectives on cytokine immunotherapy for melanoma are discussed in details. Such a study will be helpful to unveil the mysterious mask of cytokine-based immunotherapy for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixon H Xu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
| | - Ziwen Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Huaping Xiao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA; The Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Mark R Wakefield
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | | | - Vivi A Ding
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
| | - Yujiang Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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21
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Arosa FA, Esgalhado AJ, Padrão CA, Cardoso EM. Divide, Conquer, and Sense: CD8 +CD28 - T Cells in Perspective. Front Immunol 2017; 7:665. [PMID: 28096804 PMCID: PMC5206803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the rationale for the generation of a pool of highly differentiated effector memory CD8+ T cells displaying a weakened capacity to scrutinize for peptides complexed with major histocompatibility class I molecules via their T cell receptor, lacking the “signal 2” CD28 receptor, and yet expressing a highly diverse array of innate receptors, from natural killer receptors, interleukin receptors, and damage-associated molecular pattern receptors, among others, is one of the most challenging issues in contemporary human immunology. The prevalence of these differentiated CD8+ T cells, also known as CD8+CD28−, CD8+KIR+, NK-like CD8+ T cells, or innate CD8+ T cells, in non-lymphoid organs and tissues, in peripheral blood of healthy elderly, namely centenarians, but also in stressful and chronic inflammatory conditions suggests that they are not merely end-of-the-line dysfunctional cells. These experienced CD8+ T cells are highly diverse and capable of sensing a variety of TCR-independent signals, which enables them to respond and fine-tune tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A Arosa
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Faculty of Health Sciences (FCS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - André J Esgalhado
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior , Covilhã , Portugal
| | - Carolina A Padrão
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior , Covilhã , Portugal
| | - Elsa M Cardoso
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Faculty of Health Sciences (FCS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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22
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Partners in Crime: The Role of CMV in Immune Dysregulation and Clinical Outcome During HIV Infection. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2016; 13:10-9. [PMID: 26810437 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-016-0297-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the current era of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals are living longer and healthier lives. Nevertheless, HIV-infected persons are at greater risk for age-related disorders, which have been linked to residual immune dysfunction and inflammation. HIV-infected individuals are almost universally co-infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and both viruses are associated with inflammation-related morbidities. Therefore, a detailed investigation of the relationship between CMV and aging-related morbidities emerging during chronic HIV infection is warranted. Here, we review the literature on how CMV co-infection affects HIV infection and host immunity and we discuss the gaps in our knowledge that need elucidation.
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23
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NPM-ALK expression levels identify two distinct subtypes of paediatric anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Leukemia 2016; 31:498-501. [PMID: 27773932 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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24
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Editorial: Cytokines in inflammation, aging, cancer and obesity. Cytokine 2016; 82:1-3. [PMID: 26997465 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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25
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Johnson CB, Wrangle J, Mehrotra S, Li Z, Paulos CM, Cole DJ, Surh CD, Rubinstein MP. Harnessing the IL-7/IL-7Rα axis to improve tumor immunotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1122865. [PMID: 27467935 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1122865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-7 and IL-15 are critical for supporting T cells transferred into a lymphopenic environment. As activated CD8(+) T cells downregulate IL-7Rα, it is thought IL-15 is more important. However, we find that CD8(+) T cells activated with IL-12 have elevated IL-7Rα and rely on IL-7 for persistence and antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bryce Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC
| | - John Wrangle
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC
| | - Chrystal M Paulos
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - David J Cole
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC
| | - Charles D Surh
- Academy of Immunology and Microbiology, Institute for Basic Science, Pohang, South Korea; Department of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea; Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark P Rubinstein
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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26
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Pulliam SR, Uzhachenko RV, Adunyah SE, Shanker A. Common gamma chain cytokines in combinatorial immune strategies against cancer. Immunol Lett 2015; 169:61-72. [PMID: 26597610 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Common γ chain (γC) cytokines, namely IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, and IL-21 are important for the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of lymphocytes that display antitumor activity, thus stimulating considerable interest for the use of cytokines in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we will focus on the γC cytokines that demonstrate the greatest potential for immunotherapy, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21. We will briefly cover their biological function, potential applications in cancer therapy, and update on their use in combinatorial immune strategies for eradicating tumors and hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Pulliam
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Roman V Uzhachenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Samuel E Adunyah
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
| | - Anil Shanker
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; Host-Tumor Interactions Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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27
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Fernández A, Oliver L, Alvarez R, Fernández LE, Lee KP, Mesa C. Adjuvants and myeloid-derived suppressor cells: enemies or allies in therapeutic cancer vaccination. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 10:3251-60. [PMID: 25483674 DOI: 10.4161/hv.29847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adjuvants are a critical but largely overlooked and poorly understood component included in vaccine formulations to stimulate and modulate the desired immune responses to an antigen. However, unlike in the protective infectious disease vaccines, adjuvants for cancer vaccines also need to overcome the effect of tumor-induced suppressive immune populations circulating in tumor-bearing individuals. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are considered to be one of the key immunosuppressive populations that inhibit tumor-specific T cell responses in cancer patients. This review focuses on the different signals for the activation of the immune system induced by adjuvants, and the close relationship to the mechanisms of recruitment and activation of MDSC. This work explores the possibility that a cancer vaccine adjuvant may either strengthen or weaken the effect of tumor-induced MDSC, and the crucial need to address this in present and future cancer vaccines.
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Key Words
- APC, antigen-presenting cells
- ARG1, arginase 1
- CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocytes
- DC, dendritic cells
- G-MDSC, granulocytic MDSC
- GM-CSF, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor
- MDSC
- MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cells
- Mo-MDSC, monocytic MDSC
- NK, natural killer
- NOS2, inducible nitric oxide synthase
- TAM, tumor-associated macrophages
- TLR ligands
- TLR, Toll-like receptors
- Treg, regulatory T cells
- adjuvants
- cancer
- cytokines
- immunotherapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Audry Fernández
- a Immunobiology Division; Center of Molecular Immunology ; Havana , Cuba
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28
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Cantoni C, Grauwet K, Pietra G, Parodi M, Mingari MC, Maria AD, Favoreel H, Vitale M. Role of NK cells in immunotherapy and virotherapy of solid tumors. Immunotherapy 2015; 7:861-82. [PMID: 26314197 DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although natural killer (NK) cells are endowed with powerful cytolytic activity against cancer cells, their role in different therapies against solid tumors has not yet been fully elucidated. Their interactions with various elements of the tumor microenvironment as well as their possible effects in contributing to and/or limiting oncolytic virotherapy render this potential immunotherapeutic tool still difficult to exploit at the bedside. Here, we will review the current literature with the aim of providing new hints to manage this powerful cell type in future innovative therapies, such as the use of NK cells in combination with new cytokines, specific mAbs (inducing ADCC), Tyr-Kinase inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and/or the design of oncolytic viruses aimed at optimizing the effect of NK cells in virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Korneel Grauwet
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Parodi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST Genova, Genova, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Herman Favoreel
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
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29
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Johnson CB, Riesenberg BP, May BR, Gilreath SC, Li G, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Garrett-Mayer E, Mehrotra S, Cole DJ, Rubinstein MP. Effector CD8+ T-cell Engraftment and Antitumor Immunity in Lymphodepleted Hosts Is IL7Rα Dependent. Cancer Immunol Res 2015; 3:1364-74. [PMID: 26297711 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-15-0087-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy, in which activated tumor-reactive T cells are transferred into lymphodepleted recipients, is a promising cancer treatment option. Activation of T cells decreases IL7 responsiveness; therefore, IL15 is generally considered the main driver of effector T-cell responses in this setting. However, we found in lymphodepleted mice that CD8(+) T cells activated with IL12 showed enhanced engraftment that was initially dependent on host IL7, but not IL15. Mechanistically, enhanced IL7 responsiveness was conferred by elevated IL7Rα expression, which was critical for antitumor immunity. Elevated IL7Rα expression was achievable without IL12, as polyclonal CD8(+) T cells activated with high T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation depended on T-cell IL7Rα expression and host IL7 for maximal engraftment. Finally, IL12 conditioning during the activation of human CD8(+) T cells, including TCR-modified T cells generated using a clinically relevant protocol, led to enhanced IL7Rα expression. Our results demonstrate the importance of the donor IL7Rα/host IL7 axis for effector CD8(+) T-cell engraftment and suggest novel strategies to improve adoptive cellular therapy as a cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bryce Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Brian P Riesenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Bennett R May
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Stuart C Gilreath
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | - Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - David J Cole
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mark P Rubinstein
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
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30
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Müller D. Antibody fusions with immunomodulatory proteins for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 154:57-66. [PMID: 26145167 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The potential of immunomodulatory proteins, in particular cytokines, for cancer therapy is well recognized, but hampered by the toxicity associated with their systemic application. In order to address this problem, targeted delivery by antibody fusion proteins has been early proposed and their development intensively pursued over the last decade. Here, factors influencing the selection and modification of cytokines and antibody formats for this approach are being discussed, indicating current developments and translational advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafne Müller
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
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31
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Andrijauskaite K, Suriano S, Cloud CA, Li M, Kesarwani P, Stefanik LS, Moxley KM, Salem ML, Garrett-Mayer E, Paulos CM, Mehrotra S, Kochenderfer JN, Cole DJ, Rubinstein MP. IL-12 conditioning improves retrovirally mediated transduction efficiency of CD8+ T cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2015; 22:360-7. [PMID: 26182912 PMCID: PMC4807400 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2015.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability to genetically modify T cells is a critical component to many immunotherapeutic strategies and research studies. However, the success of these approaches is often limited by transduction efficiency. As retroviral vectors require cell division for integration, transduction efficiency is dependent on the appropriate activation and culture conditions for T cells. Naive CD8(+) T cells, which are quiescent, must be first activated to induce cell division to allow genetic modification. To optimize this process, we activated mouse T cells with a panel of different cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15 and IL-23, known to act on T cells. After activation, cytokines were removed, and activated T cells were retrovirally transduced. We found that IL-12 preconditioning of mouse T cells greatly enhanced transduction efficiency, while preserving function and expansion potential. We also observed a similar transduction-enhancing effect of IL-12 preconditioning on human T cells. These findings provide a simple method to improve the transduction efficiencies of CD8(+) T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samantha Suriano
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
| | - Colleen A. Cloud
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
| | - Mingli Li
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
| | - Pravin Kesarwani
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
| | - Leah S. Stefanik
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
| | | | - Mohamed L Salem
- Immunology & Biotechnology Division, Tanta University, Egypt
| | | | - Chrystal M. Paulos
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
| | - James N. Kochenderfer
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - David J. Cole
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
| | - Mark P. Rubinstein
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425
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32
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Abstract
The concept of immunosurveillance of cancer has been widely accepted for many years, but only recently have the precise mechanisms of tumor-host immune interactions been revealed. Inflammatory and immune reactions play a role in melanomagenesis, and may contribute to the eradication of tumor as well as potentiating its growth and proliferation. Studies of the role of tumor-immune system interactions are providing insights into the pathogenesis and opportunities for highly effective therapeutic strategies. Some patients, even with advanced disease, are now cured with immunotherapy, and increasing numbers of such cures are likely in future.
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33
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Jeong J, Kim WH, Fernandez CP, Kim S, Kim YH, Jang HK, Lillehoj HS, Woo HJ, Min W. Different strategies for producing naturally soluble form of common cytokine receptor γ chain. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 48:13-21. [PMID: 25173813 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) plays an essential role in regulating lymphoid homeostasis. In fact, alteration of this gene causes severe immunodeficiency in humans and animals. Although soluble γc (sγc) was identified in the late 1990s, much remains unknown about its production. This study describes various mechanisms underlying the generation of sγc isoforms in different species. Our data demonstrate that mouse γc and the avian ortholog γc-a did not generate sγc. Moreover, two mouse isoforms, CRA-a and mγc-b, encoded by transcripts lacking a transmembrane region by alternative splicing, did not yield sγc. However, in ducks, sγc was produced from a γc-b transcript lacking a transmembrane region by alternative splicing. In chickens, sγc was produced in normal cells and cell lines by proteolytic shedding of the γc-b isoform containing intron 5, which displayed a relatively high probability of proteolytic cleavage of the ectodomain. This shedding was suppressed by leupeptin, serine and cysteine protease inhibitor. Compared to the chicken ortholog γc-a, expression of γc-b mRNA was differentially regulated according to tissue type, developmental stage, and antigen stimulation. These data demonstrate several mechanisms for producing sγc and suggest a potential role for sγc in avian lymphoid homeostatic responses to environmental antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipseol Jeong
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, South Korea
| | - Woo H Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, South Korea
| | - Cherry P Fernandez
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, South Korea
| | - Suk Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, South Korea
| | - Yong-Hwan Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Kwan Jang
- Departments of Infectious Diseases and Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine & Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, South Korea
| | - Hyun S Lillehoj
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Hee-Jong Woo
- Laboratory of Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, South Korea
| | - Wongi Min
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, South Korea.
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34
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Jonnalagadda M, Mardiros A, Urak R, Wang X, Hoffman LJ, Bernanke A, Chang WC, Bretzlaff W, Starr R, Priceman S, Ostberg JR, Forman SJ, Brown CE. Chimeric antigen receptors with mutated IgG4 Fc spacer avoid fc receptor binding and improve T cell persistence and antitumor efficacy. Mol Ther 2014; 23:757-68. [PMID: 25366031 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of adoptive therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells partly depends on optimal CAR design. CARs frequently incorporate a spacer/linker region based on the constant region of either IgG1 or IgG4 to connect extracellular ligand-binding with intracellular signaling domains. Here, we evaluated the potential for the IgG4-Fc linker to result in off-target interactions with Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs). As proof-of-principle, we focused on a CD19-specific scFv-IgG4-CD28-zeta CAR and found that, in contrast to CAR-negative cells, CAR+ T cells bound soluble FcγRs in vitro and did not engraft in NSG mice. We hypothesized that mutations to avoid FcγR binding would improve CAR+ T cell engraftment and antitumor efficacy. Thus, we generated CD19-specific CARs with IgG4-Fc spacers that had either been mutated at two sites (L235E; N297Q) within the CH2 region (CD19R(EQ)) or incorporated a CH2 deletion (CD19Rch2Δ). These mutations reduced binding to soluble FcγRs without altering the ability of the CAR to mediate antigen-specific lysis. Importantly, CD19R(EQ) and CD19Rch2Δ T cells exhibited improved persistence and more potent CD19-specific antilymphoma efficacy in NSG mice. Together, these studies suggest that optimal CAR function may require the elimination of cellular FcγR interactions to improve T cell persistence and antitumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Jonnalagadda
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Armen Mardiros
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Ryan Urak
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Xiuli Wang
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Lauren J Hoffman
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Alyssa Bernanke
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Wen-Chung Chang
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - William Bretzlaff
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Renate Starr
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Saul Priceman
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Julie R Ostberg
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Stephen J Forman
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Christine E Brown
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
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Huang J, Xiao L, Gong X, Shao W, Yin Y, Liao Q, Meng Y, Zhang Y, Ma D, Qiu X. Cytokine-like molecule CCDC134 contributes to CD8⁺ T-cell effector functions in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res 2014; 74:5734-45. [PMID: 25125657 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-3132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CCDC134 is a poorly characterized secreted protein that may act as an immune cytokine. Here, we show that CCDC134 is differentially expressed on resting and activated immune cells and that it promotes CD8(+) T-cell activation, proliferation, and cytotoxicity by augmenting expression of the T-cell effector molecules IFNγ, TNFα, granzyme B, and perforin. CCDC134 facilitated infiltration of CD8(+) T cells with enhanced cytolytic activity into tumors, demonstrating strong antitumor effects in a CD8(+) T-cell-dependent manner. Mechanistically, in CD8(+) T cells, exposure to CCDC134 promoted cell proliferation through the JAK3-STAT5 pathway, a classic feature of many cytokines of the common γ-chain (γ(c)) cytokine receptor family. Overall, our results provide evidence that CCDC134 may serve as a member of the γ(c) cytokine family and illustrate its potent antitumor effects by augmenting CD8(+) T-cell-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoting Gong
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwei Shao
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Yin
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinyuan Liao
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Meng
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China
| | - Dalong Ma
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qiu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China. Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China.
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36
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van der Weerd K, van Hagen PM, Schrijver B, Heuvelmans SJWM, Hofland LJ, Swagemakers SMA, Bogers AJJC, Dik WA, Visser TJ, van Dongen JJM, van der Lelij AJ, Staal FJT. Thyrotropin acts as a T-cell developmental factor in mice and humans. Thyroid 2014; 24:1051-61. [PMID: 24635198 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2013.0396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Using gene expression profiling, we detected differential thyrotropin receptor (TSH-R) expression during human T-cell development in the thymus. This expression pattern indicated a potential role for the TSH-R within the thymus, independent of its function in the thyroid gland. Here, we demonstrate that TSH-R expression is thymus-specific within the immune system. TSH was able to bind and activate the TSH-R present on thymocytes, thereby activating calcium signaling and cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathways. Mice lacking functional TSH-R expression (hyt/hyt mice) were shown to have lower frequencies of DP and SP thymocytes compared to their heterozygous littermates. Moreover, addition of TSH to co-cultures of human thymocytes enhanced T-cell development. Thus, TSH acts as a previously unrecognized growth factor for developing T cells, with potential clinical use to enhance thymic output and thereby the functional T-cell repertoire in the periphery. The direct effects of TSH on thymocytes may also explain the thus far enigmatic thymic hyperplasia in Graves' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim van der Weerd
- 1 Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center , Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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37
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Reversal of tumor immune inhibition using a chimeric cytokine receptor. Mol Ther 2014; 22:1211-1220. [PMID: 24732709 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of adoptively transferred tumor-directed T cells requires them to survive and expand in vivo. Most tumors, however, employ immune evasion mechanisms, including the production of inhibitory cytokines that limit in vivo T-cell persistence and effector function. To protect tumor-directed T cells from such negative influences, we generated a chimeric cytokine receptor in which the interleukin (IL) 4 receptor exodomain was fused to the IL7 receptor endodomain. We thereby inverted the effects of tumor-derived IL4 so that the proliferation and activation of tumor directed cytotoxic T cells was enhanced rather than inhibited in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in superior antitumor activity. These transgenic T cells were only activated in the tumor environment since triggering required exposure to both tumor antigen (signal 1) and tumor-derived IL4 (signal 2). This selectivity supports future clinical adaptation.
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Increasing the biological activity of IL-2 and IL-15 through complexing with anti-IL-2 mAbs and IL-15Rα-Fc chimera. Immunol Lett 2014; 159:1-10. [PMID: 24512738 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2014.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
IL-2 and IL-15 are structurally relative cytokines that share two receptor subunits, CD132 (γ(c) chain) and CD122 (β chain). However, the expression pattern and physiological role of IL-2 and IL-15 private receptor α chains CD25 and IL-15Rα, respectively, are strikingly different. CD25, together with CD122 and CD132, forms a trimeric high affinity IL-2 receptor that is expressed and functions on cells acquiring an IL-2 signal. Conversely, IL-15Rα is expressed and binds IL-15 with high affinity per se already in the endoplasmic reticulum of the IL-15 producing cells and it presents IL-15 to cells expressing CD122/CD132 dimeric receptor in trans. Thus, while IL-2 is secreted almost exclusively by activated T cells and acts as a free molecule, IL-15 is expressed mostly by myeloid cells and works as a cell surface-associated cytokine. Interestingly, the in vivo biological activity of IL-2 can be dramatically increased through complexing with certain anti-IL-2 mAbs; such IL-2/anti-IL-2 mAbs immunocomplexes selectively stimulate the proliferation of a distinct population of immune cells, depending on the clone of the anti-IL-2 mAb used. IL-2/S4B6 mAb immunocomplexes are highly stimulatory for CD122(high) populations (memory CD8(+) T and NK cells) and intermediately also for CD25(high) populations (Treg and activated T cells), while IL-2/JES6-1 mAb immunocomplexes enormously expand only CD25(high) cells. Although IL-2 immunocomplexes are much more potent than IL-2 in vivo, they show comparable to slightly lower activity in vitro. The in vivo biological activity of IL-15 can be dramatically increased through complexing with recombinant IL-15Rα-Fc chimera; however, IL-15/IL-15Rα-Fc complexes are significantly more potent than IL-15 both in vivo and in vitro. In this review we summarize and discuss the features and biological relevance of IL-2/anti-IL-2 mAbs and IL-15/IL-15Rα-Fc complexes, and try to foreshadow their potential in immunological research and immunotherapy.
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Gou HF, Huang J, Shi HS, Chen XC, Wang YS. Chemo-immunotherapy with oxaliplatin and interleukin-7 inhibits colon cancer metastasis in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85789. [PMID: 24465710 PMCID: PMC3897491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has shown promise for cancer. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) can potentially enhance immune responses against tumor, while oxaliplatin (OXP), a platinum-based drug, can promote a favorable immune microenvironment and stimulate anticancer immune responses. We evaluated the anti-tumor activity of IL-7 combining OXP against a murine colon carcinoma in vitro and in vivo and studied the tumor immune microenvironment to investigate whether the combined treatment affects on the local immune cell populations. Utilizing lung and abdomen metastasis models by inoculation of CT26 mice colon cancer cells, we evaluated the anti-tumor efficacy of combining IL-7 and OXP in mice models. Tumor immune microenvironment was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Our study showed that the in vivo administration of IL-7 combined with OXP markedly inhibited the growth of tumors in lung and abdomen metastasis models of colon cancer. IL-7 alone had no effect on tumor growth in mice and IL-7 did not alter cell sensitivity to OXP in culture. The antitumor effect of combining IL-7 and OXP correlated with a marked increase in the number of tumor-infiltrating activated CD8+ T cells and a marked decrease in the number of regulatory T (Treg) cells in spleen. Our data suggest that OXP plus IL-7 treatment inhibits tumor cell growth by immunoregulation rather than direct cytotoxicity. Our findings justify further evaluation of combining IL-7 and chemotherapy as a novel experimental cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Feng Gou
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua-Shan Shi
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin-chuan Chen
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Cancer, Cancer Center, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) or antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) is safe and can be effective in cancer patients. Achievement of clinical responses in these patients is associated with the in vivo expansion and persistence of the transferred T lymphocytes. For this reason, recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) is frequently used to support the in vivo survival of T lymphocytes infused into patients. However, IL-2 also causes important side effects. Thus, alternative strategies are highly demanded to limit cytokine-related off-target effects and to redirect the responsiveness of specific T-cell subsets to selected cytokines. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a promising alternative cytokine as it possesses the above mentioned properties. However, because its receptor is downregulated in ex vivo-expanded T cells, methods are required to restore their responsiveness to this homeostatic cytokine. In this chapter, we describe the methodology to obtain the ectopic expression of IL-7 receptor alpha (IL-7Rα) in antigen-specific CTL, using Epstein-Barr virus-specific CTL (EBV-CTL), as a model.
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Marzec M, Halasa K, Liu X, Wang HY, Cheng M, Baldwin D, Tobias JW, Schuster SJ, Woetmann A, Zhang Q, Turner SD, Ødum N, Wasik MA. Malignant transformation of CD4+ T lymphocytes mediated by oncogenic kinase NPM/ALK recapitulates IL-2-induced cell signaling and gene expression reprogramming. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:6200-7. [PMID: 24218456 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), physiologically expressed only by nervous system cells, displays a remarkable capacity to transform CD4(+) T lymphocytes and other types of nonneural cells. In this study, we report that activity of nucleophosmin (NPM)/ALK chimeric protein, the dominant form of ALK expressed in T cell lymphomas (TCLs), closely resembles cell activation induced by IL-2, the key cytokine supporting growth and survival of normal CD4(+) T lymphocytes. Direct comparison of gene expression by ALK(+) TCL cells treated with an ALK inhibitor and IL-2-dependent ALK(-) TCL cells stimulated with the cytokine revealed a very similar, albeit inverse, gene-regulation pattern. Depending on the analysis method, up to 67% of the affected genes were modulated in common by NPM/ALK and IL-2. Based on the gene expression patterns, Jak/STAT- and IL-2-signaling pathways topped the list of pathways identified as affected by both IL-2 and NPM/ALK. The expression dependence on NPM/ALK and IL-2 of the five selected genes-CD25 (IL-2Rα), Egr-1, Fosl-1, SOCS3, and Irf-4-was confirmed at the protein level. In both ALK(+) TCL and IL-2-stimulated ALK(-) TCL cells, CD25, SOCS3, and Irf-4 genes were activated predominantly by the STAT5 and STAT3 transcription factors, whereas transcription of Egr-1 and Fosl-1 was induced by the MEK-ERK pathway. Finally, we found that Egr-1, a protein not associated previously with either IL-2 or ALK, contributes to the cell proliferation. These findings indicate that NPM/ALK transforms the target CD4(+) T lymphocytes, at least in part, by using the pre-existing, IL-2-dependent signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Marzec
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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42
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Cho JH, Kim HO, Kim KS, Yang DH, Surh CD, Sprent J. Unique Features of Naive CD8+ T Cell Activation by IL-2. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:5559-73. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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43
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He D, Li M, Guo S, Zhu P, Huang H, Yan G, Wu Q, Tao S, Tan Z, Wang Y. Expression pattern of serum cytokines in hepatitis B virus infected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels. J Clin Immunol 2013; 33:1240-9. [PMID: 23954997 PMCID: PMC3782639 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-013-9931-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose About 60–80 % of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers are characterized with persistently normal alanine transaminase (ALT). Differences of cytokine expression are associated with the prognosis of HBV infection. We investigated the expression pattern of 30 cytokines associated with anti-HBV immunity in patients with normal ALT. Methods Four patient groups (immune tolerance, inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carriers, resolved hepatitis B, and control; 10 subjects per group) were assigned. Thirty cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-17A, IL-17C, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23p19, IL-28A, IL-29, CCL5, CCL16, CCL20, CCL22, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, TNFRSF8, TNFRSF18, IL-6R, gp130, and TGF-β1, were measured using a human cytokine antibody array. Signal intensities were obtained by laser scanner. Protein-protein interactions were analyzed by STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins). Results Significant differences of signal intensities were observed for IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-21, IL-23p19, IL-28A, and IL-29. The lowest intensity was in controls. Among three HBV infection groups, significant differences were observed in IL-2, IL-4, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-21, IL-23p19, and IL-29. The highest intensity was in the inactive group. All cytokines with significant differences were involved JAK-STAT signaling that up-regulate FOXP3, SOCS3 and MX1. Conclusion Differential expression of cytokines in JAK-STAT signaling is an important factor associated with prognosis of HBV infection. The elevation of γC cytokines, IL-12p70, IL-23p19, and IL-29 may promote spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion and HBV clearance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10875-013-9931-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengming He
- Institute of Infectious Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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44
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Fabbrini E, Cella M, McCartney SA, Fuchs A, Abumrad NA, Pietka TA, Chen Z, Finck BN, Han DH, Magkos F, Conte C, Bradley D, Fraterrigo G, Eagon JC, Patterson BW, Colonna M, Klein S. Association between specific adipose tissue CD4+ T-cell populations and insulin resistance in obese individuals. Gastroenterology 2013; 145:366-74.e1-3. [PMID: 23597726 PMCID: PMC3756481 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS An increased number of macrophages in adipose tissue is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction in obese people. However, little is known about other immune cells in adipose tissue from obese people, and whether they contribute to insulin resistance. We investigated the characteristics of T cells in adipose tissue from metabolically abnormal insulin-resistant obese (MAO) subjects, metabolically normal insulin-sensitive obese (MNO) subjects, and lean subjects. Insulin sensitivity was determined by using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp procedure. METHODS We assessed plasma cytokine concentrations and subcutaneous adipose tissue CD4(+) T-cell populations in 9 lean, 12 MNO, and 13 MAO subjects. Skeletal muscle and liver samples were collected from 19 additional obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery to determine the presence of selected cytokine receptors. RESULTS Adipose tissue from MAO subjects had 3- to 10-fold increases in numbers of CD4(+) T cells that produce interleukin (IL)-22 and IL-17 (a T-helper [Th] 17 and Th22 phenotype) compared with MNO and lean subjects. MAO subjects also had increased plasma concentrations of IL-22 and IL-6. Receptors for IL-17 and IL-22 were expressed in human liver and skeletal muscle samples. IL-17 and IL-22 inhibited uptake of glucose in skeletal muscle isolated from rats and reduced insulin sensitivity in cultured human hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Adipose tissue from MAO individuals contains increased numbers of Th17 and Th22 cells, which produce cytokines that cause metabolic dysfunction in liver and muscle in vitro. Additional studies are needed to determine whether these alterations in adipose tissue T cells contribute to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in obese people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fabbrini
- Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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45
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Hunter MR, Prosser ME, Mahadev V, Wang X, Aguilar B, Brown CE, Forman SJ, Jensen MC. Chimeric γc cytokine receptors confer cytokine independent engraftment of human T lymphocytes. Mol Immunol 2013; 56:1-11. [PMID: 23628622 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2013.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic responses following adoptive transfer of T cells correlate to levels of long-term T cell persistence. Lymphodepletion and exogenous γc cytokine administration can improve T cell persistence following adoptive transfer, but their effects are not uniform and toxicities are significant. To overcome these limitations, we designed a chimeric γc cytokine receptor (CγCR) composed of Interleukin-7 (IL-7) tethered to IL-7Rα/CD127 that confers exogenous cytokine independent, cell intrinsic, STAT5 cytokine signals. We additionally show that this design is modular in that the IL-2Rβ/CD122 cytoplasmic chain can be exchanged for that of IL-7Rα/CD127, enhancing Shc activity. When expressed in central memory-derived primary human CD8(+) CTL (T(E/CM)), these CγCRs signal according to their corresponding wild-type counterparts to support exogenous cytokine independent viability and homeostatic proliferation, while retaining full effector function. In vivo studies demonstrate that both CγCR-CD127(+) and CγCR-CD122(+) CD8(+) T((E/CM)) engraft in mice and persist in an absence of exogenous cytokine administration. Engrafted CγCR-CD127(+) CD8(+) T(E/CM) preferentially retain central memory marker expression in vivo demonstrating a dichotomy between CD127 versus CD122 signaling. Together, these results suggest that expression of CγCR in therapeutic T cells may aid in the in vivo persistence of these cells, particularly under conditions of limiting homeostatic cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Hunter
- Department of Cancer Immunotherapeutics & Tumor Immunology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Gerber SA, Sorensen EW, Sedlacek AL, Lim JYH, Skrombolas D, Frelinger JG, Lord EM. Local expression of interleukin-2 by B16 melanoma cells results in decreased tumour growth and long-term tumour dormancy. Immunology 2013. [PMID: 23198850 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment is complex containing not only neoplastic cells but also a variety of host cells. The heterogeneous infiltrating immune cells include subsets of cells with opposing functions, whose activities are mediated either directly or through the cytokines they produce. Systemic delivery of cytokines such as interleukin-2 ( IL-2) has been used clinically to enhance anti-tumour responses, but these molecules are generally thought to have evolved to act locally in a paracrine fashion. In this study we examined the effect of local production of IL-2 on the growth and the immune response to B16 melanoma cells. We found that the local production of IL-2 enhances the number of interferon-γ-expressing CD8 T and natural killer cells in the tumour, as well as inducing expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 on tumour vessels. These responses were largely absent in interferon-γ knockout mice. The expression of IL-2 in the tumour microenvironment decreases tumour growth despite also enhancing Foxp3(+) CD4(+) regulatory T cells and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. Higher levels of IL-2 in the tumour microenvironment eliminated the progressive growth of the B16 cells in vivo, and this inhibition was dependent on the presence of either T cells or, to a lesser extent, natural killer cells. Surprisingly however, the B16 tumours were not completely eliminated but instead were controlled for an extended period of time, suggesting that a form of tumour dormancy was established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Gerber
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rochester, NY, USA.
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47
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Perisanidis C, Kornek G, Pöschl PW, Holzinger D, Pirklbauer K, Schopper C, Ewers R. High neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an independent marker of poor disease-specific survival in patients with oral cancer. Med Oncol 2013; 30:334. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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48
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Fanning SL, Zilberberg J, Stein J, Vazzana K, Berger SA, Korngold R, Friedman TM. Unraveling graft-versus-host disease and graft-versus-leukemia responses using TCR Vβ spectratype analysis in a murine bone marrow transplantation model. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012. [PMID: 23203931 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The optimum use of allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) as a curative therapy for hematological malignancies lies in the successful separation of mature donor T cells that are host reactive and induce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) from those that are tumor reactive and mediate graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects. To study whether this separation was possible in an MHC-matched murine BMT model (B10.BR→CBA) with a CBA-derived myeloid leukemia line, MMC6, we used TCR Vβ CDR3-size spectratype analysis to first show that the Vβ13 family was highly skewed in the B10.BR anti-MMC6 CD8(+) T cell response but not in the alloresponse against recipient cells alone. Transplantation of CD8(+)Vβ13(+) T cells at the dose equivalent of their constituency in 1 × 10(7) CD8(+) T cells, a dose that had been shown to mediate lethal GVHD in recipient mice, induced a slight GVL response with no concomitant GVHD. Increasing doses of CD8(+)Vβ13(+) T cells led to more significant GVL responses but also increased GVHD symptoms and associated mortality. Subsequent spectratype analysis of GVHD target tissues revealed involvement of gut-infiltrating CD8(+)Vβ13(+) T cells accounting for the observed in vivo effects. When BMT recipients were given MMC6-presensitized CD8(+)Vβ13(+) T cells, they displayed a significant GVL response with minimal GVHD. Spectratype analysis of tumor-presensitized, gut-infiltrating CD8(+)Vβ13(+) T cells showed preferential usage of tumor-reactive CDR3-size lengths, and these cells expressed increased effector memory phenotype (CD44(+)CD62L(-/lo)). Thus, Vβ spectratyping can identify T cells involved in antihost and antitumor reactivity and tumor presensitization can aid in the separation of GVHD and GVL responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L Fanning
- John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
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Sahm C, Schönfeld K, Wels WS. Expression of IL-15 in NK cells results in rapid enrichment and selective cytotoxicity of gene-modified effectors that carry a tumor-specific antigen receptor. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:1451-61. [PMID: 22310931 PMCID: PMC11029748 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 01/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells hold promise for adoptive cancer immunotherapy but are dependent on cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2 for growth and cytotoxicity. Here, we investigated the consequences of ectopic expression of IL-15 in human NK cells. IL-2 and IL-15 belong to the common γ chain family of cytokines and have overlapping activities. Transduction of clinically applicable NK-92 cells with lentiviral vectors encoding human IL-15 resulted in predominantly intracellular expression of the cytokine, and STAT5 activation, proliferation and cytotoxicity of the producer cells in the absence of IL-2. Growth of non-transduced bystander cells was not supported, allowing rapid enrichment of gene-modified cells solely by IL-2 withdrawal. This was also the case upon transduction of NK-92 and NKL cells with a bicistronic lentiviral vector encoding IL-15 and a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the pancarcinoma antigen EpCAM. Effector cells co-expressing CAR and IL-15 continued to proliferate in the absence of exogenous cytokines and displayed high and selective cell-killing activity against EpCAM-expressing breast carcinoma cells that were resistant to the natural cytotoxicity of unmodified NK cells. This strategy facilitates rapid isolation and continuous expansion of retargeted NK cells and may extend their potential clinical utility.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Breast Neoplasms/immunology
- Breast Neoplasms/therapy
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/biosynthesis
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/immunology
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/genetics
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Interleukin-15/biosynthesis
- Interleukin-15/genetics
- Interleukin-15/immunology
- Interleukin-2/immunology
- Interleukin-2/pharmacology
- K562 Cells
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/therapy
- Melanoma/immunology
- Melanoma/therapy
- Mice
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Sahm
- Chemotherapeutisches Forschungsinstitut Georg-Speyer-Haus, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kurt Schönfeld
- Chemotherapeutisches Forschungsinstitut Georg-Speyer-Haus, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Winfried S. Wels
- Chemotherapeutisches Forschungsinstitut Georg-Speyer-Haus, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 42-44, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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50
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Carney EF, Srinivasan V, Moss PA, Taylor AM. Classical ataxia telangiectasia patients have a congenitally aged immune system with high expression of CD95. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:261-8. [PMID: 22649200 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare neurodegenerative immunodeficiency disorder caused by mutations in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated gene. Patients commonly have lymphopenia and Ig-production abnormalities. We used multicolor flow cytometry and IL-7 ELISA to investigate the effect of A-T and age on the proportions of major lymphocyte subsets and their pattern of CD95 expression in relation to IL-7 levels in 15 classical A-T patients. We also analyzed the sensitivity of T cells from four classical A-T patients to CD95-mediated apoptosis using TUNEL and caspase-activation assays. Our results confirmed lymphopenia and a deficiency in naive T and B cells in A-T patients. In contrast to controls, the proportions of naive and memory T and B cell subsets in A-T patients did not vary in relation to age. There was no evidence of a deficiency in plasma IL-7 or IL-7R expression, and IL-7 concentration correlated positively with CD95 expression on CD4(+) T cells. CD95 expression on unstimulated A-T lymphocytes was high, and the apoptotic sensitivity of activated naive and central memory T cells was increased. These findings show that the immunodeficiency in A-T patients may be described as congenitally aged and is not progressive. The naive cell deficiency is not related to a deficiency in IL-7 or its receptor. However, IL-7 may upregulate CD95 on A-T lymphocytes. High CD95 expression and increased apoptotic sensitivity of activated naive and central memory T cells may result in an increased level of CD95-mediated apoptosis, which could contribute to the congenital lymphopenia in A-T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen F Carney
- School of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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