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Taghiloo S, Asgarian-Omran H. Cross-talk between leukemic and immune cells at the tumor microenvironment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: An update review. Eur J Haematol 2024; 113:4-15. [PMID: 38698678 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14224] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a mature-type B cell malignancy correlated with significant changes and defects in both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, together with a high dependency on the tumor microenvironment. Overall, the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CLL provides a supportive niche for leukemic cells to grow and survive, and interactions between CLL cells and the TME can contribute to disease progression and treatment resistance. Therefore, the increasing knowledge of the complicated interaction between immune cells and tumor cells, which is responsible for immune evasion and cancer progression, has provided an opportunity for the development of new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we outline tumor microenvironment-driven contributions to the licensing of immune escape mechanisms in CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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2
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Roškar Z, Dreisinger M, Tič P, Homšak E, Bevc S, Goropevšek A. New Flow Cytometric Methods for Monitoring STAT5 Signaling Reveal Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Antigen-Specific Stimulation in FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells also in Patients with Advanced Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13050539. [PMID: 37232900 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Increased frequency of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cells (Treg) has been associated with disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Flow cytometric methods, which allow for the simultaneous analysis of their specific transcription factor Foxp3 and activated STAT proteins, together with proliferation can help to elucidate the signaling mechanisms driving Treg expansion and suppression of FOXP3- conventional CD4+T-cells (Tcon). Herein, we first report a novel approach in which STAT5 phosphorylation (pSTAT5) and proliferation (BrdU-FITC incorporation) could be analyzed specifically in FOXP3+ and FOXP3- responding cells after CD3/CD28 stimulation. The addition of magnetically purified CD4+CD25+ T-cells from healthy donors to cocultured autologous CD4+CD25- T-cells resulted in suppression of Tcon cell cycle progression accompanied by a decrease in pSTAT5. Next, a method using imaging flow cytometry is presented for the detection of cytokine-dependent pSTAT5 nuclear translocation in FOXP3-expressing cells. Finally, we discuss our experimental data obtained by combining Treg pSTAT5 analysis and antigen-specific stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Applying these methods on samples from patients revealed Treg responses to antigen-specific stimulation and significantly higher basal pSTAT5 in CLL patients treated with immunochemotherapy. Thus, we speculate that through the use of this pharmacodynamic tool, the efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs and their possible off-target effects can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatko Roškar
- Department of Haematology, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Dreisinger
- Department of Haematology, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Primož Tič
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Evgenija Homšak
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Sebastjan Bevc
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Nephrology, University Medical Center Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Goropevšek
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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3
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Vodárek P, Écsiová D, Řezáčová V, Souček O, Šimkovič M, Vokurková D, Belada D, Žák P, Smolej L. A comprehensive assessment of lymphocyte subsets, their prognostic significance, and changes after first‐line therapy administration in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer Med 2022; 12:6956-6970. [PMID: 36440594 PMCID: PMC10067047 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), changes in the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets play an important role in disease progression and infectious complications. The impact of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) on these changes has not been extensively studied METHODS: We used multi-color flow cytometry, to prospectively measure absolute and relative numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and their subsets in 45 patients with indolent untreated CLL, 86 patients indicated for first-line treatment, and 34 healthy controls. In 55 patients, we analyzed the impact of CIT RESULTS: CLL patients had a significant increase in most cell populations in comparison to controls. Progression of CLL was characterized by significantly elevated counts with the exception of a lower percentage of naïve T-cells. After treatment, the percentage of naïve T-cells further decreased at the expense of effector memory T-cells (TEM). In patients with indolent CLL, higher percentages of naïve CD4+ (p = 0.0026) and naïve CD8+ (p = 0.023) T-cells were associated with a longer time to first treatment (TTFT). The elevation of CD4+ central memory T-cells (TCM) (p = 0.27) and TEM (p = 0.003) counts and a higher percentage of CD4+ TEM (p = 0.0047), were linked with shorter TTFT. In treated patients, increased regulatory T-cells count was associated with shorter time to next treatment (TTNT) (p = 0.042), while higher CD4+ TCM count with shorter TTNT (p = 0.035) and shorter overall survival (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that naïve cell depletion and CD4+ TCM and TEM increases are detrimental to CLL patients' prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Vodárek
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology Faculty of Medicine University Hospital and Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Dominika Écsiová
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology Faculty of Medicine University Hospital and Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Vladimíra Řezáčová
- Institute of Clinical Immunology and Allergology Faculty of Medicine University Hospital and Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Souček
- Institute of Clinical Immunology and Allergology Faculty of Medicine University Hospital and Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Martin Šimkovič
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology Faculty of Medicine University Hospital and Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Doris Vokurková
- Institute of Clinical Immunology and Allergology Faculty of Medicine University Hospital and Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - David Belada
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology Faculty of Medicine University Hospital and Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Žák
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology Faculty of Medicine University Hospital and Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Smolej
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine – Hematology Faculty of Medicine University Hospital and Charles University Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
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4
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Yano M, Byrd JC, Muthusamy N. Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Functional Impairment and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235787. [PMID: 36497266 PMCID: PMC9739887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches have advanced rapidly in recent years. While the greatest therapeutic advances so far have been achieved with T cell therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T, recent advances in NK cell therapy have highlighted the therapeutic potential of these cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent form of leukemia in Western countries, is a very immunosuppressive disease but still shows significant potential as a target of immunotherapy, including NK-based therapies. In addition to their antileukemia potential, NK cells are important immune effectors in the response to infections, which represent a major clinical concern for CLL patients. Here, we review the interactions between NK cells and CLL, describing functional changes and mechanisms of CLL-induced NK suppression, interactions with current therapeutic options, and the potential for therapeutic benefit using NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Yano
- Medical Science Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
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5
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Adeegbe D, Barbi J, Wing J. Editorial: Regulatory T lymphocytes in cancer immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1065570. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1065570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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6
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Liu Y, Song Y, Yin Q. Effects of ibrutinib on T-cell immunity in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Front Immunol 2022; 13:962552. [PMID: 36059445 PMCID: PMC9437578 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.962552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a highly heterogeneous B-cell malignancy, is characterized by tumor microenvironment disorder and T-cell immune dysfunction, which play a major role in the proliferation and survival of CLL cells. Ibrutinib is the first irreversible inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). In addition to targeting B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling to kill tumor cells, increasing evidence has suggested that ibrutinib regulates the tumor microenvironment and T-cell immunity in a direct and indirect manner. For example, ibrutinib not only reverses the tumor microenvironment by blocking cytokine networks and toll-like receptor signaling but also regulates T cells in number, subset distribution, T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and immune function by inhibiting interleukin-2 inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) and reducing the expression of inhibitory receptors, and so on. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for the effects of ibrutinib on the tumor microenvironment and cellular immunity of patients with CLL, particularly for the behavior and function of T cells, explore its potential mechanisms, and provide a basis for the clinical benefits of long-term ibrutinib treatment and combined therapy based on T-cell-based immunotherapies.
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7
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Maharaj K, Uriepero A, Sahakian E, Pinilla-Ibarz J. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in lymphoid malignancies and the impact of novel therapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:943354. [PMID: 35979372 PMCID: PMC9376239 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.943354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are responsible for maintaining immune homeostasis by controlling immune responses. They can be characterized by concomitant expression of FoxP3, CD25 and inhibitory receptors such as PD-1 and CTLA-4. Tregs are key players in preventing autoimmunity and are dysregulated in cancer, where they facilitate tumor immune escape. B-cell lymphoid malignancies are a group of diseases with heterogenous molecular characteristics and clinical course. Treg levels are increased in patients with B-cell lymphoid malignancies and correlate with clinical outcomes. In this review, we discuss studies investigating Treg immunobiology in B-cell lymphoid malignancies, focusing on clinical correlations, mechanisms of accumulation, phenotype, and function. Overarching trends suggest that Tregs can be induced directly by tumor cells and recruited to the tumor microenvironment where they suppress antitumor immunity to facilitate disease progression. Further, we highlight studies showing that Tregs can be modulated by novel therapeutic agents such as immune checkpoint blockade and targeted therapies. Treg disruption by novel therapeutics may beneficially restore immune competence but has been associated with occurrence of adverse events. Strategies to achieve balance between these two outcomes will be paramount in the future to improve therapeutic efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamira Maharaj
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Angimar Uriepero
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Eva Sahakian
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Javier Pinilla-Ibarz
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Javier Pinilla-Ibarz,
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8
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García-Martín P, Díez AM, Maldonado JMS, Serrano AJC, Ter Horst R, Benavente Y, Landi S, Macauda A, Clay-Gilmour A, Hernández-Mohedo F, Niazi Y, González-Sierra P, Espinet B, Rodríguez-Sevilla JJ, Maffei R, Blanco G, Giaccherini M, Puiggros A, Cerhan J, Marasca R, Cañadas-Garre M, López-Nevot MÁ, Chen-Liang T, Thomsen H, Gámez I, Moreno V, Marcos-Gragera R, García-Álvarez M, Llorca J, Jerez A, Berndt S, Butrym A, Norman AD, Casabonne D, Luppi M, Slager SL, Hemminki K, Li Y, Alcoceba M, Campa D, Canzian F, de Sanjosé S, Försti A, Netea MG, Jurado M, Sainz J. Validation and functional characterization of GWAS-identified variants for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a CRuCIAL study. Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:79. [PMID: 35581176 PMCID: PMC9114372 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Moñiz Díez
- Genomic Oncology Area, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain
- Hematology department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José Manuel Sánchez Maldonado
- Genomic Oncology Area, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain
- Hematology department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio José Cabrera Serrano
- Genomic Oncology Area, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain
- Hematology department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rob Ter Horst
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yolanda Benavente
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP) and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefano Landi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelica Macauda
- Genomic Epidemiology Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alyssa Clay-Gilmour
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Francisca Hernández-Mohedo
- Hematology department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Yasmeen Niazi
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pedro González-Sierra
- Hematology department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Blanca Espinet
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Translational Research on Hematological Neoplasms Group, Cancer Research Program, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rossana Maffei
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Gonzalo Blanco
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Translational Research on Hematological Neoplasms Group, Cancer Research Program, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anna Puiggros
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Translational Research on Hematological Neoplasms Group, Cancer Research Program, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - James Cerhan
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Roberto Marasca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Marisa Cañadas-Garre
- Genomic Oncology Area, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain
- Hematology department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Tzu Chen-Liang
- Hematology Department, Morales Meseguer University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Irene Gámez
- Hematology Department, Morales Meseguer University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Víctor Moreno
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, IDIBELL, Catalan Institute of Oncology; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Marcos-Gragera
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology Unit and Girona Cancer Registry, Oncology Coordination Plan, Department of Health, Autonomous Government of Catalonia, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdiBGi), and Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - María García-Álvarez
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca (HUS/IBSAL), CIBERONC and Cancer Research Institute of Salamanca-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier Llorca
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Andrés Jerez
- Hematology Department, Morales Meseguer University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sonja Berndt
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Aaron D Norman
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Delphine Casabonne
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP) and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Susan L Slager
- Division of Computational Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Center in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, 30605, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM) & TWINCORE, joint ventures between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Daniele Campa
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Canzian
- Genomic Epidemiology Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia de Sanjosé
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP) and University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Asta Försti
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department for Immunology & Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Jurado
- Genomic Oncology Area, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain
- Hematology department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Sainz
- Genomic Oncology Area, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain.
- Hematology department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBs.Granada, Granada, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Granada, Spain.
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9
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Goral A, Firczuk M, Fidyt K, Sledz M, Simoncello F, Siudakowska K, Pagano G, Moussay E, Paggetti J, Nowakowska P, Gobessi S, Barankiewicz J, Salomon-Perzynski A, Benvenuti F, Efremov DG, Juszczynski P, Lech-Maranda E, Muchowicz A. A Specific CD44lo CD25lo Subpopulation of Regulatory T Cells Inhibits Anti-Leukemic Immune Response and Promotes the Progression in a Mouse Model of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2022; 13:781364. [PMID: 35296093 PMCID: PMC8918500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.781364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are capable of inhibiting the proliferation, activation and function of T cells and play an important role in impeding the immune response to cancer. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) a dysfunctional immune response and elevated percentage of effector-like phenotype Tregs have been described. In this study, using the Eµ-TCL1 mouse model of CLL, we evaluated the changes in the Tregs phenotype and their expansion at different stages of leukemia progression. Importantly, we show that Tregs depletion in DEREG mice triggered the expansion of new anti-leukemic cytotoxic T cell clones leading to leukemia eradication. In TCL1 leukemia-bearing mice we identified and characterized a specific Tregs subpopulation, the phenotype of which suggests its role in the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment, supportive for leukemia survival and proliferation. This observation was also confirmed by the gene expression profile analysis of these TCL1-specific Tregs. The obtained data on Tregs are consistent with those described so far, however, above all show that the changes in the Tregs phenotype described in CLL result from the formation of a specific, described in this study Tregs subpopulation. In addition, functional tests revealed the ability of Tregs to inhibit T cells that recognize model antigens expressed by leukemic cells. Moreover, inhibition of Tregs with a MALT1 inhibitor provided a therapeutic benefit, both as monotherapy and also when combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Altogether, activation of Tregs appears to be crucial for CLL progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Goral
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Klaudyna Fidyt
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Sledz
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Francesca Simoncello
- Cellular Immunology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Pagano
- Tumor-Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Etienne Moussay
- Tumor-Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Jérôme Paggetti
- Tumor-Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | - Stefania Gobessi
- Molecular Hematology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Joanna Barankiewicz
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Federica Benvenuti
- Cellular Immunology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Dimitar G. Efremov
- Molecular Hematology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Przemyslaw Juszczynski
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Lech-Maranda
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Angelika Muchowicz
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Angelika Muchowicz,
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10
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Impact of Immune Parameters and Immune Dysfunctions on the Prognosis of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153856. [PMID: 34359757 PMCID: PMC8345723 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), immune alterations—affecting both the innate and adaptive immunity—are very common. As a clinical consequence, patients with CLL frequently present with autoimmune phenomena, increased risk of infections and second malignancies. The aim of this review article is to present available data on CLL-associated alterations of immune parameters that correlate with known prognostic markers and with clinical outcome. Also, data on the impact of immune-related clinical manifestations on the prognosis of patients with CLL will be discussed. Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by a wide spectrum of immune alterations, affecting both the innate and adaptive immunity. These immune dysfunctions strongly impact the immune surveillance, facilitate tumor progression and eventually affect the disease course. Quantitative and functional alterations involving conventional T cells, γδ T cells, regulatory T cells, NK and NKT cells, and myeloid cells, together with hypogammaglobulinemia, aberrations in the complement pathways and altered cytokine signature have been reported in patients with CLL. Some of these immune parameters have been shown to associate with other CLL-related characteristics with a known prognostic relevance or to correlate with disease prognosis. Also, in CLL, the complex immune response dysfunctions eventually translate in clinical manifestations, including autoimmune phenomena, increased risk of infections and second malignancies. These clinical issues are overall the most common complications that affect the course and management of CLL, and they also may impact overall disease prognosis.
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Zhang WJ. Effect of P2X purinergic receptors in tumor progression and as a potential target for anti-tumor therapy. Purinergic Signal 2021; 17:151-162. [PMID: 33420658 PMCID: PMC7954979 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-020-09761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of tumors is a complex pathological process involving multiple factors, multiple steps, and multiple genes. Their prevention and treatment have always been a difficult problem at present. A large number of studies have proved that the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the progression of tumors. The tumor microenvironment is the place where tumor cells depend for survival, and it plays an important role in regulating the growth, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of tumor cells. P2X purinergic receptors, which depend on the ATP ion channel, can be activated by ATP in the tumor microenvironment, and by mediating tumor cells and related cells (such as immune cells) in the tumor microenvironment. They play an important regulatory role on the effects of the skeleton, membrane fluidity, and intracellular molecular metabolism of tumor cells. Therefore, here, we outlined the biological characteristics of P2X purinergic receptors, described the effect of tumor microenvironment on tumor progression, and discussed the effect of ATP on tumor. Moreover, we explored the role of P2X purinergic receptors in the development of tumors and anti-tumor therapy. These data indicate that P2X purinergic receptors may be used as another potential pharmacological target for tumor prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Zhang
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 343000, Jiangxi, China.
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12
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Griggio V, Perutelli F, Salvetti C, Boccellato E, Boccadoro M, Vitale C, Coscia M. Immune Dysfunctions and Immune-Based Therapeutic Interventions in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2020; 11:594556. [PMID: 33312177 PMCID: PMC7708380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.594556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by a wide range of tumor-induced alterations, which affect both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response, and accumulate during disease progression. In recent years, the development of targeted therapies, such as the B-cell receptor signaling inhibitors and the Bcl-2 protein inhibitor venetoclax, has dramatically changed the treatment landscape of CLL. Despite their remarkable anti-tumor activity, targeted agents have some limitations, which include the development of drug resistance mechanisms and the inferior efficacy observed in high-risk patients. Therefore, additional treatments are necessary to obtain deeper responses and overcome drug resistance. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which exploits immune-mediated graft-versus-leukemia effect to eradicate tumor cells, currently represents the only potentially curative therapeutic option for CLL patients. However, due to its potential toxicities, HSCT can be offered only to a restricted number of younger and fit patients. The growing understanding of the complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune system, which is responsible for immune escape mechanisms and tumor progression, has paved the way for the development of novel immune-based strategies. Despite promising preclinical observations, results from pilot clinical studies exploring the safety and efficacy of novel immune-based therapies have been sometimes suboptimal in terms of long-term tumor control. Therefore, further advances to improve their efficacy are needed. In this context, possible approaches include an earlier timing of immunotherapy within the treatment sequencing, as well as the possibility to improve the efficacy of immunotherapeutic agents by administering them in combination with other anti-tumor drugs. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of main immune defects affecting patients with CLL, also describing the complex networks leading to immune evasion and tumor progression. From the therapeutic standpoint, we will go through the evolution of immune-based therapeutic approaches over time, including i) agents with broad immunomodulatory effects, such as immunomodulatory drugs, ii) currently approved and next-generation monoclonal antibodies, and iii) immunotherapeutic strategies aiming at activating or administering immune effector cells specifically targeting leukemic cells (e.g. bi-or tri-specific antibodies, tumor vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and checkpoint inhibitors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Griggio
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Perutelli
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Salvetti
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elia Boccellato
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Mario Boccadoro
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Candida Vitale
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Coscia
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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13
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Immune Response Dysfunction in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Dissecting Molecular Mechanisms and Microenvironmental Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051825. [PMID: 32155826 PMCID: PMC7084946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Representing the major cause of morbidity and mortality for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients, immunosuppression is a common feature of the disease. Effectors of the innate and the adaptive immune response show marked dysfunction and skewing towards the generation of a tolerant environment that favors disease expansion. Major deregulations are found in the T lymphocyte compartment, with inhibition of CD8+ cytotoxic and CD4+ activated effector T cells, replaced by exhausted and more tolerogenic subsets. Likewise, differentiation of monocytes towards a suppressive M2-like phenotype is induced at the expense of pro-inflammatory sub-populations. Thanks to their B-regulatory phenotype, leukemic cells play a central role in driving immunosuppression, progressively inhibiting immune responses. A number of signaling cascades triggered by soluble mediators and cell–cell contacts contribute to immunomodulation in CLL, fostered also by local environmental conditions, such as hypoxia and derived metabolic acidosis. Specifically, molecular pathways modulating T-cell activity in CLL, spanning from the best known cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) to the emerging T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif domains (TIGIT)/CD155 axes, are attracting increasing research interest and therapeutic relevance also in the CLL field. On the other hand, in the microenvironment, the B cell receptor (BCR), which is undoubtedly the master regulator of leukemic cell behavior, plays an important role in orchestrating immune responses, as well. Lastly, local conditions of hypoxia, typical of the lymphoid niche, have major effects both on CLL cells and on non-leukemic immune cells, partly mediated through adenosine signaling, for which novel specific inhibitors are currently under development. In summary, this review will provide an overview of the molecular and microenvironmental mechanisms that modify innate and adaptive immune responses of CLL patients, focusing attention on those that may have therapeutic implications.
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Gauthier M, Durrieu F, Martin E, Peres M, Vergez F, Filleron T, Obéric L, Bijou F, Quillet Mary A, Ysebaert L. Prognostic role of CD4 T-cell depletion after frontline fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:809. [PMID: 31412798 PMCID: PMC6694602 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5971-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eradication of minimal residual disease (MRD), at the end of Fludarabine-Cyclophosphamide-Rituximab (FCR) treatment, is a validated surrogate marker for progression-free and overall survival in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. But such deep responses are also associated with severe immuno-depletion, leading to infections and the development of secondary cancers. METHODS We assessed, blood MRD and normal immune cell levels at the end of treatment, in 162 first-line FCR patients, and analysed survival and adverse event. RESULTS Multivariate Landmark analysis 3 months after FCR completion identified unmutated IGHV status (HR, 2.03, p = 0.043), the level of MRD reached (intermediate versus low, HR, 2.43, p = 0.002; high versus low, HR, 4.56, p = 0.002) and CD4 > 200/mm3 (HR, 3.30, p < 0.001) as factors independently associated with progression-free survival (PFS); neither CD8 nor NK counts were associated with PFS. The CD4 count was associated with PFS irrespective of IGHV mutational status, but only in patients with detectable MRD (HR, 3.51, p = 0.0004, whereas it had no prognostic impact in MRD < 10- 4 patients: p = 0.6998). We next used a competitive risk model to investigate whether immune cell subsets could be associated with the risk of infection and found no association between CD4, CD8 and NK cells and infection. CONCLUSIONS Consolidation/maintenance trials based on detectable MRD after FCR should investigate CD4 T-cell numbers both as a selection and a response criterion, and consolidation treatments should target B-cell/T-cell interactions.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects
- Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/genetics
- Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects
- Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Lymphocyte Count
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mutation
- Neoplasm, Residual
- Prognosis
- Rituximab/adverse effects
- Rituximab/therapeutic use
- Survival Analysis
- Treatment Outcome
- Vidarabine/adverse effects
- Vidarabine/analogs & derivatives
- Vidarabine/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauthier
- Department of Haematology, Toulouse-Oncopole University Cancer Institute (IUCT-O), 1 Avenue Irene Joliot-Curie, 31059, Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Durrieu
- Department of Biology Haematology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elodie Martin
- Department of Biostatistics, Institut Claudius Regaud, IU, CT-O, Toulouse, France
| | - Michael Peres
- Department of Biology Haematology, Toulouse-Oncopole University Cancer Institute (IUCT-O), Toulouse, France
| | - François Vergez
- Department of Biology Haematology, Toulouse-Oncopole University Cancer Institute (IUCT-O), Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Filleron
- Department of Biostatistics, Institut Claudius Regaud, IU, CT-O, Toulouse, France
| | - Lucie Obéric
- Department of Haematology, Toulouse-Oncopole University Cancer Institute (IUCT-O), 1 Avenue Irene Joliot-Curie, 31059, Toulouse, France
| | - Fontanet Bijou
- Department of Medical Haematology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Anne Quillet Mary
- Inserm UMR1037, Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Loic Ysebaert
- Department of Haematology, Toulouse-Oncopole University Cancer Institute (IUCT-O), 1 Avenue Irene Joliot-Curie, 31059, Toulouse, France.
- Inserm UMR1037, Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
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Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has long been thought to be an immunosuppressive disease and abnormalities in T-cell subset distribution and function have been observed in many studies. However, the role of T cells (if any) in disease progression remains unclear and has not been directly studied. This has changed with the advent of new therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, which actively use retargeted patient-derived T cells as "living drugs" for CLL. However complete responses are relatively low (~26%) and recent studies have suggested the differentiation status of patient T cells before therapy may influence efficacy. Non-chemotherapeutic drugs, such as idelalisib and ibrutinib, also have an impact on T cell populations in CLL patients. This review will highlight what is known about T cells in CLL during disease progression and after treatment, and discuss the prospects of using T cells as predictive biomarkers for immune status and response to therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Adenine/analogs & derivatives
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Piperidines
- Purines/therapeutic use
- Pyrazoles/therapeutic use
- Pyrimidines/therapeutic use
- Quinazolinones/therapeutic use
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Man
- Section of Haematology, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Henley
- Section of Haematology, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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Kourtis A, Adamopoulos PG, Papalois A, Iliopoulos DC, Babis GC, Scorilas A. Quantitative analysis and study of the mRNA expression levels of apoptotic genes BCL2, BAX and BCL2L12 in the articular cartilage of an animal model of osteoarthritis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:243. [PMID: 30069445 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.05.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Given that apoptosis of chondrocytes is one of the most important factors related to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), the recent research interest adds progress not only to the knowledge of the molecular signals that mediate apoptosis but also to find new therapeutic targets. This study attempts to investigate the differential expression of BCL2 family genes in the articular cartilage of an experimental animal model of OA. Methods In total, 26 New Zealand white rabbits underwent an anterior cruciate ligament transaction, 26 more were subjected to a placebo surgery and 18 specimens constituted the control non-operated group. Thirteen weeks later, samples of cartilage from the osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic knees were collected and subjected to analysis of the BCL2, BAX and BCL2L12 gene expression at the mRNA level. Results Installed osteoarthritic alterations of varied intensity and of grade 1 up to grade 5, were confirmed according to the OARSI system. Contrary to the physiologically healthy samples, in the osteoarthritic samples the mRNA expression levels of BAX and BCL2L12 genes were found significantly upregulated by signals which can activate apoptosis. However, the difference between BCL2 mRNA expression levels in healthy and osteoarthritic samples was not supported statistically. Conclusions Since apoptosis is the main feature of the cartilage degeneration in OA, the effective inhibition of apoptosis of chondrocytes can provide novel and interesting therapeutic strategies for the treatment of OA. Therefore, BAX and BCL2L12 are highlighted as potential therapeutic targets in OA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Panagiotis G Adamopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - George C Babis
- Second Orthopaedic Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Konstantopouleio General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Adamopoulos PG, Theodoropoulou MC, Scorilas A. Alternative Splicing Detection Tool-a novel PERL algorithm for sensitive detection of splicing events, based on next-generation sequencing data analysis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:244. [PMID: 30069446 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.06.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can provide researchers with high impact information regarding alternative splice variants or transcript identifications. However, the enormous amount of data acquired from NGS platforms make the analysis of alternative splicing events hard to accomplish. For this reason, we designed the "Alternative Splicing Detection Tool" (ASDT), an algorithm that is capable of identifying alternative splicing events, including novel ones from high-throughput NGS data. ASDT is available as a PERL script at http://aias.biol.uoa.gr/~mtheo and can be executed on any system with PERL installed. In addition to the detection of annotated and novel alternative splicing events from high-throughput NGS data, ASDT can also analyze the intronic regions of genes, thus enabling the detection of novel cryptic exons residing in annotated introns, extensions of previously annotated exons, or even intron retentions. Consequently, ASDT demonstrates many innovative and unique features that can efficiently contribute to alternative splicing analysis of NGS data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis G Adamopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens, Greece
| | - Margarita C Theodoropoulou
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Papasiopoulou, Lamia, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens, Greece
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Diamantopoulos MA, Tsiakanikas P, Scorilas A. Non-coding RNAs: the riddle of the transcriptome and their perspectives in cancer. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:241. [PMID: 30069443 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.06.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute a heterogeneous group of RNA molecules in terms of biogenesis, biological function as well as length and structure. These biological molecules have gained attention recently as a potentially crucial layer of tumor cell progression or regulation. ncRNAs are expressed in a broad spectrum of tumors, and they play an important role not only in maintaining but also in promoting cancer development and progression. Recent discoveries have revealed that ncRNAs may act as key signal transduction mediators in tumor signaling pathways by interacting with RNA or proteins. These results reinforce the hypothesis, that ncRNAs constitute therapeutic targets, and point out their clinical potential as stratification markers. The major purpose of this review is to mention the emergence of the importance of ncRNAs, as molecules which are correlated with cancer, and to discuss their clinical implicit as prognostic diagnostic indicators, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios A Diamantopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Tsiakanikas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Regulatory T Cells and Their Prognostic Relevance in Hematologic Malignancies. J Immunol Res 2017; 2017:1832968. [PMID: 29430466 PMCID: PMC5752970 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1832968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a fundamental function in monitoring the immune homeostasis in healthy individuals. In cancer and, in particular, in hematological malignancies, Tregs exert a major immunosuppressive activity, thus playing a critical role in tumor cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Here, we summarize published data on the prognostic significance of Tregs in hematological malignancies and show that they are highly conflicting. The heterogeneity of the experimental approaches that were used explains-at least in part-the discordant results reported by different groups that have investigated the role of Tregs in cancer. In fact, different tissues have been studied (i.e., peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymph node), applying different methods (i.e., flow cytometry versus immunohistochemistry, whole blood versus isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells versus depletion of CD25+ cells, various panels of monoclonal antibodies, techniques of fixation and permeabilization, and gating strategies). This is of relevance in order to stress the need to apply standardized approaches in the study of Tregs in hematological malignancies and in cancer in general.
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