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Zhang Y, Wang Z, Lu Y, Sanchez DJ, Li J, Wang L, Meng X, Chen J, Kien TT, Zhong M, Gao W, Ding X. Region-Specific CD16 + Neutrophils Promote Colorectal Cancer Progression by Inhibiting Natural Killer Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2403414. [PMID: 38790136 PMCID: PMC11304263 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The colon is the largest compartment of the immune system, with innate immune cells exposed to antigens in the environment. However, the mechanisms by which the innate immune system is instigated are poorly defined in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, a population of CD16+ neutrophils that specifically accumulate in CRC tumor tissues by imaging mass cytometry (IMC), immune fluorescence, and flow cytometry, which demonstrated pro-tumor activity by disturbing natural killer (NK) cells are identified. It is found that these CD16+ neutrophils possess abnormal cholesterol accumulation due to activation of the CD16/TAK1/NF-κB axis, which upregulates scavenger receptors for cholesterol intake including CD36 and LRP1. Consequently, these region-specific CD16+ neutrophils not only competitively inhibit cholesterol intake of NK cells, which interrupts NK lipid raft formation and blocks their antitumor signaling but also release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to induce the death of NK cells. Furthermore, CD16-knockout reverses the pro-tumor activity of neutrophils and restored NK cell cytotoxicity. Collectively, the findings suggest that CRC region-specific CD16+ neutrophils can be a diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji HospitalSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Med‐X Research Institute & School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Zien Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji HospitalSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Med‐X Research Institute & School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Yu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji HospitalSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - David J. Sanchez
- Pharmaceutical Sciences DepartmentCollege of PharmacyWestern University of Health Sciences309 East 2nd StreetHPC 225PomonaCA90025USA
| | - Jiaojiao Li
- School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of Engineering and ITUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSW2007Australia
| | - Linghao Wang
- Med‐X Research Institute & School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Xiaoxue Meng
- Med‐X Research Institute & School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Tran Trung Kien
- Oncology departmentUniversity Medical Shing Mark Hospital1054 Highway 51, Long Binh Tan Ward, Bien Hoa CityDong Nai76000Vietnam
| | - Ming Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127China
| | - Wei‐Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji HospitalSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
- Med‐X Research Institute & School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
| | - Xianting Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesInstitute for Personalized MedicineSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200030China
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He Y, Yang D, Lin X, Zhang J, Cheng R, Cao L, Yang L, Zhang M, Shi X, Jin X, Sun H, Sun H, Zang J, Li Y, Ma J, Nie H. Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy improves clinical outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer by mediating anti-tumor immunity of CD8+ T (Tc1) and CD16+ NK cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1412693. [PMID: 39076970 PMCID: PMC11284045 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1412693] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is one of the most common tumors in the world, and treatment using neoadjuvant therapy (NT) based on radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy has still unsatisfactory results. Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) has also become an effective treatment strategy nowadays. However, its impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and regulatory mechanisms on T cells and NK cells needs to be further elucidated. Methods A total of 279 cases of ESCA who underwent surgery alone [non-neoadjuvant therapy (NONE)], neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT), and NICT were collected, and their therapeutic effect and survival period were compared. Further, RNA sequencing combined with biological information was used to analyze the expression of immune-related genes. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to verify the activation and infiltration status of CD8+ T and CD16+ NK cells, as well as the function and regulatory pathway of killing tumor cells. Results Patients with ESCA in the NICT group showed better clinical response, median survival, and 2-year survival rates (p < 0.05) compared with the NCT group. Our RNA sequencing data revealed that NICT could promote the expression of immune-related genes. The infiltration and activation of immune cells centered with CD8+ T cells were significantly enhanced. CD8+ T cells activated by PD-1 inhibitors secreted more IFN-γ and cytotoxic effector factor cells through the transcription factor of EOMES and TBX21. At the same time, activated CD8+ T cells mediated the CD16+ NK cell activation and secreted more IFN-γ to kill ESCA cells. In addition, the immunofluorescence co-staining results showed that more CD276+ tumor cells and CD16+ NK cells were existed in pre-NCT and pre-NICT group. However, CD276+ tumor cells were reduced significantly in the post-NICT group, while they still appeared in the post-NCT group, which means that CD16+ NK cells can recognize and kill CD276+ tumor cells after immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) treatment. Conclusion NICT can improve the therapeutic effect and survival period of resectable ESCA patients. NICT could promote the expression of immune-related genes and activate CD8+ T and CD16+ NK cells to secrete more IFN-γ to kill ESCA cells. It provides a theoretical basis and clinical evidence for its potential as an NT strategy in ESCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong He
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Depeng Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Esophagus and Mediastinum, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource and School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Liangyu Cao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lijun Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xinyue Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiyun Jin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Handi Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haoxiu Sun
- School of Interdisciplinary Medicine and Engineering, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingyu Zang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jianqun Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Esophagus and Mediastinum, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Huan Nie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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3
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Patel SP, Alonso-Gordoa T, Banerjee S, Wang D, Naidoo J, Standifer NE, Palmer DC, Cheng LY, Kourtesis P, Ascierto ML, Das M, Diamond JR, Hellmann MD, Carneiro BA. Phase 1/2 study of monalizumab plus durvalumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007340. [PMID: 38309722 PMCID: PMC10840023 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007340] [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: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of monalizumab (anti-NKG2A/CD94) and durvalumab (anti-programmed death ligand-1) may promote antitumor immunity by targeting innate and adaptive immunity. This phase 1/2 study of monalizumab and durvalumab evaluated safety, antitumor activity, and pharmacodynamics in patients with advanced solid tumors. MAIN BODY Immunotherapy-naïve patients aged ≥18 years with advanced disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1, and 1-3 prior lines of systemic therapy in the recurrent/metastatic setting were enrolled. In part 1 (dose escalation), patients received durvalumab 1500 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) with increasing doses of monalizumab Q2W/Q4W (n=15). Dose expansion in part 1 included patients with cervical cancer (n=15; durvalumab 1500 mg Q4W and monalizumab 750 mg Q2W) or metastatic microsatellite stable (MSS)-colorectal cancer (CRC) (n=15; durvalumab 1500 mg Q4W and monalizumab 750 mg Q4W). In part 2 (dose expansion), patients with MSS-CRC (n=40), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; n=20), MSS-endometrial cancer (n=40), or ovarian cancer (n=40) received durvalumab 1500 mg Q4W and monalizumab 750 mg Q2W. The primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints included antitumor activity per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). Exploratory analyses included assessment of T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell activation and proliferation in peripheral blood and the tumor microenvironment (TME). The study enrolled 185 patients (part 1, 45; part 2, 140). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. In part 2, the most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (12.1%), asthenia (9.3%), diarrhea (9.3%), pruritus (7.9%), and pyrexia (7.1%). In the expansion cohorts, response rates were 0% (cervical), 7.7% (MSS-CRC), 10% (NSCLC), 5.4% (ovarian), and 0% (MSS-endometrial). Sustained NK cell activation, CD8+ T-cell proliferation, increased serum levels of CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10) and CXCL11, and increased tumor infiltration of CD8+ and granzyme B+ cells were observed. CONCLUSIONS Although efficacy was modest, monalizumab plus durvalumab was well tolerated and encouraging immune activation was observed in the peripheral blood and TME. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02671435.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip P Patel
- University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Susana Banerjee
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Ding Wang
- Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jarushka Naidoo
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Medicine The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathan E Standifer
- BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Doug C Palmer
- Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Lin-Yang Cheng
- Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Maria L Ascierto
- Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Mayukh Das
- Oncology Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Benedito A Carneiro
- Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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4
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Hou C, Wang Z, Lu X. Impact of immunosenescence and inflammaging on the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2024; 2:24-30. [PMID: 38328711 PMCID: PMC10846300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.08.001] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are employed in immunotherapeutic applications for patients with weakened immune systems and can improve the ability of T cells to kill cancer cells. Although ICIs can potentially treat different types of cancers in various groups of patients, their effectiveness may differ among older individuals. The reason ICIs are less effective in older adults is not yet clearly understood, but age-related changes in the immune system, such as immunosenescence and inflammation, may play a role. Therefore, this review focuses on recent advances in understanding the effects of immunosenescence and inflammation on the efficacy of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuandong Hou
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zining Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xuechun Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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5
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Wang Y, Jin S, Zhuang Q, Liu N, Chen R, Adam SA, Jin J, Sun J. Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cells: a promising antitumor immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e422. [PMID: 38045827 PMCID: PMC10691297 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been successfully used in adoptive cell therapy for malignancies. However, some obstacles, including side effects such as graft-versus-host disease and cytokine release syndrome, therapy resistance, limited sources, as well as high cost, limited the application of CAR T cells. Recently, CAR natural killer (NK) cells have been pursued as the effector cells for adoptive immunotherapy for their attractive merits of strong intrinsic antitumor activity and relatively mild side effects. Additionally, CAR NK cells can be available from various sources and do not require strict human leukocyte antigen matching, which suggests them as promising "off-the-shelf" products for clinical application. Although the use of CAR NK cells is restrained by the limited proliferation and impaired efficiency within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, further investigation in optimizing CAR structure and combination therapies will overcome these challenges. This review will summarize the advancement of CAR NK cells, CAR NK cell manufacture, the clinical outcomes of CAR NK therapy, the challenges in the field, and prospective solutions. Besides, we will discuss the emerging application of other immune cells for CAR engineering. Collectively, this comprehensive review will provide a valuable and informative summary of current progress and evaluate challenges and future opportunities of CAR NK cells in tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shengjie Jin
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Qiqi Zhuang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Na Liu
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of OncologyAffiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical UniversitySchool of Clinical MedicineWeifang Medical UniversityWeifangShandongChina
| | - Ruyi Chen
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Sofia Abdulkadir Adam
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang University Cancer CenterHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological DisordersHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological DisordersHangzhouZhejiangChina
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6
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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7
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Avşar G, Pir P. An integrated study to decipher immunosuppressive cellular communication in the PDAC environment. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:56. [PMID: 37945567 PMCID: PMC10636193 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00320-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one the most aggressive cancers and characterized by a highly rigid and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The extensive cellular interactions are known to play key roles in the immune evasion, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Here, we used the spatial transcriptomics, scRNA-seq, and bulk RNA-seq datasets to enhance the insights obtained from each to decipher the cellular communication in the TME. The complex crosstalk in PDAC samples was revealed by the single-cell and spatial transcriptomics profiles of the samples. We show that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the central cell types in the regulation of microenvironment in PDAC. They colocalize with the cancer cells and tumor-suppressor immune cells and take roles to provide an immunosuppressive environment. LGALS9 gene which is upregulated in PDAC tumor samples in comparison to healthy samples was also found to be upregulated in TAMs compared to tumor-suppressor immune cells in cancer samples. Additionally, LGALS9 was found to be the primary component in the crosstalk between TAMs and the other cells. The widespread expression of P4HB gene and its interaction with LGALS9 was also notable. Our findings point to a profound role of TAMs via LGALS9 and its interaction with P4HB that should be considered for further elucidation as target in the combinatory immunotherapies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülben Avşar
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
- Turkish Academy of Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Pınar Pir
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Noblejas-López MDM, Tébar-García D, López-Rosa R, Alcaraz-Sanabria A, Cristóbal-Cueto P, Pinedo-Serrano A, Rivas-García L, Galán-Moya EM. TACkling Cancer by Targeting Selective Protein Degradation. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2442. [PMID: 37896202 PMCID: PMC10610449 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation has emerged as an alternative therapy against cancer, offering several advantages over traditional inhibitors. The new degrader drugs provide different therapeutic strategies: they could cross the phospholipid bilayer membrane by the addition of specific moieties to extracellular proteins. On the other hand, they could efficiently improve the degradation process by the generation of a ternary complex structure of an E3 ligase. Herein, we review the current trends in the use of TAC-based technologies (TACnologies), such as PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTAC), PHOtochemically TArgeting Chimeras (PHOTAC), CLIck-formed Proteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (CLIPTAC), AUtophagy TArgeting Chimeras (AUTAC), AuTophagosome TEthering Compounds (ATTEC), LYsosome-TArgeting Chimeras (LYTAC), and DeUBiquitinase TArgeting Chimeras (DUBTAC), in experimental development and their progress towards clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- María del Mar Noblejas-López
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - David Tébar-García
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Raquel López-Rosa
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Ana Alcaraz-Sanabria
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Pablo Cristóbal-Cueto
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
| | - Alejandro Pinedo-Serrano
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
| | - Lorenzo Rivas-García
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
| | - Eva M. Galán-Moya
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (D.T.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (A.A.-S.); (P.C.-C.); (A.P.-S.)
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Enfermería, Campus de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain
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9
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Cerella C, Dicato M, Diederich M. Enhancing personalized immune checkpoint therapy by immune archetyping and pharmacological targeting. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106914. [PMID: 37714393 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an expanding class of immunotherapeutic agents with the potential to cure cancer. Despite the outstanding clinical response in patient subsets, most individuals become refractory or develop resistance. Patient stratification and personalized immunotherapies are limited by the absence of predictive response markers. Recent findings show that dominant patterns of immune cell composition, T-cell status and heterogeneity, and spatiotemporal distribution of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are becoming essential determinants of prognosis and therapeutic response. In this context, ICIs also function as investigational tools and proof of concept, allowing the validation of the identified mechanisms. After reviewing the current state of ICIs, this article will explore new comprehensive predictive markers for ICIs based on recent discoveries. We will discuss the recent establishment of a classification of TMEs into immune archetypes as a tool for personalized immune profiling, allowing patient stratification before ICI treatment. We will discuss the developing comprehension of T-cell diversity and its role in shaping the immune profile of patients. We describe the potential of strategies that score the mutual spatiotemporal modulation between T-cells and other cellular components of the TME. Additionally, we will provide an overview of a range of synthetic and naturally occurring or derived small molecules. We will compare compounds that were recently identified by in silico prediction to wet lab-validated drug candidates with the potential to function as ICIs and/or modulators of the cellular components of the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cerella
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer (LBMCC), Fondation Recherche sur le Cancer et les Maladies du Sang, Pavillon 2, 6A rue Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Mario Dicato
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer (LBMCC), Fondation Recherche sur le Cancer et les Maladies du Sang, Pavillon 2, 6A rue Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Marc Diederich
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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10
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Prakash S, Kumbhojkar N, Lu A, Kapate N, Suja VC, Park KS, Wang LLW, Mitragotri S. Polymer Micropatches as Natural Killer Cell Engagers for Tumor Therapy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15918-15930. [PMID: 37565806 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapies have emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to various cancers. Their efficacy, however, is limited by their low persistence and anergy. Current approaches to sustain NK cell persistence in vivo include genetic modification, activation via pretreatment, or coadministration of supporting cytokines or antibodies. Such supporting therapies exhibit limited efficacy in vivo, in part due to the reversal of their effect within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and off-target toxicity. Here, we report a material-based approach to address this challenge. Specifically, we describe the use of polymeric micropatches as a platform for sustained, targeted activation of NK cells, an approach referred to as microparticles as cell engagers (MACE). Poly(lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) micropatches, 4-8 μm in diameter and surface-modified with NK cell receptor targeting antibodies, exhibited strong adhesion to NK cells and induced their activation without the need of coadministered cytokines. The activation induced by MACE was greater than that induced by nanoparticles, attesting to the crucial role of MACE geometry in the activation of NK cells. MACE-bound NK cells remained viable and exhibited trans-endothelial migration and antitumor activity in vitro. MACE-bound NK cells activated T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in vitro. Adoptive transfer of NK-MACE also demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy in a mouse melanoma lung metastasis model compared to unmodified NK cells. Overall, MACE offers a simple, scalable, and effective way of activating NK cells and represents an attractive platform to improve the efficacy of NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Prakash
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ninad Kumbhojkar
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Andrew Lu
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
| | - Neha Kapate
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Vineeth Chandran Suja
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kyung Soo Park
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lily Li-Wen Wang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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11
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Xiong Y, Jiang P, Wei S, Li M, Yang Y, Xiong L, Wang J, Li C. Harnessing NK cell-based immunotherapy to prevent the high-dose radiotherapy-inducing tumor survival recurrence. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110288. [PMID: 37196560 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110288] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer cells play crucial roles in tumor immunosurveillance and serve as first responders to recognize abnormal cells. Radiotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment. However, the effect of high-dose radiotherapy on NK cells remains elusive. Here, we used tumor-bearing mice in the murine colorectal cancer cell line, MC38. The function of NK cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes and tumors was explored after the mice were treated using radiotherapy with 20 Gy and/or blocking antibody αTIGIT at the indicated time. High-dose radiotherapy shaped an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to support tumor growth, showing a decreased anti-tumor immunity phenotype in which effector T cells were reduced significantly. Furthermore, the production of functional cytokines and markers in NK cells, including CD107a, granzyme B, and IFN-γ, also remarkably decreased after radiotherapy, while the inhibitory receptor TIGIT was significantly upregulated by FACS analysis. The effect of radiotherapy was significantly elevated after treatment with the combination of radiotherapy and TIGIT inhibition. Moreover, this combination significantly decreased tumor recurrence. Our findings reported that local single high-dose radiotherapy shaped the immunosuppressive microenvironment and inhibited the function of NK cells. Our study revealed compelling evidence suggesting that the enhancement of NK cell function through TIGIT targeting is an effective strategy to mitigate immune suppression caused by high-dose radiotherapy, thereby promoting the inhibition of tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiong
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shuhua Wei
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liting Xiong
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
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12
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Benelli R, Zocchi MR, Poggi A. Immune Checkpoint Receptor/Ligand Expression and Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030914. [PMID: 36765872 PMCID: PMC9913607 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint (IC) molecules act as receptors, expressed on immune effector cells, that are able to recognize specific ligands in normal or tumor cells [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benelli
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, Ospedale San Raffaele, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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13
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Benelli R, Costa D, Salvini L, Tardito S, Tosetti F, Villa F, Zocchi MR, Poggi A. Targeting of colorectal cancer organoids with zoledronic acid conjugated to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005660. [PMID: 36543375 PMCID: PMC9772689 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) are essential therapeutic options to treat solid and hematological cancers. The anti-epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) antibody cetuximab (Cet) is used for the therapy of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Anti-CRC Vδ2 cytolytic T lymphocytes can be elicited by the priming of tumor cells with the aminobisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) and consequent presentation of isopentenyl pyrophosphates through butyrophilin (BTN) family members such as BTN3A1 and BTN2A1. A major drawback that impairs the targeting of ZA to CRC is the bone tropism of aminobisphosphonates. METHODS The phosphoric group of ZA was linked to free amino groups of Cet in the presence of imidazole following the labeling of phosphoric groups of DNA to amino groups of proteins. The generation of Cet-ZA ADC was confirmed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis. Thirteen CRC organoids were obtained with a chemically defined serum-free medium in Geltrex domes. Proliferation and activation of cytolytic activity against CRC organoids by Vδ2 T cells was detected with flow cytometry, crystal violet and cytotoxic probe assays and image analysis. Immunohistochemistry and quantification of BTN3A1 or BTN2A1 expression and the number of tumor infiltrating Vδ2 T cells in CRC were performed by automatic immunostaining, whole slide scanning and computerized analysis of digital pathology imaging. RESULTS The novel ADC Cet-ZA was generated with a drug antibody ratio of 4.3 and displayed a reactivity similar to the unconjugated antibody. More importantly, patient-derived CRC organoids, or CRC tumor cell suspensions, could trigger the expansion of Vδ2 T cells from peripheral blood and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes when primed with Cet-ZA. Furthermore, Cet-ZA triggered Vδ2 T cell-mediated killing of CRC organoids. The expression of BTN3A1 and BTN2A1 was detected not only in CRC organoids but also in CRC specimens, together with a considerable amount of tumor infiltrating Vδ2 T cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings are proof of concept that the Cet-ZA ADC can be used to target specifically CRC organoids and may suggest a new experimental approach to deliver aminobisphosphonates to EGFR+ solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benelli
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Delfina Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Salvini
- Technologies Facilities, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Samuele Tardito
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Tosetti
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Villa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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14
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Jurj A, Qian D, Calin GA, Litchfield K. At the crossroad between checkpoint blockade and big data analyses: identification of novel biomarkers and potential targets. Ann Oncol 2022; 33:1214-1216. [PMID: 36456103 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.10.507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Jurj
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA; The Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, 'Iuliu Hatieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - D Qian
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, London, UK
| | - G A Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
| | - K Litchfield
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, London, UK.
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15
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Slattery K, Breheny M, Woods E, Keating S, Brennan K, Rooney C, Augustine S, Ryan A, Owens C, Gardiner CM. Heightened metabolic responses in NK cells from patients with neuroblastoma suggests increased potential for immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1004871. [PMID: 36276144 PMCID: PMC9585418 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1004871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
High risk neuroblastoma is responsible for 15% of deaths in pediatric cancer patients. The introduction of anti-GD2 immunotherapy has significantly improved outcomes but there is still only approximately a 50% 5 year event-free-survival for these children and improvements in treatments are urgently required. Anti-GD2 immunotherapy uses the patients’ own immune system to kill cancer cells. In particular, Natural Killer (NK) cells kill antibody coated tumor cells by a process called antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, our previous work has highlighted metabolic exhaustion of NK cells in circulating blood of adult cancer patients, identifying this as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we investigated circulating NK cells in patients newly diagnosed with neuroblastoma. We found evidence of activation of NK cells in vivo by the cancer itself. While some evidence of NK cell dysfunction was observed in terms of IFNγ production, most results indicated that the NK cell compartment remained relatively intact. In fact, some aspects of metabolic and functional activities were actually increased in patients compared to controls. Glycolytic responses, which we show are crucial for ADCC, were actually enhanced in patients and CD16, the NK cell receptor that mediates ADCC, was also expressed at high levels in some patients. Overall, the data suggest that patient NK cells could be harvested at diagnosis for subsequent beneficial autologous use during immunotherapy. Enhancing glycolytic capacity of cell therapies could also be a strategic goal of future cell therapies for patients with neuroblastoma and indeed other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Slattery
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Megan Breheny
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Woods
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead Keating
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kiva Brennan
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline Rooney
- Department of Oncology, Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sindhu Augustine
- Department of Oncology, Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aishling Ryan
- Department of Oncology, Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cormac Owens
- Department of Oncology, Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clair M. Gardiner
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Clair M. Gardiner,
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16
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Cord Blood-Derived Natural Killer Cell Exploitation in Immunotherapy Protocols: More Than a Promise? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184439. [PMID: 36139598 PMCID: PMC9496735 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary NK cell anti-tumor activity against hematological malignancies is well-established and many studies support their role in the control of solid tumor growth and metastasis generation. However, tumor microenvironment may affect NK cell function. Ongoing studies are aimed to design novel immunotherapeutic protocols to combine NK cell-based immunotherapy with other therapeutic strategies to improve the anti-tumor NK cell response. In this context, UCB is one of the main sources of both mature NK cells and of CD34+ HSPC that can generate NK cells, both in-vivo and in-vitro. UCB-derived NK cells represent a valuable tool to perform in-vitro and preclinical analyses and are already used in several clinical settings, particularly against hematological malignancies. The present review describes the characteristics of different types of UCB-derived NK cells and the in-vitro models to expand them, both for research and clinical purposes in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Abstract In the last 20 years, Natural Killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has become a promising approach to target various types of cancer. Indeed, NK cells play a pivotal role in the first-line defense against tumors through major histocompatibility complex-independent immunosurveillance. Their role in the control of leukemia relapse has been clearly established and, moreover, the presence of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) generally correlates with good prognosis. However, it has also been observed that, often, NK cells poorly infiltrate the tumor tissue, and, in TME, their functions may be compromised by immunosuppressive factors that contribute to the failure of anti-cancer immune response. Currently, studies are focused on the design of effective strategies to expand NK cells and enhance their cytotoxic activity, exploiting different cell sources, such as peripheral blood (PB), umbilical cord blood (UCB) and NK cell lines. Among them, UCB represents an important source of mature NK cells and CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs), as precursors of NK cells. In this review, we summarize the UCB-derived NK cell activity in the tumor context, review the different in-vitro models to expand NK cells from UCB, and discuss the importance of their exploitation in anti-tumor immunotherapy protocols.
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17
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Konno H, Lin T, Wu R, Dai X, Li S, Wang G, Chen M, Li W, Wang L, Sun BC, Luo Z, Huang T, Chen Y, Zhang J, Ye Q, Bellovin D, Wan B, Kang L, Szeto C, Hsu K, Kabbarah O. ZL-1211 Exhibits Robust Antitumor Activity by Enhancing ADCC and Activating NK Cell-mediated Inflammation in CLDN18.2-High and -Low Expressing Gastric Cancer Models. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:937-950. [PMID: 36922936 PMCID: PMC10010325 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CLDN18.2 (Claudin18.2)-targeting therapeutic antibodies have shown promising clinical efficacy in approximately 30% of gastric cancers expressing high levels of CLDN18.2 and less pronounced activity in low expressing malignancies. Here, we report that ZL-1211 is a mAb targeting CLDN18.2 engineered to promote enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) with the goal of achieving more potent activity in a wider spectrum of high- and low-CLDN18.2 expressing tumors. ZL-1211 demonstrated more robust in vitro ADCC activity than clinical benchmark not only in CLDN18.2-high but also CLDN18.2-low expressing gastric tumor cell lines. Greater antitumor efficacy was also observed in mouse xenograft models. Natural killer (NK) cell played critical roles in ZL-1211 efficacy and NK-cell depletion abrogated ZL-1211-mediated ADCC activity in vitro. ZL-1211 efficacy in vivo was also dependent on the presence of an NK compartment. Strikingly, NK cells strongly induced an inflammatory response in response to ZL-1211 treatment, including increased IFNγ, TNFα, and IL6 production, and were recruited into tumor microenvironment in patient-derived gastric tumors expressing CLDN18.2 upon ZL-1211 treatment to lyse the tumor cells. Taken together, our data suggest that ZL-1211 more effectively targets CLDN18.2-high gastric cancers as well as -low expressing malignancies that may not be eligible for treatment with the leading clinical benchmark by inducing enhanced ADCC response and activating NK cells with robust inflammation to enhance antitumor efficacy. Clinical activity of ZL-1211 is currently under evaluation in a phase I clinical trial (NCT05065710). Significance ZL-1211, anti-CLDN18.2 therapeutic antibody can target CLDN18.2-high as well as -low gastric cancers that may not be eligible for treatment with clinical benchmark. ZL-1211 treatment induces NK-cell activation with robust inflammation to further activate antitumor immunity in tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracey Lin
- Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Renyi Wu
- Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Xinchuan Dai
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shou Li
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Grace Wang
- Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Min Chen
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wenying Li
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lina Wang
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | | | - Zhen Luo
- Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Tom Huang
- Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | | | - John Zhang
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Qiuping Ye
- Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | | | - Bing Wan
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lishan Kang
- Zai Lab (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | | | - Karl Hsu
- Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
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18
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Peipp M, Klausz K, Boje AS, Zeller T, Zielonka S, Kellner C. Immunotherapeutic targeting of activating natural killer cell receptors and their ligands in cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 209:22-32. [PMID: 35325068 PMCID: PMC9307233 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells exert an important role in cancer immune surveillance. Recognition of malignant cells and controlled activation of effector functions are facilitated by the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors, which is a complex interplay that allows NK cells to discriminate malignant cells from healthy tissues. Due to their unique profile of effector functions, the recruitment of NK cells is attractive in cancer treatment and a key function of NK cells in antibody therapy is widely appreciated. In recent years, besides the low-affinity fragment crystallizable receptor for immunoglobulin G (FcγRIIIA), the activating natural killer receptors p30 (NKp30) and p46 (NKp46), as well as natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), have gained increasing attention as potential targets for bispecific antibody-derivatives to redirect NK cell cytotoxicity against tumors. Beyond modulation of the receptor activity on NK cells, therapeutic targeting of the respective ligands represents an attractive approach. Here, novel therapeutic approaches to unleash NK cells by engagement of activating NK-cell receptors and alternative strategies targeting their tumor-expressed ligands in cancer therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Peipp
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ammelie Svea Boje
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tobias Zeller
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Correspondence: Christian Kellner, Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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19
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Ding J, Zheng Y, Wang G, Zheng J, Chai D. The performance and perspectives of dendritic cell vaccines modified by immune checkpoint inhibitors or stimulants. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188763. [PMID: 35872287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188763] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic dendritic cell (DC) vaccines stimulate the elimination of tumor cells by the immune system. However, while antigen-specific T cell responses induced by DC vaccines are commonly observed, the clinical response rate is relatively poor, necessitating vaccine optimization. There is evidence that the suppression of DC function by immune checkpoints hinders the anti-tumor immune responses mediated by DC vaccines, ultimately leading to the immune escape of the tumor cells. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and immune checkpoint activators (ICAs) has extended the immunotherapeutic range. It is known that both inhibitory and stimulatory checkpoint molecules are expressed by most DC subsets and can thus be used to manipulate the effectiveness of DC vaccines. Such manipulation has been investigated using strategies such as chemotherapy, agonistic or antagonistic antibodies, siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR-Cas9, soluble antibodies, lentiviruses, and adenoviruses to maximize the efficacy of DC vaccines. Thus, a deeper understanding of immune checkpoints may assist in the development of improved DC vaccines. Here, we review the actions of various ICIs or ICAs shown by preclinical studies, as well as their potential application in DC vaccines. New therapeutic interventional strategies for blocking and stimulating immune checkpoint molecules in DCs are also described in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiage Ding
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Yanyan Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Gang Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
| | - Dafei Chai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
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20
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Boyd-Gibbins N, Karagiannis P, Hwang DW, Kim SI. iPSCs in NK Cell Manufacturing and NKEV Development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:890894. [PMID: 35874677 PMCID: PMC9305199 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.890894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapies for cancer can complement existing T cell therapies while benefiting from advancements already made in the immunotherapy field. For NK cell manufacturing, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer advantages including eliminating donor variation and providing an ideal platform for genome engineering. At the same time, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a major research interest, and purified NK cell extracellular vesicles (NKEVs) have been shown to reproduce the key functions of their parent NK cells. NKEVs have the potential to be developed into a standalone therapeutic with reduced complexity and immunogenicity compared to cell therapies. This review explores the role iPSC technology can play in both NK cell manufacturing and NKEV development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Karagiannis
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Do Won Hwang
- Research and Development Center, THERABEST Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shin-Il Kim
- THERABEST Japan, Inc., Kobe, Japan
- Research and Development Center, THERABEST Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Shin-Il Kim,
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21
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Witalisz-Siepracka A, Klein K, Zdársky B, Stoiber D. The Multifaceted Role of STAT3 in NK-Cell Tumor Surveillance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:947568. [PMID: 35865518 PMCID: PMC9294167 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.947568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a member of the Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT pathway, which is one of the key pathways contributing to cancer. STAT3 regulates transcription downstream of many cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10. In cancer, STAT3 is mainly described as a tumor promoter driving tumor cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis and aberrant activation of STAT3 is associated with poor prognosis. STAT3 is also an important driver of immune evasion. Among many other immunosuppressive mechanisms, STAT3 aids tumor cells to escape natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune surveillance. NK cells are innate lymphocytes, which can directly kill malignant cells but also regulate adaptive immune responses and contribute to the composition of the tumor microenvironment. The inborn ability to lyse transformed cells renders NK cells an attractive tool for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we provide an overview of the role of STAT3 in the dynamic interplay between NK cells and tumor cells. On the one hand, we summarize the current knowledge on how tumor cell-intrinsic STAT3 drives the evasion from NK cells. On the other hand, we describe the multiple functions of STAT3 in regulating NK-cell cytotoxicity, cytokine production and their anti-tumor responses in vivo. In light of the ongoing research on STAT3 inhibitors, we also discuss how targeting STAT3 would affect the two arms of STAT3-dependent regulation of NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Understanding the complexity of this interplay in the tumor microenvironment is crucial for future implementation of NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Witalisz-Siepracka
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Klara Klein
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Zdársky
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Dagmar Stoiber
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- *Correspondence: Dagmar Stoiber,
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22
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The Value of m5C-Related lncRNAs in the Prognostic Assessment and Immunotherapy of Stomach Adenocarcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2747799. [PMID: 35711526 PMCID: PMC9197623 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2747799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely associated with a variety of tumors, including stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). However, the role of 5-methylcytosine- (m5C-) related lncRNAs in STAD is still uncertain. This study investigated the value of m5C-related lncRNAs in prognostic evaluation and immunotherapy of STAD. STAD transcriptome sequencing data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and m5C-related lncRNAs were screened by Pearson correlation analysis. A prognostic m5C-related lncRNA signature (m5CRLSig) associated with STAD was established using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. We constructed a prognostic risk model for STAD with six m5C-related lncRNAs. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to examine the predictive efficacy. Univariate and multifactorial Cox regression analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) validated m5CRLSig as an independent factor of STAD prognosis. The clinicopathological characteristics of the model showed higher risk scores for stages II-IV, grade 3, N1-3, and death status. The calibration curve of a nomogram revealed that the nomogram had an excellent predictive function for survival risk. Furthermore, the expression of six m5C-related lncRNAs in STAD and paracancerous tissues was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), which verified the feasibility of the m5CRLSig as a prognostic marker for STAD. m5C-related lncRNAs were linked to multiple immune-associated pathways, according to gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). CIBERSORT analysis indicated that m5CRLSig was involved in immune cell infiltration. Risk score was associated with immune checkpoint gene expression, immune function scores, and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. Therefore, m5CRLSig can efficiently assess the prognosis of STAD patients and can be used as a biological marker for immunotherapy.
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23
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Priceman SJ, Cheema W, Adusumilli PS. Advancing together and moving forward: Combination gene and cellular immunotherapies. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 25:330-334. [PMID: 35694448 PMCID: PMC9160651 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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24
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Goldenson BH, Hor P, Kaufman DS. iPSC-Derived Natural Killer Cell Therapies - Expansion and Targeting. Front Immunol 2022; 13:841107. [PMID: 35185932 PMCID: PMC8851389 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.841107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of cancer with allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapies has seen rapid development, especially use against hematologic malignancies. Clinical trials of NK cell-based adoptive transfer to treat relapsed or refractory malignancies have used peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood and pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells, with each approach undergoing continued clinical development. Improving the potency of these therapies relies on genetic modifications to improve tumor targeting and to enhance expansion and persistence of the NK cells. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived NK cells allow for routine targeted introduction of genetic modifications and expansion of the resulting NK cells derived from a clonal starting cell population. In this review, we discuss and summarize recent important advances in the development of new iPSC-derived NK cell therapies, with a focus on improved targeting of cancer. We then discuss improvements in methods to expand iPSC-derived NK cells and how persistence of iPSC-NK cells can be enhanced. Finally, we describe how these advances may combine in future NK cell-based therapy products for the treatment of both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H Goldenson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Pooja Hor
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Dan S Kaufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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25
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Saad AA. Targeting cancer-associated glycans as a therapeutic strategy in leukemia. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2049901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Abdullah Saad
- Unit of Pediatric Hematologic Oncology and BMT, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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