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Li W, Wang X, Zhang X, Aziz AUR, Wang D. CAR-NK Cell Therapy: A Transformative Approach to Overcoming Oncological Challenges. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1035. [PMID: 39199421 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) in natural killer (NK) cells for cancer therapy is gaining momentum, marking a significant shift in cancer treatment. This review aims to explore the potential of CAR-NK cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy, providing a fresh perspective. It discusses the innovative approaches in CAR-NK cell design and engineering, particularly targeting refractory or recurrent cancers. By comparing CAR-NK cells with traditional therapies, the review highlights their unique ability to tackle tumor heterogeneity and immune system suppression. Additionally, it explains how novel cytokines and receptors can enhance CAR-NK cell efficacy, specificity, and functionality. This review underscores the advantages of CAR-NK cells, including reduced toxicity, lower cost, and broader accessibility compared to CAR-T cells, along with their potential in treating both blood cancers and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangshu Li
- China Key Laboratory for Early Diagnosis and Biotherapy of Malignant Tumors in Children and Women, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Group, Dalian 116012, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xiuying Wang
- China Key Laboratory for Early Diagnosis and Biotherapy of Malignant Tumors in Children and Women, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Group, Dalian 116012, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 151801, China
| | - Aziz Ur Rehman Aziz
- China Key Laboratory for Early Diagnosis and Biotherapy of Malignant Tumors in Children and Women, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Group, Dalian 116012, China
| | - Daqing Wang
- China Key Laboratory for Early Diagnosis and Biotherapy of Malignant Tumors in Children and Women, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Group, Dalian 116012, China
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Munir AZ, Gutierrez A, Qin J, Lichtman AH, Moslehi JJ. Immune-checkpoint inhibitor-mediated myocarditis: CTLA4, PD1 and LAG3 in the heart. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:540-553. [PMID: 38982146 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00715-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized oncology, with nearly 50% of all patients with cancer eligible for treatment with ICIs. However, patients on ICI therapy are at risk for immune-related toxicities that can affect any organ. Inflammation of the heart muscle, known as myocarditis, resulting from ICI targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) and PD1 ligand 1 (PDL1) is an infrequent but potentially fatal complication. ICI-mediated myocarditis (ICI-myocarditis) is a growing clinical entity given the widespread use of ICIs, its increased clinical recognition and growing use of combination ICI treatment, a well-documented risk factor for ICI-myocarditis. In this Review, we approach ICI-myocarditis from a basic and mechanistic perspective, synthesizing the recent data from both preclinical models and patient samples. We posit that mechanistic understanding of the fundamental biology of immune-checkpoint molecules may yield new insights into disease processes, which will enable improvement in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The syndrome of ICI-myocarditis is novel, and our understanding of immune checkpoints in the heart is in its nascency. Yet, investigations into the pathophysiology will inform better patient risk stratification, improved diagnostics and precision-based therapies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Z Munir
- Section of Cardio-Oncology & Immunology, Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI), University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alan Gutierrez
- Section of Cardio-Oncology & Immunology, Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI), University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Juan Qin
- Section of Cardio-Oncology & Immunology, Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI), University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew H Lichtman
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Javid J Moslehi
- Section of Cardio-Oncology & Immunology, Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI), University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Hofman T, Ng SW, Garcés-Lázaro I, Heigwer F, Boutros M, Cerwenka A. IFNγ mediates the resistance of tumor cells to distinct NK cell subsets. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009410. [PMID: 38955423 PMCID: PMC11218003 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint blockade targeting the adaptive immune system has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Despite impressive clinical benefits observed, patient subgroups remain non-responsive underscoring the necessity for combinational therapies harnessing additional immune cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are emerging tools for cancer therapy. However, only subpopulations of NK cells that are differentially controlled by inhibitory receptors exert reactivity against particular cancer types. How to leverage the complete anti-tumor potential of all NK cell subsets without favoring the emergence of NK cell-resistant tumor cells remains unresolved. METHODS We performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout resistance screen in melanoma cells in co-cultures with human primary NK cells. We comprehensively evaluated factors regulating tumor resistance and susceptibility by focusing on NK cell subsets in an allogenic setting. Moreover, we tested therapeutic blocking antibodies currently used in clinical trials. RESULTS Melanoma cells deficient in antigen-presenting or the IFNγ-signaling pathways were depleted in remaining NK cell-co-cultured melanoma cells and displayed enhanced sensitivity to NK cells. Treatment with IFNγ induced potent resistance of melanoma cells to resting, IL-2-cultured and ADCC-activated NK cells that depended on B2M required for the expression of both classical and non-classical MHC-I. IFNγ-induced expression of HLA-E mediated the resistance of melanoma cells to the NKG2A+ KIR- and partially to the NKG2A+ KIR+ NK cell subset. The expression of classical MHC-I by itself was sufficient for the inhibition of the NKG2A- KIR+, but not the NKG2A+ KIR+ NK cell subset. Treatment of NK cells with monalizumab, an NKG2A blocking mAb, enhanced the reactivity of a corresponding subset of NK cells. The combination of monalizumab with lirilumab, blocking KIR2 receptors, together with DX9, blocking KIR3DL1, was required to restore cytotoxicity of all NK cell subsets against IFNγ-induced resistant tumor cells in melanoma and tumors of different origins. CONCLUSION Our data reveal that in the context of NK cells, IFNγ induces the resistance of tumor cells by the upregulation of classical and non-classical MHC-I. Moreover, we reveal insights into NK cell subset reactivity and propose a therapeutic strategy involving combinational monalizumab/lirilumab/DX9 treatment to fully restore the antitumor response across NK cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Hofman
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Siu Wang Ng
- Signalling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Irene Garcés-Lázaro
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Florian Heigwer
- Signalling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Bingen, Bingen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- Signalling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Onuma T, Asare-Werehene M, Fujita Y, Yoshida Y, Tsang BK. Plasma Gelsolin Inhibits Natural Killer Cell Function and Confers Chemoresistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:905. [PMID: 38891037 PMCID: PMC11171658 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) overexpression in ovarian cancer (OVCA) disarms immune function, contributing to chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunoregulatory effects of pGSN expression on natural killer (NK) cell function in OVCA. OVCA tissues from primary surgeries underwent immunofluorescent staining of pGSN and the activated NK cell marker natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 1 to analyze the prognostic impact of pGSN expression and activated NK cell infiltration. The immunoregulatory effects of pGSN on NK cells were assessed using apoptosis assay, cytokine secretion, immune checkpoint-receptor expression, and phosphorylation of STAT3. In OVCA tissue analyses, activated NK cell infiltration provided survival advantages to patients. However, high pGSN expression attenuated the survival benefits of activated NK cell infiltration. In the in vitro experiment, pGSN in OVCA cells induced NK cell death through cell-to-cell contact. pGSN increased T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing-3 expression (TIM-3) on activated NK cells. Further, it decreased interferon-γ production in activated TIM-3+ NK cells, attenuating their anti-tumor effects. Thus, increased pGSN expression suppresses the anti-tumor functions of NK cells. The study provides insights into why immunotherapy is rarely effective in patients with OVCA and suggests novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshimichi Onuma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (T.O.); (M.A.-W.)
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine & The Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (CI3), Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan;
| | - Meshach Asare-Werehene
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (T.O.); (M.A.-W.)
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine & The Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (CI3), Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Yuko Fujita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan;
| | - Yoshio Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan;
| | - Benjamin K. Tsang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (T.O.); (M.A.-W.)
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine & The Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (CI3), Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
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Gómez-Valenzuela F, Wichmann I, Suárez F, Kato S, Ossandón E, Hermoso M, Fernández EA, Cuello MA. Cyclooxygenase-2 Blockade Is Crucial to Restore Natural Killer Cell Activity before Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy against High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:80. [PMID: 38201508 PMCID: PMC10778357 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation influences the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Specifically, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression promotes cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) expression. Notably, elevated COX-2 levels in the TIME have been associated with reduced response to anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy. However, the precise impact of COX-2, encoded by PTGS2, on the immune profile remains unknown. To address this, we performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis using data from the HGSOC cohorts (TCGA-OV, n = 368; Australian cohort AOCS, n = 80; GSE26193, n = 62; and GSE30161, n = 45). Employing Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), MIXTURE and Ecotyper cell deconvolution algorithms, we concluded that COX-2 was linked to immune cell ecosystems associated with shorter survival, cell dysfunction and lower NK cell effector cytotoxicity capacity. Next, we validated these results by characterizing circulating NK cells from HGSOC patients through flow cytometry and cytotoxic assays while undergoing COX-2 and CTLA-4 blockade. The blockade of COX-2 improved the cytotoxic capacity of NK cells against HGSOC cell lines. Our findings underscore the relevance of COX-2 in shaping the TIME and suggest its potential as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target. Increased COX-2 expression may hamper the effectivity of immunotherapies that require NK cell effector function. These results provide a foundation for experimental validation and clinical trials investigating combined therapies targeting COX-2 and CTLA-4 in HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernán Gómez-Valenzuela
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Ignacio Wichmann
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 833150, Chile;
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 833150, Chile
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Felipe Suárez
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Sumie Kato
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Enrique Ossandón
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Marcela Hermoso
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Immunology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8900085, Chile;
| | - Elmer A. Fernández
- Fundación para el Progreso de la Medicina (CONICET), Córdoba X5000, Argentina;
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba X5000, Argentina
| | - Mauricio A. Cuello
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 833150, Chile
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CECAN), Santiago 8330023, Chile
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6
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Cikman DI, Esen F, Engin A, Turna A, Agkoc M, Yilmaz A, Saglam OF, Deniz G, Aktas EC. Mediastinal lymph node removal modulates natural killer cell exhaustion in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Immunol Res 2023; 71:959-971. [PMID: 37583002 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally. In this study, the effect of complete removal of mediastinal lymph nodes by video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) on natural killer (NK) cell phenotype and functions in patients with NSCLC was evaluated. The study included 21 NSCLC patients (cIA-IVA) undergoing VAMLA staging and 33 healthy controls. Mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood of all participants and mediastinal lymph nodes of the patients. NK cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to define NK subsets, expressions of PD-1, CTLA-4, activating/inhibitory receptors, granzyme A, and CD107a. The plasma levels of soluble PD-1, PDL-1, and CTLA-4 were measured by ELISA. Mediastinal lymph nodes of NSCLC patients had increased ratios of exhausted NK cells, increased expression of PD-1 and IL-10, and impaired cytotoxicity. Mediastinal lymph nodes removal increased CD56dimCD16bright cytotoxic effector phenotype and reduced exhausted NK cells. PD-1+ NK cells were significantly more abundant in patients' blood, and VAMLA significantly reduced their ratio as well. The ratio of IL-10 secreting regulatory NK cells was also reduced after VAMLA. Blood NK cells had increased cytotoxic functions and spontaneous IFN-γ secretion, and these NK cell functions were also recovered by VAMLA. Mediastinal lymph node removal reversed NK cell exhaustion, reduced regulatory NK cells, and improved antitumoral functions of NK cells. Tumor-draining lymph nodes may contribute to tumor evasion from antitumoral immune responses. The role of their removal needs to be further studied both to better understand this mechanism and as a potential immunotherapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Ilke Cikman
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fehim Esen
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Engin
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Akif Turna
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melek Agkoc
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Yilmaz
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Omer Faruk Saglam
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gunnur Deniz
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esin Cetin Aktas
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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8
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Maya J. Surveying the Metabolic and Dysfunctional Profiles of T Cells and NK Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11937. [PMID: 37569313 PMCID: PMC10418326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions globally suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The inflammatory symptoms, illness onset, recorded outbreak events, and physiological variations provide strong indications that ME/CFS, at least sometimes, has an infectious origin, possibly resulting in a chronic unidentified viral infection. Meanwhile, studies exposing generalized metabolic disruptions in ME/CFS have stimulated interest in isolated immune cells with an altered metabolic state. As the metabolism dictates the cellular function, dissecting the biomechanics of dysfunctional immune cells in ME/CFS can uncover states such as exhaustion, senescence, or anergy, providing insights into the consequences of these phenotypes in this disease. Despite the similarities that are seen metabolically between ME/CFS and other chronic viral infections that result in an exhausted immune cell state, immune cell exhaustion has not yet been verified in ME/CFS. This review explores the evidence for immunometabolic dysfunction in ME/CFS T cell and natural killer (NK) cell populations, comparing ME/CFS metabolic and functional features to dysfunctional immune cell states, and positing whether anergy, exhaustion, or senescence could be occurring in distinct immune cell populations in ME/CFS, which is consistent with the hypothesis that ME/CFS is a chronic viral disease. This comprehensive review of the ME/CFS immunometabolic literature identifies CD8+ T cell exhaustion as a probable contender, underscores the need for further investigation into the dysfunctional state of CD4+ T cells and NK cells, and explores the functional implications of molecular findings in these immune-cell types. Comprehending the cause and impact of ME/CFS immune cell dysfunction is critical to understanding the physiological mechanisms of ME/CFS, and developing effective treatments to alleviate the burden of this disabling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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Yu Y. The Function of NK Cells in Tumor Metastasis and NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082323. [PMID: 37190251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumors cause the most deaths in cancer patients. Treating metastasis remains the primary goal of current cancer research. Although the immune system prevents and kills the tumor cells, the function of the immune system in metastatic cancer has been unappreciated for decades because tumors are able to develop complex signaling pathways to suppress immune responses, leading them to escape detection and elimination. Studies showed NK cell-based therapies have many advantages and promise for fighting metastatic cancers. We here review the function of the immune system in tumor progression, specifically focusing on the ability of NK cells in antimetastasis, how metastatic tumors escape the NK cell attack, as well as the recent development of effective antimetastatic immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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10
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Bergantini L, d'Alessandro M, Cavallaro D, Pordon E, Cassai L, Gangi S, Meloni F, Montagnani F, Paladini P, Refini RM, Luzzi L, Fossi A, Bargagli E, Bennett D. Immune checkpoint analysis of T-cell responses to pp65 and IE-1 antigens in end-stage lung diseases. Scand J Immunol 2023; 97:e13248. [PMID: 36574966 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lung transplant (LTX) patients are at high risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which is often associated with high mortality and morbidity. Reactivation of CMV causes cell injury due to the cytopathic effect of viral replication and triggering of T cell immunity. The aim of this study was to compare expression of immune checkpoints (ICs) (PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3 and TIGIT) in CD4, CD8 and CD56 and activation markers CD137, CD154 and CD69 of end-stage patients awaiting lung transplant. Eighteen pre-LTX positive for anti-CMV IgG titres and 18 healthy subjects were enrolled. IC and activation markers have been evaluated through flow cytometric analysis in HC and pre-LTX patients. Reactive (QF+) and unreactive (QF-) patients were stratified according to QuantiFERON-CMV assays. ICs' and activation markers' expression were determined before and after in vitro stimulation with pp-65 and IE-1 antigens. Lower expression of PD-1 was observed in CD4 and CD8 cells of pre-LTX patients than controls, whereas CTLA4 appeared upregulated in CD56 and CD8 cells. TIGIT is increased on the surface of CD4, CD8 and NK cells after peptide stimulation in QF-negative patients and PD-1 is only downregulated after stimulation in the QF-positive patients. This study provides new evidence of immune dysregulation in patients with end-stage lung disorders, particularly in relation to immune checkpoint cell biology. The change in QF+ mostly happens on cytotoxic cells NK and CD8, while the changes in QF- were observed in adaptive immune cells, including CD4 and CD8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bergantini
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Miriana d'Alessandro
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Dalila Cavallaro
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Pordon
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Cassai
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Gangi
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Meloni
- University of Pavia, pavia, Italy
- Department of Haematological, Pneumological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Montagnani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Piero Paladini
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Rosa Metella Refini
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Luzzi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Fossi
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - David Bennett
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
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11
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Dumolard L, Aspord C, Marche PN, Macek Jilkova Z. Immune checkpoints on T and NK cells in the context of HBV infection: Landscape, pathophysiology and therapeutic exploitation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148111. [PMID: 37056774 PMCID: PMC10086248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148111] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the interplay between the virus and the host immune system is crucial in determining the pathogenesis of the disease. Patients who fail to mount a sufficient and sustained anti-viral immune response develop chronic hepatitis B (CHB). T cells and natural killer (NK) cells play decisive role in viral clearance, but they are defective in chronic HBV infection. The activation of immune cells is tightly controlled by a combination of activating and inhibitory receptors, called immune checkpoints (ICs), allowing the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Chronic exposure to viral antigens and the subsequent dysregulation of ICs actively contribute to the exhaustion of effector cells and viral persistence. The present review aims to summarize the function of various ICs and their expression in T lymphocytes and NK cells in the course of HBV infection as well as the use of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting ICs in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Dumolard
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Aspord
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- R&D Laboratory, Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrice N. Marche
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- *Correspondence: Zuzana Macek Jilkova,
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12
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Azoulay T, Slouzky I, Karmona M, Filatov M, Hayun M, Ofran Y, Sarig G, Ringelstein-Harlev S. Compromised activity of natural killer cells in diffuse large b-cell lymphoma is related to lymphoma-induced modification of their surface receptor expression. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:707-718. [PMID: 36048214 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While natural killer (NK) cells are essential players in detection and elimination of malignant cells, these surveillance properties can be compromised by cancer cells. Since NK cell education primarily occurs in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissue, this process might be particularly affected by their infiltration with lymphoma cells. This study aimed to explore functional properties of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patient NK cells, which could potentially promote tumour immune evasion and disease propagation.NK cells isolated from the peripheral blood (PB) of 26 DLBCL patients and 13 age-matched healthy controls (HC) were analysed. The cytotoxic CD56dim subtype was the only one identified in patients. Compared to HC, patient cells demonstrated low levels of inhibitory CD158a/b along with decreased expression of activating NKG2D and CD161 and increased inhibitory NKG2A levels. Patient NK cell cytotoxic activity was impaired, as were their degranulation and inflammatory cytokine production, which partially recovered following non-receptor-dependant stimulation.The phenotypically skewed and restricted population of patient NK cells, along with their blunted cytotoxic and immune-regulatory activity, appear to be driven by exposure to lymphoma environment. These NK cell functional aberrations could support lymphoma immune evasion and should be considered in the era of cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tehila Azoulay
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ilana Slouzky
- Hematology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Karmona
- Hematology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Michal Hayun
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yishai Ofran
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Hematology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Galit Sarig
- Hematology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel. .,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Shimrit Ringelstein-Harlev
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel. .,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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13
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PD1, CTLA4 and TIGIT Expression on T and NK Cells in Granulomatous Diseases: Sarcoidosis and ANCA-Associated Vasculitis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010256. [PMID: 36613701 PMCID: PMC9820065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous diseases affecting the lungs. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a histologically granulomatous B-mediated disorder characterized by activated T cells. The expression of immune checkpoint (IC) molecules (PD1, CTLA4, TIGIT) on T- and NK-cells negatively regulate the T-cell immune function. The present study aimed to explore the peripheral distribution of IC molecules to better elucidate their peripheral tolerance failure, which might reflect the development of diseases. Patients referred to Respiratory Diseases and Rheumatology Unit of Siena University Hospital were prospectively and consecutively enrolled. Healthy subjects were also enrolled as a control group. Multicolor flow cytometric analysis was performed to detect IC molecules in the peripheral blood of patients. Twenty-three patients were consecutively and prospectively enrolled in the study: 11 patients had an AAV diagnosis and 12 had sarcoidosis. CD4+PD1+ cells were higher in sarcoidosis and GPA than in HC (p = 0.0250 and p = 0.0253, respectively). CD56+CTLA4+ were higher in sarcoidosis than GPA, MPA and HC (p = 0.0085, p = 0.0042 and p = 0.0004, respectively). CTLA4+NK cells clustered for 100% of sarcoidosis patients according to decision tree analysis, while PD1+CD4 and CD8 cells for clustered for 100% of GPA patients. Our analyses showed substantial differences between sarcoidosis and AAV, further confirming the immunological peculiarity of this disease. Despite these advances, the pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, indicating an urgent need for further research to reveal the distinct immunological events in this process, with the hope to open up new therapeutic avenues and, if possible, to develop preventive measures.
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14
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Leveraging Natural Killer Cell Innate Immunity against Hematologic Malignancies: From Stem Cell Transplant to Adoptive Transfer and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010204. [PMID: 36613644 PMCID: PMC9820370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous recent advancements in T-cell based immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies. In the race towards the first approved allogeneic cellular therapy product, there is growing interest in utilizing natural killer (NK) cells as a platform for off-the-shelf cellular therapies due to their scalable manufacturing potential, potent anti-tumor efficacy, and superior safety profile. Allogeneic NK cell therapies are now being actively explored in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and adoptive transfer. Increasingly sophisticated gene editing techniques have permitted the engineering of chimeric antigen receptors, ectopic cytokine expression, and tumor recognition signals to improve the overall cytotoxicity of NK cell therapies. Furthermore, the enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity has been achieved through the use of NK cell engagers and combination regimens with monoclonal antibodies that act synergistically with CD16-expressing NK cells. Finally, a greater understanding of NK cell biology and the mechanisms of resistance have allowed the preclinical development of NK checkpoint blockade and methods to modulate the tumor microenvironment, which have been evaluated in early phase trials. This review will discuss the recent clinical advancements in NK cell therapies in hematologic malignancies as well as promising avenues of future research.
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15
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Bahmanyar M, Vakil MK, Al-Awsi GRL, Kouhpayeh SA, Mansoori Y, Mansoori B, Moravej A, Mazarzaei A, Ghasemian A. Anticancer traits of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)-Natural Killer (NK) cells as novel approaches for melanoma treatment. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1220. [PMID: 36434591 PMCID: PMC9701052 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10320-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to non-responsiveness of a high number of patients to the common melanoma therapies, seeking novel approaches seem as an unmet requirement. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells were initially employed against recurrent or refractory B cell malignancies. However, advanced stages or pretreated patients have insufficient T cells (lymphopenia) amount for collection and clinical application. Additionally, this process is time-consuming and logistically cumbersome. Another limitation of this approach is toxicity and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) progress and neurotoxicity syndrome (NS). Natural killer (NK) cells are a versatile component of the innate immunity and have several advantages over T cells in the application for therapies such as availability, unique biological features, safety profile, cost effectiveness and higher tissue residence. Additionally, CAR NK cells do not develop Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and are independent of host HLA genotype. Notably, the NK cells number and activity is affected in the tumor microenvironment (TME), paving the way for developing novel approaches by enhancing their maturation and functionality. The CAR NK cells short lifespan is a double edge sword declining toxicity and reducing their persistence. Bispecific and Trispecific Killer Cell Engagers (BiKE and Trike, respectively) are emerging and promising immunotherapies for efficient antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). CAR NK cells have some limitations in terms of expanding and transducing NK cells from donors to achieve clinical response. Clinical trials are in scarcity regarding the CAR NK cell-based cancer therapies. The CAR NK cells short life span following irradiation before infusion limits their efficiency inhibiting their in vivo expansion. The CAR NK cells efficacy enhancement in terms of lifespan TME preparation and stability is a goal for melanoma treatment. Combination therapies using CAR NK cells and chemotherapy can also overcome therapy limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bahmanyar
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazem Vakil
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Amin Kouhpayeh
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Yaser Mansoori
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Behnam Mansoori
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Ali Moravej
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdulbaset Mazarzaei
- grid.512728.b0000 0004 5907 6819Department of Immunology, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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16
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Yenyuwadee S, Aliazis K, Wang Q, Christofides A, Shah R, Patsoukis N, Boussiotis VA. Immune cellular components and signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:187-201. [PMID: 35985559 PMCID: PMC10735089 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade there has been a revolution in cancer therapeutics by the emergence of antibody-based and cell-based immunotherapies that modulate immune responses against tumors. These new therapies have extended and improved the therapeutic efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy and have offered treatment options to patients who are no longer responding to these classic anti-cancer treatments. Unfortunately, tumor eradication and long-lasting responses are observed in a small fraction of patients, whereas the majority of patients respond only transiently. These outcomes indicate that the maximum potential of immunotherapy has not been reached due to incomplete knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide the development of successful anti-tumor immunity and its failure. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries about the immune cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the role of key signaling mechanisms that compromise the function of immune cells leading to cancer immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasitorn Yenyuwadee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Konstantinos Aliazis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Qi Wang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Anthos Christofides
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Rushil Shah
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Nikolaos Patsoukis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Vassiliki A Boussiotis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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17
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d'Alessandro M, Bergantini L, Mezzasalma F, Cavallaro D, Gangi S, Baglioni S, Armati M, Abbritti M, Cattelan S, Cameli P, Bargagli E. Immune-Checkpoint Expression on CD4, CD8 and NK Cells in Blood, Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Lymph Nodes of Sarcoidosis. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:437-449. [PMID: 35761164 PMCID: PMC9276617 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00596-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Sarcoidosis features non-necrotizing granulomas consisting mainly of activated CD4-lymphocytes. T-cell activation is regulated by immune checkpoint (IC) molecules. The present study aimed to compare IC expression on CD4, CD8 and NK cells from peripheral, alveolar and lung‐draining lymph node (LLN) samples of sarcoidosis patients. Methods Flow-cytometry analysis was performed to detect IC molecules and a regression decision tree model was constructed to investigate potential binary classifiers for sarcoidosis diagnosis as well as for the IC distribution. Results Fourteen patients (7 females) were consecutively recruited in the study; all enrolled patients showed hilo-mediastinal lymph node enlargement and lung parenchyma involvement with chest X-rays and high resolution computed tomography. CD4+PD1+ and CD8+PD1+ were higher in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) than in LLN (p = 0.0159 and p = 0.0439, respectively). CD4+ T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT)+ were higher in BAL than in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (p = 0.0239), while CD8+TIGIT+ were higher in PBMC than in BAL (p = 0.0386). CD56+TIGIT+ were higher in LLN than in PBMC (p = 0.0126). The decision-tree model showed the best clustering cells of PBMC, BAL and LLN: CD56, CD4/CD8 and CD4+TIGIT+ cells. Considering patients and controls, the best subset was CD4+CTLA-4+. Conclusion High expression of PD1 and TIGIT on T cells in BAL, as well as CTLA-4 and TIGIT on T cells in LLN, suggest that inhibition of these molecules could be a therapeutic strategy for avoiding the development of chronic inflammation and tissue damage in sarcoidosis patients. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40291-022-00596-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriana d'Alessandro
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, Siena University Hospital, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Laura Bergantini
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, Siena University Hospital, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Mezzasalma
- Diagnostic and Interventional Bronchoscopy Unit, Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, University Hospital of Siena (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Dalila Cavallaro
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, Siena University Hospital, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Gangi
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, Siena University Hospital, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Martina Armati
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, Siena University Hospital, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Cattelan
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, Siena University Hospital, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Cameli
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, Siena University Hospital, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Diseases and Lung Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences & Neurosciences, Siena University Hospital, Viale Bracci 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
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18
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Dunai C, Ames E, Ochoa MC, Fernandez-Sendin M, Melero I, Simonetta F, Baker J, Alvarez M. Killers on the loose: Immunotherapeutic strategies to improve NK cell-based therapy for cancer treatment. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 370:65-122. [PMID: 35798507 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that control tumor progression by not only directly killing cancer cells, but also by regulating other immune cells, helping to orchestrate a coordinated anti-tumor response. However, despite the tremendous potential that this cell type has, the clinical results obtained from diverse NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies have been, until recent years, rather modest. The intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that are involved in the control of their activation as well as the multiple mechanisms that tumor cells have developed to escape NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity likely account for the unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The current approaches to improve long-term NK cell function are centered on modulating different molecules involved in both the activation and inhibition of NK cells, and the latest data seems to advocate for combining strategies that target multiple aspects of NK cell regulation. In this review, we summarize the different strategies (such as engineered NK cells, CAR-NK, NK cell immune engagers) that are currently being used to take advantage of this potent and complex immune cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Dunai
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Ames
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maria C Ochoa
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; Translational Research Centre in Onco-Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeanette Baker
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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19
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Zhao SJ, Muyayalo KP, Luo J, Huang D, Mor G, Liao AH. Next generation of immune checkpoint molecules in maternal-fetal immunity. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:40-54. [PMID: 35234305 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Successful pregnancy is a unique situation requires the maternal immune system to recognize and tolerate a semi-identical fetus and allow normal invasion of trophoblast cells. Although efforts have been made, the deep mechanisms of the maternal-fetal crosstalk have not yet been fully deciphered. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) are a group of negative modulators of the immune response that avoid immune damage. They have been extensively studied in the fields of oncology and transplantation, while the latest evidence suggests that they are closely associated with pregnancy outcomes via multiple inhibitory mechanisms. Although studies have mostly demonstrated the regulatory role of the well-known PD-1, CTLA-4 at the maternal-fetal interface, what is unique about the newly discovered multiple ICMs remains a mystery. Here, we review the latest knowledge on ICMs, focusing on the first generation of checkpoints (PD-1, CTLA-4) and the next generation (Tim-3, Tigit, Lag-3, VISTA) highlighting their immunoregulatory roles in maternal-fetal tolerance and decidual vascular remodeling, and their involvement in pathological pregnancies. The content covers three aspects: the characteristics they possess, the dynamic expression profile of their expression at the maternal-fetal interface, and their involvement in pathological pregnancy. In immunotherapy strategies for pregnancy complications, upregulation of immune checkpoints may play a role. Meanwhile, the impact on pregnancy outcomes when using ICMs in clinical cancer treatment during pregnancy is a topic worth exploring. These may serve as a guide for future basic research and clinical applications of maternal-fetal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Jia Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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20
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Michel T, Ollert M, Zimmer J. A Hot Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Natural Killer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020797. [PMID: 35054985 PMCID: PMC8776043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in recent years, the therapeutic approach of the multiple different forms of human cancer often remains a challenge. Besides the well-established cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapeutic strategies gain more and more attention, and some of them have already been successfully introduced into the clinic. Among these, immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is considered as one of the most promising options. In the present review, we will expose the different possibilities NK cells offer in this context, compare data about the theoretical background and mechanism(s) of action, report some results of clinical trials and identify several very recent trends. The pharmaceutical industry is quite interested in NK cell immunotherapy, which will benefit the speed of progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Michel
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
| | - Markus Ollert
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
- Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis (ORCA), Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
- Correspondence:
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