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Sanz-Ortega L, Rojas JM, Barber DF. Improving Tumor Retention of Effector Cells in Adoptive Cell Transfer Therapies by Magnetic Targeting. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E812. [PMID: 32867162 PMCID: PMC7557387 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell transfer therapy is a promising anti-tumor immunotherapy in which effector immune cells are transferred to patients to treat tumors. However, one of its main limitations is the inefficient trafficking of inoculated effector cells to the tumor site and the small percentage of effector cells that remain activated when reaching the tumor. Multiple strategies have been attempted to improve the entry of effector cells into the tumor environment, often based on tumor types. It would be, however, interesting to develop a more general approach, to improve and facilitate the migration of specific activated effector lymphoid cells to any tumor type. We and others have recently demonstrated the potential for adoptive cell transfer therapy of the combined use of magnetic nanoparticle-loaded lymphoid effector cells together with the application of an external magnetic field to promote the accumulation and retention of lymphoid cells in specific body locations. The aim of this review is to summarize and highlight the recent findings in the field of magnetic accumulation and retention of effector cells in tumors after adoptive transfer, and to discuss the possibility of using this approach for tumor targeting with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sanz-Ortega
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 14183 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - José Manuel Rojas
- Animal Health Research Centre (CISA)-INIA, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, 28130 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Domingo F. Barber
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, and NanoBiomedicine Initiative, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)-CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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2
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Kumar N, Khakoo SI. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Prospects for natural killer cell immunotherapy. HLA 2018; 92:3-11. [PMID: 29667374 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease is a growing cause of death in the United Kingdom and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rising (http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/). The combination of an immunosuppressive environment within the liver and suboptimal host anti-tumour immune responses may account for the poor survival outcome of HCC. Understanding how tumours evade immune recognition coupled with new insights into the unique immunological environment within the liver will be critical to developing liver-specific immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kumar
- Section of Hepatology, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S I Khakoo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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3
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Sheikhi A, Jafarzadeh A. A new therapeutic potential for cancers: One CAR with 2 different engines! Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:1786-1788. [PMID: 28494200 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1314874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells escape from immune recognition by several mechanisms such as down-regulating of MHC class I molecules, losing of tumor antigens, etc. The purpose of cancer immunotherapy is to robust or reconstruct the capacity of the immune system to recognize and kill tumor cells by overwhelming the mechanisms by which tumors escape the immune response. One of the novel immunotherapeutic strategies were used to potentiate NK- and T cell functions is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). CARs are composed of an antigen-binding domain of a molecule such as an antibody (that binds to a tumor associated antigens expressed on the surface of tumor cells) and an intracellular T cell activation domain. The CARs provide the recognition of target antigen in a MHC-independent manner. CAR-armed T cells may be unable to kill their targets in the absence of co-stimulators like NK cells. On the other hand, CAR-armed NK cells may also be unable to destroy their targets without receiving help signals from Th cells. Thus, if CAR-armed NK cells use together with CAR-armed T cells, NK cells will be aggregated to the tumor site. Thus, not only CAR T cells will obtain the necessary cytokines/costimulators from NK cells, but also other tumor specific T cells will be primed by recognition of tumor specific antigen (TSA) associated with MHC class I. These new specific primed T cells probably combat against tumor cells which have lost their TAAs that CAR-T cells are redirected to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolkarim Sheikhi
- a Cellular And Molecular Immunology Research Laboratory, Department of Immunology , Dezful University of Medical Sciences , Dezful , Iran.,b Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- c Department of Immunology , Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
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4
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Oelsner S, Friede ME, Zhang C, Wagner J, Badura S, Bader P, Ullrich E, Ottmann OG, Klingemann H, Tonn T, Wels WS. Continuously expanding CAR NK-92 cells display selective cytotoxicity against B-cell leukemia and lymphoma. Cytotherapy 2016; 19:235-249. [PMID: 27887866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells can rapidly respond to transformed and stressed cells and represent an important effector cell type for adoptive immunotherapy. In addition to donor-derived primary NK cells, continuously expanding cytotoxic cell lines such as NK-92 are being developed for clinical applications. METHODS To enhance their therapeutic utility for the treatment of B-cell malignancies, we engineered NK-92 cells by lentiviral gene transfer to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that target CD19 and contain human CD3ζ (CAR 63.z), composite CD28-CD3ζ or CD137-CD3ζ signaling domains (CARs 63.28.z and 63.137.z). RESULTS Exposure of CD19-positive targets to CAR NK-92 cells resulted in formation of conjugates between NK and cancer cells, NK-cell degranulation and selective cytotoxicity toward established B-cell leukemia and lymphoma cells. Likewise, the CAR NK cells displayed targeted cell killing of primary pre-B-ALL blasts that were resistant to parental NK-92. Although all three CAR NK-92 cell variants were functionally active, NK-92/63.137.z cells were less effective than NK-92/63.z and NK-92/63.28.z in cell killing and cytokine production, pointing to differential effects of the costimulatory CD28 and CD137 domains. In a Raji B-cell lymphoma model in NOD-SCID IL2R γnull mice, treatment with NK-92/63.z cells, but not parental NK-92 cells, inhibited disease progression, indicating that selective cytotoxicity was retained in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that it is feasible to generate CAR-engineered NK-92 cells with potent and selective antitumor activity. These cells may become clinically useful as a continuously expandable off-the-shelf cell therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Oelsner
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Miriam E Friede
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Congcong Zhang
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juliane Wagner
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susanne Badura
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Bader
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany; LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Oliver G Ottmann
- Department of Haematology, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Torsten Tonn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden and Transfusion Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Germany.
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5
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Zhang Y, Huo X, Cao J, Yang T, Xu L, Xu X. Elevated lead levels and adverse effects on natural killer cells in children from an electronic waste recycling area. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 213:143-150. [PMID: 26895538 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) has been proved to exert immunotoxicity to influence immune homeostasis in humans. To monitor the internal Pb level and evaluate its effect on natural killer (NK) cells and cytokine/chemokine concentrations, we recruited 285 preschool children from Guiyu, one of the largest electronic waste (e-waste) destinations and recycling areas in the world, and known to have high concentrations of Pb in the air, soil, water, sediment and plants. A total of 126 preschool children were selected from Haojiang as a reference group. Results showed that children in Guiyu, the exposed area, had higher blood Pb levels and lower percentages of NK cells than children from the reference area. A significantly negative association was found between the percentage of NK cells and increasing Pb levels. Moreover, children in Guiyu area had higher platelet counts and IL-1β concentrations, and lower levels of IL-2, IL-27, MIP-1α and MIP-1β were observed in the exposed children. These changes might not be conducive to the development and differentiation of NK cells. Taken together, the elevated Pb levels result in the lower percentages of NK cells, but also alter the levels of platelets, IL-1β and IL-27, which might be unconducive to the activity and function of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Junjun Cao
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Tian Yang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Long Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China.
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6
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Suck G, Odendahl M, Nowakowska P, Seidl C, Wels WS, Klingemann HG, Tonn T. NK-92: an 'off-the-shelf therapeutic' for adoptive natural killer cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:485-92. [PMID: 26559813 PMCID: PMC11029582 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1761-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are increasingly considered as immunotherapeutic agents in particular in the fight against cancers. NK cell therapies are potentially broadly applicable and, different from their T cell counterparts, do not cause graft-versus-host disease. Efficacy and clinical in vitro or in vivo expansion of primary NK cells will however always remain variable due to individual differences of donors or patients. Long-term storage of clinical NK cell lots to allow repeated clinical applications remains an additional challenge. In contrast, the established and well-characterized cell line NK-92 can be easily and reproducibly expanded from a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant cryopreserved master cell bank. Moreover, no cost-intensive cell purification methods are required. To date, NK-92 has been intensively studied. The cells displayed superior cytotoxicity against a number of tumor types tested, which was confirmed in preclinical mouse studies. Subsequent clinical testing demonstrated safety of NK-92 infusions even at high doses. Despite the phase I nature of the trials conducted so far, some efficacy was noted, particularly against lung tumors. Furthermore, to overcome tumor resistance and for specific targeting, NK-92 has been engineered to express a number of different chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), including targeting, for example, CD19 or CD20 (anti-B cell malignancies), CD38 (anti-myeloma) or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2; ErbB2; anti-epithelial cancers). The concept of an NK cell line as an allogeneic cell therapeutic produced 'off-the-shelf' on demand holds great promise for the development of effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garnet Suck
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Odendahl
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Blasewitzer Strasse 68/70, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Paulina Nowakowska
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Seidl
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Torsten Tonn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Blasewitzer Strasse 68/70, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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7
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Suck G, Linn YC, Tonn T. Natural Killer Cells for Therapy of Leukemia. Transfus Med Hemother 2016; 43:89-95. [PMID: 27226791 DOI: 10.1159/000445325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical application of natural killer (NK) cells against leukemia is an area of intense investigation. In human leukocyte antigen-mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT), alloreactive NK cells exert powerful anti-leukemic activity in preventing relapse in the absence of graft-versus-host disease, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia patients. Adoptive transfer of donor NK cells post-HSCT or in non-transplant scenarios may be superior to the currently widely used unmanipulated donor lymphocyte infusion. This concept could be further improved through transfusion of activated NK cells. Significant progress has been made in good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant large-scale production of stimulated effectors. However, inherent limitations remain. These include differing yields and compositions of the end-product due to donor variability and inefficient means for cryopreservation. Moreover, the impact of the various novel activation strategies on NK cell biology and in vivo behavior are barely understood. In contrast, reproduction of the third-party NK-92 drug from a cryostored GMP-compliant master cell bank is straightforward and efficient. Safety for the application of this highly cytotoxic cell line was demonstrated in first clinical trials. This novel 'off-the-shelf' product could become a treatment option for a broad patient population. For specific tumor targeting chimeric-antigen-receptor-engineered NK-92 cells have been designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garnet Suck
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Berlin, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yeh Ching Linn
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Torsten Tonn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany; Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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8
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Bai Y, Zheng JE, Wang N, Cai HH, Zhai LN, Wu YH, Wang F, Jin RM, Zhou DF. Effects of dendritic cell-activated and cytokine-induced killer cell therapy on 22 children with acute myeloid leukemia after chemotherapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 35:689-693. [PMID: 26489623 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-015-1491-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The efficiency of dendritic cell-activated and cytokine-induced killer cell (DC-CIK) therapy on children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after chemotherapy was investigated. Mononuclear cells were collected from children achieving complete remission after chemotherapy, cultured in vitro and transfused back into the same patient. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was injected subcutaneously every other day 10 times at the dose of 1 × 10(6) units. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and minimal residual disease (MRD) were detected by flow cytometry. Function of bone marrow was monitored by methods of morphology, immunology, cytogenetics and molecular biology. The side effects were also observed during the treatment. The average follow-up period for all the 22 patients was 71 months and relapse occurred in two AML patients (9.1%). The percentage of CD3(+)/CD8(+) cells in peripheral blood of 15 patients at the 3rd month after DC-CIK treatment (36.73% ± 12.51%) was dramatically higher than that before treatment (29.20% ± 8.34%, P < 0.05). The MRD rate was >0.1% in 5 patients before the treatment, and became lower than 0.1% 3 months after the treatment. During the transfusion of DC-CIK, side effects including fever, chills and hives appeared in 7 out of 22 (31.82%) cases but disappeared quickly after symptomatic treatments. There were no changes in electrocardiography and liver-renal functions after the treatment. MRD in children with AML can be eliminated by DC-CIK therapy which is safe and has fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Bai
- Pediatric Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jin-E Zheng
- Stem Cell Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Pediatric Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - He-Hua Cai
- Pediatric Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Li-Na Zhai
- Pediatric Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yao-Hui Wu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Pediatric Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Run-Ming Jin
- Pediatric Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Dong-Feng Zhou
- Pediatric Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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9
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Seidel D, Shibina A, Siebert N, Wels WS, Reynolds CP, Huebener N, Lode HN. Disialoganglioside-specific human natural killer cells are effective against drug-resistant neuroblastoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:621-34. [PMID: 25711293 PMCID: PMC11029162 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1669-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The disialoganglioside GD2 is a well-established target antigen for passive immunotherapy in neuroblastoma (NB). Despite the recent success of passive immunotherapy with the anti-GD2 antibody ch14.18 and cytokines, treatment of high-risk NB remains challenging. We expanded the approach of GD2-specific, antibody-based immunotherapy to an application of a GD2-specific natural killer (NK) cell line, NK-92-scFv(ch14.18)-zeta. NK-92-scFv(ch14.18)-zeta is genetically engineered to express a GD2-specific chimeric antigen receptor generated from ch14.18. Here, we show that chimeric receptor expression enables NK-92-scFv(ch14.18)-zeta to effectively lyse GD2(+) NB cells also including partially or multidrug-resistant lines. Our data suggest that recognition of GD2 by the chimeric receptor is the primary mechanism involved in NK-92-scFv(ch14.18)-zeta-mediated lysis and is independent of activating NK cell receptor/ligand interactions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NK-92-scFv(ch14.18)-zeta is able to mediate a significant anti-tumor response in vivo in a drug-resistant GD2(+) NB xenograft mouse model. NK-92-scFv(ch14.18)-zeta is an NB-specific NK cell line that has potential for future clinical development due to its high stability and activity toward GD2(+) NB cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Seidel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch Str., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Cancer Center, Lubbock, TX USA
| | - Anastasia Shibina
- Rhön Clinic Frankfurt/Oder, Internal Medicine, Frankfurt/Oder, Germany
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Cancer Center, Lubbock, TX USA
| | - Nikolai Siebert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch Str., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Winfried S. Wels
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt a. M., Germany
| | | | - Nicole Huebener
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch Str., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Cancer Center, Lubbock, TX USA
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger N. Lode
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch Str., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
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10
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Karimi K, Karimi Y, Chan J, Boudreau JE, Basset J, Chew MV, Reid S, Bramson JL, Wan Y, Ashkar AA. Type I IFN signaling on dendritic cells is required for NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Innate Immun 2015; 21:626-34. [PMID: 25749844 DOI: 10.1177/1753425915575078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a vital role in innate anti-tumor immunity. Crosstalk between NK cells and dendritic cells (DCs) has come to the forefront in protection against tumors in the context of DC vaccines. We previously discovered that NK cell activation mediates the anti-tumor activity elicited by DC vaccines in response to melanoma tumor challenge in a murine lung metastasis model. In this study, we sought to explore the mechanism behind this NK-DC communication, specifically looking at the involvement of IL-15 and type I IFN signaling. Using DCs from IL-15(-/-) and IL-15Rα(-/-) mice, we found that the anti-tumor effect of the vaccine remained comparable with DCs from wild type mice. Moreover, DCs derived from IFN-α/βR(-/-) mice also maintained their anti-tumor effect. Interestingly, endogenous DCs were found to accumulate in the draining lymph nodes post-immunization and their depletion abolished the anti-tumor effect of the vaccine. Our findings suggest the important role that type I IFN signaling and endogenous DCs play in DC vaccine-mediated anti-tumor protection. Our data suggest that type I IFNs from vaccine DCs activate host DCs to provide NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Karimi
- Institute of Experimental Immunology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yalda Karimi
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Chan
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jeanette E Boudreau
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jennifer Basset
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Marianne V Chew
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Sarah Reid
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jonathan L Bramson
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Yonghong Wan
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ali A Ashkar
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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11
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Abstract
CD3(-)CD56(+) natural killer (NK) cells can kill various tumors in a non major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted fashion. Recent advances have been made in the application of NK cells for the treatment of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Allogeneic donor-derived NK cells can be activated in vitro and infused into patients receiving stem cell transplants. We describe in this chapter the method to activate NK cells with cytokines and to ascertain their degree of activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syh-Jae Lin
- Division of Asthma, Allergy, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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12
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Selective inhibition of tumor growth by clonal NK cells expressing an ErbB2/HER2-specific chimeric antigen receptor. Mol Ther 2014; 23:330-8. [PMID: 25373520 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important effector cell type for adoptive cancer immunotherapy. Similar to T cells, NK cells can be modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to enhance antitumor activity, but experience with CAR-engineered NK cells and their clinical development is still limited. Here, we redirected continuously expanding and clinically usable established human NK-92 cells to the tumor-associated ErbB2 (HER2) antigen. Following GMP-compliant procedures, we generated a stable clonal cell line expressing a humanized CAR based on ErbB2-specific antibody FRP5 harboring CD28 and CD3ζ signaling domains (CAR 5.28.z). These NK-92/5.28.z cells efficiently lysed ErbB2-expressing tumor cells in vitro and exhibited serial target cell killing. Specific recognition of tumor cells and antitumor activity were retained in vivo, resulting in selective enrichment of NK-92/5.28.z cells in orthotopic breast carcinoma xenografts, and reduction of pulmonary metastasis in a renal cell carcinoma model, respectively. γ-irradiation as a potential safety measure for clinical application prevented NK cell replication, while antitumor activity was preserved. Our data demonstrate that it is feasible to engineer CAR-expressing NK cells as a clonal, molecularly and functionally well-defined and continuously expandable cell therapeutic agent, and suggest NK-92/5.28.z cells as a promising candidate for use in adoptive cancer immunotherapy.
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13
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Liu H, Yang B, Sun T, Lin L, Hu Y, Deng M, Yang J, Liu T, Li J, Sun S, Jiao S. Specific growth inhibition of ErbB2‑expressing human breast cancer cells by genetically modified NK‑92 cells. Oncol Rep 2014; 33:95-102. [PMID: 25333815 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural killer cell line NK‑92 shows great cytotoxicity against various types of cancer. Several types of solid tumor cells, however, can effectively resist NK-mediated lysis by interaction of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules with NK cell inhibitory receptors. To generate a eukaryotic expression vector encoding chimeric antigen receptor scFv anti-erbB2-CD28-ζ and to investigate the expression and action of this chimeric antigen receptor in cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, NK‑92 cells were genetically modified with an scFv anti-erbB2-CD28-ζ chimeric recep-tor by optimized electro-poration using the Amaxa Nucleofector system. The expression of the chimeric receptor was evaluated by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The ability of the genetically modified NK‑92 cells to induce cell death in tumor targets was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The transduced NK‑92-anti-erbB2 scFv-CD28-ζ cells expressing high levels of the fusion protein on the cell surface were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) analysis. These cells specifically enhanced the cell death of the erbB2‑expressing human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-453 and SKBr3. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of genetically modified NK‑92 cells specifically reduced tumor size and lung metastasis of nude mice bearing established MDA-MB-453 cells, and significantly enhanced the survival period of these mice. The genetically modified NK‑92 cells significantly enhanced the killing of erbB2‑expressing cancer and may be a novel therapeutic strategy for erbB2‑expressing cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Internal Oncology, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Internal Oncology, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Sun
- Department of Internal Neurology, Hainan Branch of 301 General Hospital, Hainan, P.R. China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Internal Oncology, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Internal Oncology, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Muhong Deng
- Department of Internal Oncology, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Junlan Yang
- Department of Internal Oncology, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tianyi Liu
- Tumor Central Laboratory, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jinyu Li
- Department of Internal Oncology, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shengjie Sun
- Department of Internal Oncology, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shunchang Jiao
- Department of Internal Oncology, 301 General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
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14
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Jiang W, Zhang C, Tian Z, Zhang J. hIL-15 gene-modified human natural killer cells (NKL-IL15) augments the anti-human hepatocellular carcinoma effect in vivo. Immunobiology 2014; 219:547-53. [PMID: 24721706 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modification of NK cells may provide new possibilities for developing effective cancer immunotherapy by improving NK cell function and specificity. We previously established human interleukin-15 (hIL-15) gene-modified NKL cells (NKL-IL15) and demonstrated their therapeutic efficiency against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro. To further assess the applicability of NKL-IL15 cells in adoptive cellular immunotherapy, we further investigated their natural cytotoxicity against HCC in vivo in the present study. NKL-IL15 cells exhibited strong inhibition on the growth of transplanted human HCC tumors in xenograft nude mouse models. Further investigation showed that NKL-IL15 cells expressed much higher levels of cytolysis-related molecules, including NKp80, TRAIL, granzyme B, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, than parental NKL cells in response to HCC stimulation. Moreover, soluble mediators secreted by NKL-IL15 cells decreased HCC cell proliferation; in particular, NKL-IL15-derived TNF-α and IFN-γ induced higher NKG2D ligand expression on target cells and resulted in the increased susceptibility of HCCs to NKL-mediated cytolysis. These results show that hIL-15 gene-modified human NK cells can augment the anti-tumor effect of NK cells on human HCC in vivo and suggest their promising applicability as a new candidate for adoptive immunotherapy against HCCs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jiang
- Institute of Immunopharmacology & Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua West Road, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmacology & Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua West Road, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunopharmacology & Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua West Road, Jinan 250012, PR China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmacology & Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua West Road, Jinan 250012, PR China.
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15
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Atreya I, Neurath MF. Immune cells in colorectal cancer: prognostic relevance and therapeutic strategies. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 8:561-72. [DOI: 10.1586/14737140.8.4.561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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16
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Retargeting NK-92 for anti-melanoma activity by a TCR-like single-domain antibody. Immunol Cell Biol 2013; 91:615-24. [PMID: 24100387 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2013.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is hampered by intrinsic non-specific cytotoxicity and insufficient activation of NK cells. Here, we confer the T-cell receptor-like (TCR-like) specificity on NK cells, taking advantage of both the innate and adaptive immune arms of the immune response to generate enhanced anti-melanoma activity. The TCR-like antibody (Ab) GPA7 was selected against melanoma-associated gp100/human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 complex and then fused to intracellular domain of CD3-ζ chain. This fusion construct was incorporated into NK-92MI cell line and expressed as a chimeric antigen receptor on the surface of the cell. The anti-tumour activity of the transgenic NK-92MI-GPA7-ζ cell line was assessed against melanoma in vitro and in vivo. The engineered NK-92MI-GPA7-ζ cells could recognize melanoma cells in the context of HLA-A2 and showed enhanced killing of both melanoma cell lines and primary melanoma. Furthermore, adoptively transferred NK-92MI-GPA7-ζ cells significantly suppressed the growth of human melanoma in a xenograft model in mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the TCR-like Ab, GPA7, could redirect NK cells to target the intracellular antigen gp100 and enhance anti-melanoma activity, providing a promising immunotherapeutic strategy to prevent and treat melanoma.
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17
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Sedlacek AL, Gerber SA, Randall TD, van Rooijen N, Frelinger JG, Lord EM. Generation of a dual-functioning antitumor immune response in the peritoneal cavity. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 183:1318-1328. [PMID: 23933065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cell metastasis to the peritoneal cavity is observed in patients with tumors of peritoneal organs, particularly colon and ovarian tumors. Following release into the peritoneal cavity, tumor cells rapidly attach to the omentum, a tissue consisting of immune aggregates embedded in adipose tissue. Despite their proximity to potential immune effector cells, tumor cells grow aggressively on these immune aggregates. We hypothesized that activation of the immune aggregates would generate a productive antitumor immune response in the peritoneal cavity. We immunized mice i.p. with lethally irradiated cells of the colon adenocarcinoma line Colon38. Immunization resulted in temporary enlargement of immune aggregates, and after challenge with viable Colon38 cells, we did not detect tumor growth on the omentum. When Colon38-immunized mice were challenged with cells from the unrelated breast adenocarcinoma line E0771 or the melanoma line B16, these tumors also did not grow. The nonspecific response was long-lived and not present systemically, highlighting the uniqueness of the peritoneal cavity. Cellular depletions of immune subsets revealed that NK1.1(+) cells were essential in preventing growth of unrelated tumors, whereas NK1.1(+) cells and T cells were essential in preventing Colon38 tumor growth. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the peritoneal cavity has a unique environment capable of eliciting potent specific and nonspecific antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L Sedlacek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Troy D Randall
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Nico van Rooijen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John G Frelinger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Edith M Lord
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
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18
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Cellular therapy of cancer with natural killer cells-where do we stand? Cytotherapy 2013; 15:1185-94. [PMID: 23768925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Although T-lymphocytes have received most of the attention in immunotherapy trials, new discoveries around natural killer (NK) cells suggest that they also should be suitable effector cells for cellular therapy of cancer. In addition to direct cytotoxicity, NK cells produce an array of immune-active cytokines, among them interferons and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, which places them at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity. They also augment monoclonal antibody activity through antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity and can be transfected with chimeric antigen receptors. One of the stumbling blocks for NK cell-based therapies has been the inability to predictably obtain and expand larger numbers from donors, but also to achieve sufficiently high transfection efficiency of target genes. The first clinical trials with NK cells suggest some benefit, but more definite evidence is needed to justify this relatively expensive treatment.
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Husak Z, Dworzak MN. CD99 ligation upregulates HSP70 on acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells and concomitantly increases NK cytotoxicity. Cell Death Dis 2012; 3:e425. [PMID: 23152061 PMCID: PMC3542600 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CD99 is present in many human cell types, including high-level surface expression on pediatric B and T leukemias and Ewing tumors (ETs). On B lymphocytes and respective malignancies, its level decreases with the stage of maturation. Inter-individual variability of CD99 on B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) blasts was shown recently to be associated with distinct cytogenetic backgrounds. However, CD99 targets remain mainly unknown. Here, we show that administration of an anti-CD99 antibody to B- and T-leukemia cell lines induces heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), both on the cell surface and in the cytoplasm. Investigation of primary BCP-ALL cells rendered similar results. Intriguingly, CD99-induced modulation of HSP70 on ET cells had profiles different from that on leukemia cells. Since HSP70 expression on tumor cells is a prerequisite for natural killer (NK) cell-mediated tumor lysis, we hypothesized that CD99-induced HSP70 may allow targeting of some CD99-positive malignancies via NK-cell cytotoxicity. Our experiments with NK92 cell line demonstrated that leukemia cells with upregulated HSP70 can be successfully killed by effector cells. We consider our data as a new view of CD99 functions and as a basis for the development of a potential anti-tumor strategy based on heat-shock protein activation via CD99 triggering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Husak
- Department of Immunological Diagnostics, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria.
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20
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Lee WC, Lee WL, Shyong WY, Yang LW, Ko MC, Sheu BC, Edmond Hsieh SL, Wang PH. Increased concentration of sialidases by HeLa cells might influence the cytotoxic ability of NK cells. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 51:192-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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21
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Koh MBC, Suck G. Cell therapy: promise fulfilled? Biologicals 2012; 40:214-7. [PMID: 22405888 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has been widely accepted as a new powerful modality of cancer treatment. The last 2 decades have seen impressive results in its application against haemato-oncologic malignancies, melanomas and prostate carcinoma. Cellular immunotherapy has since found applicability beyond cancer into autoimmunity and continues to expand in its clinical applicability. The discovery that stem cells have the ability to differentiate into more mature cell types, like neurones and myocardium, has focused research on using exogenous cells to repair damaged tissues. This led to numerous clinical trials using stem cells in myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy and spinal cord damage. Results have ranged from modest to significant clinical outcomes with continuing debate on the exact process of regeneration achieved. The intertwining between cell therapy and transfusion medicine now includes research on progenitor cells for the production of mature red cells. It is also clear that cell therapy has enabled an improved understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical course of many diseases, while perhaps its role in regenerative medicine is most enticing. However, the critical role of manufacturing in terms of cost, complexity, reproducibility, and regulatory matters remains a central issue in the consideration of whether cell therapy has met all of its promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickey B C Koh
- Blood Services Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore.
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22
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Suck G, Oei VYS, Linn YC, Ho SH, Chu S, Choong A, Niam M, Koh MBC. Interleukin-15 supports generation of highly potent clinical-grade natural killer cells in long-term cultures for targeting hematological malignancies. Exp Hematol 2011; 39:904-14. [PMID: 21703984 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2011.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Revised: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interleukin (IL)-15 is a promising novel cytokine for natural killer (NK) cell activation and survival. We studied the effects of IL-15 compared to IL-2 on NK cells in long-term cultures for clinical translation. MATERIALS AND METHODS CD56(+)CD3(-) NK cells were expanded with IL-2 or IL-15 for 2 to 4 weeks within lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell cultures (LAK-NK) in serum-enriched AIM V or CellGro Stem Cell Growth Medium (SCGM). Cell growth, viability, and NK cell content were monitored and cytotoxicity assessed in a flow cytometric cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS IL-15 (100-1000 U/mL) could replace IL-2 (1000 U/mL) in AIM V cultures to achieve efficient LAK cell expansion. However, IL-15-stimulated LAK cells exceeded cytotoxicity of IL-2-stimulated LAK cells against K562, notably at later culture points. In the powerful CellGro SCGM, LAK cells expanded over 28 days an average of 905-fold ± 320-fold standard error of the mean (SEM) for IL-2 (500 U/mL) and 484-fold ± 98-fold SEM for IL-15 (500 U/mL), and NK cells within such LAK cultures expanded an average of 2320-fold ± 975-fold SEM for IL-2 and 1084-fold ± 309-fold SEM for IL-15. Importantly, such IL-15-activated LAK-NK cells retained enhanced cytotoxicity at later culture points against K562 as well. IL-15-stimulated effectors were also highly cytotoxic against hematological targets MOLT-4 and KU812 and nontoxic against autologous nonmalignant cells. Interestingly, IL-15-LAK-NK cells showed overall significant upregulation of the main activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors after long-term cytokine stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the potential for IL-15 to support large-scale expansion of clinical-grade LAK-NK effectors, which could retain enhanced longer-term potency and preserve activation receptors in therapy of hematological malignancies. Protocols are readily clinically translatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garnet Suck
- Blood Services Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore.
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23
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Suck G, Koh MBC. Emerging natural killer cell immunotherapies: large-scale ex vivo production of highly potent anticancer effectors. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 2011; 3:135-42. [PMID: 20890071 DOI: 10.1016/s1658-3876(10)50024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapies are emerging worldwide as promising anticancer treatments, exploiting the fast cytolytic action of NK effectors and their potentially broad applicability against a wide range of malignancies. Until recently, clinical protocols have mainly involved freshly isolated NK cells or short- term activated NK cells or lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. However, overall effector numbers and their anticancer potencies remained restricted, which poses a limiting factor to clinical efficacy. Recent developments in the field aim to improve clinical trial designs by increasing effector to target cell ratios in vivo and by application of superior cytotoxic NK effectors. Large-scale production of clinical grade NK cells through long-term activation in ex vivo cultures are another novel means in achieving these goals. However, such procedures require compliance with the strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations to ensure quality and safety of the NK cell product. Although the overall number of new protocols still remains comparably low, some of the protocols are already translated into clinical use. Also striking is the diversity of the different protocols proposed. We highlight in this review the most recent developments in the NK cell field with a focus on long-term NK cell expansion. Critical issues relating to this novel and promising type of therapy are highlighted and discussed.
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24
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Pegram HJ, Kershaw MH, Darcy PK. Genetic modification of natural killer cells for adoptive cellular immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2011; 1:623-30. [PMID: 20635990 DOI: 10.2217/imt.09.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer is a rapidly developing field; one such development is the manipulation and use of natural killer (NK) cells. These cells with 'killer instincts' are an attractive cell to utilize, as they are directly reactive toward tumor and could potentially activate the endogenous adaptive immune system. Their employment in adoptive cell transfer treatments has yielded important results and discoveries, although effective antitumor responses are limited. To address these limitations, NK cells are the target of a new generation of immunotherapy involving gene transfer. The gene modification of immune cells is a relatively recent technique and some groups have targeted NK cells for gene modification to improve their antitumor efficacy. This review will investigate studies describing the gene modification of NK cells and their encouraging antitumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollie J Pegram
- Cancer Immunology Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 8006, Australia
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25
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Moore C, Eslin D, Levy A, Roberson J, Giusti V, Sutphin R. Prognostic significance of early lymphocyte recovery in pediatric osteosarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 55:1096-102. [PMID: 20734401 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.22673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests early lymphocyte recovery after chemotherapy predicts superior outcome for patients with cancer, a phenomenon not previously investigated in osteosarcoma. This study determined the prognostic significance of early lymphocyte recovery for pediatric patients with osteosarcoma. PROCEDURES We reviewed data of 19 consecutive patients treated for osteosarcoma at our institution from 1997 to 2007. After initial chemotherapy, patients were separated into two groups: early versus late lymphocyte recovery, using a threshold absolute lymphocyte count of ≥ 800 cells/µl on day 14 (ALC-14). RESULTS The 5-year overall survival (OS) for our cohort was 73.7% [± 10.1 standard error (SE)]. Thirteen patients (68%) had an ALC-14 ≥ 800 cells/µl, with 12/13 alive and 5-year OS of 92.3% (± 7.4 SE). In contrast, six patients (32%) had an ALC-14 < 800 cells/µL, with 1/6 alive and 5-year OS of 33.3% (± 19.2 SE). The difference is statistically significant (P = 0.0013, log-rank test). Two patients presented with multifocal disease at diagnosis, had late lymphocyte recovery and died. One patient presented with metastatic disease, had early lymphocyte recovery and is alive. Six patients developed relapsed disease with a 5-year OS of 33.3% (± 19.2 SE). The majority (5/6) of patients with relapsed disease died while on active therapy. The only survivor in this group had an ALC-14 > 800 cells/µl and recently completed relapse therapy. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that early lymphocyte recovery represents a significant prognostic indicator for osteosarcoma. Early identification and risk stratification therapy based on the ALC-14 threshold may improve outcomes and our knowledge of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Moore
- Department of Pediatric Medical Education, Arnold Palmer Medical Center, Orlando Health, Orlando, Florida, USA
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26
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Meier R, Golovko D, Tavri S, Henning TD, Knopp C, Piontek G, Rudelius M, Heinrich P, Wels WS, Daldrup-Link H. Depicting adoptive immunotherapy for prostate cancer in an animal model with magnetic resonance imaging. Magn Reson Med 2010; 65:756-63. [PMID: 20928869 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.22652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Genetically modified natural killer (NK) cells that recognize tumor-associated surface antigens have recently shown promise as a novel approach for cancer immunotherapy. To determine NK cell therapy response early, a real-time, noninvasive method to quantify NK cell homing to the tumor is desirable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if MR imaging could provide a noninvasive, in vivo diagnosis of NK cell accumulation in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive prostate cancers in a rat xenograft model. Genetically engineered NK-92-scFv(MOC31)-ζ cells, which express a chimeric antigen receptor specific to the tumor-associated EpCAM antigen, and nontargeted NK-92 cells were labeled with superparamagnetic particles of iron-oxides (SPIO) ferumoxides. Twelve athymic rats with implanted EpCAM positive DU145 prostate cancers received intravenous injections of 1.5×10(7) SPIO labeled NK-92 and NK-92-scFv(MOC31)-ζ cells. EpCAM-positive prostate cancers demonstrated a progressive and a significant decline in contrast-to-noise-ratio data at 1 and 24 h after injection of SPIO-labeled NK-92-scFv(MOC31)-ζ cells. Conversely, tumor contrast-to-noise-ratio data did not change significantly after injection of SPIO-labeled parental NK-92 cells. Histopathology confirmed an accumulation of the genetically engineered NK-92-scFv(MOC31)-ζ cells in prostate cancers. Thus, the presence or absence of a tumor accumulation of therapeutic NK cells can be monitored with cellular MR imaging. EpCAM-directed, SPIO labeled NK-92-scFv(MOC31)-ζ cells accumulate in EpCAM-positive prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Meier
- Department of Radiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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27
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Charni S, Aguilo JI, Garaude J, de Bettignies G, Jacquet C, Hipskind RA, Singer D, Anel A, Villalba M. ERK5 knockdown generates mouse leukemia cells with low MHC class I levels that activate NK cells and block tumorigenesis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:3398-405. [PMID: 19265117 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cell-based vaccines are currently used in clinical trails, but they are in general poorly immunogenic because they are composed of cell extracts or apoptotic cells. Live tumor cells should be much better Ags provided that they are properly processed by the host immune system. We show herein that stable expression of a small hairpin RNA for ERK5 (shERK5) decreases ERK5 levels in human and mouse leukemic cells and leads to their elimination by NK cells in vivo. The shERK5 cells show down-regulation of MHC class I expression at the plasma membrane. Accordingly, ectopic activation of the ERK5 pathway induces MHC class I gene expression. Coinjection of shERK5-expressing cells into the peritoneum diminishes survival of engrafted wild-type tumor cells. Moreover, s.c. injection of shERK5-expressing cells strongly diminishes tumor development by wild-type cells. Our results show that shERK5 expression in leukemia cells effectively attenuates their tumor activity and allows their use as a tumor cell-based vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyma Charni
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5535, Université Montpellier 1 and 2, Montpellier, France
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28
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Ames E, Hallett WHD, Murphy WJ. Sensitization of human breast cancer cells to natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity by proteasome inhibition. Clin Exp Immunol 2009; 155:504-13. [PMID: 19220837 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03818.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, has direct anti-tumour effects and has been demonstrated to sensitize tumour cells to tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-mediated apoptosis. Natural killer (NK) cells are effective mediators of anti-tumour responses, both through cytotoxic granule killing and apoptosis-inducing pathways. We therefore investigated if bortezomib sensitized human breast cancer cells to killing by the human NK cell line, NK-92. Bortezomib was unable to sensitize MDA-231 breast cancer cells to NK cell-mediated killing in short-term in vitro assays. However, bortezomib did cause these cells to up-regulate apoptosis-related mRNA as well as death receptors on the cell surface. In a long-term in vitro tumour outgrowth assay that allows NK cells to use their full repertoire of killing pathways, bortezomib sensitized three breast cancer cell lines to NK cell-mediated killing, which led to greater anti-tumour effects than either treatment alone. We then used a xenogeneic mouse model in which CB-17 SCID mice were injected with human breast cancer cells. This model displayed the effectiveness of NK-92 cells, but the addition of bortezomib did not increase the survival further or reduce the number of lung metastases in tumour-bearing mice. However, while bortezomib was highly cytotoxic to NK-92 cells in vitro, bortezomib treatment in vivo did not decrease NK-92 function, suggesting that through alternative dosing or timing of bortezomib, greater efficacy may occur from combined therapy. These data demonstrate that combined treatment of human breast cancer with bortezomib and NK cells has the potential to generate superior anti-tumour responses than either therapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ames
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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29
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Tavri S, Jha P, Meier R, Henning TD, Müller T, Hostetter D, Knopp C, Johansson M, Reinhart V, Boddington S, Sista A, Wels WS, Daldrup-Link HE. Optical Imaging of Cellular Immunotherapy against Prostate Cancer. Mol Imaging 2009. [DOI: 10.2310/7290.2009.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Porter DL, Hexner EO, Cooley S, Miller JS. Cellular adoptive immunotherapy after autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cancer Treat Res 2009; 144:497-537. [PMID: 19779876 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-78580-6_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David L Porter
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 16 Penn Tower, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Engineering antigen-specific primary human NK cells against HER-2 positive carcinomas. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:17481-6. [PMID: 18987320 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0804788105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells are promising effectors for tumor adoptive immunotherapy, particularly when considering the targeting of MHC class I low or negative tumors. Yet, NK cells cannot respond to many tumors, which is particularly the case for nonhematopoietic tumors such as carcinomas or melanoma even when these cells lose MHC class I surface expression. Therefore, we targeted primary human NK cells by gene transfer of an activating chimeric receptor specific for HER-2, which is frequently overexpressed on carcinomas. We found that these targeted NK cells were specifically activated upon recognition of all evaluated HER-2 positive tumor cells, including autologous targets, as indicated by high levels of cytokine secretion as well as degranulation. The magnitude of this specific response correlated with the level of HER-2 expression on the tumor cells. Finally, these receptor transduced NK cells, but not their mock transduced counterpart, efficiently eradicated tumor cells in RAG2 knockout mice as visualized by in vivo imaging. Taken together, these results indicate that the expression of this activating receptor overrides inhibitory signals in primary human NK cells and directs them specifically toward HER-2 expressing tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo.
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Chan CJ, Andrews DM, Smyth MJ. Can NK cells be a therapeutic target in human diseases? Eur J Immunol 2008; 38:2964-8. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.200838764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Koh MBC, Goh YT, Tan PHC, Koh LP, Hwang WYK, Loh Y, Tan D, Ng HJ, Chuah C, Lim TJ, Niam M, Suck G, Chan M, Phang CY, Lee JJ, Wee V, Ng HY, Lim CH, Yiu R, Kam G, Ang A, Linn YC. Stem cell transplantation programme at Singapore General Hospital. Bone Marrow Transplant 2008; 42 Suppl 1:S121-S124. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2008.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Jiang W, Zhang J, Tian Z. Functional characterization of interleukin-15 gene transduction into the human natural killer cell line NKL. Cytotherapy 2008; 10:265-74. [PMID: 18418772 DOI: 10.1080/14653240801965156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic modification of natural killer (NK) cells is a potential approach to gene-based immunotherapy of cancer. We created human interleukin-15 (hIL-15) gene-modified NKL cells and investigated their functional characterization in vitro. METHODS A recombinant vector (pcDNA3-IL15) or control vector (pcDNA3) was transferred into NKL cells by an electroporation method. Standard reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), flow cytometry and MTT methods were performed for NK cell proliferation, apoptosis, cytotoxicity assays and gene expression tests. RESULTS Compared with parental NKL cells, hIL-15 gene modification promoted NK cell proliferation at low doses of IL-2 and inhibited cell apoptosis, which was associated with the up-regulation of anti-apoptosis genes Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 as well as the down-regulation of apoptosis genes Bim and Noxa. Moreover, the anti-tumor activity of hIL-15 gene-transduced NKL cells against human hepatoma cancer cell line HepG2, H7402 and PLC/PRF-5 cells was enhanced, at least partly, through increasing expression of cytotoxicity-associated genes, including interferon (IFN)-gamma, perforin and FasL. DISCUSSION The hIL-15 genetic modification could improve the proliferation, anti-apoptosis and natural cytotoxicity of NKL cells against hepatocarcinoma cells. These data suggest that hIL-15 gene-modified NKL cells could be useful for clinical cancer immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Jiang
- Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Gullo CA, Hwang WY, Poh CK, Au M, Cow G, Teoh G. Use of ultraviolet-light irradiated multiple myeloma cells as immunogens to generate tumor-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes. JOURNAL OF IMMUNE BASED THERAPIES AND VACCINES 2008; 6:2. [PMID: 18439316 PMCID: PMC2383894 DOI: 10.1186/1476-8518-6-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2007] [Accepted: 04/28/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background As the eradication of tumor cells in vivo is most efficiently performed by cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL), various methods for priming tumor-reactive lymphocytes have been developed. In this study, a method of priming CTLs with ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated tumor cells, which results in termination of tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, as well as upregulation of heat shock proteins (HSP) expression is described. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were primed weekly with UV-irradiated or mitomycin-treated RPMI 8226 multiple myeloma cells. Following three rounds of stimulation over 21 days, the lymphocytes from the mixed culture conditions were analyzed for anti-MM cell reactivity. Results By day 10 of cultures, PBMCs primed using UV-irradiated tumor cells demonstrated a higher percentage of activated CD8+/CD4- T lymphocytes than non-primed PBMCs or PBMCs primed using mitomycin-treated MM cells. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that primed PBMCs were markedly more effective (p < 0.01) than non-primed PBMCs in killing RPMI 8226 MM cells. Surface expression of glucose regulated protein 94 (Grp94/Gp96) and Grp78 were both found to be induced in UV-treated MM cells. Conclusion Since, HSP-associated peptides are known to mediate tumor rejection; these data suggest that immune-mediated eradication of MM cells could be elicited via a UV-induced HSP process. The finding that the addition of 17-allylamide-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG, an inhibitor of HSP 90-peptide interactions) resulted in decreased CTL-induced cytotoxicity supported this hypothesis. Our study, therefore, provides the framework for the development of anti-tumor CTL cellular vaccines for treating MM using UV-irradiated tumor cells as immunogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Gullo
- Cancer Immunology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Research, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608 Singapore.
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Shehata N, Lin Y, Pendergrast J, Branch DR. Cellular therapies: a Canadian blood services research and development symposium. Transfus Med Rev 2007; 21:317-36. [PMID: 17900493 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2007.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Shehata
- Division of Hematology, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a growing field that aims at restoring and enhancing immune function to combat oncogenic conditions. One target of this field is natural killer (NK) cells. Part of innate immunity, NK cells are able to kill tumor cells without previous priming. Results from stem cell transplants containing alloreactive donor NK cells and in vitro work have evidenced a great antitumor potential. In addition, NK cells are likely to interact with dendritic cells, potent antigen-presenting cells, thus forming a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. This review aims to provide an overview of NK cells with particular emphasis on properties that can and are being targeted in order to potentiate the antitumor activity of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karrune Woan
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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