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Qu Y, Zeng A, Cheng Y, Li S. Natural killer cell memory: challenges and opportunities for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2376410. [PMID: 38987282 PMCID: PMC11238922 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2376410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Substantial advancements have been made in recent years in comprehending immune memory, which enhances the secondary response through prior infections. The ability of vertebrate T and B lymphocytes to exhibit classic recall responses has long been regarded as a distinguishing characteristic. However, natural killer (NK) cells have been found to acquire immunological memory in a manner akin to T and B cells. The fundamental principles derived from the investigation of NK cell memory offer novel insights into innate immunity and have the potential to pave the way for innovative strategies to enhance therapeutic interventions against multiple diseases including cancer. Here, we reviewed the fundamental characteristics, memory development and regulatory mechanism of NK cell memory. Moreover, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the accomplishments, obstacles, and future direction pertaining to the utilization of NK cell memory in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Qu
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Anhui Zeng
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulu Cheng
- Department of Disinfection Supply Center, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Miao N, Cao D, Jin J, Ma G, Yu H, Qu J, Li G, Gao C, Dong D, Xia F, Li W. Tumor cell-intrinsic Piezo2 drives radioresistance by impairing CD8+ T cell stemness maintenance. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20231486. [PMID: 39167075 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231486] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Changes in mechanosensitive ion channels following radiation have seldom been linked to therapeutic sensitivity or specific factors involved in antitumor immunity. Here, in this study, we found that the mechanical force sensor, Piezo2, was significantly upregulated in tumor cells after radiation, and Piezo2 knockout in tumor cells enhanced tumor growth suppression by radiotherapy. Specifically, loss of Piezo2 in tumor cells induced their IL-15 expression via unleashing JAK2/STAT1/IRF-1 axis after radiation. This increase in IL-15 activates IL-15Rα on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, thereby leading to their augmented effector and stem cell-like properties, along with reduced terminal exhausted feature. Importantly, Piezo2 expression was negatively correlated with CD8 infiltration, as well as with radiosensitivity of patients with rectum adenocarcinoma receiving radiotherapy treatment. Together, our findings reveal that tumor cell-intrinsic Piezo2 induces radioresistance by dampening the IRF-1/IL-15 axis, thus leading to impaired CD8+ T cell-dependent antitumor responses, providing insights into the further development of combination strategies to treat radioresistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naijun Miao
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongqing Cao
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingsi Jin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guizhi Ma
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haihui Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Junwen Qu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guiping Li
- Core Facility of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Caixia Gao
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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3
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Wang ZB, Zhang X, Fang C, Liu XT, Liao QJ, Wu N, Wang J. Immunotherapy and the ovarian cancer microenvironment: Exploring potential strategies for enhanced treatment efficacy. Immunology 2024; 173:14-32. [PMID: 38618976 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13793] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in cancer immunotherapy, ovarian cancer (OC) prognosis continues to be disappointing. Recent studies have shed light on how not just tumour cells, but also the complex tumour microenvironment, contribute to this unfavourable outcome of OC immunotherapy. The complexities of the immune microenvironment categorize OC as a 'cold tumour'. Nonetheless, understanding the precise mechanisms through which the microenvironment influences the effectiveness of OC immunotherapy remains an ongoing scientific endeavour. This review primarily aims to dissect the inherent characteristics and behaviours of diverse cells within the immune microenvironment, along with an exploration into its reprogramming and metabolic changes. It is expected that these insights will elucidate the operational dynamics of the immune microenvironment in OC and lay a theoretical groundwork for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in OC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Bin Wang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Xiu Zhang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Fang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Liu
- The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Qian-Jin Liao
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Hunan Gynecological Tumor Clinical Research Center; Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism; Hunan Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Public Service Platform of Tumor Organoids Technology, Changsha, China
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4
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Shanley M, Daher M, Dou J, Li S, Basar R, Rafei H, Dede M, Gumin J, Pantaleόn Garcίa J, Nunez Cortes AK, He S, Jones CM, Acharya S, Fowlkes NW, Xiong D, Singh S, Shaim H, Hicks SC, Liu B, Jain A, Zaman MF, Miao Q, Li Y, Uprety N, Liu E, Muniz-Feliciano L, Deyter GM, Mohanty V, Zhang P, Evans SE, Shpall EJ, Lang FF, Chen K, Rezvani K. Interleukin-21 engineering enhances NK cell activity against glioblastoma via CEBPD. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:1450-1466.e11. [PMID: 39137729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with limited therapeutic options. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells with strong anti-tumor activity and may offer a promising treatment strategy for GBM. We compared the anti-GBM activity of NK cells engineered to express interleukin (IL)-15 or IL-21. Using multiple in vivo models, IL-21 NK cells were superior to IL-15 NK cells both in terms of safety and long-term anti-tumor activity, with locoregionally administered IL-15 NK cells proving toxic and ineffective at tumor control. IL-21 NK cells displayed a unique chromatin accessibility signature, with CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP), especially CEBPD, serving as key transcription factors regulating their enhanced function. Deletion of CEBPD resulted in loss of IL-21 NK cell potency while its overexpression increased NK cell long-term cytotoxicity and metabolic fitness. These results suggest that IL-21, through C/EBP transcription factors, drives epigenetic reprogramming of NK cells, enhancing their anti-tumor efficacy against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Shanley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Jinzhuang Dou
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Sufang Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Rafet Basar
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Merve Dede
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Joy Gumin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Jezreel Pantaleόn Garcίa
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Ana Karen Nunez Cortes
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Shan He
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Corry M Jones
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Sunil Acharya
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Natalie W Fowlkes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Donghai Xiong
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Hila Shaim
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Samantha Claire Hicks
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Abhinav Jain
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Mohammad Fayyad Zaman
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Qi Miao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Nadima Uprety
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Enli Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Luis Muniz-Feliciano
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Gary M Deyter
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Vakul Mohanty
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Patrick Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Scott E Evans
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Frederick F Lang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA.
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Xin Q, Chen Y, Sun X, Li R, Wu Y, Huang X. CAR-T therapy for ovarian cancer: Recent advances and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116349. [PMID: 38852648 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common gynecological tumor with high mortality, which is difficult to control its progression with conventional treatments and is prone to recurrence. Recent studies have identified OC as an immunogenic tumor that can be recognized by the host immune system. Immunotherapy for OC is being evaluated, but approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitors have limited efficacy, adoptive cell therapy is an alternative therapy, in which CAR(chimeric antigen receptor)-T therapy has been applied to the clinical treatment of hematological malignancies. In addition, CAR-NK and CAR-macrophage (CAR-M) have also shown great potential in the treatment of solid tumors. Here, we discuss recent advances in preclinical and clinical studies of CAR-T for OC treatment, introduce the efforts made by researchers to modify the structure of CAR in order to achieve effective OC immunotherapy, as well as the research status of CAR-NK and CAR-M, and highlight emerging therapeutic opportunities that can be utilized to improve the survival of patients with OC using CAR-based adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianling Xin
- Anhui Women and Children's Medical Center, Hefei Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Yizhao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojing Sun
- Anhui Women and Children's Medical Center, Hefei Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Ruilin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei First People's Hospital, Hefei, China.
| | - Yujing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Xuegui Huang
- Anhui Women and Children's Medical Center, Hefei Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hefei, China.
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Matson AW, Hullsiek R, Dixon KJ, Wang S, Lindstedt AJ, Friess RR, Phung SK, Freedman TS, Felices M, Truckenbrod EN, Wu J, Miller JS, Walcheck B. Enhanced IL-15-mediated NK cell activation and proliferation by an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody involves CD16A, CD137, and accessory cells. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008959. [PMID: 39053944 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-008959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are being extensively studied as a cell therapy for cancer. These cells are activated by recognition of ligands and antigens on tumor cells. Cytokine therapies, such as IL-15, are also broadly used to stimulate endogenous and adoptively transferred NK cells in patients with cancer. These stimuli activate the membrane protease ADAM17, which cleaves various cell-surface receptors on NK cells as a negative feedback loop to limit their cytolytic function. ADAM17 inhibition can enhance IL-15-mediated NK cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of this process. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or enriched NK cells from human peripheral blood, either unlabeled or labeled with a cell proliferation dye, were cultured for up to 7 days in the presence of rhIL-15±an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody. Different fully human versions of the antibody were generated; Medi-1 (IgG1), Medi-4 (IgG4), Medi-PGLALA, Medi-F(ab')2, and TAB16 (anti-ADAM17 and anti-CD16 bispecific) to modulate CD16A binding. Flow cytometry was used to assess NK cell proliferation and phenotypic markers, immunoblotting to examine CD16A signaling, and IncuCyte-based live cell imaging to measure NK cell antitumor activity. RESULTS The ADAM17 function-blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) Medi-1 markedly increased early NK cell activation by IL-15. By using different engineered versions of the antibody, we demonstrate involvement by CD16A, an activating Fcγ receptor and well-described ADAM17 substrate. Hence, Medi-1 when bound to ADAM17 on NK cells is engaged by CD16A and blocks its shedding, inducing and prolonging its signaling. This process did not promote evident NK cell fratricide or dysfunction. Synergistic signaling by Medi-1 and IL-15 enhanced the upregulation of CD137 on CD16A+ NK cells and augmented their proliferation in the presence of PBMC accessory cells or an anti-CD137 agonistic mAb. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal for the first time that CD16A and CD137 underpin Medi-1 enhancement of IL-15-driven NK cell activation and proliferation, respectively, with the latter requiring PBMC accessory cells. The use of Medi-1 represents a novel strategy to enhance IL-15-driven NK cell proliferation, and it may be of therapeutic importance by increasing the antitumor activity of NK cells in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders W Matson
- Graduate Program in Comparative and Molecular Biosciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rob Hullsiek
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kate J Dixon
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sam Wang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anders J Lindstedt
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ryan R Friess
- Graduate Program in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shee Kwan Phung
- Graduate Program in Comparative and Molecular Biosciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tanya S Freedman
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Martin Felices
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emily N Truckenbrod
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jianming Wu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bruce Walcheck
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Feng P, Luo L, Yang Q, Meng W, Guan Z, Li Z, Sun G, Dong Z, Yang M. Hippo kinases Mst1 and Mst2 maintain NK cell homeostasis by orchestrating metabolic state and transcriptional activity. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:430. [PMID: 38898027 PMCID: PMC11187177 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06828-x] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immune response against viral infections and tumors. However, further investigation is needed to better understand the key molecules responsible for determining the fate and function of NK cells. In this study, we made an important discovery regarding the involvement of the Hippo kinases Mst1 and Mst2 as novel regulators in maintaining mouse NK cell homeostasis. The presence of high Mst1 and Mst2 (Mst1/2) activity in NK cells is essential for their proper development, survival and function in a canonical Hippo signaling independent mode. Mechanistically, Mst1/2 induce cellular quiescence by regulating the processes of proliferation and mitochondrial metabolism, thereby ensuring the development and survival of NK cells. Furthermore, Mst1/2 effectively sense IL-15 signaling and facilitate the activation of pSTAT3-TCF1, which contributes to NK cell homeostasis. Overall, our investigation highlights the crucial role of Mst1/2 as key regulators in metabolic reprogramming and transcriptional regulation for mouse NK cell survival and function, emphasizing the significance of cellular quiescence during NK cell development and functional maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiran Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China
| | - Liang Luo
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Quanli Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital(Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Wanqing Meng
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zerong Guan
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhizhong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Guodong Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhongjun Dong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and Institute for Clinical Immunology, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Meixiang Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China.
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital(Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-free animals and Microbiota Application, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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8
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Valdes AM, Ikram A, Taylor LA, Zheng A, Kouraki A, Kelly A, Ashraf W, Vijay A, Miller S, Nightingale J, Selby NM, Ollivere BJ. Preoperative inflammatory biomarkers reveal renal involvement in postsurgical mortality in hip fracture patients: an exploratory study. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1372079. [PMID: 38919625 PMCID: PMC11197399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1372079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hip fractures in frail patients result in excess mortality not accounted for by age or comorbidities. The mechanisms behind the high risk of mortality remain undetermined but are hypothesized to be related to the inflammatory status of frail patients. Methods In a prospective observational exploratory cohort study of hospitalized frail hip fracture patients, 92 inflammatory markers were tested in pre-operative serum samples and markers were tested against 6-month survival post-hip fracture surgery and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). After correcting for multiple testing, adjustments for comorbidities and demographics were performed on the statistically significant markers. Results Of the 92 markers tested, circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and interleukin-15 receptor alpha (IL15RA), both involved in renal disease, were significantly correlated with 6-month mortality (27.5% overall) after correcting for multiple testing. The incidence of postoperative AKI (25.4%) was strongly associated with 6-month mortality, odds ratio = 10.57; 95% CI [2.76-40.51], and with both markers plus estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)- cystatin C (CYSC) but not eGFR-CRE. The effect of these markers on mortality was significantly mediated by their effect on postoperative AKI. Conclusion High postoperative mortality in frail hip fracture patients is highly correlated with preoperative biomarkers of renal function in this pilot study. The effect of preoperative circulating levels of FGF-23, IL15RA, and eGFR-CYSC on 6-month mortality is in part mediated by their effect on postoperative AKI. Creatinine-derived preoperative renal function measures were very poorly correlated with postoperative outcomes in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Valdes
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Adeel Ikram
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren A. Taylor
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Zheng
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Afroditi Kouraki
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Kelly
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Waheed Ashraf
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amrita Vijay
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Miller
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Nightingale
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas M. Selby
- Centre for Kidney Research and Innovation, Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin J. Ollivere
- Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Lao Y, Cui X, Xu Z, Yan H, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Geng L, Li B, Lu Y, Guan Q, Pu X, Zhao S, Zhu J, Qin X, Sun B. Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase suppresses tumor progression and shapes an anti-tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00369-6. [PMID: 38825017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Crotonylation, a crotonyl-CoA-based non-enzymatic protein translational modification, affects diverse biological processes, such as spermatogenesis, tissue injury, inflammation, and neuropsychiatric diseases. Crotonylation is decreased in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), but the mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we aim to describe the role of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) in tumor suppression. METHODS Three cohorts containing 40, 248 and 17 pairs of samples were used to evaluate the link between GCDH expression levels and clinical characteristics of HCC, as well as responses to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment. Subcutaneous xenograft, orthotopic xenograft, Trp53Δhep/Δhep; MYC- and Ctnnboe;METoe-driven mouse models were adopted to validate the effects of GCDH on HCC suppression. RESULTS GCDH depletion promoted HCC growth and metastasis, whereas its overexpression reversed these processes. As GCDH converts glutaryl-CoA to crotonyl-CoA to increase crotonylation levels, we performed lysine crotonylome analysis and identified the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and glycolysis-related proteins PGD, TKT, and ALDOC as GCDH-induced crotonylation targets. Crotonyl-bound targets showed allosteric effects that controlled their enzymatic activities, leading to decreases in ribose 5-phosphate and lactate production, further limiting the Warburg effect. PPP blockade also stimulated peroxidation, synergizing with senescent modulators to induce senescence in GCDHhigh cells. These cells induced the infiltration of immune cells by the SASP (senescence-associated secretory cell phenotype) to shape an anti-tumor immune microenvironment. Meanwhile, the GCDHlow population was sensitized to anti-PD-1 therapy. CONCLUSION GCDH inhibits HCC progression via crotonylation-induced suppression of the PPP and glycolysis, resulting in HCC cell senescence. The senescent cell further shapes an anti-tumor microenvironment via the SASP. The GCDHlow population is responsive to anti-PD-1 therapy because of the increased presence of PD-1+CD8+ T cells. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) is a favorable prognostic indicator in liver, lung, and renal cancers. In addition, most GCDH depletion-induced toxic metabolites originate from the liver, accumulate locally, and cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Herein, we show that GCDH inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression via crotonylation-induced suppression of the pentose phosphate pathway and glycolysis, resulting in HCC cell senescence. We also found that more PD-1+CD8+ T cells are present in the GCDHlow population, who are thus more responsive to anti-PD-1 therapy. Given that the GCDHlow and GCDHhigh HCC population can be distinguished based on serum glucose and ammonia levels, it will be worthwhile to evaluate the curative effects of pro-senescent and immune-therapeutic strategies based on the expression levels of GCDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxiang Lao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Innovative Institute of Tumor Immunity and Medicine (ITIM); Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohan Cui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhu Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Innovative Institute of Tumor Immunity and Medicine (ITIM); Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hongyao Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Innovative Institute of Tumor Immunity and Medicine (ITIM); Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zechuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Innovative Institute of Tumor Immunity and Medicine (ITIM); Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenwei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Longpo Geng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Innovative Institute of Tumor Immunity and Medicine (ITIM); Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Binghua Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Innovative Institute of Tumor Immunity and Medicine (ITIM); Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yijun Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Innovative Institute of Tumor Immunity and Medicine (ITIM); Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qifei Guan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Innovative Institute of Tumor Immunity and Medicine (ITIM); Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohong Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing Jiangsu, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- The iHuman Institute, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiapeng Zhu
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing Jiangsu, China
| | - Xihu Qin
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Jiangsu, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China; Innovative Institute of Tumor Immunity and Medicine (ITIM); Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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10
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Vahidi S, Zabeti Touchaei A, Samadani AA. IL-15 as a key regulator in NK cell-mediated immunotherapy for cancer: From bench to bedside. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112156. [PMID: 38669950 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin 15 (IL-15) has emerged as a crucial factor in the relationship between natural killer (NK) cells and immunotherapy for cancer. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of IL-15 in NK cell-mediated immunotherapy. First, the key role of IL-15 signaling in NK cell immunity is discussed, highlighting its regulation of NK cell functions and antitumor properties. Furthermore, the use of IL-15 or its analogs in clinical trials as a therapeutic strategy for various cancers, including the genetic modification of NK cells to produce IL-15, has been explored. The potential of IL-15-based therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T and NK cell infusion along with IL-15 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and other treatments, has been examined. This review also addresses the challenges and advantages of incorporating IL-15 in cell-based immunotherapy. Additionally, unresolved questions regarding the detection and biological significance of the soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complex, as well as the potential role of IL-15/IL-15Rα in human cancer and the immunological consequences of prolonged exposure to soluble IL-15 for NK cells, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sogand Vahidi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Akbar Samadani
- Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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11
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Matson AW, Hullsiek RH, Dixon KJ, Wang S, Lindstedt AJ, Friess RR, Phung SK, Freedman TS, Felices M, Truckenbrod EN, Wu J, Miller JS, Walcheck B. Enhanced IL-15-mediated NK cell activation and proliferation by an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody involves CD16A, CD137, and accessory cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593347. [PMID: 38798522 PMCID: PMC11118905 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background NK cells are being extensively studied as a cell therapy for cancer. Their effector functions are induced by the recognition of ligands on tumor cells and by various cytokines. IL-15 is broadly used to stimulate endogenous and adoptively transferred NK cells in cancer patients. These stimuli activate the membrane protease ADAM17, which then cleaves assorted receptors on the surface of NK cells as a negative feedback loop to limit their activation and function. We have shown that ADAM17 inhibition can enhance IL-15-mediated NK cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo . In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of this process. Methods PBMCs or enriched NK cells from human peripheral blood, either unlabeled or labeled with a cell proliferation dye, were cultured for up to 7 days in the presence of rhIL-15 +/- an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody. Different versions of the antibody were generated; Medi-1 (IgG1), Medi-4 (IgG4), Medi-PGLALA, Medi-F(ab') 2 , and TAB16 (anti-ADAM17 and anti-CD16 bispecific) to modulate CD16A engagement on NK cells. Flow cytometry was used to assess NK cell proliferation and phenotypic markers, immunoblotting to examine CD16A signaling, and IncuCyte-based live cell imaging to measure NK cell anti-tumor activity. Results The ADAM17 function-blocking mAb Medi-1 markedly increased initial NK cell activation by IL-15. Using different engineered versions of the antibody revealed that the activating Fcγ receptor CD16A, a well-described ADAM17 substrate, was critical for enhancing IL-15 stimulation. Hence, Medi-1 bound to ADAM17 on NK cells can be engaged by CD16A and block its shedding, inducing and prolonging its signaling. This process did not promote evident NK cell fratricide, phagocytosis, or dysfunction. Synergistic activity by Medi-1 and IL-15 enhanced the upregulation of CD137 on CD16A + NK cells and augmented their proliferation in the presence of PBMC accessory cells. Conclusions Our data reveal for the first time that CD16A and CD137 underpin Medi-1 enhancement of IL-15-driven NK cell activation and proliferation, respectively. The use of Medi-1 represents a novel strategy to enhance IL-15-driven NK cell proliferation, and it may be of therapeutic importance by increasing the anti-tumor activity of NK cells in cancer patients. What is already known on this topic NK cell therapies are being broadly investigated to treat cancer. NK cell stimulation by IL-15 prolongs their survival in cancer patients. Various stimuli including IL-15 activate ADAM17 in NK cells, a membrane protease that regulates the cell surface density of various receptors as a negative feedback mechanism. What this study adds Treating NK cells with the ADAM17 function-blocking mAb Medi-1 markedly enhanced their activation and proliferation. Our study reveals that the Fc and Fab regions of Medi-1 function synergistically with IL-15 in NK cell activation. Medi-1 treatment augments the upregulation of CD137 by NK cells, which enhances their proliferation in the presence of PBMC accessory cells. How this study might affect research practice or policy Our study is of translational importance as Medi-1 treatment in combination with IL-15 could potentially augment the proliferation and function of endogenous or adoptively transferred NK cells in cancer patients. Graphical abstract
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Zhong Z, Deng W, Wu J, Shang H, Tong Y, He Y, Huang Q, Ba X, Chen Z, Tang K. Cell membrane coated nanoparticles as a biomimetic drug delivery platform for enhancing cancer immunotherapy. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:8708-8738. [PMID: 38634521 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00284a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, a burgeoning modality for cancer treatment, operates by activating the autoimmune system to impede the growth of malignant cells. Although numerous immunotherapy strategies have been employed in clinical cancer therapy, the resistance of cancer cells to immunotherapeutic medications and other apprehensions impede the attainment of sustained advantages for most patients. Recent advancements in nanotechnology for drug delivery hold promise in augmenting the efficacy of immunotherapy. However, the efficacy is currently constrained by the inadequate specificity of delivery, low rate of response, and the intricate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this context, the investigation of cell membrane coated nanoparticles (CMNPs) has revealed their ability to perform targeted delivery, immune evasion, controlled release, and immunomodulation. By combining the advantageous features of natural cell membranes and nanoparticles, CMNPs have demonstrated their unique potential in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. This review aims to emphasize recent research progress and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CMNPs as an innovative drug delivery platform for enhancing cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive overview of the current immunotherapeutic strategies involving different cell membrane types of CMNPs, with the intention of further exploration and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Zhong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Haojie Shang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Qiu Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiaozhuo Ba
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
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13
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Li L, Xia X, Yang T, Sun Y, Liu X, Xu W, Lu M, Cui D, Wu Y. RNA methylation: A potential therapeutic target in autoimmune disease. Int Rev Immunol 2024; 43:160-177. [PMID: 37975549 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2023.2280544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are caused by the body's immune response to autoantigens. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is unclear. Numerous studies have demonstrated that RNA methylation plays a key role in disease progression, which is essential for post-transcriptional regulation and has gradually become a broad regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression in various physiological processes, including RNA nuclear output, translation, splicing, and noncoding RNA processing. Here, we outline the writers, erasers, and readers of RNA methylation, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 2'-O-methylation (Nm), 2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytidine (m5C) and N7-methylguanosine (m7G). As the role of RNA methylation modifications in the immune system and diseases is explained, the potential treatment value of these modifications has also been demonstrated. This review reports the relationship between RNA methylation and autoimmune diseases, highlighting the need for future research into the therapeutic potential of RNA modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Li
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Xiaoping Xia
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Tian Yang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Yuchao Sun
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Xueke Liu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Wei Xu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Mei Lu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Dawei Cui
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingping Wu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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Suzuki T, Chéret J, Scala FD, Rajabi-Estarabadi A, Akhundlu A, Demetrius DL, Gherardini J, Keren A, Harries M, Rodriguez-Feliz J, Epstein G, Lee W, Purba T, Gilhar A, Paus R. Interleukin-15 is a hair follicle immune privilege guardian. J Autoimmun 2024; 145:103217. [PMID: 38581915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The autoimmunity-promoting cytokine, Interleukin-15 (IL-15), is often claimed to be a key pathogenic cytokine in alopecia areata (AA). Yet, rhIL-15 promotes human hair follicle (HF) growth ex vivo. We have asked whether the expression of IL-15 and its receptor (IL-15R) isoforms is altered in human AA and how IL-15 impacts on human HF immune privilege (HF-IP) in the presence/absence of interferon-γ (IFNγ), the well-documented key AA-pathogenic cytokine, as well as on hair regrowth after experimental AA induction in vivo. Quantitative immunohistomorphometry showed the number of perifollicular IL-15+ T cells in AA skin biopsies to be significantly increased compared to healthy control skin, while IL-15, IL-15Rα, and IL-15Rγ protein expression within the hair bulb were significantly down-regulated in AA HFs. In organ-cultured human scalp HFs, rhIL-15 significantly reduced hair bulb expression of MICA, the key "danger" signal in AA pathogenesis, and increased production of the HF-IP guardian, α-MSH. Crucially, ex vivo, rhIL-15 prevented IFNγ-induced HF-IP collapse, restored a collapsed HF-IP by IL-15Rα-dependent signaling (as documented by IL-15Rα-silencing), and protected AA-preventive immunoinhibitory iNKT10 cells from IFNγ-induced apoptosis. rhIL-15 even promoted hair regrowth after experimental AA induction in human scalp skin xenotransplants on SCID/beige mice in vivo. Our data introduce IL-15 as a novel, functionally important HF-IP guardian whose signaling is constitutively defective in scalp HFs of AA patients. Our data suggest that selective stimulation of intrafollicular IL-15Rα signaling could become a novel therapeutic approach in AA management, while blocking it pharmacologically may hinder both HF-IP restoration and hair re-growth and may thus make HFs more vulnerable to AA relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Suzuki
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jérémy Chéret
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fernanda D Scala
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ali Rajabi-Estarabadi
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Dermatology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Aysun Akhundlu
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dana-Lee Demetrius
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Gherardini
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Aviad Keren
- Skin Research Laboratory, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Matthew Harries
- Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Salford Royal Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M6 8HD, UK
| | | | - Gorana Epstein
- Foundation for Hair Restoration, 33143, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Wendy Lee
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Talveen Purba
- Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Amos Gilhar
- Skin Research Laboratory, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ralf Paus
- Dr. Phillip Frost Dept. of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; CUTANEON - Skin & Hair Innovations, Hamburg, Germany.
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15
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Guo Z, Ye J, Cheng X, Wang T, Zhang Y, Yang K, Du S, Li P. Nanodrug Delivery Systems in Antitumor Immunotherapy. Biomater Res 2024; 28:0015. [PMID: 38840653 PMCID: PMC11045275 DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become one of the most important factors threatening human health, and the global cancer burden has been increasing rapidly. Immunotherapy has become another clinical research hotspot after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy because of its high efficiency and tumor metastasis prevention. However, problems such as lower immune response rate and immune-related adverse reaction in the clinical application of immunotherapy need to be urgently solved. With the development of nanodrug delivery systems, various nanocarrier materials have been used in the research of antitumor immunotherapy with encouraging therapeutic results. In this review, we mainly summarized the combination of nanodrug delivery systems and immunotherapy from the following 4 aspects: (a) nanodrug delivery systems combined with cytokine therapy to improve cytokines delivery in vivo; (b) nanodrug delivery systems provided a suitable platform for the combination of immune checkpoint blockade therapy with other tumor treatments; (c) nanodrug delivery systems helped deliver antigens and adjuvants for tumor vaccines to enhance immune effects; and (d) nanodrug delivery systems improved tumor treatment efficiency and reduced toxicity for adoptive cell therapy. Nanomaterials chosen by researchers to construct nanodrug delivery systems and their function were also introduced in detail. Finally, we discussed the current challenges and future prospects in combining nanodrug delivery systems with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishuo Guo
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jinhong Ye
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xuehao Cheng
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Tieshan Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- YiDu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, Shandong 262500, China
| | - Kaili Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | | | - Pengyue Li
- Address correspondence to: (P.L.); (S.D.)
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van Hees EP, Morton LT, Remst DFG, Wouters AK, Van den Eynde A, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MH. Self-sufficient primary natural killer cells engineered to express T cell receptors and interleukin-15 exhibit improved effector function and persistence. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368290. [PMID: 38690288 PMCID: PMC11058644 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368290] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background NK cells can be genetically engineered to express a transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR). This approach offers an alternative strategy to target heterogenous tumors, as NK:TCR cells can eradicate both tumor cells with high expression of HLA class I and antigen of interest or HLA class I negative tumors. Expansion and survival of NK cells relies on the presence of IL-15. Therefore, autonomous production of IL-15 by NK:TCR cells might improve functional persistence of NK cells. Here we present an optimized NK:TCR product harnessed with a construct encoding for soluble IL-15 (NK:TCR/IL-15), to support their proliferation, persistence and cytotoxic capabilities. Methods Expression of tumor-specific TCRs in peripheral blood derived NK-cells was achieved following retroviral transduction. NK:TCR/IL-15 cells were compared with NK:TCR cells for autonomous cytokine production, proliferation and survival. NK:BOB1-TCR/IL-15 cells, expressing a HLA-B*07:02-restricted TCR against BOB1, a B-cell lineage specific transcription factor highly expressed in all B-cell malignancies, were compared with control NK:BOB1-TCR and NK:CMV-TCR/IL-15 cells for effector function against TCR antigen positive malignant B-cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Results Viral incorporation of the interleukin-15 gene into engineered NK:TCR cells was feasible and high expression of the TCR was maintained, resulting in pure NK:TCR/IL-15 cell products generated from peripheral blood of multiple donors. Self-sufficient secretion of IL-15 by NK:TCR cells enables engineered NK cells to proliferate in vitro without addition of extra cytokines. NK:TCR/IL-15 demonstrated a marked enhancement of TCR-mediated cytotoxicity as well as enhanced NK-mediated cytotoxicity resulting in improved persistence and performance of NK:BOB1-TCR/IL-15 cells in an orthotopic multiple myeloma mouse model. However, in contrast to prolonged anti-tumor reactivity by NK:BOB1-TCR/IL-15, we observed in one of the experiments an accumulation of NK:BOB1-TCR/IL-15 cells in several organs of treated mice, leading to unexpected death 30 days post-NK infusion. Conclusion This study showed that NK:TCR/IL-15 cells secrete low levels of IL-15 and can proliferate in an environment lacking cytokines. Repeated in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the effectiveness and target specificity of our product, in which addition of IL-15 supports TCR- and NK-mediated cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els P. van Hees
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Laura T. Morton
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dennis F. G. Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anne K. Wouters
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Astrid Van den Eynde
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Mirjam H.M. Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
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17
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Colucci M, Zumerle S, Bressan S, Gianfanti F, Troiani M, Valdata A, D'Ambrosio M, Pasquini E, Varesi A, Cogo F, Mosole S, Dongilli C, Desbats MA, Contu L, Revankdar A, Chen J, Kalathur M, Perciato ML, Basilotta R, Endre L, Schauer S, Othman A, Guccini I, Saponaro M, Maraccani L, Bancaro N, Lai P, Liu L, Pernigoni N, Mele F, Merler S, Trotman LC, Guarda G, Calì B, Montopoli M, Alimonti A. Retinoic acid receptor activation reprograms senescence response and enhances anti-tumor activity of natural killer cells. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:646-661.e9. [PMID: 38428412 PMCID: PMC11003464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Cellular senescence can exert dual effects in tumors, either suppressing or promoting tumor progression. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), released by senescent cells, plays a crucial role in this dichotomy. Consequently, the clinical challenge lies in developing therapies that safely enhance senescence in cancer, favoring tumor-suppressive SASP factors over tumor-promoting ones. Here, we identify the retinoic-acid-receptor (RAR) agonist adapalene as an effective pro-senescence compound in prostate cancer (PCa). Reactivation of RARs triggers a robust senescence response and a tumor-suppressive SASP. In preclinical mouse models of PCa, the combination of adapalene and docetaxel promotes a tumor-suppressive SASP that enhances natural killer (NK) cell-mediated tumor clearance more effectively than either agent alone. This approach increases the efficacy of the allogenic infusion of human NK cells in mice injected with human PCa cells, suggesting an alternative therapeutic strategy to stimulate the anti-tumor immune response in "immunologically cold" tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Colucci
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne UNIL, CH1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sara Zumerle
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM) & Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Bressan
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM) & Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Gianfanti
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM) & Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Troiani
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland; Bioinformatics Core Unit, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, TI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Aurora Valdata
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) ETH Zurich, Zurich, CH, Switzerland
| | - Mariantonietta D'Ambrosio
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK
| | - Emiliano Pasquini
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Angelica Varesi
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Cogo
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Simone Mosole
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Dongilli
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Andrea Desbats
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM) & Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Liliana Contu
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM) & Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ajinkya Revankdar
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Madhuri Kalathur
- Children's GMP, LLC, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Mail Stop 920 Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Maria Luna Perciato
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK
| | - Rossella Basilotta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 viale Ferdinando D'Alcontres, Italy
| | - Laczko Endre
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETHZ and University of Zurich, Zurich, CH, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETHZ and University of Zurich, Zurich, CH, Switzerland
| | - Alaa Othman
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETHZ and University of Zurich, Zurich, CH, Switzerland
| | - Ilaria Guccini
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) ETH Zurich, Zurich, CH, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Saponaro
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM) & Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luisa Maraccani
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM) & Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicolò Bancaro
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ping Lai
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Lei Liu
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Nicolò Pernigoni
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Federico Mele
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Sara Merler
- Section of Innovation Biomedicine - Oncology Area, Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona and Verona University and Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Lloyd C Trotman
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Greta Guarda
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Bianca Calì
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM) & Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Alimonti
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), CH6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH6900 Lugano, Switzerland; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM) & Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) ETH Zurich, Zurich, CH, Switzerland; Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
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18
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Nuszkiewicz J, Wróblewska J, Budek M, Czuczejko J, Woźniak A, Maruszak-Parda M, Szewczyk-Golec K. Exploring the Link between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Head and Neck Cancer: Understanding the Impact of Smoking as a Cancer-Predisposing Factor. Biomedicines 2024; 12:748. [PMID: 38672104 PMCID: PMC11048483 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with significant morbidity globally, with smoking recognized as a key risk factor. This study investigates the interplay between smoking and inflammatory biomarkers in HNC development. The study involved 50 HNC patients, divided into smoking and non-smoking groups, and a control group of 30 healthy individuals. Serum levels of 48 cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and other inflammatory markers were meticulously assessed. Significant differences in the levels of an extensive panel of inflammatory markers were observed between the patient groups and healthy controls. Elevated macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in both HNC groups implicated increased activity in pathways known for immunomodulation, proliferation, and angiogenesis during HNC cancerogenesis. In contrast, non-smokers with HNC demonstrated higher levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interleukin 15 (IL-15), suggesting a more robust immune response. Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) levels were particularly high in smokers with HNC. Smoking seems to alter the levels of crucial biomarkers in HNC, potentially affecting disease progression and responses to treatment. The data indicate that smokers may experience a more aggressive cancer phenotype, while non-smokers maintain a profile suggestive of a more active and effective immune response against HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Nuszkiewicz
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 24 Karłowicza St., 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (J.W.); (M.B.); (A.W.); (K.S.-G.)
| | - Joanna Wróblewska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 24 Karłowicza St., 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (J.W.); (M.B.); (A.W.); (K.S.-G.)
| | - Marlena Budek
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 24 Karłowicza St., 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (J.W.); (M.B.); (A.W.); (K.S.-G.)
| | - Jolanta Czuczejko
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 9 M. Curie Skłodowskiej St., 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, 2 Dr I. Romanowskiej St., 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Alina Woźniak
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 24 Karłowicza St., 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (J.W.); (M.B.); (A.W.); (K.S.-G.)
| | - Marta Maruszak-Parda
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, 2 Dr I. Romanowskiej St., 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Karolina Szewczyk-Golec
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 24 Karłowicza St., 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (J.W.); (M.B.); (A.W.); (K.S.-G.)
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19
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Yang R, Gu C, Xie F, Hong S, Herth FJF, Sun J. Potential of Thermal Ablation Combined with Immunotherapy in Peripheral Lung Tumors: A Review and Prospect. Respiration 2024; 103:295-316. [PMID: 38498991 DOI: 10.1159/000538383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung tumors are prevalent malignancies associated with a high mortality rate, imposing significant medical and societal burdens. Although immunotherapy shows promise in improving survival, response rates are relatively modest. Thermal ablation can not only eliminate tumor cells directly but also enhance antitumor immunity response, thus manifesting a remarkable propensity to synergize with immunotherapy. SUMMARY In this review, we provided a brief overview of the application of thermal ablation in peripheral lung tumors. We summarized the patient selection of thermal ablation. We highlighted the potential of thermal ablation to augment the antitumor immune response, offering a promising avenue for combined therapies. We summarized studies assessing the synergistic effects of thermal ablation and immunotherapy in preclinical and clinical settings. Lastly, we underscored the urgent issues that warrant in-depth exploration when applying thermal ablation and immunotherapy to lung tumor patients. KEY MESSAGES This review emphasized the prospects of using thermal ablation combined with immunotherapy in patients with peripheral lung tumors. However, further research is needed to enhance and optimize this treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yang
- Department of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanjia Gu
- Department of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangfang Xie
- Department of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyuan Hong
- Department of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
| | - Felix J F Herth
- Pneumology and Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jiayuan Sun
- Department of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Respiratory Endoscopy, Shanghai, China
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20
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Stenger TD, Miller JS. Therapeutic approaches to enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356666. [PMID: 38545115 PMCID: PMC10966407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells has emerged as a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy, due to their pivotal role in immune surveillance and tumor clearance. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of therapeutic approaches designed to augment NK cell cytotoxicity. We analyze a wide range of strategies, including cytokine-based treatment, monoclonal antibodies, and NK cell engagers, and discuss criteria that must be considered when selecting an NK cell product to combine with these strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and limitations associated with each therapeutic strategy, as well as the potential for combination therapies to maximize NK cell cytotoxicity while minimizing adverse effects. By exploring the wealth of research on this topic, this literature review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to develop and implement novel therapeutic strategies that harness the full potential of NK cells in the fight against cancer. Enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity holds great promise in the evolving landscape of immunotherapy, and this review serves as a roadmap for understanding the current state of the field and the future directions in NK cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terran D. Stenger
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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21
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Wang M, Krueger JB, Gilkey AK, Stelljes EM, Kluesner MG, Pomeroy EJ, Skeate JG, Slipek NJ, Lahr WS, Vázquez PNC, Zhao Y, Eaton EJ, Laoharawee K, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Precision Enhancement of CAR-NK Cells through Non-Viral Engineering and Highly Multiplexed Base Editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.582637. [PMID: 38496503 PMCID: PMC10942345 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.582637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells' unique ability to kill transformed cells expressing stress ligands or lacking major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) has prompted their development for immunotherapy. However, NK cells have demonstrated only moderate responses against cancer in clinical trials and likely require advanced genome engineering to reach their full potential as a cancer therapeutic. Multiplex genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 base editors (BE) has been used to enhance T cell function and has already entered clinical trials but has not been reported in human NK cells. Here, we report the first application of BE in primary NK cells to achieve both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations. We observed highly efficient single and multiplex base editing, resulting in significantly enhanced NK cell function. Next, we combined multiplex BE with non-viral TcBuster transposon-based integration to generate IL-15 armored CD19 CAR-NK cells with significantly improved functionality in a highly suppressive model of Burkitt's lymphoma both in vitro and in vivo. The use of concomitant non-viral transposon engineering with multiplex base editing thus represents a highly versatile and efficient platform to generate CAR-NK products for cell-based immunotherapy and affords the flexibility to tailor multiple gene edits to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy for the cancer type being treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joshua B Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexandria K Gilkey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Erin M Stelljes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mitchell G Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph G Skeate
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patricia N Claudio Vázquez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yueting Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ella J Eaton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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22
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Deng D, Hao T, Lu L, Yang M, Zeng Z, Lovell JF, Liu Y, Jin H. Applications of Intravital Imaging in Cancer Immunotherapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:264. [PMID: 38534538 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, immunotherapy is one of the most effective treatment strategies for cancer. However, the efficacy of any specific anti-tumor immunotherapy can vary based on the dynamic characteristics of immune cells, such as their rate of migration and cell-to-cell interactions. Therefore, understanding the dynamics among cells involved in the immune response can inform the optimization and improvement of existing immunotherapy strategies. In vivo imaging technologies use optical microscopy techniques to visualize the movement and behavior of cells in vivo, including cells involved in the immune response, thereby showing great potential for application in the field of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we briefly introduce the technical aspects required for in vivo imaging, such as fluorescent protein labeling, the construction of transgenic mice, and various window chamber models. Then, we discuss the elucidation of new phenomena and mechanisms relating to tumor immunotherapy that has been made possible by the application of in vivo imaging technology. Specifically, in vivo imaging has supported the characterization of the movement of T cells during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and the kinetic analysis of dendritic cell migration in tumor vaccine therapy. Finally, we provide a perspective on the challenges and future research directions for the use of in vivo imaging technology in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deqiang Deng
- College of Biomedicine and Health and College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tianli Hao
- College of Biomedicine and Health and College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lisen Lu
- College of Biomedicine and Health and College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Muyang Yang
- College of Biomedicine and Health and College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- College of Biomedicine and Health and College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jonathan F Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Yushuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Honglin Jin
- College of Biomedicine and Health and College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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23
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Hou Y, Zhao X, Nie X. Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of NK cells in the treatment of ovarian cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 51:50. [PMID: 38299257 PMCID: PMC10851334 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a prevalent gynecological malignancy associated with a high mortality rate and a low 5‑year survival rate. Typically, >70% of patients present with an advanced stage of the disease, resulting in a high number of ovarian cancer‑associated deaths worldwide. Over the past decade, adoptive cellular immunotherapy has been investigated in clinical trials, and the results have led to the increased use in cancer treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphoid cells that recognize and lyse transformed cells, thereby impeding tumor growth. Thus, NK cells exhibit potential as a form of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. However, some patients with ovarian cancer treated with NK cells have experienced unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, further optimization of NK cells is required to increase the number of patients achieving long‑term remission. In the present review article, studies focusing on improving NK cell function were systematically summarized, and innovative strategies that augment the anticancer properties of NK cells were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Xiujun Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqian Nie
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
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24
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Feng Y, Zhang H, Shao J, Du C, Zhou X, Guo X, Wang Y. Research Progress of Nanomaterials Acting on NK Cells in Tumor Immunotherapy and Imaging. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:153. [PMID: 38534423 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The prognosis for cancer patients has declined dramatically in recent years due to the challenges in treating malignant tumors. Tumor immunotherapy, which includes immune target inhibition and chimeric antigen receptor cell treatment, is currently evolving quickly. Among them, natural killer (NK) cells are gradually becoming another preferred cell immunotherapy after T cell immunotherapy due to their unique killing effects in innate and adaptive immunity. NK cell therapy has shown encouraging outcomes in clinical studies; however, there are still some problems, including limited efficacy in solid tumors, inadequate NK cell penetration, and expensive treatment expenses. Noteworthy benefits of nanomaterials include their chemical specificity, biocompatibility, and ease of manufacturing; these make them promising instruments for enhancing NK cell anti-tumor immune responses. Nanomaterials can promote NK cell homing and infiltration, participate in NK cell modification and non-invasive cell tracking and imaging modes, and greatly increase the effectiveness of NK cell immunotherapy. The introduction of NK cell-based immunotherapy research and a more detailed discussion of nanomaterial research in NK cell-based immunotherapy and molecular imaging will be the main topics of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachan Feng
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Haojie Zhang
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Jiangtao Shao
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Chao Du
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhou
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Xueling Guo
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Yingze Wang
- College of Food Science and Biology, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
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25
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Lee H, Park SH, Shin EC. IL-15 in T-Cell Responses and Immunopathogenesis. Immune Netw 2024; 24:e11. [PMID: 38455459 PMCID: PMC10917573 DOI: 10.4110/in.2024.24.e11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
IL-15 belongs to the common gamma chain cytokine family and has pleiotropic immunological functions. IL-15 is a homeostatic cytokine essential for the development and maintenance of NK cells and memory CD8+ T cells. In addition, IL-15 plays a critical role in the activation, effector functions, tissue residency, and senescence of CD8+ T cells. IL-15 also activates virtual memory T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T cells and γδ T cells. Recently, IL-15 has been highlighted as a major trigger of TCR-independent activation of T cells. This mechanism is involved in T cell-mediated immunopathogenesis in diverse diseases, including viral infections and chronic inflammatory diseases. Deeper understanding of IL-15-mediated T-cell responses and their underlying mechanisms could optimize therapeutic strategies to ameliorate host injury by T cell-mediated immunopathogenesis. This review highlights recent advancements in comprehending the role of IL-15 in relation to T cell responses and immunopathogenesis under various host conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoyoung Lee
- The Center for Viral Immunology, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- The Center for Viral Immunology, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
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26
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Dean I, Lee CYC, Tuong ZK, Li Z, Tibbitt CA, Willis C, Gaspal F, Kennedy BC, Matei-Rascu V, Fiancette R, Nordenvall C, Lindforss U, Baker SM, Stockmann C, Sexl V, Hammond SA, Dovedi SJ, Mjösberg J, Hepworth MR, Carlesso G, Clatworthy MR, Withers DR. Rapid functional impairment of natural killer cells following tumor entry limits anti-tumor immunity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:683. [PMID: 38267402 PMCID: PMC10808449 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44789-z] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune cell dysfunction within the tumor microenvironment (TME) undermines the control of cancer progression. Established tumors contain phenotypically distinct, tumor-specific natural killer (NK) cells; however, the temporal dynamics, mechanistic underpinning and functional significance of the NK cell compartment remains incompletely understood. Here, we use photo-labeling, combined with longitudinal transcriptomic and cellular analyses, to interrogate the fate of intratumoral NK cells. We reveal that NK cells rapidly lose effector functions and adopt a distinct phenotypic state with features associated with tissue residency. NK cell depletion from established tumors did not alter tumor growth, indicating that intratumoral NK cells cease to actively contribute to anti-tumor responses. IL-15 administration prevented loss of function and improved tumor control, generating intratumoral NK cells with both tissue-residency characteristics and enhanced effector function. Collectively, our data reveals the fate of NK cells after recruitment into tumors and provides insight into how their function may be revived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Dean
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Colin Y C Lee
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zewen K Tuong
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zhi Li
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christopher A Tibbitt
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claire Willis
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fabrina Gaspal
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Bethany C Kennedy
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Veronika Matei-Rascu
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rémi Fiancette
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Caroline Nordenvall
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Pelvic Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrik Lindforss
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Pelvic Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Syed Murtuza Baker
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Science, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Veronika Sexl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Jenny Mjösberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Lung and Allergy Research, Medical unit for Lung and Allergy Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew R Hepworth
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Menna R Clatworthy
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
| | - David R Withers
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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27
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Di Castro MA, Garofalo S, Mormino A, Carbonari L, Di Pietro E, De Felice E, Catalano M, Maggi L, Limatola C. Interleukin-15 alters hippocampal synaptic transmission and impairs episodic memory formation in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:652-666. [PMID: 37992787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are potent immunomodulators exerting pleiotropic effects in the central nervous system (CNS). They influence neuronal functions and circuit activities with effects on memory processes and behaviors. Here, we unravel a neuromodulatory activity of interleukin-15 (IL-15) in mouse brain. Acute exposure of hippocampal slices to IL-15 enhances gamma-aminobutyricacid (GABA) release and reduces glutamatergic currents, while chronic treatment with IL-15 increases the frequency of hippocampal miniature inhibitory synaptic transmission and impairs memory formation in the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Moreover, we describe that serotonin is involved in mediating the hippocampal effects of IL-15, because a selective 5-HT3A receptor antagonist prevents the effects on inhibitory neurotransmission and ameliorates mice performance in the NOR test. These findings provide new insights into the modulatory activities of cytokines in the CNS, with implications on behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Amalia Di Castro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Garofalo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mormino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Carbonari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Di Pietro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora De Felice
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Myriam Catalano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Maggi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Limatola
- IRCCS Neuromed Via Atinese 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur, Italy.
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28
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Pan W, Tao T, Qiu Y, Zhu X, Zhou X. Natural killer cells at the forefront of cancer immunotherapy with immune potency, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104231. [PMID: 38070841 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are vital components of the human immune system, acting as innate lymphocytes and playing a crucial role in immune surveillance. Their unique ability to independently eliminate target cells without antigen contact or antibodies has sparked interest in immunological research. This review examines recent NK cell developments and applications, encompassing immune functions, interactions with target cells, genetic engineering techniques, pharmaceutical interventions, and implications in cancers. Insights into NK cell regulation emerge, with a focus on promising genetic engineering like CAR-engineered NK cells, enhancing specificity against tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors also enhance NK cells' potential in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology's emergence as a tool for targeted drug delivery to improve NK cell therapies is explored. In conclusion, NK cells are pivotal in immunity, holding exciting potential in cancer immunotherapy. Ongoing research promises novel therapeutic strategies, advancing immunotherapy and medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Pan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China; School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Yishu Qiu
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Computational Systems Biology Lab (CSBL), The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Xiaorong Zhou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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29
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Luo M, Gong W, Zhang Y, Li H, Ma D, Wu K, Gao Q, Fang Y. New insights into the stemness of adoptively transferred T cells by γc family cytokines. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:347. [PMID: 38049832 PMCID: PMC10694921 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has exhibited excellent antitumoral efficacy exemplified by the clinical breakthrough of chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T) in hematologic malignancies. It relies on the pool of functional T cells to retain the developmental potential to serially kill targeted cells. However, failure in the continuous supply and persistence of functional T cells has been recognized as a critical barrier to sustainable responses. Conferring stemness on infused T cells, yielding stem cell-like memory T cells (TSCM) characterized by constant self-renewal and multilineage differentiation similar to pluripotent stem cells, is indeed necessary and promising for enhancing T cell function and sustaining antitumor immunity. Therefore, it is crucial to identify TSCM cell induction regulators and acquire more TSCM cells as resource cells during production and after infusion to improve antitumoral efficacy. Recently, four common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc) family cytokines, encompassing interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21, have been widely used in the development of long-lived adoptively transferred TSCM in vitro. However, challenges, including their non-specific toxicities and off-target effects, have led to substantial efforts for the development of engineered versions to unleash their full potential in the induction and maintenance of T cell stemness in ACT. In this review, we summarize the roles of the four γc family cytokines in the orchestration of adoptively transferred T cell stemness, introduce their engineered versions that modulate TSCM cell formation and demonstrate the potential of their various combinations. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Luo
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjian Gong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuewen Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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30
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Balzasch BM, Cerwenka A. Microenvironmental signals shaping NK-cell reactivity in cancer. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250103. [PMID: 37194594 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250103] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Since the postulation of the "missing-self" concept, much progress has been made in defining requirements for NK-cell activation. Unlike T lymphocytes that process signals from receptors in a hierarchic manner dominated by the T-cell receptors, NK cells integrate receptor signals more "democratically." Signals originate not only the downstream of cell-surface receptors triggered by membrane-bound ligands or cytokines, but are also mediated by specialized microenvironmental sensors that perceive the cellular surrounding by detecting metabolites or the availability of oxygen. Thus, NK-cell effector functions are driven in an organ and disease-dependent manner. Here, we review the latest findings on how NK-cell reactivity in cancer is determined by the reception and integration of complex signals. Finally, we discuss how this knowledge can be exploited to guide novel combinatorial approaches for NK-cell-based anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca M Balzasch
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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31
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Cimpean M, Keppel MP, Gainullina A, Fan C, Sohn H, Schedler NC, Swain A, Kolicheski A, Shapiro H, Young HA, Wang T, Artyomov MN, Cooper MA. IL-15 Priming Alters IFN-γ Regulation in Murine NK Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1481-1493. [PMID: 37747317 PMCID: PMC10873103 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
NK effector functions can be triggered by inflammatory cytokines and engagement of activating receptors. NK cell production of IFN-γ, an important immunoregulatory cytokine, exhibits activation-specific IFN-γ regulation. Resting murine NK cells exhibit activation-specific metabolic requirements for IFN-γ production, which are reversed for activating receptor-mediated stimulation following IL-15 priming. Although both cytokine and activating receptor stimulation leads to similar IFN-γ protein production, only cytokine stimulation upregulates Ifng transcript, suggesting that protein production is translationally regulated after receptor stimulation. Based on these differences in IFN-γ regulation, we hypothesized that ex vivo IL-15 priming of murine NK cells allows a switch to IFN-γ transcription upon activating receptor engagement. Transcriptional analysis of primed NK cells compared with naive cells or cells cultured with low-dose IL-15 demonstrated that primed cells strongly upregulated Ifng transcript following activating receptor stimulation. This was not due to chromatin accessibility changes in the Ifng locus or changes in ITAM signaling, but was associated with a distinct transcriptional signature induced by ITAM stimulation of primed compared with naive NK cells. Transcriptional analyses identified a common signature of c-Myc (Myc) targets associated with Ifng transcription. Although Myc marked NK cells capable of Ifng transcription, Myc itself was not required for Ifng transcription using a genetic model of Myc deletion. This work highlights altered regulatory networks in IL-15-primed cells, resulting in distinct gene expression patterns and IFN-γ regulation in response to activating receptor stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cimpean
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Molly P. Keppel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Anastasiia Gainullina
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Changxu Fan
- Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hyogon Sohn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nathan C. Schedler
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Amanda Swain
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ana Kolicheski
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hannah Shapiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Howard A. Young
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maxim N. Artyomov
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Megan A. Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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32
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Mansour AG, Teng KY, Li Z, Zhu Z, Chen H, Tian L, Ali A, Zhang J, Lu T, Ma S, Lin CM, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Off-the-shelf CAR-engineered natural killer cells targeting FLT3 enhance killing of acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6225-6239. [PMID: 37379267 PMCID: PMC10582841 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) succumb to the disease or its complications, especially among older patients. Natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to have antileukemic activity in patients with AML; however, to our knowledge, primary NK cells armed with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting antigens associated with AML as an "off-the-shelf" product for disease control have not been explored. We developed frozen, off-the-shelf allogeneic human NK cells engineered with a CAR recognizing FLT3 and secreting soluble interleukin-15 (IL-15) (FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK) to improve in vivo NK cell persistence and T-cell activation. FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells had higher cytotoxicity and interferon gamma secretion against FLT3+ AML cell lines when compared with activated NK cells lacking an FLT3 CAR or soluble IL-15. Frozen and thawed allogeneic FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells prolonged survival of both the MOLM-13 AML model as well as an orthotopic patient-derived xenograft AML model when compared with control NK cells. FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells showed no cytotoxicity against healthy blood mononuclear cells or hematopoietic stem cells. Collectively, our data suggest that FLT3 is an AML-associated antigen that can be targeted by frozen, allogeneic, off-the-shelf FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells that may provide a novel approach for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony G. Mansour
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kun-Yu Teng
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zhiyao Li
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zheng Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hanyu Chen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Aliya Ali
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Chih-Min Lin
- Department of Cellular Immunotherapy GMP Manufacturing, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michael A. Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- President, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
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Ma S, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Harnessing Natural Killer Cells for Lung Cancer Therapy. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3327-3339. [PMID: 37531223 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although natural killer (NK) cells are garnering interest as a potential anticancer therapy because they selectively recognize and eliminate cancer cells, their use in treating solid tumors, including lung cancer, has been limited due to impediments to their efficacy, such as their limited ability to reach tumor tissues, the reduced antitumor activity of tumor-infiltrating NK cells, and the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the cross-talk between the lung cancer TME and NK cells. We highlight the various mechanisms used by the TME to modulate NK-cell phenotypes and limit infiltration, explore the role of the TME in limiting the antitumor activity of NK cells, and discuss the current challenges and obstacles that hinder the success of NK-cell-based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Potential opportunities and promising strategies to address these challenges have been implemented or are being developed to optimize NK-cell-based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Through critical evaluation of existing literature and emerging trends, this review provides a comprehensive outlook on the future of NK-cell-based immunotherapy for treating lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
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Hosseini R, Hosseinzadeh N, Asef-Kabiri L, Akbari A, Ghezelbash B, Sarvnaz H, Akbari ME. Small extracellular vesicle TGF-β in cancer progression and immune evasion. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1309-1322. [PMID: 37344681 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00638-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a well-known cytokine that controls various processes in normal physiology and disease context. Strong preclinical and clinical literature supports the crucial roles of the TGF-β in several aspects of cancer biology. Recently emerging evidence reveals that the release of TGF-β from tumor/immune/stromal cells in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) plays an important part in tumor development and immune evasion. Hence, this review aims to address the packaging, release, and signaling pathways of TGF-β carried in sEVs (sEV-TGF-β) in cancer, and to explore its underpinning roles in tumor development, growth, progression, metastasis, etc. We also highlight key progresses in deciphering the roles of sEV-TGF-β in subverting anti-tumor immune responses. The paper ends with a focus on the clinical significance of TGF-β carried in sEVs and draws attention to its diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Hosseini
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nashmin Hosseinzadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Asef-Kabiri
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Akbari
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrooz Ghezelbash
- Laboratory Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Sarvnaz
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Yan W, Li Y, Zou Y, Zhu R, Wu T, Sun X, Yuan W, Lang T, Yin Q, Li Y. Breaking Tumor Immunosuppressive Network by Regulating Multiple Nodes with Triadic Drug Delivery Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2023; 17:17826-17844. [PMID: 37690028 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Inside the tumor microenvironment, a complicated immunosuppressive network is constituted by tumor cells and suppressive immune cells as its nodes, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and regulatory T cells, which have mutual promotion on each other and superimposed inhibition on natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells. Breaking the whole balance of this web is critical to tumor immunotherapy since modulation on a single node may be diluted by other factors in the network. To achieve multifaceted regulation on antitumor immunity against triple-negative breast cancer, in this work, a micelle, termed BEM, co-delivering the MDSC inhibitor, entinostat (ENT), and the immune checkpoint inhibitor, BMS-1, was constructed with pH-sensitive amphiphilic poly(β-amino ester) derivatives. Then, BEM and the scavenger receptor A (SR-A) ligand dextran sulfate (DXS) formed a negatively charged nanoparticle (BEN). DXS detached from BEN in the weakly acidic tumor microenvironment and blocked SR-A on TAMs, reprogramming TAMs toward the M1 type. The positively charged BEM with facilitated intratumoral penetration and cellular uptake dissociated in the lysosomes, accompanied by the release of ENT and BMS-1 to suppress MDSCs and block the programmed cell death protein (PD)-1/PD-ligand 1 pathway, respectively. As a result, NK cells and CD8+ T cells in tumors were increased, as were their effector cytokines. The activated innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses suppressed the growth and metastasis of tumors and prolonged survival of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. BEN provides a reliable approach for improving cancer immunotherapy by destroying the immunosuppression web in tumors via multinode regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yiting Zou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Runqi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211116, China
| | - Xujie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenhui Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tianqun Lang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Yaping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai 264000, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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Hu P, Xu L, Liu Y, Zhang X, Li Z, Li Y, Qiu H. Identification of molecular pattern and prognostic risk model based on ligand-receptor pairs in liver cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1187108. [PMID: 37818360 PMCID: PMC10560727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1187108] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma is composed of multiple cells, and the interactive communication between cells drives tumor progression and characterizes the tumor. Communication between cells is mainly achieved through signal transduction between receptor ligands, and the rise of single-cell technology has made it possible to analyze the communication network between cells. Methods We applied a train of bioinformatic techniques and in vitro experiments. We analyzed the composition of the microenvironment of liver cancer by combining single-cell sequencing data and transcriptome sequencing data from liver cancer to construct molecular typing and risk models for LRs. Then, we analyzed association of it with prognosis, mutation, KEGG, tumor microenvironment (TME), immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and drug sensitivity in liver cancer. qPCR and was used to identify SLC1A5 expression in LIHC cell lines and CCK8, transwell and cell colony formation were performed to validate the function of SLC1A5. Meanwhile, we also performed polarization of macrophages. Results In this experiment, we found that liver cancer tissues are rich in immune and mesenchymal cells, and there is extensive signaling between individual cells, so we constructed molecular typing and risk models for LRs. Combining clinical data revealed significant differences in clinical characteristics, prognosis and mutated genes between the molecular typing of receptor-ligand pairs, as well as in sensitivity to drugs; similarly, there were significant prognostic differences between the risk models. There were also notable differences in activated signaling pathways, infiltrating immune cells and immune subtypes. Subsequently, we used siRNA to knock down SLC1A5 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and found that cell proliferation, migration and invasion were diminished. Conclusions In conclusion, our LRs model may become a marker to guide clinical treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Samadi M, Kamrani A, Nasiri H, Shomali N, Heris JA, Shahabi P, Ghahremanzadeh K, Mohammadinasab R, Sadeghi M, Sadeghvand S, Shotorbani SS, Akbari M. Cancer immunotherapy focusing on the role of interleukins: A comprehensive and updated study. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154732. [PMID: 37567033 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines bind to specific receptors on target cells to activate intracellular signaling pathways that control diverse cellular functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and death. They are essential for the growth, activation, and operation of immune cells and the control of immunological reactions to pathogens, cancer cells, and other dangers. Based on their structural and functional properties, cytokines can be roughly categorized into different families, such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, interleukins, interferons, and chemokines. Leukocytes produce interleukins, a class of cytokines that have essential functions in coordinating and communicating with immune cells. Cancer, inflammation, and autoimmunity are immune-related disorders brought on by dysregulation of cytokine production or signaling. Understanding cytokines' biology to create novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic methods for various immune-related illnesses is crucial. Different immune cells, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, and other cells in the body, including epithelial cells and fibroblasts, generate and secrete interleukins. The present study's main aim is to fully understand interleukins' roles in cancer development and identify new therapeutic targets and strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Samadi
- Pediatrics Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Kamrani
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Nasiri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Ahmadian Heris
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Reza Mohammadinasab
- Department of History of Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Sadeghi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Sadeghvand
- Pediatrics Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Bodden M, Häcker A, Röder J, Kiefer A, Zhang C, Bhatti A, Pfeifer Serrahima J, Ullrich E, Kühnel I, Wels WS. Co-Expression of an IL-15 Superagonist Facilitates Self-Enrichment of GD 2-Targeted CAR-NK Cells and Mediates Potent Cell Killing in the Absence of IL-2. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4310. [PMID: 37686586 PMCID: PMC10486391 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells do not require prior sensitization but are rapidly activated upon encountering virally infected or neoplastic cells. In addition, NK cells can be safely applied in an allogeneic setting, making them important effector cells for the development of off-the-shelf therapeutics for adoptive cancer immunotherapy. To further enhance their therapeutic potential, here, we engineered continuously expanding NK-92 cells as a clinically relevant model to express a humanized second-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) with a composite CD28-CD3ζ signaling domain (hu14.18.28.z) that targets the disialoganglioside GD2, which is expressed at high levels by neuroblastoma cells and other tumors of neuroectodermal origin. In a separate approach, we fused an IL-15 superagonist (RD-IL15) to the GD2-CAR via a P2A processing site. Lentivirally transduced NK-92/hu14.18.28.z and NK-92/hu14.18.28.z_RD-IL15 cells both displayed high and stable CAR surface expression and specific cytotoxicity toward GD2-positive tumor cells. GD2-CAR NK cells carrying the RD-IL15 construct in addition expressed the IL-15 superagonist, resulting in self-enrichment and targeted cell killing in the absence of exogenous IL-2. Furthermore, co-culture with RD-IL15-secreting GD2-CAR NK cells markedly enhanced proliferation and cytotoxicity of bystander immune cells in a paracrine manner. Our results demonstrate that GD2-CAR NK cells co-expressing the IL-15 superagonist mediate potent direct and indirect antitumor effects, suggesting this strategy as a promising approach for the further development of functionally enhanced cellular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Bodden
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Aline Häcker
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jasmin Röder
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anne Kiefer
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Congcong Zhang
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anita Bhatti
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jordi Pfeifer Serrahima
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Experimental Immunology and Cell Therapy, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ines Kühnel
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Winfried S. Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, a Partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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Wu YX, Xing S, Wang Y, Tian BY, Wu M, Wang XP, Huang Q, He X, Chen SL, Li XH, Zeng MS, Liu WL. Multiple TMA-aided CRISPR/Cas13a platform for highly sensitive detection of IL-15 to predict immunotherapeutic response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006552. [PMID: 37536937 PMCID: PMC10401221 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006552] [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: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-based treatments have been recommended as the first line for refractory recurrent and/or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, yet responses vary, and predictive biomarkers are urgently needed. We selected serum interleukin-15 (sIL-15) out of four interleukins as a candidate biomarker, while most patients' sIL-15 levels were too low to be detected by conventional methods, so it was necessary to construct a highly sensitive method to detect sIL-15 in order to select NPC patients who would benefit most or least from ICIs. METHODS Combining a primer exchange reaction (PER), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), and a immuno-PER-TMA-CRISPR/Cas13a system, we developed a novel multiple signal amplification platform with a detection limit of 32 fg/mL, making it 153-fold more sensitive than ELISA. RESULTS This platform demonstrated high specificity, repeatability, and versatility. When applied to two independent cohorts of 130 NPC sera, the predictive value of sIL-15 was accurate in both cohorts (area under the curve: training, 0.882; validation, 0.898). Additionally, lower sIL-15 levels were correlated with poorer progression-free survival (training, HR: 0.080, p<0.0001; validation, HR: 0.053, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION This work proposes a simple and sensitive approach for sIL-15 detection to provide insights for personalized immunotherapy of NPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Shan Xing
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Bo-Yu Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xue-Ping Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xia He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Lin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Hui Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Mu-Sheng Zeng
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
| | - Wan-Li Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P. R. China
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Zhao X, Lin M, Huang X. Current status and future perspective of natural killer cell therapy for cancer. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:305-320. [PMID: 38235405 PMCID: PMC10790210 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells possess innate abilities to effectively eliminate cancer cells. However, because of difficulties of proliferation and easy to be induced dysfunction in the setting of cancer post NK cell therapy, the curative effect of NK cell infusion has been constrained and not been widely applicable in clinical practice. The rapid development of biotechnology has promoted the development of NK cell therapy for cancer treatment. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current status and future prospects of NK cell therapy for cancer, focusing on the biological characteristics of NK cells, as well as strategies to enhance their targeting capabilities and overcome tumor immune suppression within the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Minghao Lin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
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Park HJ, Lee SW, Park YH, Kim TC, Lee S, Lee S, Van Kaer L, Hong S. In Vivo Zymosan Treatment Induces IL15-Secreting Macrophages and KLRG1-Expressing NK Cells in Mice. Molecules 2023; 28:5779. [PMID: 37570749 PMCID: PMC10421142 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155779] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-glucan (β-glucan) is a natural polysaccharide produced by fungi, bacteria, and plants. Although it has been reported that β-glucan enhances innate immune memory responses, it is unclear whether different types of β-glucans display similar immune effects. To address this issue, we employed zymosan (β-1,3-glycosidic linkage) and pustulan (β-1,6-glycosidic linkage) to investigate their in vivo effects on innate memory immune responses. We examined the changes of innate memory-related markers in macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, two immune cell types that display innate memory characteristics, at two different time points (16 h and 7 days) after β-glucan stimulation. We found that short-term (16 h) zymosan treatment significantly induced macrophages to upregulate IL15 production and increased surface IL15Rα expression on NK cells. In addition, long-term (7 days) zymosan treatment significantly induced macrophages to upregulate the expression of innate memory-related markers (e.g., TNFα, HIF1α, and mTOR) and induced NK cells to express enhanced levels of KLRG1, known as an innate memory-like marker. Our results provide support that zymosan can be an effective adjuvant to promote innate memory immune responses, providing a bridge between innate and adaptive immune cells to enhance various immune responses such as those directed against tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Park
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Anticancer Medicine Development, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea; (H.J.P.); (Y.H.P.); (T.-C.K.); (S.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Sung Won Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health and Biomedical Services, Sangji University, Wonju 26339, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yun Hoo Park
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Anticancer Medicine Development, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea; (H.J.P.); (Y.H.P.); (T.-C.K.); (S.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Tae-Cheol Kim
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Anticancer Medicine Development, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea; (H.J.P.); (Y.H.P.); (T.-C.K.); (S.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Sujin Lee
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Anticancer Medicine Development, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea; (H.J.P.); (Y.H.P.); (T.-C.K.); (S.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Seyeong Lee
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Anticancer Medicine Development, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea; (H.J.P.); (Y.H.P.); (T.-C.K.); (S.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Luc Van Kaer
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Seokmann Hong
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Anticancer Medicine Development, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea; (H.J.P.); (Y.H.P.); (T.-C.K.); (S.L.); (S.L.)
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42
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Wang YW, Zuo JC, Chen C, Li XH. Post-translational modifications and immune responses in liver cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1230465. [PMID: 37609076 PMCID: PMC10441662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1230465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modification (PTM) refers to the covalent attachment of functional groups to protein substrates, resulting in structural and functional changes. PTMs not only regulate the development and progression of liver cancer, but also play a crucial role in the immune response against cancer. Cancer immunity encompasses the combined efforts of innate and adaptive immune surveillance against tumor antigens, tumor cells, and tumorigenic microenvironments. Increasing evidence suggests that immunotherapies, which harness the immune system's potential to combat cancer, can effectively improve cancer patient prognosis and prolong the survival. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of key PTMs such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and glycosylation in the context of immune cancer surveillance against liver cancer. Additionally, it highlights potential targets associated with these modifications to enhance the response to immunotherapies in the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chong Chen
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College of Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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43
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Khameneh HJ, Fonta N, Zenobi A, Niogret C, Ventura P, Guerra C, Kwee I, Rinaldi A, Pecoraro M, Geiger R, Cavalli A, Bertoni F, Vivier E, Trumpp A, Guarda G. Myc controls NK cell development, IL-15-driven expansion, and translational machinery. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302069. [PMID: 37105715 PMCID: PMC10140547 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC is a pleiotropic transcription factor involved in cancer, cell proliferation, and metabolism. Its regulation and function in NK cells, which are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes important to control viral infections and cancer, remain poorly defined. Here, we show that mice deficient for Myc in NK cells presented a severe reduction in these lymphocytes. Myc was required for NK cell development and expansion in response to the key cytokine IL-15, which induced Myc through transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms. Mechanistically, Myc ablation in vivo largely impacted NK cells' ribosomagenesis, reducing their translation and expansion capacities. Similar results were obtained by inhibiting MYC in human NK cells. Impairing translation by pharmacological intervention phenocopied the consequences of deleting or blocking MYC in vitro. Notably, mice lacking Myc in NK cells exhibited defective anticancer immunity, which reflected their decreased numbers of mature NK cells exerting suboptimal cytotoxic functions. These results indicate that MYC is a central node in NK cells, connecting IL-15 to translational fitness, expansion, and anticancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanif J Khameneh
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Fonta
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Zenobi
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Charlène Niogret
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Ventura
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Concetta Guerra
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Ivo Kwee
- BigOmics Analytics SA, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Rinaldi
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Pecoraro
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Roger Geiger
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Eric Vivier
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Andreas Trumpp
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- HI-STEM: The Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine gGmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Greta Guarda
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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44
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Wang Y, Tang X, Zhu Y, Yang XX, Liu B. Role of interleukins in acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:1400-1413. [PMID: 37259867 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2218508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy with strong heterogeneity. Immune disorders are a feature of various malignancies, including AML. Interleukins (ILs) and other cytokines participate in a series of biological processes of immune disorders in the microenvironment, and serve as a bridge for communication between various cellular components in the immune system. The role of ILs in AML is complex and pleiotropic. It can not only play an anti-AML role by enhancing anti-leukemia immunity and directly inducing AML cell apoptosis, but also promote the growth, proliferation and drug resistance of AML. These properties of ILs can be used to explore their potential efficacy in disease monitoring, prognosis assessment, and development of new treatment strategies for AML. This review aims to clarify some of the complex roles of ILs in AML and their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao Tang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bei Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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45
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Xue D, Lu S, Zhang H, Zhang L, Dai Z, Kaufman DS, Zhang J. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived engineered T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in immunotherapy. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:907-922. [PMID: 36858941 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages (Macs), and dendritic cells (DCs) are among the most common sources for immune-cell-based therapies for cancer. Antitumor activity can be enhanced in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived immune cells by using iPSCs as a platform for stable genetic modifications that impact immuno-activating or -suppressive signaling pathways, such as transducing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or deletion of immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules. This review outlines the utility of four iPSC-derived immune-cell-based therapies, highlight the latest progress and future trends in the genome-editing strategies designed to improve efficacy, safety, and universality, and provides perspectives that compare different contexts in which each of these iPSC-derived immune cell types can be most effectively used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixuan Xue
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hailing Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan S Kaufman
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Center of Gene/Cell Engineering and Genome Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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46
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Kumar V, Bauer C, Stewart JH. Targeting cGAS/STING signaling-mediated myeloid immune cell dysfunction in TIME. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:48. [PMID: 37380989 PMCID: PMC10304357 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00942-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid immune cells (MICs) are potent innate immune cells serving as first responders to invading pathogens and internal changes to cellular homeostasis. Cancer is a stage of altered cellular homeostasis that can originate in response to different pathogens, chemical carcinogens, and internal genetic/epigenetic changes. MICs express several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on their membranes, cytosol, and organelles, recognizing systemic, tissue, and organ-specific altered homeostasis. cGAS/STING signaling is a cytosolic PRR system for identifying cytosolic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in a sequence-independent but size-dependent manner. The longer the cytosolic dsDNA size, the stronger the cGAS/STING signaling activation with increased type 1 interferon (IFN) and NF-κB-dependent cytokines and chemokines' generation. The present article discusses tumor-supportive changes occurring in the tumor microenvironment (TME) or tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) MICs, specifically emphasizing cGAS/STING signaling-dependent alteration. The article further discusses utilizing MIC-specific cGAS/STING signaling modulation as critical tumor immunotherapy to alter TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70012, USA.
| | - Caitlin Bauer
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70012, USA
| | - John H Stewart
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70012, USA.
- Louisiana Children's Medical Center Cancer Center, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70012, USA.
- Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Louisiana State University New Orleans-Louisiana Children's Medical Center Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70012, USA.
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47
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Zhu X, Li S. Nanomaterials in tumor immunotherapy: new strategies and challenges. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:94. [PMID: 37312116 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01797-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy exerts its anti-tumor effects by stimulating and enhancing immune responses of the body. It has become another important modality of anti-tumor therapy with significant clinical efficacy and advantages compared to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy. Although various kinds of tumor immunotherapeutic drugs have emerged, the challenges faced in the delivery of these drugs, such as poor tumor permeability and low tumor cell uptake rate, had prevented their widespread application. Recently, nanomaterials had emerged as a means for treatment of different diseases due to their targeting properties, biocompatibility and functionalities. Moreover, nanomaterials possess various characteristics that overcome the defects of traditional tumor immunotherapy, such as large drug loading capacity, precise tumor targeting and easy modification, thus leading to their wide application in tumor immunotherapy. There are two main classes of novel nanoparticles mentioned in this review: organic (polymeric nanomaterials, liposomes and lipid nanoparticles) and inorganic (non-metallic nanomaterials and metallic nanomaterials). Besides, the fabrication method for nanoparticles, Nanoemulsions, was also introduced. In summary, this review article mainly discussed the research progress of tumor immunotherapy based on nanomaterials in the past few years and offers a theoretical basis for exploring novel tumor immunotherapy strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110042, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenglong Li
- Second Ward of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110042, People's Republic of China.
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48
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Lui G, Minnar CM, Soon-Shiong P, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Exploiting an Interleukin-15 Heterodimeric Agonist (N803) for Effective Immunotherapy of Solid Malignancies. Cells 2023; 12:1611. [PMID: 37371081 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying effective immunotherapies for solid tumors remains challenging despite the significant clinical responses observed in subsets of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a promising cytokine for the treatment of cancer as it stimulates NK and CD8+ lymphocytes. However, unfavorable pharmacokinetics and safety concerns render recombinant IL-15 (rIL-15) a less attractive modality. These shortcomings were addressed by the clinical development of heterodimeric IL-15 agonists, including N803. In preclinical tumor models, N803 elicited significant Th1 immune activation and tumor suppressive effects, primarily mediated by NK and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In addition, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated N803 to be safe for the treatment of cancer patients. The combination of N803 with the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab demonstrated encouraging clinical responses in nivolumab-naïve and nivolumab-refractory patients with non-small cell lung cancer. In a recent Phase II/III clinical study, most Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-refractory bladder cancer patients treated with N803 plus BCG experienced durable complete responses. Currently, N803 is being evaluated preclinically and clinically in combination with various agents, including chemotherapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and other immuno-oncology agents. This report will review the mechanism(s) of action of N803 and how it relates to the preclinical and clinical studies of N803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Lui
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine M Minnar
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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49
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Li D, Xu W, Chang Y, Xiao Y, He Y, Ren S. Advances in landscape and related therapeutic targets of the prostate tumor microenvironment. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023. [PMID: 37294106 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The distinct tumor microenvironment (TME) of prostate cancer (PCa), which promotes tumor proliferation and progression, consists of various stromal cells, immune cells, and a dense extracellular matrix (ECM). The understanding of the prostate TME extends to tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) and metastasis niches to provide a more concise comprehension of tumor metastasis. These constituents collectively structure the hallmarks of the pro-tumor TME, including immunosuppressive, acidic, and hypoxic niches, neuronal innervation, and metabolic rewiring. In combination with the knowledge of the tumor microenvironment and the advancement of emerging therapeutic technologies, several therapeutic strategies have been developed, and some of them have been tested in clinical trials. This review elaborates on PCa TME components, summarizes various TME-targeted therapies, and provides insights into PCa carcinogenesis, progression, and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duocai Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Weidong Xu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Yifan Chang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yutian Xiao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yundong He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Shancheng Ren
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
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50
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Palmer G, Ramanathan S, Mortier E. Editorial: Modulating cytokines as treatment for autoimmune diseases and cancer: volume II. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1225699. [PMID: 37342326 PMCID: PMC10277794 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gaby Palmer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Erwan Mortier
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
- LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
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